By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Thesie_L_Cortez]Thesie L Cortez
Fear is a basic human emotion that serves as a warning for us to be careful and to be alert in the face of danger. Fear motivates us to be prepared to survive dangers or fearful situations and it should not paralyze us. If fear is paralyzing you and making your life miserable, it is not normal. If you are suffering from irrational fears and you are unable to function normally in your daily life, you might be suffering from anxiety disorder. You should find the best ways to stop living in constant fear to improve the quality of your life.
We all get scared from time to time but it is a different situation if you are ruled by irrational fears. Irrational fears are also known as phobias and they come in different forms. Some of the common fears are fear of heights, fear of enclosed places, fear of blood, social phobia, fear of being alone, fear on marketplaces, fear of animals, etc. These specific phobias if not controlled can paralyze and enslave you because their physical and psychological symptoms can cripple you and prevent you from doing the things that you should be doing in your everyday life. Imagine experiencing a sudden unreasonable terror while shopping and your fear is accompanied by trembling, sweating, pounding heartbeat and it feels like you are going crazy and losing control. Living like this can be very depressing.
If your life is ruled by fears, there are things that you can do to free yourself from constant fears. There is help available for you to stop living in constant fear.
Of course it is important to get the proper diagnosis and consult a mental health professional if you are experiencing irrational fears and anxiety disorder. It is easier to stop living in fear if you know what you are dealing with and your doctor can give you the facts and proper diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend the use of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications. Drug dependence may become a problem that is why medications are usually prescribed for only days or weeks. In severe cases, sufferers may need to take medications for an extended period of time but it is important to always take medications under the supervision of a mental health doctor to minimize the side effects.
There are treatments and medications available to help you deal with your disorder but to stop living in constant fear, your determination to overcome your fears is the most important thing. It is important to recognize that you have the power to overcome your fears. You are in charge of your life and you have a choice. No one can rescue you from your fears but yourself and your determination to overcome your fears.
Taking small steps to face yours fear and eventually gain confidence to beat your fears is important. As your confidence builds up, you are taking the steps to totally free yourself from your fears. There are exercises and therapies to help you with you disorder and your mental health doctor can help you on this. Psychotherapy like CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy can help you change the way you think and behave on feared situations. There are designed exercises to help you replace your irrational thoughts with rational and positive thoughts. With constant practice and exercise under the supervision of your mental health doctor, you will eventually learn how to face your fears and stop living in constant fear.
The first step maybe hard but it is not impossible to conquer your fears and stop living in constant fear. You can reclaim your life. You just have to take the first step to stop your irrational fear from controlling your life. You are not alone because millions of people are suffering from different types of anxiety disorders. Do you want to learn how other sufferers conquered their fears and anxiety problems? Visit rel=nofollow [http://panicdisorderfreedom.com/]Stop Living in Constant Fear.
Copyright � 2011 Thesie Cortez All Rights Reserved.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Stop-Living-in-Constant-Fear---Get-Rid-of-Your-Anxiety-Disorder&id=6535736] Stop Living in Constant Fear - Get Rid of Your Anxiety Disorder
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
What Can You Do If You've Got A Fear Of Violence?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Johnson]Trevor Johnson
This article doesn't deal with domestic violence - that can be a very real fear and if you're unfortunate enough to be in that situation, you should seek professional help. What I'll deal with hear is a general fear of violence - whether that's on television or the news or anywhere else that affects you. Dealt with properly you can reduce or even overcome your fear of violence and reduce the amount that it affects your life.
Remember the news wants to shock you
Bad news sells, good news doesn't. So the newspapers, television and (increasingly) internet news channels will major on bad news. And violence is part and parcel of that.
The problem is that this causes you to become more worried than you should be.
The news reports things from elsewhere in the country or the world. Often isolated incidents are literally blown up out all proportion until even the most confident person would be affected.
The simplest way of dealing with this is to cut yourself off from as much news as possible. Become a recluse from the media. The news will happen anyway, whether you follow it or not, in much the same way as the weather happens regardless of if you've read the forecast.
If anything important happens, other people will let you know soon enough. But if you carry out this exercise for even a week you'll be surprised at how little of the bad news about violence (or anything else) is actually important. Most of the time it's a space filler.
The past doesn't always repeat itself
Just because someone was unlucky enough to get mugged in an area the other week doesn't mean that area is now a no-go zone.
Chances are that the very precise circumstances that created the problem are unlikely to happen again.
OK, this might not be the case for certain less than desirable zones in your town or city, where you'd be foolish to walk at night unless you were a member of a specific gang, but those are the exception not the rule. And simply following your common sense can keep you well out of the way of any possible violence.
Learn to chill out more
If certain images of violence don't get on with you, the simple answer is to switch them off or change channel. Don't sit there starting to panic!
Then find a way that will allow you to relax. Because there will be occasions when you're exposed to violence even if you were planning to avoid it. Trailers for shows on television or at the cinema often sneak up on you like that. Closing your eyes and muting the volume at home (or, better yet, using the fast forward button on your TIVO) can help reduce the effect.
But it also helps if you know a way to relax and generally chill out. Deep breathing is a quick and easy way to do this or using a hypnosis track to help reduce your fear of violence is another option to consider.
Get more help to [http://hypnosisabc.com/overcoming-fear-of-violence/]overcome fear of violence and start to [http://hypnosisabc.com/overcoming-fear-of-violence/]reduce your fear of violence.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Can-You-Do-If-Youve-Got-A-Fear-Of-Violence?&id=6538329] What Can You Do If You've Got A Fear Of Violence?
This article doesn't deal with domestic violence - that can be a very real fear and if you're unfortunate enough to be in that situation, you should seek professional help. What I'll deal with hear is a general fear of violence - whether that's on television or the news or anywhere else that affects you. Dealt with properly you can reduce or even overcome your fear of violence and reduce the amount that it affects your life.
Remember the news wants to shock you
Bad news sells, good news doesn't. So the newspapers, television and (increasingly) internet news channels will major on bad news. And violence is part and parcel of that.
