What is a phobia and what do you think causes phobias?

A phobia can be the result of severe stress or past trauma and can also be transmitted by another person, a parent for instance. Sometimes phobias start in childhood for no apparent reason. We may remember the triggering event or we may not, it may be buried and we protect ourselves deliberately by not remembering. However, when the phobic person actually encounters, or even anticipates being in the presence of the feared object or situation, they experience immediate anxiety. Logic does not help because this behaviour and reaction is outside of the conscious control of the mind; it actually flows uncontrollably from the subconscious mind.

How does hypnotherapy treat/help with phobias?

A phobia can be the result of severe stress or past trauma and can also be transmitted by another person, a parent for instance. Sometimes phobias start in childhood for no apparent reason. We may remember the triggering event or we may not, it may be buried and we protect ourselves deliberately by not remembering. However, when the phobic person actually encounters, or even anticipates being in the presence of the feared object or situation, they experience immediate anxiety. Logic does not help because this behaviour and reaction is outside of the conscious control of the mind; it actually flows uncontrollably from the subconscious mind.

Can you describe the treatment?

First I do a complete intake, asking a variety of questions. Then I usually do some EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). This treatment is based on the concept that: ?The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body?s energy system.? It can be very effective in removing negative emotions. I then ask the person to make him or herself comfortable on my couch, dim the lights and play some soothing music. Hypnosis is a very natural state of being. It?s a bit like daydreaming and I find that people go into this relaxed and pleasant state very easily. Once they are there, I give them beneficial suggestions, which enable them to change the way they act, think and feel about their phobia.

: What kind of phobias have you treated?

: I have helped people to overcome a wide range of phobias including: spiders, toads, water, heights, needles, bridges, fear of enclosed spaces, flying and public speaking. Also cats and feet.

: Have patients reported back to you that hypnotherapy has helped?

: Yes, it would appear to be extremely effective.

: Are there any side effects?

: Yes. A feeling of relaxation and well-being. They say that 15 minutes of hypnosis is like 3 hours of sleep.

: How many sessions are usually needed?

Very often just one session is all that is required to handle a lifelong phobia.