Fears and Phobias
Hypnotherapy for fears and phobias in Cheltenham and online
A fear can begin as your mind’s way of protecting you. But when that fear starts controlling your choices, limiting where you go or preventing you from doing things you would otherwise enjoy, it can begin to make your world feel increasingly small.
You may know logically that the situation is unlikely to harm you, yet your body still reacts as though there is an immediate threat. Your heart may race, your stomach may tighten, your breathing may change and you may feel an overwhelming need to escape or avoid the situation altogether.
This does not mean you are weak or irrational. It means your unconscious mind has learned to associate something with danger and is activating a protective response, often before your logical mind has time to intervene.
At Phoenix Hypnotherapy, I provide personalised online hypnotherapy for fears and phobias, helping you understand and change the unconscious patterns that keep the fear response active.
Is a fear or phobia limiting your life?
A fear becomes more than an occasional worry when you begin organising your life around avoiding it.
You might turn down holidays because you are frightened of flying, delay essential dental treatment, avoid certain foods or constantly check expiry dates because you are afraid of being sick. You may avoid driving, lifts, crowded places, animals, needles or situations in which you fear losing control.
Avoidance can bring immediate relief, which teaches the unconscious mind that avoiding the situation kept you safe. This can unintentionally strengthen the fear and make it feel even more convincing the next time.
For a deeper explanation of why this happens, you can read my article, Why avoidance works until it starts shrinking your life.
Over time, the fear may begin affecting your confidence, relationships, work, health or ability to enjoy everyday experiences.
You do not have to wait until a fear has taken over your life before seeking support.
Fears and phobias I can support you with
Every person experiences fear differently, and the reason behind a phobia is not always obvious. I tailor each hypnotherapy programme to you rather than applying the same process to every fear.
I can support you with fears and phobias including:
Fear of flying
Emetophobia or fear of being sick
Dental fear and dental phobia
Fear of driving
Fear of needles, injections or medical procedures
Fear of heights
Fear of enclosed spaces
Fear of animals, birds or insects
Fear of public speaking
Fear of losing control
Fear connected to a previous frightening or distressing experience
Other specific fears that are interfering with your everyday life
You may recognise the exact moment your fear began, or it may feel as though it has always been there. The unconscious mind’s first priority is to keep you safe, so once it has linked a particular situation, object or experience with danger, it can continue to trigger the same protective response automatically.
The aim of hypnotherapy is not simply to help you tolerate the situation. It is to help change the unconscious response that has been making it feel dangerous, so your mind no longer needs to react as though you are under threat.
Frequently asked questions about fears and phobias
What is the difference between a fear and a phobia?
Fear is a natural response to something that appears threatening. A phobia is usually more intense and can trigger a strong physical and emotional reaction, even when you logically know the situation may not be dangerous. A phobia can also lead to avoidance that begins affecting everyday life.
Can hypnotherapy help with fears and phobias?
Hypnotherapy can help you work with the unconscious response that keeps the fear active. Rather than only managing the symptoms, the aim is to help your mind reassess the situation so it no longer reacts as though you are in immediate danger.
Do I need to know what caused my phobia?
No. Some people remember exactly when their fear began, while others do not. You do not need to identify a single event before hypnotherapy can be helpful. We work with the patterns, associations and responses that are affecting you now.
Will I have to face my fear during the session?
You will not be forced to confront anything before you feel ready. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process and the sessions are tailored to you. The aim is to help you feel calmer and more in control, not overwhelmed.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the fear, how long it has been present and whether it is connected to other experiences or anxieties. We can discuss this during your free initial consultation and agree on the most appropriate approach for you.
Can hypnotherapy help with fear of flying?
Yes, fear of flying is a common reason people seek hypnotherapy. Sessions can help address anticipatory anxiety, physical panic responses, fear of turbulence, loss of control and previous difficult experiences connected to flying.
Can hypnotherapy help with emetophobia?
Hypnotherapy may help with the anxiety, avoidance and unconscious protective patterns associated with emetophobia. This can include fear of feeling sick, being sick, seeing someone else become ill or avoiding food, travel and social situations because of that fear.
Are the sessions available online?
Yes. Sessions are available online through Zoom, so you can receive support from your own home anywhere in the UK.
How much does a session cost?
Individual hypnotherapy sessions are £115. I also offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss what is happening, ask questions and decide whether working together feels right for you.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe hypnosis as a deeply relaxed and focused state, similar to becoming absorbed in a book, film or daydream. You remain aware of what is happening and can hear everything I say throughout the session.
Will I be asleep or unconscious?
No. Hypnosis is not sleep and you will not lose consciousness. You remain aware, able to think and able to respond. The word hypnosis can sometimes sound mysterious, but it is simply a focused state in which the unconscious mind can become more receptive to helpful change.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No. You remain in control throughout the session. You cannot be made to say, do or accept anything that goes against your values or wishes. Clinical hypnotherapy is very different from stage hypnosis and is always collaborative.
What if I cannot be hypnotised?
Most people can experience hypnosis when they are willing to engage with the process. There is no single correct feeling and you do not have to reach a particular level of relaxation for the session to be useful. Some people feel very deeply relaxed, while others simply feel calm, focused and aware.
Do I need to be good at visualising?
No. Some people naturally see clear images, while others experience thoughts, feelings, words or a general sense of something. Hypnotherapy can be adapted to the way your mind works, so there is no requirement to visualise perfectly.
What happens during the first session?
We begin by discussing the fear or phobia, how it affects you and what you would like to change. I will explain the process and answer any questions before guiding you into hypnosis. You will remain comfortable and in control throughout.
Can I do hypnotherapy online?
Yes. Online hypnotherapy works very well for fears and phobias. You can take part from a quiet, comfortable space at home using Zoom, which many people find helps them feel more relaxed.
Not ready to book a consultation yet?
You can begin with my free Stress Release audio, created to help calm the nervous system, reduce tension and give your mind a chance to step out of alert mode.
It can be a helpful first step if fear or anxiety has been leaving you feeling tense, overwhelmed or constantly on edge.
Download the free Stress Release audio
And if you are ready to book a free no obligation consultation, book in here.