Fears & Phobias
If you’re living with a fear or phobia & are looking for hypnotherapy for fears & phobias, you may understand logically that the situation isn’t dangerous — yet your body reacts as if it is. Panic, avoidance, or feeling on edge just thinking about it are common. For many people, the anticipation is as difficult as the situation itself.
This doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. It means your brain has learned a threat response, it's trying to protect you.
At The Willows Hypnotherapy, I help people understand why their brain reacts this way & how, with the right support, those reactions can begin to change.
Common types of phobia I work with
Your fear isn't unusual & I work with clients seeking help for:
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Animal phobias – e.g. dogs, spiders, insects
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Situational phobias – including flying, dentists, driving, lifts, or enclosed spaces
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Health-related phobias – injections, blood tests, medical procedures
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Social phobia – fear of social situations, speaking, or being judged
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Agoraphobia – anxiety about being unable to hide
If your fear isn’t listed, it doesn’t mean it can’t be helped — phobias often overlap &are handled in a similar way by the brain.
Simple Phobias: 3 - 4 sessions.
Complex Phobias: Average 10 - 18 sessions.
If you wish to book an initial consultation at a time to suit you and receive answers to any questions you may have, click on the link above. Alternatively fill out the Enquiry Form and I can give you a call back to discuss this in more detail
How hypnotherapy for phobias can help
Using Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, sessions focus on helping the brain move out of constant threat mode and into a calmer, clearer state.
This includes:
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Clear explanations of how phobias develop in the brain
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Reducing overall anxiety so the mind feels steadier
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Helping the brain update old fear responses
When anxiety levels are lower, a gentle process often described as rewind and reframe may be used, allowing the brain to respond differently without reliving distressing experiences.
What sessions are like
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Calm, supportive, and professional
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No pressure to talk through frightening details
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Clear explanations in everyday language
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Sessions tailored to you and your pace
I offer phobia hypnotherapy in Huddersfield for the surrounding areas, as well as online sessions.
What is a phobia?
A phobia is an intense fear response linked to a specific trigger that leads the brain to react automatically rather than thoughtfully. The reaction itself can feel overwhelming & difficult to control.
Phobias are maintained through avoidance. When a feared situation is avoided, the brain flags it a prove of danger, reinforcing the fear response. In time, the fear may become linked not only to the trigger itself, but to worries about panic, embarrassment, or being unable to escape.
Some phobias involve less obvious triggers such as swallowing, public toilets, loud noises, tunnels, or bridges. Many people also experience anticipatory anxiety, where anxiety appears before the situation occurs.
Phobias are learned protective responses and can change once the brain no longer believes the threat is necessary.
Next step
If fears or phobias are limiting your life and you’re considering hypnotherapy for a phobia, you’re welcome to book a complimentary discovery call.
No pressure — just a chance to talk things through and ask questions.
The Symptoms of Phobias
Psychological
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fear of losing control
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fear of fainting
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feelings of dread
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fear of dying
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triggers for fight/flight response
Physical
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sweating,hot flushes or chills
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trembling
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shortness of breath or choking sensation
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rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
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pain or tightness in the chest
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nausea
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headaches, dizziness, feeling faint
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numbness or pins and needles
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dry mouth
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a need to go to the toilet
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ringing in your ears
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confusion or disorientation
Changes in Behaviour
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in severe cases, may prevent you carrying out everyday activities, such as eating out or meeting friends.
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lying to avoid situations through embarrassment.
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loss of friends through fear