Judy Richardson

PHOBIAS

People often experience an irrational fear of a variety of insects, animals, objects or situations and hypnotherapy is particularly renowned for its effectiveness in assisting sufferers to overcome these distressing and inhibiting conditions.

Phobias are extremely common and range from the less well-known i.e. asymmetriphobia (fear of asymmetrical things) to the more commonly recognised acrophobia or fear of heights. There will usually be strong avoidance behaviour connected with the phobia, and feelings of anxiety, loss of control and panic. Sufferers usually know their fear is irrational, but they cannot control it.

Causes of a phobia

Phobias often begin early in an individual’s life and may occur for a number of reasons. It seems phobias can run in families; however whether this is hereditary or simply learned behaviour is unclear. For example a child may learn a phobia by observing a family member’s reaction to an object or situation. Traumatic experiences and brain chemicals are also believed to influence the development of phobias.

Treatment for phobias

Hypnotherapy can help to identify the root cause of the phobia and enable individuals to react to the particular object or situation they once feared in a calmer manner when encountering it in the future. Phobias are displaced fears and because they are not rational, they can be dealt with.

Hypnotherapy can also help with relaxation and visualisation techniques for desensitisation and forming new habits such as being more calm and relaxed.

Signs you have a phobia

•     trembling

•     sweating

•     nausea

•     headaches

•     racing heart

•     blushing

•     palpitations

•     difficulty talking

Common phobias

•     flying

•     enclosed spaces

•     open spaces

•     social phobia

•     public speaking

•     heights

•     spiders

•     dogs

•     water

•     Driving

•     tissues

•     ballons