hypnotherapy - does anyone have any experience?

[pastimperfect]

I'm thinking about hypnotherapy for phobia/anxiety issues (specifically emetophobia... though that might be my focus, rather than the reason behind the anxiety).

Does anyone have any experience of this?

I went to a counsellor a few years back to talk through some work-related anxieties, she was also a hypnotherapist and we ended the two sessions with a 5-10 minute hypnotherapy session, suggested by her.

I also did a fear of flying course (Virgin Atlantic's one) that had a short hypnotherapy session as part of it.

So I have a few experiences of hypnotherapy-by-accident (not by design).

Did it work? Well, I was sceptical but yes, I think so. I certainly don't get anxious about flying any more. I overcame my issues at work.

If your phobia is ruining or badly affecting your life, the way I look at it is anything, if you can afford it, is worth a try, eh?

If you can't really afford it, then maybe think again.

Good luck!

thanks for your reply. The phobia is really interfering with my life at the moment - not sure why this should be, either. I'd prefer not to be paying money for this, but then again I'd quite like to stop lying wide awake in bed at night worrying if everyone else in the house is healthy.

I had hypnosis therapy nearly 2 years ago to stop biting my nails (a 30 year habit i had tried everything to stop). I also had depression which i wanted to try sorting out rather than taking anti-depressents again.

I was really sceptical but only needed 3 sessions and walked out feeling like a huge black cloud had lifted. It was £60 a session and is honestly the best money i have ever spent. Would definitely recommend giving it a try.

I had it to try and get pregnant. Three sessions and two recorded sessions on a digital file which I listened to as much as I could afterwards. Got pregnant very soon after.

I had a bit of a mental block with getting pregnant and although I knew it was possible (had been pregnant before with same partner) I kind of thought it couldn't happen. The hypnotherapy moved me past the block. Highly recommended.

A good qualified hypnotherapist should be able to help you work on thinking differently and hence feeling differently about these issues. Find someone who has the HPD qualification and is a member of the GHR or NCH, the two leading organisations. The Hypnotherapy Directory is a good starting place for people with these qualifications in your area. Call a couple and see if you like the sound of them. Rapport is crucial. I'd recommend not seeing anyone who offers free consults or who makes guarantees. If you divide up the cost by the number of years you get relief, would it make you feel differently? (The calculation works with expensive shoes too....) Hope you feel better soon.