The problem is that this causes you to become more worried than you should be.
The news reports things from elsewhere in the country or the world. Often isolated incidents are literally blown up out all proportion until even the most confident person would be affected.
The simplest way of dealing with this is to cut yourself off from as much news as possible. Become a recluse from the media. The news will happen anyway, whether you follow it or not, in much the same way as the weather happens regardless of if you've read the forecast.
If anything important happens, other people will let you know soon enough. But if you carry out this exercise for even a week you'll be surprised at how little of the bad news about violence (or anything else) is actually important. Most of the time it's a space filler.
The past doesn't always repeat itself
Just because someone was unlucky enough to get mugged in an area the other week doesn't mean that area is now a no-go zone.
Chances are that the very precise circumstances that created the problem are unlikely to happen again.
OK, this might not be the case for certain less than desirable zones in your town or city, where you'd be foolish to walk at night unless you were a member of a specific gang, but those are the exception not the rule. And simply following your common sense can keep you well out of the way of any possible violence.
Learn to chill out more
If certain images of violence don't get on with you, the simple answer is to switch them off or change channel. Don't sit there starting to panic!
Then find a way that will allow you to relax. Because there will be occasions when you're exposed to violence even if you were planning to avoid it. Trailers for shows on television or at the cinema often sneak up on you like that. Closing your eyes and muting the volume at home (or, better yet, using the fast forward button on your TIVO) can help reduce the effect.
But it also helps if you know a way to relax and generally chill out. Deep breathing is a quick and easy way to do this or using a hypnosis track to help reduce your fear of violence is another option to consider.
Get more help to [http://hypnosisabc.com/overcoming-fear-of-violence/]overcome fear of violence and start to [http://hypnosisabc.com/overcoming-fear-of-violence/]reduce your fear of violence.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Can-You-Do-If-Youve-Got-A-Fear-Of-Violence?&id=6538329] What Can You Do If You've Got A Fear Of Violence?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Can You Deal With a Phobia of Thunderstorms?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Johnson]Trevor Johnson
Stormy skies, dark clouds, torrents of rain, bolts of lightning and the loud bangs that follow a few seconds later. Some people enjoy these different aspects of thunderstorms. Others want to join the dog cowering under the stairs at the first inkling of a thunderstorm approaching. So is it possible to deal with a phobia of thunderstorms and reduce (or even eliminate) your fear of these powerful forces of nature?
Split the storm up into its component parts
Just as I split the thunder storm up at the start of this article, do the same in your mind.
This may not be as easy as it first sounds, so start with the least worrying part of the storm first. This could well be the rain that accompanies a thunderstorm. Unless you've got a phobia of rain as well, you should be able to relate the water that falls from the sky during normal rainy weather to the heavier rain that's likely falling during a nasty storm.
Then figure out what the next scariest part of the thunderstorm is and try to split that into smaller, more manageable, parts next. If your phobia is fairly mild, there's a good chance that doing this will reduce the fear you experience to a slightly more manageable level.
Do some research
The simple fact that you're reading this article proves that you've survived thunderstorms before now.
Dig out the appropriate Wikipedia page and take a look at the science behind these massive demonstrations of the power of Nature.
This gives your rational mind a bit more ammunition to fight the part of your mind that's gone into the primitive "fight or flight" mode and wants to run away from these events.
Be sensible
Lightning will aim for tall objects. If they've got some metal on them - like a lightning conductor - then its aim is pretty good. If there aren't any suitable ones close enough, a tree is one of its next favorite objects.
What this means is that if you're caught up in the middle of a thunderstorm, you need to ignore the part of you that's saying to take shelter below a tree. Better to get wet than partially fried!
Build up your immunity
Just like we get vaccinations against common diseases, we can innoculate ourselves against thunder storms by facing our fear. Ideally with an understanding friend and possibly with the companionship of a stiff drink as well.
Watch the next few storms that pass your location.
Yes, that means actually staring out of the window of your house or apartment, watching the clouds move past, noticing the momentary flickers of lightning as they make their path from the depths of the thunder clouds down to earth. And, of course, listening for the loud noise of thunder that inevitably follows the flash.
Go back to your childhood and count the number of miles away the lightning is by counting away the seconds. If nothing else, this will distract you slightly and hopefully it will be a good number of miles between you and the heart of the storm as well.
Get more help to [http://hypnosisabc.com/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-thunderstorms/]deal with fear of thunderstorms with this easy to use, effective, [http://hypnosisabc.com/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-thunderstorms/]hypnosis download for fear of thunderstorms.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-You-Deal-With-a-Phobia-of-Thunderstorms?&id=6539395] Can You Deal With a Phobia of Thunderstorms?
Stormy skies, dark clouds, torrents of rain, bolts of lightning and the loud bangs that follow a few seconds later. Some people enjoy these different aspects of thunderstorms. Others want to join the dog cowering under the stairs at the first inkling of a thunderstorm approaching. So is it possible to deal with a phobia of thunderstorms and reduce (or even eliminate) your fear of these powerful forces of nature?
Split the storm up into its component parts
Just as I split the thunder storm up at the start of this article, do the same in your mind.
This may not be as easy as it first sounds, so start with the least worrying part of the storm first. This could well be the rain that accompanies a thunderstorm. Unless you've got a phobia of rain as well, you should be able to relate the water that falls from the sky during normal rainy weather to the heavier rain that's likely falling during a nasty storm.
Then figure out what the next scariest part of the thunderstorm is and try to split that into smaller, more manageable, parts next. If your phobia is fairly mild, there's a good chance that doing this will reduce the fear you experience to a slightly more manageable level.
Do some research
The simple fact that you're reading this article proves that you've survived thunderstorms before now.
Dig out the appropriate Wikipedia page and take a look at the science behind these massive demonstrations of the power of Nature.
This gives your rational mind a bit more ammunition to fight the part of your mind that's gone into the primitive "fight or flight" mode and wants to run away from these events.
