Hypnotherapy for Fears and Phobias in Norfolk and Suffolk
In-Person or Online Sessions Available
At Anglia Hypnotherapy, you can visit our Suffolk practice in Occold, close to Diss and Eye, or take advantage of secure online sessions. This gives you complete flexibility to receive therapy wherever you feel most comfortable.
Understanding Fears and Phobias
Most people have something that makes them feel uneasy. It might be spiders, the dark, or the thought of standing up to give a speech. You may recognise that the fear is irrational, yet it still causes discomfort or anxiety.
For many people these worries remain minor. They might feel nervous, but it doesn’t stop them living their lives. For others the fear grows into a phobia that begins to dominate daily choices. It can prevent travel, limit opportunities, and in severe cases leave someone feeling trapped in their own home.
Take the example of flying. Many people dislike it, but they still get on the plane and enjoy their holiday. For someone with a strong flying phobia the idea of air travel may be impossible. They might avoid family trips abroad or even refuse a career opportunity that involves international travel. Severe agoraphobia can be even more restricting, leaving people too afraid to step outside their front door.
No two people experience a phobia in exactly the same way. For some it is an occasional nuisance, for others it becomes overwhelming.
Common Fears and Phobias
Ruth often sees clients struggling with:
Physical symptoms may include:
The list is almost endless. In fact there is even a recognised "phobia of phobias" called phobophobia. People can develop fears about almost any object, situation, or experience.
Why Phobias Develop
From a therapeutic point of view the thing that triggers a phobic response is rarely the true cause. Instead it often acts as a substitute for something deeper. The mind chooses an object or situation to focus on because it feels easier than facing an underlying fear.
Consider fear of flying. In the vast majority of cases the real fear is about being out of control. Labeling it as a fear of flying is simply more manageable than admitting a broader control issue.
This explains why almost anything can become phobic. The feelings are genuine. The anxiety, panic, or dread you experience when confronted with your phobia trigger is very real. But the source is usually more complex than the trigger itself.
How Hypnotherapy Helps with Anxiety
Ruth Watson has over 25 years of experience helping people overcome fears and phobias. She offers several approaches depending on the severity of symptoms and whether other issues, such as anxiety or depression are also present.
Clinical Hypnosis (Suggestion Therapy)
For phobias that are mild or occasional, Clinical Hypnosis can be highly effective. Just one or two sessions may be enough to ease symptoms and help you feel calmer in situations that once caused panic.
Cognitive Processing and Integration Therapy (CPI)
When a fear is more severe or long-standing, CPI may be more suitable. This approach helps the mind re-process past events that have become blocked, releasing the emotional hold they have carried for years. CPI usually takes place over a number of sessions.
The Mindfulness and More Programme
This programme combines mindfulness techniques with applied psychology. It helps you understand the beliefs that fuel your phobia and gives you the tools to reshape how you think and respond. Many clients find this approach life changing. Ruth offers both group sessions and one-to-one therapy.
Flexible Options for Support
Take Back Control from Fear
Phobias can range from inconvenient to life limiting, but you do not have to live with them forever. With the right support it is possible to reduce anxiety, rebuild confidence, and enjoy new freedom in your daily life.
Book your free 30 minute consultation today. Sessions are available in person or online.