Phobias are defined as an irrational fear of something, they are more intense than fears and can lead to severe anxiety.

There are several types of phobias:

• Simple phobias - These are fears of a single stimulus such as heights, needles etc

• Complex phobias - These are fears of a number of stimuli, for example a fear of flying, maybe a fear of small spaces, heights, fear of not being in control.

• Social phobias - This is a fear of what might happen, when you are in the company of others. For example, this could be a fear of blushing, trembling etc.

• Agoraphobia - This is a fear of leaving the home. People experience nervousness the further they travel from home.

If you have a phobia, coming into contact with the object of your phobia or even just thinking about it, can trigger the 'fight' or 'flight' response and you may feel the physical symptoms of fear and anxiety, such as:

• Dizziness/light-headedness

• Nausea

• Fast heartbeat

• Trembling

• Sweating or flushing

• Upset stomach

• Tense muscles

A phobia stems from our subconscious, so no matter how much you tell yourself that your response is irrational, your mind and body will still react with fear. The aim of hypnotherapy is to communicate with the subconscious mind and change the way you feel and behave towards the phobia.