Be sensible
Lightning will aim for tall objects. If they've got some metal on them - like a lightning conductor - then its aim is pretty good. If there aren't any suitable ones close enough, a tree is one of its next favorite objects.
What this means is that if you're caught up in the middle of a thunderstorm, you need to ignore the part of you that's saying to take shelter below a tree. Better to get wet than partially fried!
Build up your immunity
Just like we get vaccinations against common diseases, we can innoculate ourselves against thunder storms by facing our fear. Ideally with an understanding friend and possibly with the companionship of a stiff drink as well.
Watch the next few storms that pass your location.
Yes, that means actually staring out of the window of your house or apartment, watching the clouds move past, noticing the momentary flickers of lightning as they make their path from the depths of the thunder clouds down to earth. And, of course, listening for the loud noise of thunder that inevitably follows the flash.
Go back to your childhood and count the number of miles away the lightning is by counting away the seconds. If nothing else, this will distract you slightly and hopefully it will be a good number of miles between you and the heart of the storm as well.
Get more help to [http://hypnosisabc.com/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-thunderstorms/]deal with fear of thunderstorms with this easy to use, effective, [http://hypnosisabc.com/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-thunderstorms/]hypnosis download for fear of thunderstorms.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-You-Deal-With-a-Phobia-of-Thunderstorms?&id=6539395] Can You Deal With a Phobia of Thunderstorms?
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Phobias, Fears and Confidence Building - A Very Quick Solution
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Phillip_J_Holt]Phillip J Holt
All of a sudden, my telephone has not stopped ringing from people wanting help with their phobias, fears and confidence building, and I have to be careful how I answer the calls, as these are not unwanted calls I wrote about.
So, today saw me in Central London, working with a client who would not travel on the tube (metro). She also had a fear of escalators.
A phobia is an irrational fear that has got out of hand.
A phobia is a learned reaction to a stimulus or situation that creates an internal response or feeling which is inappropriate to what is happening.
Symptoms can be very varied, from panic attacks, extreme sweating, blushing, fainting, the list goes on.
If something can be learned leading to an irrational phobia or fear, then an alternative better response can be learned, and that better response run to the stimulus or situation.
This learning of a new response can be installed in a very short time, I usually only work with a client once, and for as long it takes for the new response to be installed, two minutes or ten hours.
I do not use an office, I do not have a consulting room with a couch, and I do not usually have clients visit me. I go to my clients, or I meet the client wherever the fear or phobia takes place, a departure lounge of an airport, a swimming pool, open spaces, in a dogs kennel, a hospital or dentists waiting room, wherever is suitable.
I have worked in a swimming pool in Sri Lanka with a lady who I had just met with a fear of spiders, and within minutes we were searching the bushes in the surrounding gardens for spiders.
So there I was in a crowded London street near a London Underground Tube station entrance, surrounded by shoppers, tourists, families and groups of friends unknown to me, with a client who just wanted to be like other people racing about us, getting on with their life.
Unseen by others around us I went to work, we were just two people talking, with me being a little more animated than normal. It was as if we did not exist to people.
After a few minutes, with a smile on her face and happiness in her heart, we entered the tube station, walking down the steps into the ticket hall to buy a ticket, through the barriers to ride the escalator down to the platform.
She tried to get those unwanted feelings of what had been, but they were just not there anymore as we stood waiting for the train along with many more passengers.
We chatted, and watched others not even noticing us, passing through many stations until I got to Waterloo, my stop, when I bid her farewell, never to see her again, as she can now move on in life, do the things she had wanted to do.
Phillip Holt usually travels to the clients own home or office, no matter how far and in any country, and will only see the client once for as long as required.
Phillip Holt, travels to many countries to give talks, training and coaching as a guest of individuals and organisations, and you can follow Phillip on his journal on the web [http://www.nlpnow.com]http://www.nlpnow.com.
Phillip Holt offers a whole range of courses which can be viewed on the web pages. If you run a training company or would like a speaker to your event, then no matter where you are, whichever country you are in, Phillip is waiting for you call or email.
Phillip Holt's work has been published in many magazines and papers and he has written many articles for others. Also Phillip Holt has appeared on TV in a number of countries, and has often been on radio, some recording can be heard over the internet by going to [http://www.c4nlp.com]http://www.c4nlp.com.
Again, Phillip is waiting for your call, now.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Phobias,-Fears-and-Confidence-Building---A-Very-Quick-Solution&id=6534896] Phobias, Fears and Confidence Building - A Very Quick Solution
All of a sudden, my telephone has not stopped ringing from people wanting help with their phobias, fears and confidence building, and I have to be careful how I answer the calls, as these are not unwanted calls I wrote about.
So, today saw me in Central London, working with a client who would not travel on the tube (metro). She also had a fear of escalators.
A phobia is an irrational fear that has got out of hand.
A phobia is a learned reaction to a stimulus or situation that creates an internal response or feeling which is inappropriate to what is happening.
Symptoms can be very varied, from panic attacks, extreme sweating, blushing, fainting, the list goes on.
If something can be learned leading to an irrational phobia or fear, then an alternative better response can be learned, and that better response run to the stimulus or situation.
This learning of a new response can be installed in a very short time, I usually only work with a client once, and for as long it takes for the new response to be installed, two minutes or ten hours.
I do not use an office, I do not have a consulting room with a couch, and I do not usually have clients visit me. I go to my clients, or I meet the client wherever the fear or phobia takes place, a departure lounge of an airport, a swimming pool, open spaces, in a dogs kennel, a hospital or dentists waiting room, wherever is suitable.
I have worked in a swimming pool in Sri Lanka with a lady who I had just met with a fear of spiders, and within minutes we were searching the bushes in the surrounding gardens for spiders.
So there I was in a crowded London street near a London Underground Tube station entrance, surrounded by shoppers, tourists, families and groups of friends unknown to me, with a client who just wanted to be like other people racing about us, getting on with their life.
Unseen by others around us I went to work, we were just two people talking, with me being a little more animated than normal. It was as if we did not exist to people.
