UNDERSTANDING PHOBIAS
Sometimes described as an extreme type of fear or anxiety, it's estimated that there are 10 million people who struggle with some kind of phobia in the UK alone.
Phobias are classified as an anxiety disorder, and can be about objects (such as a phobia of spiders) or situations (such as a phobia of heights). However, some people have more complex phobias that cover a wide range of objects and situations. These more complex phobias are often about social situations and are sometimes known as "social anxiety disorder".
PHOBIAS CAN CHANGE OVER TIME
Some phobias can appear when we are children or teenagers, and sometimes will reduce or even go away completely as we get older, and become more able to deal with the specific object or situation. For instance, a child who has a phobia of spiders may never really like them as an adult, but will be more able to deal with them.
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Complex phobias, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety, can appear as we get older, and can sometimes alter in severity depending on the amount of stress in our lives.
WHAT ITS LIKE TO LIVE WITH A PHOBIA
If you have a phobia and are put into a situation where you have to confront it, you may find yourself feeling faint, light headed or even dizzy. You could find it difficult to regulate your temperature, or start to suffer with digestive issues (feeling sick or needing the bathroom).
You may also feel a deep sense of dread, or even like you might die, or experience a panic attack. Experiencing a panic attack can be more likely if you've had one before.
HOW TO DEFEAT A PHOBIA
It's possible to defeat a phobia, even if you've had it a long time.
Some people find that counselling or talking therapies work. This can include techniques like CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) where logic is used to try and break down the unhelpful behaviour. These kind of therapies are available both via the NHS and privately.
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Other people find that medication can help. This is especially true with more complex phobias. The medication won't help defeat the phobia, but it can help you mange the physical and emotional effects, such as the feelings of anxiety or racing heart rate.
Some people try desensitisation, where they force themselves to deal with the object or situation. The theory is that the person with the phobia will realise that they are okay and therefore the phobia will no longer be a problem. Although desensitisation can work, it should only be used under the guidance of a professional, because it can make things worse if it isn't done properly.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes can help. Alcohol and caffeine can heighten anxiety and lack of sleep and lack of fluids can impair judgements. Making sure you get enough sleep, cutting out alcohol and drinking enough water can all help.
Many people find that hypnotherapy can help them with their phobia, in fact, it's one of the things that people generally associate with hypnotherapy.
SEE VIC DEAL WITH A CLIENT'S SPIDER PHOBIA
This is a very unflattering video of me - but a wonderful video of my client, who went from being terrified of spiders to fascinated - although still quite disgusted by them - in under 20 minutes.
Here, I'm using an eye movement technique, but hypnotherapy is also very effective for phobias.
Hypnotherapy can be a fast and effective way of tackling both simple and complex phobias.
If you see me for help with your phobia, my aim is to get you to a position where you can deal with the situation or object in a calmer manner, rather than have you be thrilled about having to do so.
For instance, I want you to be able to attend your blood test just like anyone else and be able to have the needle in your arm, rather than be excited for weeks at the prospect of having an injection.
If you have a phobia of spiders, my aim is to get you to be able to put one out of the window, not to keep a pet tarantula.
I do not use desensitisation in my sessions, so you will not be forced to confront your phobia if you do not want to, but clients often find that they are interested and curious about the thing they have been scared of (although this is not the same as liking it!)
As a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I'm trained in a wide range of techniques to help you manage your phobia.
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Maybe we'll use classic hypnotherapy techniques, where you'll be guided in a deep state of relaxation so that you can let go of your past anxiety.
Or maybe we'll use eye movement based techniques to encourage a state of emotional change.
Perhaps we'll use provocative questioning to help you break down your phobia so that it simply no longer affects you.
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If you choose to come and see me for help with your phobia, you are free to book however many sessions you like. Simple phobias can often be dealt with in one session, but more complex phobias, or phobias that have guilt and shame attached, will require two or more sessions.