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Phobias and Hypnotherapy

Shannan Powell | May 27, 2008

Every has certain things that they are afraid of, but most times these fears are not so severe that they affect day to day life. Some may be scared during a thunderstorm or afraid of being home alone late at night, but they can usually deal with these fears without them becoming a problem. In some people, however, fears can take over the entire mind, preventing them from participating in certain events or even from carrying on what most would consider a normal life. These severe fears are called phobias and they are among the most common mental and emotional issues that are treated with hypnotherapy, with more than ten percent of the population having some type of phobia.

What is a Phobia?

The Webster’s dictionary defines a phobia as “an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation.” Those who are phobic usually experience symptoms above and beyond the general anxiety that most people have when they must deal with something they fear. Someone with a phobia may become physically ill, experience panic attacks, and even fear that they may die from the experience.

Phobias are generally classified in one of these groups:

Simple phobias are the fear of one particular object or event. These fears can encompass anything from both animate and inanimate objects to locations and situations.
Complex phobias consist of a number of fears, relating to the same situation. Usually the fear is a combination of a fear of the situation or object, plus the consequences that are possible.
Social phobias are fears that are directly associated with things that could happen in a social setting. These are among the most debilitating fears, as they can prevent people from enjoying life.
Agoraphobia is likely the most severe and life altering phobia. This complex fear of open spaces, leaving home, and various social situations can cause sufferers to be imprisoned in their own home by their fears.

How Do Phobias Develop?

There are various different factors that can contribute to the development of a phobia, nearly all of which can be treated with hypnotherapy. In many cases, a traumatic event can cause a phobia to develop. For instance, a fear of dogs may stem from a bite, or a fear of water from a near drowning. Sometimes, the phobia does not even directly correlate to the event itself. People can fear an object that they were using, such as a phone or computer, when the traumatic event occurred. Other phobias can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and even some by a seriously overactive imagination. Some believe that certain types of phobias may be inherited or at least learned from a parent or relative.

How Does Hypnotherapy Treat Phobias?

Hypnotherapy uses a few different methods to treat phobias. Often, the therapist will use analysis or regression therapy to discover the origin of the phobia, if it is not already clear. Once the root has been discovered, they can use a variety of techniques to treat the phobia itself. Imagery and suggestive therapies are among the most common forms of hypnotherapy used to deal with phobias. The therapist will have the patient visualize a scenario in which they are comfortable with the object or situation that causes their problem. Other times, they will suggest a different reaction to the stimulus, imbedding the new idea into the patient’s subconscious. In most cases, a combination of these techniques is used to effectively treat a phobia. Hypnotherapy has been proven to be very effective in improving a phobic condition, and often the patient will be cured of the phobia completely.