After a few minutes, with a smile on her face and happiness in her heart, we entered the tube station, walking down the steps into the ticket hall to buy a ticket, through the barriers to ride the escalator down to the platform.
She tried to get those unwanted feelings of what had been, but they were just not there anymore as we stood waiting for the train along with many more passengers.
We chatted, and watched others not even noticing us, passing through many stations until I got to Waterloo, my stop, when I bid her farewell, never to see her again, as she can now move on in life, do the things she had wanted to do.
Phillip Holt usually travels to the clients own home or office, no matter how far and in any country, and will only see the client once for as long as required.
Phillip Holt, travels to many countries to give talks, training and coaching as a guest of individuals and organisations, and you can follow Phillip on his journal on the web [http://www.nlpnow.com]http://www.nlpnow.com.
Phillip Holt offers a whole range of courses which can be viewed on the web pages. If you run a training company or would like a speaker to your event, then no matter where you are, whichever country you are in, Phillip is waiting for you call or email.
Phillip Holt's work has been published in many magazines and papers and he has written many articles for others. Also Phillip Holt has appeared on TV in a number of countries, and has often been on radio, some recording can be heard over the internet by going to [http://www.c4nlp.com]http://www.c4nlp.com.
Again, Phillip is waiting for your call, now.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Phobias,-Fears-and-Confidence-Building---A-Very-Quick-Solution&id=6534896] Phobias, Fears and Confidence Building - A Very Quick Solution
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Needle?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Stella_E_M_Hutson]Stella E M Hutson
One of the most interesting clients I worked with recently is a man in his thirties who has had an acute phobia of injections from a very early age. We explored the history of his phobia, tracing it back to the incident when he was 6 years.
As a small child, struggling against the injection being administered, he became so distressed at being informed that an operation might be required to remove a broken needle form his leg if he continued to struggle - not surprisingly, he was violently sick and "passed out" with fear! - ideal phobia inducing situation. Instantly the phobia was created - a powerful one off learning experience.
He has been afraid of injections for nearly as long as he can remember and has even had root canal dental work recently completed without anaesthetic such was his fear of needles. He had adapted to his phobia so much that the root canal work without a local anaesthetic was preferable to the injection. His fear of the needle was totally beyond the normal range. Now however he was faced with a problem. He and his wife were seeking IVF and an upcoming blood test that ( a pre requisite for his partner's IVF treatment) had spurred him on to contact me for a hypnotherapy session
This was an extreme phobia of almost 30 years!
However, I firmly believed that if he learned the fear quickly then he could unlearn it just as quickly!
During the therapy session we used a powerful combination of hypnotherapy and NLP to tackle his phobic response and prepare for the upcoming blood test.
I began with an initial consultation of about an hour - essential in order to calibrate each client and give them an opportunity to really tell me what they want help with. He had also left it really late as the blood test was only a week away - I arranged to see him the morning of the test.
I began with progressive relaxation in order to give him a lifeline and enable him to access when ready the distressing context very precisely and safely - he described a particular shape and movement to his feelings of anxiety which seemed to grow and grow. Focusing on this I used that brilliant technique Richard Bandler uses of creative visualisation of the sensation - moving it around and spinning it out of his body - so he knew he would not be troubled by the anxiety. Next we worked on the original event using a mixture of timeline seeing the incident from old eyes and comforting his younger self and then a classic double dissociation fast phobia cure.
Following this he set off for the hospital.
He messaged me 2 hours later, having taken the test. I will let his message speak for itself! Suffice to say, it warmed my heart and reminded me why I choose to do what I do!:
" Hi Stella, just to let you know I'm back from my blood test and it all went very well. Practically no anxiety. Went in, and did it. For the first time ever, no sickness or sweaty palms so thank you very much. I'm sure I can hold this experience in my memory and replace the fear. Thanks again, this is going to have a massive impact on my life."
Stella is a fully qualified and accredited hypnotherapist. Prior to this she had an extensive career in special education and developed a huge range of approaches working with challenging young people. Latterly she worked as an advisory teacher for children with Autism. She is qualified and practices in CBT, NLP and Hypnotherapy. To learn more about her practice and the services she offers visit http://simplychanged.me
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Whos-Afraid-of-the-Big,-Bad-Needle?&id=6556365] Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Needle?
One of the most interesting clients I worked with recently is a man in his thirties who has had an acute phobia of injections from a very early age. We explored the history of his phobia, tracing it back to the incident when he was 6 years.
As a small child, struggling against the injection being administered, he became so distressed at being informed that an operation might be required to remove a broken needle form his leg if he continued to struggle - not surprisingly, he was violently sick and "passed out" with fear! - ideal phobia inducing situation. Instantly the phobia was created - a powerful one off learning experience.
He has been afraid of injections for nearly as long as he can remember and has even had root canal dental work recently completed without anaesthetic such was his fear of needles. He had adapted to his phobia so much that the root canal work without a local anaesthetic was preferable to the injection. His fear of the needle was totally beyond the normal range. Now however he was faced with a problem. He and his wife were seeking IVF and an upcoming blood test that ( a pre requisite for his partner's IVF treatment) had spurred him on to contact me for a hypnotherapy session
This was an extreme phobia of almost 30 years!
However, I firmly believed that if he learned the fear quickly then he could unlearn it just as quickly!
During the therapy session we used a powerful combination of hypnotherapy and NLP to tackle his phobic response and prepare for the upcoming blood test.
I began with an initial consultation of about an hour - essential in order to calibrate each client and give them an opportunity to really tell me what they want help with. He had also left it really late as the blood test was only a week away - I arranged to see him the morning of the test.
I began with progressive relaxation in order to give him a lifeline and enable him to access when ready the distressing context very precisely and safely - he described a particular shape and movement to his feelings of anxiety which seemed to grow and grow. Focusing on this I used that brilliant technique Richard Bandler uses of creative visualisation of the sensation - moving it around and spinning it out of his body - so he knew he would not be troubled by the anxiety. Next we worked on the original event using a mixture of timeline seeing the incident from old eyes and comforting his younger self and then a classic double dissociation fast phobia cure.
