August 2005 - Phobia & Therapy

Question

I am going away on a dream holiday soon and I don’t want to go! I hate flying, I am scared stiff and just the thought of getting on to the plane terrifies me that even now writing about it upsets me. What can I do?

Jennifer

Answer

Dear Jennifer

The fear of flying is quite common varying from not liking the experience to almost blind panic about even the thought of getting on a flight. Sometimes a phobia of flying was triggered by a ‘bad’ experience, passed on by a friend or family member or it just creeps up on you.

However the phobia was caused it can be easily resolved by hypnotherapy or more recently I have great success with my clients by using ‘Thought Field Therapy’, which was developed by Roger Callahan, who treated his first client, Mary, with TFT. Mary had a total fear of water and had done for 30 years, after one session with Roger she lost all fear of water. I was fortunate to study with Roger and I am still amazed at how quickly and easily I am able to help clients not just with phobias but with many other emotions.

After the session and the fear of flying has gone it is very important that you stay ‘clear’ of the duty free area as strong scents can upset the emotions and have a negative effect. I advise clients also not to use strong scent on the day they travel. In addition as a therapist I always give my clients ‘tools’ to use if they start to feel anxious again to alleviate the problem so they are once again in a relaxed state.

Flying in an aeroplane is a wonderful experience and that can be the start of your holiday, have therapy, lose the fear and enjoy yourself.

Gillian

Question

I recently paid £400 to a Hypnotherapist to stop smoking in one session and within a few days I was back smoking and I do not have the contact details of the person who treated me. What do I do?

David

Answer:

Sadly I can not help you get your £400 back. I can advise any one who is thinking of having any type of treatment to check the therapist out either by meeting first and seeing what they are offering and ensuring that they can offer a back up service. Ask friends, family or colleagues do they know of someone that they would recommend. Meet the therapist and make sure that you like them and you believe they can help you. After all you don’t always buy the first jumper that you see in a shop.

When clients come to me to give up smoking, deal with weight loss or any problem that they need help with I will only charge a flat fee per session. Generally with giving up smoking a smoker will need more than one session. Sometimes there is success after one session and it does depend on how strong your will is to cease smoking.

David, you now seem to be very keen to stop smoking, I would suggest that you find a good therapist, ask questions and ensure you get ‘tools’ to help you should you feel like straying from the path.

Gillian