Neil Cox Hypnotherapy, Cornwall

Category: Phobia Therapy

Phobia therapy – Overcome your fears and phobias with my professional hypnotherapy services and techniques

  • Overcome Fear of flying

    Overcome Fear of flying

    Nervous or have a fear of flying? You aren’t alone.

    It’s a significant issue for many of us and so this blog is all about how we can help you overcome the fear. Our dreams of jetting away on a sun drenched holiday quickly come around year by year. But whilst for most of us this brings a sense of excitement for others it may well bring anxiety. Flying, and more specifically flying away for the annual summer holidays.  Yes, we may well be told that flying is one of the safest ways of travelling, but for many it’s an anxiety inducing experience. Thankfully, there are simple steps that we can take to make it a little more of a relaxing experience.

    Get to know the plane.

    Find a picture of the plane off the internet and try and familiarise yourself with it.  You can stick the image on the fridge door so you are repeatedly reminded of it – the more familiar the environment will be when you do travel.

    At the Airport.

    Airports are naturally a very busy and somewhat disconcerting to the unseasoned traveller. My local one is Newquay Airport, and for those of us who live in Cornwall, provides a more ‘homely’ experience. Leave yourself plenty of time to get there, and try and find a quiet corner to relax. All the time thinking how your holiday destination will be when you get there. The weather, surroundings make it really vivid in your mind.

    Caffeinated soft drinks could make you feel more anxious so opt for a herbal tea or water to help you feel refreshed and relaxed.

    On the plane.

    Many of us feel a little claustrophobic on aircraft, so have you thought about opting for an aisle seat? This will allow for you to move about more easily, and not feel so ‘trapped’.

    Relaxing music can help calm you down. I can recommend noise cancelling headphones to help drown out any sounds from the engines too.

    Do you have a favourite book?  Bring it with you, to help take your mind off the flight.

    Many people end up turning to a hypnotherapist to help them overcome a fear of flying.  If you feel you could benefit from a little extra help, read on..

    As a hypnotherapist, I will help you reduce the anxiety associated with flying.  Clearly, flying isn’t a natural thing for us humans to do.  Hence, our subconscious which is there to protect us, may then create the anxiety as it believes it’s protecting us.  The fear of flying can affect anyone, and is not a sign of weakness.  Now the good news is that there are techniques we can use that will naturally help control the fear.  This is achieved through the use of hypnosis and other psychotherapeutic methods.

    Don’t let your fears get in the way of living the life and dreams you have, book in today and make your first step towards achieving your goals. Kick that fear of flying out the window today!

  • Fear of Public Speaking

    Fear of Public Speaking

    How Hypnotherapy and the Rewind Technique Can Help You Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety in Cornwall

    Introduction

    As a hypnotherapist in Cornwall, I know firsthand how public speaking anxiety can be a significant obstacle to personal and professional growth. Fortunately, there are effective techniques for managing this type of anxiety, such as hypnotherapy and the rewind technique. In this blog post, I’ll explore how these techniques can help you conquer public speaking anxiety and provide tips for finding a qualified hypnotherapist in Cornwall. I’ll also discuss other methods for managing public speaking anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises, visualisation, and desensitisation through gradual exposure to public speaking situations.

    public speaking cornwall group photo Cornwall therapists

    Understanding Public Speaking Anxiety

    Public speaking anxiety, also known as glossophobia, is a type of social anxiety that occurs when an individual is faced with the prospect of speaking in front of others. Symptoms can include a racing heart, sweating, shaking, and difficulty breathing. These physical symptoms can make it difficult for individuals to concentrate on their speech and can lead to feelings of embarrassment and shame. The causes of public speaking anxiety can be complex and may include a fear of judgment or failure, a lack of confidence in one’s abilities, or a past negative experience with public speaking.

    How Hypnotherapy and the Rewind Technique Can Help

    As a hypnotherapist in Cornwall, I specialise in helping individuals overcome public speaking anxiety using a combination of hypnotherapy and the rewind technique. Hypnotherapy is an effective tool for managing public speaking anxiety by helping individuals reframe their thoughts and emotions around public speaking. During hypnotherapy sessions, I guide my clients into a state of deep relaxation and suggest positive affirmations to help build confidence and reduce anxiety. I also use visualisation techniques to help my clients imagine themselves delivering a successful speech, further boosting their confidence and reducing anxiety.

