Although fear is a perfectly normal response and way of our brains and bodies protecting us from something dangerous, when the fear is of something irrational or is so intense that it cripples us; it is a phobia. There are many common phobias such as acrophobia (fear of heights), agoraphobia (fear of open spaces), arachnophobia (fear of spiders) and claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces).
While mild phobias are not particularly dangerous, more severe ones can make life harder for the sufferer. Fortunately, there are ways to treat and even cure phobias.
In the following article, we will look at some of the most common and successful phobia treatments.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy or RTT therapy can reprogram the unconscious mind processes that could generate the fear a phobia sufferer is experiencing. If these processes can be resolved, it can mean the individual no longer has the phobia symptoms. See the website for more info about hypnotherapy can help phobias.
NLP – Neuro-linguistic Programming
Neuro-linguistic Programming is essentially the study and practice of how as individuals, we create reality as we perceive it. Within NLP’s concept, fears are the result of constructs or programs you have formed that are not functioning the way you want because they are outmoded. When NLP is used, the constructs behind phobias and fears are identified, exposed, and then reprogrammed to weaken and minimise your phobia. It is not uncommon for phobias to be eliminated using NLP. This treatment is not only incredibly effective, but it is also particularly quick.
Emotional Freedom Therapy Tapping
One form of treatment for phobias and fears that is becoming incredibly popular and effective is Emotional Freedom Therapy Tapping, also known as EFT Tapping. This is based on similar principles as acupuncture but does not use needles. It is essential to understand, though there are two different forms of EFT that are entirely different. The one we highlight involves tapping your fingers on specific points known as tapping points, where meridian lines end. While tapping, you repeat phrases that usually begin with ‘Even though’ then you describe your problem. You then follow on with the words ‘I deeply love and accept myself.’
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that is used to treat numerous psychological problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and phobias, to name a few.
It is a form of talk therapy that involves identifying negative thought processes and reactions, altering, or replacing them with helpful or even more realistic ones. The basic theory and practice of CBT are that our thought processes, feelings, and actions all work together and affect one another. In other words, the way we think dictates how we feel and act. For example, negative thinking leads to distress and, as a result, problems.
Conventional Medicines
There are conventional medicines that can help deal with phobias’ physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure, sweating, and increased pulse. Beta-blocking drugs can be prescribed, though these will not actually treat or cure the actual phobia. For individuals suffering from social phobias and anxiety disorders, there is a class of anti-depressants known as SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors like Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Celexa.