Following this he set off for the hospital.
He messaged me 2 hours later, having taken the test. I will let his message speak for itself! Suffice to say, it warmed my heart and reminded me why I choose to do what I do!:
" Hi Stella, just to let you know I'm back from my blood test and it all went very well. Practically no anxiety. Went in, and did it. For the first time ever, no sickness or sweaty palms so thank you very much. I'm sure I can hold this experience in my memory and replace the fear. Thanks again, this is going to have a massive impact on my life."
Stella is a fully qualified and accredited hypnotherapist. Prior to this she had an extensive career in special education and developed a huge range of approaches working with challenging young people. Latterly she worked as an advisory teacher for children with Autism. She is qualified and practices in CBT, NLP and Hypnotherapy. To learn more about her practice and the services she offers visit http://simplychanged.me
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Whos-Afraid-of-the-Big,-Bad-Needle?&id=6556365] Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Needle?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Telephone Anxiety - Are You Afraid of the Phone?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Buah]Jennifer Buah
I don't know what it is, but picking up that phone and calling sends my heart racing. Yesterday, I held the number for the local Chinese place in my hand and I stood over the phone, picked it up, and listened for the dial tone. I slammed it back down.
"What's wrong?" my husband asked, walking into my computer room after hearing that loud noise. I was so frustrated.
"I am scared of calling," I said. "I am afraid they won't help me. I am afraid to talk to another person."
"Do you want me to call?"
"No, I just want to get over these fears of the phone!" was my aggravated reply.
If this scene seems familiar, you may be experiencing some sort of telephone phobia. Telephone phobia (alternate keywords: telephonophobia, telephobia), is considered to be a type of social phobia or social anxiety problem in which one experiences fear or avoidance of using the telephone. The first step to overcoming your fear is to find out the root cause, then work on that. A therapist who specializes in cognitive therapy might help.
Here are some starter questions to consider as you start discovering the root of your fear:
� Are you afraid of confrontation?
� Are you afraid of ridicule?
� Are you afraid of rejection?
� Are you afraid you won't be interesting enough for your friends or business prospects to talk to?
� Are you afraid of what they are thinking of you or doing while you talk?
� Are you afraid you will run out of things to say?
� Are you afraid of miscommunication (of being misunderstood by them or misunderstanding what they say)?
� Are you afraid you won't be able to understand their accent or speech? Or that they won't understand yours?
� Are you afraid you will call at an inconvenient time?
� Are you afraid of silence?
Don't be scared of the phone - be prepared for the phone. Start by thinking, "What is the worst that can happen?" Remember that nobody can hurt you over the phone.
Below are some suggestions to help you confront your fear. Some may work for you and some may not. Experiment, be patient with yourself and keep in mind - the key is to PRACTICE. Make a call of some sort every day or maybe get a job/volunteer in a place where a telephone is involved. But start slowly. Maybe a call to a restaurant to ask them their hours. Or call a library to ask if they have a book. Gradually move your way to more challenging calls.
� Prepare a rough outline & script for the call. Don't write out the call word for word - you will sound scripted and become more nervous if/when you lose your place. Here are some key things to include in your script:
1) An opener - how you will introduce yourself,
2) Ask if this is a good time to talk - if not, don't forge ahead saying this will only take a couple minutes. Ask when a good time would be and get off the phone,
3) Have an outline for what you want to accomplish and stay on target, and
4) Have an exit strategy - how will you end the call.
� Keep a mirror in front of you and watch your face as you speak.
� Remember to smile - it will come through in your voice!
� Be the person who talks the least. Ask questions that can't be answered with a yes/no (questions that start with 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', 'which', 'how' or 'if' are good starting points) and then stop talking and let them talk.
� Have a pen and paper with you while you are talking so you can take notes on the key items.
� Don't be in a hurry to hang up. Be the last person to hang up the phone.
� Look at calls as an acting exercise. You can pretend to be someone else if you want - which can sometimes take the pressure off.
� Use a headset or a handheld so you can walk around or occupy your hands.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and other suggestions. I wish you the best and good luck!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Telephone-Anxiety---Are-You-Afraid-of-the-Phone?&id=6543756] Telephone Anxiety - Are You Afraid of the Phone?
I don't know what it is, but picking up that phone and calling sends my heart racing. Yesterday, I held the number for the local Chinese place in my hand and I stood over the phone, picked it up, and listened for the dial tone. I slammed it back down.
"What's wrong?" my husband asked, walking into my computer room after hearing that loud noise. I was so frustrated.
"I am scared of calling," I said. "I am afraid they won't help me. I am afraid to talk to another person."
"Do you want me to call?"
"No, I just want to get over these fears of the phone!" was my aggravated reply.
If this scene seems familiar, you may be experiencing some sort of telephone phobia. Telephone phobia (alternate keywords: telephonophobia, telephobia), is considered to be a type of social phobia or social anxiety problem in which one experiences fear or avoidance of using the telephone. The first step to overcoming your fear is to find out the root cause, then work on that. A therapist who specializes in cognitive therapy might help.
Here are some starter questions to consider as you start discovering the root of your fear:
� Are you afraid of confrontation?
� Are you afraid of ridicule?
� Are you afraid of rejection?
� Are you afraid you won't be interesting enough for your friends or business prospects to talk to?
� Are you afraid of what they are thinking of you or doing while you talk?
� Are you afraid you will run out of things to say?
� Are you afraid of miscommunication (of being misunderstood by them or misunderstanding what they say)?
� Are you afraid you won't be able to understand their accent or speech? Or that they won't understand yours?
� Are you afraid you will call at an inconvenient time?
� Are you afraid of silence?
Don't be scared of the phone - be prepared for the phone. Start by thinking, "What is the worst that can happen?" Remember that nobody can hurt you over the phone.
