Introduction –
Understanding Phobias Phobias are more than just fears—they are intense,
often debilitating responses to specific objects, situations, or experiences. While fear is a
natural and necessary human emotion, phobias can significantly interfere with daily life,
relationships, and opportunities for growth.
At the London Psychologist Centre, I have worked with hundreds of clients struggling with
phobias ranging from fear of flying and public speaking to fears of medical procedures,
animals, or social situations. Using a dynamic, integrative approach combining
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Havening Techniques®, and Clinical Hypnotherapy,
I help clients reduce and often completely remove the emotional charge associated with
these fears.
Understanding Phobias A phobia is an extreme, irrational fear that leads to avoidance
behaviour. It triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, even when there is no real
danger. This can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, sweating,
nausea, and a strong urge to escape the situation.
Common phobias include:-
Specific phobias (e.g., fear of spiders, flying, heights) – Social
phobia (fear of judgment or embarrassment in social settings) – Agoraphobia (fear of being
unable to escape in certain environments)
While phobias can develop from traumatic experiences, they can also be learned from
others or gradually conditioned over time.
Why an Integrative Approach Works Every person’s phobia has a unique origin, intensity,
and set of triggers. This is why combining NLP, Havening, and Clinical Hypnotherapy is so
effective—it allows me to address the phobia from multiple angles: – NLP helps reframe
the fear and interrupt the mental patterns that sustain it. – Havening uses touch-based
techniques to alter the brain’s encoding of traumatic or fearful memories. – Hypnotherapy
works with the subconscious mind to replace fear with calm, confidence, and new
associations.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) for Phobias NLP is a psychological approach that
examines the connection between our thoughts, language, and behaviour. For phobia
treatment, NLP offers powerful interventions such as the “Fast Phobia Cure,” which helps
clients reprocess and desensitise the memory linked to the fear.
Key NLP techniques for phobias include: – Anchoring – creating a positive emotional state
that can be accessed during moments of fear – Reframing – changing the meaning of the
fear-inducing situation – Submodality shifts – altering the way the fear is represented in the
mind (e.g., changing an image from colour to black-and-white, making it smaller, moving it
further away)
Case Example–
Fear of Flying Emma, a 40-year-old business consultant, came to me
with an intense fear of flying. Even booking a flight caused her anxiety. Using NLP, we
worked to reframe her perception of flying and replace the fear with feelings of calm. By
the third session, Emma boarded a plane without panic for the first time in 15 years.
Havening Techniques® for Phobias Havening is a psychosensory therapy that uses gentle
touch on the arms, face, and hands, combined with specific eye movements and
visualisation. This process helps remove the emotional “charge” from distressing
memories by changing the way they are stored in the brain’s amygdala.
Benefits of Havening for phobias: – Rapid reduction of distress – Ability to recall the
memory without experiencing the original fear – Long-lasting results after just a few
sessions
Case Example–
Fear of Dogs David, 28, had a severe dog phobia after being bitten as a
child. Through Havening, we worked on the traumatic memory and quickly reduced the
anxiety associated with seeing dogs. Within a month, David was able to walk through
parks without avoiding paths with dogs.
Clinical Hypnotherapy for Phobias Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that induces a
relaxed, focused state where the subconscious mind is more receptive to positive
suggestions. For phobias, hypnotherapy can help: – Replace fearful responses with calm
confidence – Install new, positive associations – Visualise successful encounters with the
feared object or situation
Case Example–
Fear of Public Speaking Amira, 35, was an accomplished professional
whose career advancement was limited by her fear of presenting. Through hypnotherapy,
we created vivid mental rehearsals of confident presentations. She reported feeling calm
during her next conference speech and received excellent feedback.
Combining the Three Approaches While each method is powerful on its own, combining
NLP, Havening, and Hypnotherapy allows for a comprehensive and personalised
treatment plan: – NLP addresses the mental representations of the fear. – Havening
neutralises the emotional charge. – Hypnotherapy reinforces the new, positive patterns.
The Process at the London Psychologist Centre.
Step 1–
Comprehensive Assessment I
begin with a detailed consultation to understand the history, triggers, and impact of the
phobia. A same-day written report includes diagnosis, prognosis, and a tailored treatment
plan.
Step 2–
Initial Intervention Depending on the client’s preference and readiness, we may
begin with Havening to reduce immediate distress or NLP to start shifting mental patterns.
Step 3–
Reinforcement Hypnotherapy sessions consolidate the changes, embedding
new, positive associations at the subconscious level.
Step 4–
Testing and Future Planning We gradually test the new responses in controlled
environments, ensuring the changes are robust and sustainable.
Why This Approach Works – Addresses both the conscious and subconscious aspects of
fear – Reduces symptoms quickly, often within a few sessions – Creates lasting change by
rewiring how the brain encodes the feared stimulus
Research and Evidence –
NLP has been found effective in phobia treatment through rapid
reframing techniques. – Havening is supported by neuroscience research showing
changes in amygdala encoding. – Hypnotherapy has decades of clinical evidence for
reducing anxiety and fear responses.
Case Example –
Fear of Needles Sophie, 22, avoided medical appointments due to
needle phobia. Using a combination of Havening to neutralise the traumatic memory of a
painful childhood injection, NLP to shift her mental imagery, and hypnotherapy to build
confidence, she was able to receive a vaccination without distress.
Living Without Phobia One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing clients live
freely again—booking the holiday they avoided for years, accepting the job promotion, or
simply walking in the park without fear.
Final Thoughts Phobias may feel overwhelming, but they are highly treatable. By
integrating NLP, Havening, and Clinical Hypnotherapy, I provide a fast, effective, and
personalised approach that helps clients reclaim their freedom.
Contact: Lauretta Wilson – Counselling Psychologist (HCPC Registered) 3 Lynwood Drive,
KT4 7AA 07538 282958 lauretta@londonpsychologist-centre.co.uk
www.londonpsychologist-centre.co.uk