Help for Fears and Phobias Using Hypnotherapy

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FEAR AND PHOBIA?

Fears and phobias are usually developed in childhood, however, some can arise through negative situations in adolescence and adulthood. A fear of something causes discomfort and mild anxiety when we encounter the object of fear. Whereas a phobia is a type of anxiety disorder which can restrict day to day life in the avoidance of the object of the phobia and cause a lot of distress. 

A fear can be directly discussed with a therapist in the conscious and subconscious mind but a phobia may need an uncovering technique, in addition to this, to find the event or thought that triggered the phobia if not previously known. 

PHOBIA SYMPTOMS

If our phobias are of something we don’t experience in everyday life, much of our lives can be lived anxiety free. However, if our phobias are common or necessary to day to day life, such as leaving the house (Agoraphobia) the symptoms will be experienced much more frequently. 

In some cases, talking or thinking about the subject of the phobia can generate an anxious response, this is known as anticipatory anxiety. 

Symptoms may include

• Unsteadiness, dizziness and lightheadedness

• Sweating

• Nausea

• Shortness of breath

• Increased heart rate or palpitations

• An upset stomach

• Trembling or shaking

• Panic attacks

• Fainting (specific to blood, injury, needle phobia)

TYPES OF PHOBIAS

• Simple phobias - fear of a single stimulus

• Complex phobias - fear of a number of stimuli

• Social phobias - fear of what might happen when you are in the company of others

HYPNOSIS FOR FEAR & PHOBIAS

Hypnotherapy can begin to help you alter the beliefs of the subconscious in a safe space. This is done through deep relaxation and positive suggestions, challenging your fear or phobia to change from a negative to a positive reaction to the stimuli. 

During your session, suggestions are used to reduce your feelings of fear, put it in perspective and generally feel much calmer. As you start to feel more in control of your fear or phobia, your reactions in day to day life will begin to reduce and diminish.