Below are some suggestions to help you confront your fear. Some may work for you and some may not. Experiment, be patient with yourself and keep in mind - the key is to PRACTICE. Make a call of some sort every day or maybe get a job/volunteer in a place where a telephone is involved. But start slowly. Maybe a call to a restaurant to ask them their hours. Or call a library to ask if they have a book. Gradually move your way to more challenging calls.
� Prepare a rough outline & script for the call. Don't write out the call word for word - you will sound scripted and become more nervous if/when you lose your place. Here are some key things to include in your script:
1) An opener - how you will introduce yourself,
2) Ask if this is a good time to talk - if not, don't forge ahead saying this will only take a couple minutes. Ask when a good time would be and get off the phone,
3) Have an outline for what you want to accomplish and stay on target, and
4) Have an exit strategy - how will you end the call.
� Keep a mirror in front of you and watch your face as you speak.
� Remember to smile - it will come through in your voice!
� Be the person who talks the least. Ask questions that can't be answered with a yes/no (questions that start with 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', 'which', 'how' or 'if' are good starting points) and then stop talking and let them talk.
� Have a pen and paper with you while you are talking so you can take notes on the key items.
� Don't be in a hurry to hang up. Be the last person to hang up the phone.
� Look at calls as an acting exercise. You can pretend to be someone else if you want - which can sometimes take the pressure off.
� Use a headset or a handheld so you can walk around or occupy your hands.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and other suggestions. I wish you the best and good luck!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Telephone-Anxiety---Are-You-Afraid-of-the-Phone?&id=6543756] Telephone Anxiety - Are You Afraid of the Phone?
Friday, February 17, 2012
Food Phobias and Fussy Eating: How to Break Out of the Restrictions and Fear of Eating Certain Foods
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Debbie_S_Williams]Debbie S Williams
Those suffering from food phobias have restricted diets varying in extreme from avoiding meat to only eating a handful of items. However, some food phobics and fussy eaters have a list of food so limited, it seriously affects their health and many have issues adding variety to their main diet.
We all have foods we can't tolerate. Sometimes the taste, texture, origin or look of a food simply puts us off. Yet someone with extreme food phobia feels this way over a large variety of foods leaving precious little to nourish them.
Luckily, this type of eating disorder can be successfully treated. NLP and hypnosis treatments can help sufferers to add more variety and content to the limited range of what they deem, acceptable food.
Nutrition Studies and the Body's Resilience
A controversial study with very interesting findings on diet and nourishment was carried out by Professor Werner Kollath at the University of Rostock. He fed animals a junk-food type diet of processed foodstuffs devoid of virtually all minerals apart from zinc, potassium phosphate and a little thiamine. Up until their thirties they managed on this nutritiously low diet and grew normally. However, a rapid deterioration followed after that.
He also discovered that if the animals were then fed healthy, mainly raw foods, their previous junk-food diet did not have a negative impact on their long-term health, even though nutritionally bereft. The power of a living being to heal and repair itself is immense and beyond comprehension.
Why and How do People Get Food Phobias - Client Case Studies
Many NLP and hypnotherapy practitioner's typical clients are male, sometimes in their late teens, who realise they cannot go out with their friends for meals. Other's are men in their late twenties or early thirties who suddenly become worried about the health implications of not eating well. Often, practitioners wonder if a client's unconscious mind prompts them to do something at this age. Perhaps they realise they must change or, suffer the future implications if they do not eat a balanced diet.
Each food phobic or restricted eater has different reasons for their eating disorder. However, commonly, their problems start in childhood.
Many sufferers have childhood memories involving the decision to shun certain foods for varying reasons such as the taste, texture, smell or look of the food.
Another factor is power. The decision can be a means to exert their will and have a degree of control in their world. Many children will decide on a whim they no longer like tomatoes or peas this week and bananas and pears the next.
Emotional Challenges
One client refused to eat his mother's food to punish her for barring his father from their home. He was angry that Dad was no longer welcome in the house. Their separation was disturbing for him and this was his way of expressing his emotions. By default, his actions bought him attention, quickly learning he could manipulate situations. Looking back, he realised his mother was living in guilt and would compensate through giving him treats.
Forced to Eat Certain Foods
One food phobic's problems started in childhood, as many do. She now won't eat meat because she was forced to as a child. Steak, kidney and liver were the worst. To this day, the sight and smell makes her heave, as does boiling pork. So at six years of age she became a vegetarian. Some of her family owned farms so her decision wasn't well received. However, for her, this helped her decision because she'd made friends with many of the animals so eating them didn't seem right.
Of course, the particular phobic reasons for her vegetarianism pose no problem nutritionally or socially.
Another client would only eat white foods. Chicken, potatoes (no skin!), pasta only or with 'mushroom soup sauce' with the mushrooms strained out, white bread and chips. Any type of crisps were allowed as was chocolate. However, he became addicted consuming around ten bars a day. He had no recollection of when, why or how long he'd been this way.
Treatments
Luckily, in order for those with this type of eating disorder to heal, it is not necessary to know details of how they became this way. The special techniques of NLP and hypnotherapy can help remedy food phobias, often in two to three sessions. Also there are hypnosis recordings which can help overcome the issue in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Debbie Williams invites you to visit her page where she shares information about how hypnosis can help you to learn to eat more variety and enjoy it http://www.debbiewilliamsassociates.co.uk/overcome_food_phobia.htm also her you tube channel has many helpful videos about hypnosis http://www.youtube.com/user/DebbieWilliamsNLP?feature=mhee
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Food-Phobias-and-Fussy-Eating:-How-to-Break-Out-of-the-Restrictions-and-Fear-of-Eating-Certain-Foods&id=6566689] Food Phobias and Fussy Eating: How to Break Out of the Restrictions and Fear of Eating Certain Foods
Those suffering from food phobias have restricted diets varying in extreme from avoiding meat to only eating a handful of items. However, some food phobics and fussy eaters have a list of food so limited, it seriously affects their health and many have issues adding variety to their main diet.
We all have foods we can't tolerate. Sometimes the taste, texture, origin or look of a food simply puts us off. Yet someone with extreme food phobia feels this way over a large variety of foods leaving precious little to nourish them.