    The rewind technique is another powerful tool for managing public speaking anxiety. This technique involves revisiting, in a dissociative way, a past traumatic experience(s) related to public speaking, and then using visualisation to “rewind” the memory to a neutral or positive outcome. By doing so, the individual can reduce the emotional impact of the memory and eliminate any associated anxiety or fear.

    When using the rewind technique for public speaking anxiety, I guide my clients through the following steps:

    1. Identify the traumatic memory: The first step is to identify the specific memory or memories that are contributing to the individual’s public speaking anxiety. This could be a past negative experience, such as forgetting a speech or being laughed at by an audience.
    2. Visualise the memory: Once the memory has been identified, the individual visualises the memory in as much detail as possible, paying attention to the emotions and physical sensations associated with it. This is done from a third-person perspective, so you’re not experiencing it. Rather just viewing the scene from a distance.
    3. Rewind the memory: Using visualisation techniques, the individual rewinds the memory to a neutral or positive outcome. For example, if the memory involves forgetting a speech, the individual visualises themselves forgetting the speech repeatedly forwards and backwards until the emotional attachment is discharged.
    4. Reinforce the new memory: Once the memory has been rewound and discharged, the individual can reinforce a new memory by reframing it and associating it with positive emotions.

    Tips for Finding a Qualified Hypnotherapist in Cornwall

    If you’re considering hypnotherapy for public speaking anxiety, it’s important to find a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist. Here are some tips for finding a hypnotherapist in Cornwall:

    1. Do your research: Look for a hypnotherapist who specialises in public speaking anxiety and has experience working with clients with similar issues.
    2. Check credentials: Ensure that the hypnotherapist you choose is fully qualified and registered with a recognised professional organisation, such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)
    3. Read reviews: Look for reviews or testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their experiences.
    4. Schedule a consultation: Before committing to a hypnotherapy program, schedule a consultation with the hypnotherapist to discuss your concerns and determine if they’re a good fit for you.
    public speaking cornwall neil cox hypnotherapy bude mind body soul fayre

    Other Methods for Managing Public Speaking Anxiety

    In addition to hypnotherapy and the rewind technique, there are other methods for managing public speaking anxiety. Here are a few examples:

    1. Deep breathing exercises: Taking deep, slow breaths can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Try inhaling for a count of four, holding for a count of four, and exhaling for a count of four.
    2. Visualisation: Visualisation techniques can be used to imagine oneself delivering a successful speech and feeling confident and relaxed.
    3. Desensitisation: Gradual exposure to public speaking situations can help reduce anxiety over time. This could involve starting with small, low-pressure speaking engagements and gradually working up to larger, more challenging events.
    4. Positive affirmations: Repeating positive affirmations to oneself, such as “I am confident and capable,” can help build self-esteem and reduce anxiety.

    Conclusion

    If you’re struggling with public speaking anxiety in Cornwall, hypnotherapy and the rewind technique can be powerful tools for overcoming this obstacle and achieving your goals. By working with a qualified hypnotherapist, you can reframe your thoughts and emotions around public speaking and develop the confidence and skills you need to succeed. Remember to also explore other methods for managing public speaking anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises and visualisation, to find what works best for you.

  • Anxiety disorders

    Anxiety disorders

    What is Anxiety?

    Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it can become a disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United Kingdom, affecting 8 million adults in any given year.

    There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including:

    • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is characterised by excessive, uncontrollable worry about a variety of topics.
    • Panic disorder: This is characterised by sudden, intense episodes of fear or panic that are accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
    • Social anxiety disorder: This is characterised by a fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment or humiliation.
    • Specific phobias: This is a fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, spiders, or public speaking.

    Anxiety Symptoms

    The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending on the type of disorder, but some common symptoms include:

    • Worry: This is the main symptom of anxiety. It can be about anything, but it is often about things that are out of your control.
    • Physical symptoms: These can include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and sweating.
    • Avoidance: People with anxiety disorders often avoid situations that they fear. This can lead to social isolation and decreased quality of life.
    • Changes in behaviour: People with anxiety disorders may also experience changes in behaviour, such as fidgeting, pacing, or having trouble concentrating.

