Hypnotherapy for Fears & Phobias
Everyone has some kind of fear in their life. Oftentimes, these fears are minor such as having a fear of your dental appointment or going for a job interview. However, when these fears become intense, they develop into phobias.
A phobia is a fear that is irrational. In most cases, you are afraid of something that does not pose any real threat to you. Still, thinking about that particular thing makes you uneasy and uncomfortable. And when you are exposed to that thing, the feeling of anxiety is so overwhelming that you cannot be yourself for the time being.
How Does it Affect You?
Phobias of common things can make life miserable. For example, you might reject a job that involves you having to pass a tall bridge on your way to work because of your phobia of heights.
If you have necrophobia which is the fear of death or anything even closely related to it, you might not be able to attend the funeral of a close relative or friend because coffins make your extremely anxious.
Similarly, if you have a phobia of closed spaces, or claustrophobia, you might end up taking the long flight of stairs every day rather than getting in the elevator. Your fears or phobias can make you do things that often cause you massive inconvenience.
Having said that, it's important to understand that there is a difference between fears and phobias. If you have a fear of flying, you feel anxious when you are on a flight or when there’s turbulence.
However, if you have a phobia of flying, you will not get on that plane no matter what. You will be more willing to miss your sister’s wedding or a paid trip to Europe because you just cannot get on a plane.
Most fears develop in childhood although you can develop a fear or phobia in adulthood too. According to a study published in Behaviour Research and Therapy, kids are likely to develop the same fears as their friends. Oftentimes, kids outgrow these but sometimes the fear sticks.
What are Some Common Phobias?
There are a few common phobias, as explained by experts. Animal phobias are phobias of organisms such as spiders, mice or dogs. People with these phobias cannot stay in the same vicinity as animals or a particular animal. While everyone else is petting a cute dog, you will probably be 10 feet away if you have a phobia.
Natural phobias have more to do with the environment around you. For example, you could have a phobia of heavy rain, thunderstorms or the dark. These phobias can cause real inconvenience if you live in a place where such environmental conditions are common. You will find yourself stuck in the house most of the time
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Some people have phobias like a phobia of injections or simply any medical procedure. It is very hard for these people if they are in a situation where medical help is required. A list of some common phobias is given below:
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Mysophobia: Fear of Germs
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Claustrophobia: Fear of enclosed spaces
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Aerophobia: Fear of Heights
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Arachnophobia: Fear of Spiders
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Cynophobia: Fear of Dogs
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Brontophobia: Fear of Storms
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Carcinophobia: Fear of getting Cancer
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Necrophobia: Fear of anything related to death
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Coulrophobia: Fear of Clowns
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Trypophobia: Fear of irregular patterns especially holes
How Does Hypnosis Help?
It has been seen through several case studies that hypnotherapy can help treat phobias. A report published in the American Journal for Clinical Hypnosis reviewed the literature and research related to hypnotherapy for phobias. In this study, which was conducted by Boston University, the association of hypnotherapy with behavior therapy and phobic behavior was observed.
The author concluded that even though there are mixed results, hypnosis can be used for the treatment of phobias. When you are in a state of hypnosis, you think rationally because you are in a calm and composed setting. Your hypnotherapist with help you get rid of your fears. They will make you feel safe by reinforcing the idea that nothing can harm you.
It will give your subconscious a chance to go over your fears rationally and eventually conquer them. Hypnotherapy will teach you behavioral and cognitive coping skills. Using these, you will be able to trust yourself to survive a situation.
In 1994, an article published in Contemporary Hypnosis showed the case of a woman who had a phobia of being vomited on. That is why she never held a child. With the help of hypnotherapy, the phobia was resolved. Such studies go on to suggest that hypnosis might be an effective method for treating phobias.
If you are looking to overcome your irrational fears or phobias, contact us today for a complimentary consultation or to schedule an appointment. We can help you overcome your fear once and for all.
FAQs
Can hypnotherapy help me with a fear that affects my everyday life?
Yes. Using hypnotherapy for fear will allow you to explore your thoughts and feelings related to the specific fear and learn a new way of responding to it.
What if I have more than one fear that I want to address?
That’s actually quite common. Hypnotherapy for fears can work with a number of concerns, such as situations, places, activities, or experiences. I can help you identify the areas that are most relevant to you and address them directly.
Can hypnosis help me overcome fears that I have experienced for years?
Yes. Hypnosis for fears can help you work with the thoughts and perceptions associated with fears that have been affecting you for a long time. The focus is on your individual experience and finding a different way to respond to the fear.
Does hypnosis work for a particular phobia?
Yes. Hypnosis for phobias can target a particular concern; for example, fear of heights, animals, closed spaces, driving, or any situation that causes discomfort.
What if my phobia causes a strong physical reaction?
This is common. Hypnotherapy for phobia can assist in dealing with the thoughts and connections associated with your reaction. We can concentrate on developing another reaction to certain situations related to your fear.
How does phobia hypnotherapy work?
With phobia hypnotherapy, we will help you relax and focus while we work with the subconscious patterns that you are having related to your phobia. We can then focus on changing thoughts, beliefs, and associations that may be keeping the fear in place.
Do I need to know what originally caused my phobia?
No, it is not necessary to know exactly what originally caused it. Hypnotherapy for phobia can focus on what you are thinking, feeling, and experiencing about the phobia right now.
Can hypnotherapy help if I have been avoiding certain situations?
Yes. Avoidance is a common response to fears and phobias. Hypnotherapy for phobias can help you explore the thoughts and feelings connected to the situations you avoid and work towards developing a more comfortable response.
Will I remain aware of what is happening during hypnosis?
Yes. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and focused concentration, and you remain aware of what is happening during the session.
Can I have a consultation before deciding to book a session?
Yes. I offer a complimentary 20 minute consultation where you can discuss what you have experienced, ask questions, and understand how I can tailor hypnotherapy to your needs.