Luckily, this type of eating disorder can be successfully treated. NLP and hypnosis treatments can help sufferers to add more variety and content to the limited range of what they deem, acceptable food.
Nutrition Studies and the Body's Resilience
A controversial study with very interesting findings on diet and nourishment was carried out by Professor Werner Kollath at the University of Rostock. He fed animals a junk-food type diet of processed foodstuffs devoid of virtually all minerals apart from zinc, potassium phosphate and a little thiamine. Up until their thirties they managed on this nutritiously low diet and grew normally. However, a rapid deterioration followed after that.
He also discovered that if the animals were then fed healthy, mainly raw foods, their previous junk-food diet did not have a negative impact on their long-term health, even though nutritionally bereft. The power of a living being to heal and repair itself is immense and beyond comprehension.
Why and How do People Get Food Phobias - Client Case Studies
Many NLP and hypnotherapy practitioner's typical clients are male, sometimes in their late teens, who realise they cannot go out with their friends for meals. Other's are men in their late twenties or early thirties who suddenly become worried about the health implications of not eating well. Often, practitioners wonder if a client's unconscious mind prompts them to do something at this age. Perhaps they realise they must change or, suffer the future implications if they do not eat a balanced diet.
Each food phobic or restricted eater has different reasons for their eating disorder. However, commonly, their problems start in childhood.
Many sufferers have childhood memories involving the decision to shun certain foods for varying reasons such as the taste, texture, smell or look of the food.
Another factor is power. The decision can be a means to exert their will and have a degree of control in their world. Many children will decide on a whim they no longer like tomatoes or peas this week and bananas and pears the next.
Emotional Challenges
One client refused to eat his mother's food to punish her for barring his father from their home. He was angry that Dad was no longer welcome in the house. Their separation was disturbing for him and this was his way of expressing his emotions. By default, his actions bought him attention, quickly learning he could manipulate situations. Looking back, he realised his mother was living in guilt and would compensate through giving him treats.
Forced to Eat Certain Foods
One food phobic's problems started in childhood, as many do. She now won't eat meat because she was forced to as a child. Steak, kidney and liver were the worst. To this day, the sight and smell makes her heave, as does boiling pork. So at six years of age she became a vegetarian. Some of her family owned farms so her decision wasn't well received. However, for her, this helped her decision because she'd made friends with many of the animals so eating them didn't seem right.
Of course, the particular phobic reasons for her vegetarianism pose no problem nutritionally or socially.
Another client would only eat white foods. Chicken, potatoes (no skin!), pasta only or with 'mushroom soup sauce' with the mushrooms strained out, white bread and chips. Any type of crisps were allowed as was chocolate. However, he became addicted consuming around ten bars a day. He had no recollection of when, why or how long he'd been this way.
Treatments
Luckily, in order for those with this type of eating disorder to heal, it is not necessary to know details of how they became this way. The special techniques of NLP and hypnotherapy can help remedy food phobias, often in two to three sessions. Also there are hypnosis recordings which can help overcome the issue in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Debbie Williams invites you to visit her page where she shares information about how hypnosis can help you to learn to eat more variety and enjoy it http://www.debbiewilliamsassociates.co.uk/overcome_food_phobia.htm also her you tube channel has many helpful videos about hypnosis http://www.youtube.com/user/DebbieWilliamsNLP?feature=mhee
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Food-Phobias-and-Fussy-Eating:-How-to-Break-Out-of-the-Restrictions-and-Fear-of-Eating-Certain-Foods&id=6566689] Food Phobias and Fussy Eating: How to Break Out of the Restrictions and Fear of Eating Certain Foods
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Banish That Phobia Now!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patricia_A_McBride]Patricia A McBride
Emotional Resilience is a big issue for business at the moment because having the feeling of emotional strength and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is obviously an important ability at work as well as at home.
One such setback is developing a phobia. It is estimated that as many as 20% of the population have a phobia which can be defined as an irrational fear. Part of my role is as a hypnotherapist and I regularly see clients with phobias and, believe me, they know their fears are irrational. They always say 'I know this is stupid but...' and my reply is always 'actually it's not stupid'. It's thought that phobias happen when the brain perceives a threat and attempts to protect us from that threat. It sets up a pathway that says 'Recognise this (plane/bridge/ spider/whatever) as a threat and avoid it at all costs'. Unfortunately the protective mechanism is too strong so that instead of a practical cautiousness, a phobia is born.
It sometimes happens that phobic people can't identify the reason for their phobia, perhaps because they've had it so long the memory is lost. Others have clear explanations - 'I'm phobic about flying because I was on a plane where there was really terrible turbulence and I thought I was going to die.'
People can be phobic about anything, even apparently irrational things such as buttons. This type of phobia could happen, perhaps, because a loud noise made the person jump just as they were looking at a button and there brain added two and two and made five. But we have to represent that phobic fear to ourselves in some way. Some people see a picture in their mind of a plane crashing, or a bird flying very close to them, or themselves in a car crash or whatever their phobic topic is. Others sense their phobia by a crippling sense of fear. Yet others 'hear' something - the flapping of a bird's wings, a sudden loud noise, a car horn.
My job as a hypnotherapist who also uses neuro linguistic programming is to change the way the person experiences their phobia and thus neutralise it. We start a session by fully exploring how they 'do' their phobia and then we set to work to eliminate it. This might involve them changing the picture for example, making it smaller, moving it, turning it upside down, having it blow away. Or it may be that we need to change a sound, make it quieten down, or sound completely different. Or we may even change the feeling the person experiences when they see or think of their phobic object to a feeling of calm or enthusiasm or whatever feeling they would like instead of the fear response.
There are a wide range of techniques to achieve these altered states of awareness of the phobic response and the trick is to find the technique that works best for the person concerned. What I love so much about working with phobias is that they are usually so quick to fix. Often one session of 1.5 hours is all that's needed. Although one person who had a flying phobia did come back for a second session because 'I'm worried that I'm not worried about flying'! We worked on that and she flew to Australia happily and has recommended several people see me since.
