Download Phobias A phobia can be defined as an intense fear of an object or

Phobias
A phobia can be defined as an intense fear of an object or situation. Every time we
encounter that object or situation, we immediately become extremely anxious and panicky.
In fact, even the very thought of it is enough to bring on an intense anxiety reaction. As a
result of these feelings we avoid that particular thing or situation, even if this causes us
disruption in our day to day lives.
There are two main types of phobias;
1 Specific Phobia – such as spiders, public speaking, sitting exams.
2. Complex Phobia – such as agoraphobia, going shopping on our own, driving. A situation
or place where we feel we can’t escape from or which might cause us acute embarrassment.
Very often it’s the fear of having a panic attack when being in that situation that develops.
So we become fearful of the fear. Complex phobias can come on at any time and for no
apparent reason. Clients who suffer from complex phobias have usually suffered several
sudden changes in their lives for example, bereavement, illness or some traumatic event.
Treatment
Breathing deeply and slowly is a great way to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and
fear, but should be practised regularly for best results.
A combination of hypnotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is most useful for
treating both types of phobia.
During hypnosis we can use the power of our imagination to experience the event in a safe,
non-threatening way – as opposed to direct confrontation.
Cognitive behavioural therapy is underpinned by the idea that our behaviour and feelings
are dominated by our thoughts. So techniques are taught to help bring our thoughts back
into perspective. So we may ask what’s the worst that can happen? and what would you do
if that did happen? Often it’s the feeling of not being in control or of being trapped that
causes the problem.
The number of sessions depends on each individual client, but 6-8 sessions would be a
general guide.
Don’t tell yourself that you are being stupid – this only makes you feel bad about yourself.
Don’t think of your fear as irrational. There is sometimes a chance that your fears are
grounded, but with a phobia, the fear is disproportional to the actual risk or amount of harm
caused.
Do seek help you don’t have to live with a phobia forever.
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