    Causes of Anxiety

    The exact causes of anxiety disorders are not fully understood, but there are a number of factors that may contribute, including:

    • Genetics: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component.
    • Brain chemistry: People with anxiety disorders may have imbalances in certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
    • Life experiences: Traumatic or stressful life experiences can increase the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

    Treatment for Anxiety

    There are a number of effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including:

    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps people to change the way they think about and react to anxiety-provoking situations.
    • Exposure therapy: This type of therapy involves gradually exposing people to the things that they fear in a safe and controlled environment.
    • Medication: There are a number of medications that can be effective in treating anxiety disorders, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines.
    • Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses relaxation and suggestion to help people change their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It can be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, especially when used in combination with other treatments.

    Hypnotherapy can help with anxiety in a number of ways. It can help people to:

    • Relax and reduce their anxiety levels.
    • Change their negative thoughts and beliefs about anxiety.
    • Learn coping skills to manage their anxiety.
    • Access their subconscious mind to address the root cause of their anxiety.

    Hypnotherapy can be a good option for anxiety, and a helpful treatment for people who are struggling with this condition. If you are considering hypnotherapy for anxiety, it is important to find a qualified hypnotherapist who has experience working with anxiety disorders.

    Living with Anxiety

    Anxiety disorders can be a very challenging condition to live with, but there are a number of things that people can do to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. These include:

    • Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mood, both of which can help to manage anxiety symptoms.
    • Getting enough sleep: When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to cope with stress and anxiety.
    • Practicing relaxation techniques: There are a number of relaxation techniques that can help to reduce anxiety, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
    • Support groups: Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can be very helpful. There are many support groups available for people with anxiety disorders.

    Conclusion

    Anxiety disorders are a common and serious mental illness, but they are treatable. If you are struggling with anxiety, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to you.

  • Fears and Phobias

    Fears and Phobias

    Introduction

    Fear is a normal and essential emotion that helps us stay safe and avoid danger. However, when fear becomes excessive and irrational, it can turn into a phobia, which can significantly impact our quality of life. Phobias can range from the fear of heights, spiders, and flying, to the fear of needles, blood, and clowns. The good news is that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) can help individuals overcome their phobias and live a better life.

    What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

    Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a powerful technique that combines hypnosis and positive psychology to help individuals achieve their goals and overcome their challenges. SFH focuses on the present and future, rather than the past, and helps clients visualize a positive outcome for their life. The hypnosis part of the therapy is a natural state of relaxation that allows the subconscious mind to become receptive to positive suggestions and ideas.

    How does SFH help with overcoming fears and phobias?

    Phobias are learned behaviors that can be unlearned with the help of SFH. During the initial consultation, an SFH practitioner explains to the client how and why phobias develop and how hypnotherapy can help overcome them.

    The therapist then uses relaxing techniques to induce a relaxed state and perform the rewind technique. The rewind technique involves using hypnosis to help the client revisit the traumatic event that caused the phobia and reprocess the memory in a safe and controlled way.

    By doing so, the client can release the negative emotions associated with the event and break the link between the event and the phobia. This process can be incredibly empowering for clients and can help them overcome their phobias more quickly and effectively than other methods. The rewind method is also gentle and non-invasive, making it an ideal treatment option for individuals who may be hesitant to seek help for their phobia.

    With further sessions, the client can, if they require it, reframe the phobia with positive thoughts and feelings, rather than fear and anxiety.

    The benefits of SFH for phobias

    SFH has several benefits for individuals with phobias. Firstly, it is a safe and non-invasive therapy that does not require medication or surgery. Secondly, it is a relatively short-term therapy that can produce significant results immediately. Thirdly, SFH helps individuals become more self-aware and confident, which can improve their overall quality of life.

    Case study: Needle phobia

    One common phobia that affects many people is needle phobia, also known as trypanophobia. For individuals with this phobia, the thought of needles can trigger a range of symptoms, including fainting, sweating, and panic attacks. Needle phobia can be especially problematic for people who need regular injections or blood tests, such as individuals with diabetes.

    SFH can help individuals with needle phobia overcome their fear and become more comfortable with needles. By using hypnosis to induce a relaxed state, the therapist can help the client associate the needle with positive thoughts and feelings. Over time, the client can learn to control their fear response and become more confident and comfortable with needles.

    Conclusion

    Phobias can significantly impact our lives and limit our ability to enjoy certain activities or experiences. However, with the help of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, individuals can overcome their phobias and improve their quality of life. SFH is a safe, non-invasive, and effective therapy that can produce significant results very rapidly. If you’re struggling with a phobia, don’t let it hold you back any longer. Contact me today and take the first step towards a better life.