Fears and Phobias: How Hypnosis Can Help
From the moment we’re born, humans come equipped with only two innate fears: the fear of loud noises and the fear of falling. Every other fear we carry—whether rooted in experience or seemingly arising from nowhere—is something we’ve learned. And what we learn, we can unlearn.
When we develop a fear in response to a real event—say, being bitten by a dog—we may begin to fear all dogs as a protective mechanism. That’s a fear based on experience. But sometimes, fears arise even when we’ve never had a negative encounter. This is where phobias come into play. A phobia is an intense fear of something despite having no direct experience of harm. For example, someone may fear flying despite never having experienced a turbulent or dangerous flight.
Phobias often form in subtle, complex ways. Let’s take the example of someone preparing to board a plane. Rushing through the airport, they skip breakfast or grab a sugary snack on the go. By the time they’re seated, their blood sugar crashes. Now, any normal pre-flight jitters are amplified—mild turbulence feels like a crisis. Add in the background knowledge of past aviation incidents, and their brain connects the physical discomfort with a perceived threat. That flight becomes locked in their memory as terrifying, even if nothing truly went wrong.
And that’s how a phobia is born—not necessarily from danger, but from a moment of vulnerability.
Common Fears and Phobias
You're not alone. Many people experience intense fears that interfere with daily life. Some of the most common phobias include:
Fear of flying (aviophobia)
Fear of public speaking (glossophobia)
Fear of heights (acrophobia)
Fear of confined spaces (claustrophobia)
Fear of driving (vehophobia)
Whether these stem from a specific event or seem to appear out of nowhere, hypnosis offers real solutions.
So, How Does Hypnosis Help?
Hypnosis works by helping the brain enter a relaxed, focused state—something like a daydream—where the subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestion. This allows us to bypass the analytical mind and address the root of the fear directly.
At Northern Nevada Hypnotherapy, we use proven techniques to:
Desensitize emotional responses tied to traumatic or stressful memories
Reframe and rewrite the subconscious script that fuels irrational fears
Create new, healthier associations and patterns of thought
Restore a sense of calm, control, and confidence
It’s not about “erasing” memories—it’s about changing the meaning and emotional weight they carry.
A Real-World Example
Take Sarah, for example. After a mild panic attack during a bumpy flight, she avoided planes for five years. Through hypnotherapy, she explored the deeper causes of her anxiety and reframed her emotional reactions. Three sessions later, she booked a cross-country trip—nervous, but ready—and came back smiling.
A Shift in Perspective
Think of your mind like a movie projector. If you’ve been replaying a horror film every time you imagine flying, public speaking, or driving, hypnosis helps you edit the reel—swapping fear for calm, turbulence for trust, judgment for confidence.
Fears and phobias aren’t signs of weakness. They’re your mind’s way of trying to protect you—just a little too aggressively. Hypnotherapy gently helps that protective part update its script.
Facing the Fear with Confidence
In many cases, clients find that after hypnosis, they feel drawn to test their new outlook—booking a flight, stepping on stage, or taking that drive. We encourage this. Real transformation becomes clear when you step back into the situation and feel the difference.
FAQ
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No—hypnosis is a state of relaxed awareness. You remain in control the entire time.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies by person and issue, but many people notice significant progress in just 1–3 sessions.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. Hypnosis is a natural state your mind already enters many times a day (like while daydreaming or watching a movie). It’s safe, comfortable, and drug-free.
Ready to Let Go of What’s Holding You Back?
If you’re tired of letting fear run the show—whether it’s holding you back from flying, speaking, driving, or simply living more freely—hypnosis may be the missing link.
At Northern Nevada Hypnotherapy, we offer a complimentary 20-minute consultation to explore how hypnotherapy can support your goals.
👉 Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward lasting change.
www.northernnevadahypnotherapy.org/contact
