A phobia can be defined as a persistent, irrational, intense fear of a specific object, activity or situation. The fear is recognised as being excessive or unreasonable by the individual himself. The fact that it is realised as an irrational fear (or an irrational level of fear) means that phobias can respond well to treatment with hypnosis.

There are many varieties and forms that phobias can take and these can range from the fear of a place, object or situation (e.g. fear of flying, spiders, heights, needles, enclosed spaces or dentists) to the more complex agarophobia and social phobia.


Responses to phobic stimuli can range from a mild anxiety to a full blown panic attack.


Agoraphobia is an example of a complex phobia. It can be made up from a combination of issues, such as fear of shops, crowds, and public places, or of travelling alone in trains, buses, or planes. It also includes the anxiety associated with what might happen if the individual was unable to escape from the situation to a place of safety (which is usually home).


Social phobia is a marked fear of social or performance situations. Those suffering with a social phobia have an extreme fear of embarrassing themselves or of being humiliated in public. They also feel inappropriate anxiety when anticipating appearing at some social function. Whenever possible individuals will avoid meeting people in social situations, including parties, eating in restaurants, public speaking etc. In extreme cases this may result in almost complete social isolation.


Hypnotherapy can be useful in helping with restoring balance to phobic situations.