Overcoming Phobia: Taking Back Control

"My heart starts to race, I feel sweaty and feel sick"

"I just won't go if there might be a spider"

"I used to be able to drive ok, but now it scares me"

"Flying scares me. I'm ok once I'm up, but it's the taking off and landing that scares me"

"I have to cross the road when I see a dog, I don't know why, but they make me feel afraid"

"I sometimes make excuses not to go out with friends if I think it will be too crowded"

If any of these sound like you or you have a fear that is affecting your life, then I can help you change how you react so that you can do the things you want to do.

Phobias happen because the fight, flight or freeze response our brain uses to keep us alive becomes stuck.  Fixating on a particular trigger, even if that thing isn't a real danger

While this fear is often irrational and out of proportion,  it can feel very real and that's because it's triggering the same biological response to a real danger.

While the exact causes of phobias are complex and vary from person to person, they often develop from a combination of factors. 

A phobia can start because of a negative experience like a near car accident or a close encounter with an angry dog, particularly if you were already feeling stressed at the time.   

It's also quite often the case that we learn our phobias from people in our lives.  A child who watches their mother scream or jump on the chair when there is a spider might grow up with a fear of spiders.

Ageing can also play a part.  Many women who are going through perimenopause develop fears of things that have not previously been a problem, like driving or speaking in public.  This can be due to the changes in brain chemistry and general increases in anxiety that come with this difficult life event.

Imagine not having to make excuses not to go out when invited or having to take the long way round to avoid the motorway.

Picture relaxing in the garden or going for walks, not having to worry about an encounter with a dog, spider, bee or wasp.

Can you envision feeling relaxed as you travel to the airport and board the plane?

Overcoming your fear isn't out of reach. With the right support and approach, this could be you!

I can help you take back control and feel more confident in situations that previously triggered fear.  I have several powerful techniques that gently support your brain to create new, more helpful patterns of thinking. 

We will work together to: 

Understand Your Brain: I begin by explaining how the brain works, particularly regarding the fear response.  The more you know about how your brain and body are working, the more likely you are to be able to control the response

Interrupt Negative Thought Patterns: Our brain is always looking for danger.  It uses previous experiences and memories to validate whether something around us is a danger.  For example, a piece of black cotton may look enough like a memory of a spider to trigger the fear response.  I can help break the connection between these memories and the fear response, enabling you to be in control.

Build positive associations: By helping you to build positive associations, I can help to reduce the anxiety or build up to what used to be a triggering event.  For example, by helping you build a positive picture of a happy, relaxing car journey, flight or day out.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is an effective way to overcome your phobias and I'm here to guide you through the process so you can leave your fear behind.

I understand that reaching out for help takes courage. Rest assured, I'm here to provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can begin your journey to calm.

I also understand that just leaving home can be difficult, which is why I offer an effective online solution that works just as well as being face-to-face.  However, if you'd prefer face-to-face we can do that too.

Are you Ready to Feel Better?

Let's start with a conversation. I offer a free 30-minute, no obligation call where you can share your concerns, ask questions and get a feel for how we might work together.

Take that first step towards the happier, more confident life you deserve. Contact me today using the button below, or simply call or email directly.

Your journey to peace begins with a single step – and I'm here to walk alongside you.

Call or WhatsApp 07368 424525

Email better-brain@outlook.com