To ask if you’ve had hypnotherapy for a phobia?

[FizzyPink]

And if so how long did it take to be cured? And how much did it cost?

I’ve severely emetophobic and after being triggered a few months ago I’ve felt permanently sick and am having increasingly often panic attacks linked to it. I’m seeing a therapist which is being paid for by work but I really don’t think the guy has a clue. Keen to get it sorted ASAP as I’ve got a holiday of a lifetime in a month halfway across the world and currently I’m terrified of everything!

Yes, for fear of flying. It didn't work.

Ahh any positive stories?

Yes, for dental phobia. It was a while back so I don't remember the cost, and it didn't completely cure me but it was a really good start to helping me realise why I had the phobia and in getting me relaxed enough to go to a dentist for a checkup.

I had CBT later and that helped more, but the things I learnt in hypnotherapy have been useful overall - I'm better at relaxing, breathing etc. in stressful situations.

I did, by someone who was training so had it free
I have a phobia of fish, shellfish dead or alive..... its worked to an extent- I can now cope with eating some fish (not shellfish) and managed to go snorkelling in the Maldives- in open water- not in the shallows- too close. I can watch fish, walk past the dead fish in supermarkets. I probably needed more than one session but was helping a friend out while training.

Yes! I had a mix of CBT and hypnotherapy for my fear. It worked really well. Best money I ever spent. I had 3 sessions but maybe only really needed 2.

Yes, hypnotherapy for sleepwalking. Two sessions and I'm 95% cured. It changed my life. I'd say that was a result.

Not for phobia, but to cure nail biting.

It was nonsense, but, strangely, it worked.

I had it for needle phobia. About 8 sessions I think. The therapist gave me a tape (it was that long ago) to listen to as well as the sessions. No idea what I paid though. My hypnotherapist was great and I trusted him, although I had started off not believing in the whole thing.

It worked. I managed blood tests, c-sections and dental work because of the hypnotherapy.

I haven't had hypnotherapy but I have had panic attacks. One of the techniques I use is controlled breathing to calm the vagus nerve and I can vouch it works. Practice it when you are feeling calm.

Breath in through your nose and out from your mouth, and work your way up to being able to slowly count to 5.

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190511203459/www.thecut.com/2019/05/i-now-suspect-the-vagus-nerve-is-the-key-to-well-being.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web/20190511203459/www.thecut.com/2019/05/i-now-suspect-the-vagus-nerve-is-the-key-to-well-being.html

I had it when I was pregnant, terrified of pigeons! Didn't want LO to pick up on it. It took 1 session, not sure how long it lasted. It worked 100%.

My emetophobia is caused by a traumatic event so the only thing that has had any effect (I'm not cured) was EMDR

Wow some really great stories! Think I’ll go for it, nothing to lose. The therapist I’m seeing thinks the fear is from holding in my feelings about my dad and not telling him what I really think of him which im very doubtful of to be honest. That doesn’t explain why I can’t walk past a puddle of sick in the street!

Not me but someone I know went for a fear she had and it worked! Worth a go I'd say

That link is really interesting @Inebriati I’ve realised that when I’m having a panic attack there’s no point fighting it or trying to distract myself, breathing through it is the only thing that helps (or crying but that’s not ideal in a work situation!)

If I find myself in an attack, I find that walking at the same pace I'm breathing really helps. Can you do that at work? Maybe you could find an excuse to walk to another department or the loo.
Also, remind yourself that each attack only lasts 15 minutes, then 5 minutes of comedown.