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Halloween is upon us. A night of spooky fun for many, the build-up and preparation including shopping for scary or humorous outfits. Or creatively making garments from household items, artistically (or not) carving out pumpkins to be illuminated with candles. Maybe you’re going to light candles on gravestones to pay your respects to the dead saints and martyrs. That’s one of many non-commercial traditions still practised.
The observance of this festival got me thinking about how some of us like to be spooked. Listening to scary stories, watching horror films, going to allegedly haunted attractions and buildings. It’s all deep intake of breath stuff.
Researching things associated with Halloween, I found so many named phobias that can be connected with it. Fear of witches, fear of cats, fear of bats ……..and yes, fear of Halloween!
https://www.fearof.net/fear-of-halloween-phobia-samhainophobia/
There is actually a named fear of pumpkins.
https://www.fearof.net/?s=pumpkins
But what everyday stuff makes us spooked? What spooks you? Are you fearful or are you phobic? What’s the difference? The NHS defines it like this.
“A phobia is an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal. Phobias are more pronounced than fears. They develop when a person has an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger about a situation or object”.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/phobias
I am scared of rats and mice. I’d class that as a phobia (Musophobia it’s called) as I whilst do have a severe reaction to any sightings, an unrealistic sense of danger, it’s pretty unlikely I’d ever be put in actual danger by an encounter with a rodent, so it fits the definition of phobia. But do I need to do anything about my phobia? I’d say no as it doesn’t seriously impact my life. I rarely see them. If I lived in a place where rats and mice were frequently observed, then yes. I’d have to do something to overcome my phobia. I’d find it incredibly limiting to be on edge all the time.
When I was a young child, I saw a mouse scuttle across the kitchen floor. It had probably come up from the cellar. I was so frightened I actually got into the kitchen sink (it was a large butler’s type kitchen sink). I stayed there, petrified for some time till I thought the coast was clear. If I had to deal with that sort of reaction on a regular basis, I’d really have to do something about it. Maybe I’d see a hypnotherapist!
Hypnotherapy is very effective in helping eradicate phobias and managing fearful situations. I know this for a fact.
It’s maybe not surprising how many phobias there are out there. Take a common one. Fear of snakes. How many people who have a fear of snakes have ever actually shared space with one? Not very many. So it’s irrational yes, but the fear or phobia is no less real and debilitating.
Have a read of the following links if you’re interested in finding out more. If you’re interested in attending to your own phobia, get in touch with me!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/science/10289366/13-of-the-most-unusual-phobias.htmlhttps://www.fearof.net/fear-of-witches-or-witchcraft-phobia-wiccaphobia/
https://www.healthtopia.net/disease/mental-health/phobia/ailurophobia-fear-of-catshttp://www.phobiasource.com/chiroptophobia-fear-of-bats/
There is also the fear of fear!
https://www.fearof.net/fear-of-fear-phobia-phobophobia/
And what about fear of being hypnotised? Yep, it is a phobia for some. Fear of being hypnotised and fear of sleep is called Hypnophobia.
I know that some of my clients have been anxious about being hypnotised before treatment. Often because they fear losing control or that I might make unwelcome suggestions to their subconscious whilst they are “under”. There is still some scepticism around the process and people ask me if it’s like what is portrayed by staged hypnosis.
My hypnotherapy is very relaxing and far from losing control as it would appear from staged performances, “clinical” hypnotherapy is a serious practise that engages the brain to induce control and adapt and manage situations.
I understand their concerns though. So it is my aim to dispel negative perceptions and rather than have people consider hypnotherapy as a last resort, it might become a go to first option. A few sessions can really sort out long standing issues.
Of course trust is a major factor when seeing any therapist. I only implant suggestions to a client’s subconscious that have been discussed and mutually agreed with. Also, your subconscious mind will not allow suggestions that go against your values to be acted upon. It really is safe, effective and relaxing.
I do offer a free no obligation consultation so do get in touch if you have a phobia or fear that bothers you and we can have a chat about how your life could change for the better.