Patricia McBride
Product Director
Cerentas Ltd, Specialists in Employee Wellbeing http://www.cerentas.co.uk
[mailto:info@cerentas.co.uk]info@cerentas.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Banish-That-Phobia-Now!&id=6562390] Banish That Phobia Now!
Emotional Resilience is a big issue for business at the moment because having the feeling of emotional strength and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is obviously an important ability at work as well as at home.
One such setback is developing a phobia. It is estimated that as many as 20% of the population have a phobia which can be defined as an irrational fear. Part of my role is as a hypnotherapist and I regularly see clients with phobias and, believe me, they know their fears are irrational. They always say 'I know this is stupid but...' and my reply is always 'actually it's not stupid'. It's thought that phobias happen when the brain perceives a threat and attempts to protect us from that threat. It sets up a pathway that says 'Recognise this (plane/bridge/ spider/whatever) as a threat and avoid it at all costs'. Unfortunately the protective mechanism is too strong so that instead of a practical cautiousness, a phobia is born.
It sometimes happens that phobic people can't identify the reason for their phobia, perhaps because they've had it so long the memory is lost. Others have clear explanations - 'I'm phobic about flying because I was on a plane where there was really terrible turbulence and I thought I was going to die.'
People can be phobic about anything, even apparently irrational things such as buttons. This type of phobia could happen, perhaps, because a loud noise made the person jump just as they were looking at a button and there brain added two and two and made five. But we have to represent that phobic fear to ourselves in some way. Some people see a picture in their mind of a plane crashing, or a bird flying very close to them, or themselves in a car crash or whatever their phobic topic is. Others sense their phobia by a crippling sense of fear. Yet others 'hear' something - the flapping of a bird's wings, a sudden loud noise, a car horn.
My job as a hypnotherapist who also uses neuro linguistic programming is to change the way the person experiences their phobia and thus neutralise it. We start a session by fully exploring how they 'do' their phobia and then we set to work to eliminate it. This might involve them changing the picture for example, making it smaller, moving it, turning it upside down, having it blow away. Or it may be that we need to change a sound, make it quieten down, or sound completely different. Or we may even change the feeling the person experiences when they see or think of their phobic object to a feeling of calm or enthusiasm or whatever feeling they would like instead of the fear response.
There are a wide range of techniques to achieve these altered states of awareness of the phobic response and the trick is to find the technique that works best for the person concerned. What I love so much about working with phobias is that they are usually so quick to fix. Often one session of 1.5 hours is all that's needed. Although one person who had a flying phobia did come back for a second session because 'I'm worried that I'm not worried about flying'! We worked on that and she flew to Australia happily and has recommended several people see me since.
Patricia McBride
Product Director
Cerentas Ltd, Specialists in Employee Wellbeing http://www.cerentas.co.uk
[mailto:info@cerentas.co.uk]info@cerentas.co.uk
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Banish-That-Phobia-Now!&id=6562390] Banish That Phobia Now!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Terrified of Elevators? Use Hypnosis for Your Fears!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eli_Bliliuos]Eli Bliliuos
Having a fear of elevators can be very disruptive, because, in many cases, you can't avoid them. After all, what are you going to do if you get a job in an office on the 26th floor? Turn it down? What happens if you need to visit a sick relative on the 8th floor of the hospital?
If you're tired of letting your fears consume you, hypnosis for phobias can help. In fact, hypnosis for fear of elevators can have a dramatic effect on your life - and relatively quickly, too!
To understand how hypnosis for fear of elevators can help, you have to understand exactly how this fear works:
If you have a fear of elevators, you are not afraid of the elevator itself. Instead, you are afraid of what is going to happen while you're in one. Whether you're consciously aware of it or not, you are actually afraid of two things - being suffocated and being restricted. You are terrified that the elevator is going to break or that the power is going to go out, and you're going to be stuck. You're convinced that you're going to run out of air before you get to your desired floor.
Having a fear of elevators is not a rational fear. In fact, if you've fallen victim to it, you probably know that it's not rational. However, that doesn't mean it's not a strong fear. You probably think that there's nothing you can do to get rid of it.
Luckily, hypnosis for fear of elevators can give you the power you need to overcome it.
Hypnosis for all phobias is a powerful tool because it attacks problems at their root - in the subconscious mind. Conscious tools and techniques - like willpower - simply aren't strong enough to overcome your fear of elevators because they are no match for your powerful subconscious.
So, when you use hypnosis for your elevator fears, what happens?
You will go into a trance-like state, during which your consulting hypnotist will have full access to your subconscious. You will be able to learn exactly why you are so afraid elevators - whether it's a faint memory that's been blown out of proportion by your subconscious mind, behavior that you've modeled after one of your parents, or something entirely different.
Next, your session will go where other hypnosis for phobias sessions go - towards convincing your subconscious that it is overreacting. Once you teach your subconscious mind that the fearful response it comes up with every time you step into - or even think about - an elevator is unnecessary, it will stop it.
When you use hypnosis for your fear of elevators, it won't take long before you'll be able to reach new heights!
Eli Bliliuos is the founder of The New York Hypnosis Institute. He specializes in helping clients overcome the fear of elevators.
To learn more about Fear of the Dark hypnosis, click here [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/]Fear of Elevators Hypnosis NYC.
New York Hypnosis Institute LLC
241 West 30 street
New York, NY 10001
877-800-6443
To learn about hypnosis training, click here: [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/hypnosistraining.php]Hypnosis Training New York.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Terrified-of-Elevators?-Use-Hypnosis-for-Your-Fears!&id=6591919] Terrified of Elevators? Use Hypnosis for Your Fears!
Having a fear of elevators can be very disruptive, because, in many cases, you can't avoid them. After all, what are you going to do if you get a job in an office on the 26th floor? Turn it down? What happens if you need to visit a sick relative on the 8th floor of the hospital?
If you're tired of letting your fears consume you, hypnosis for phobias can help. In fact, hypnosis for fear of elevators can have a dramatic effect on your life - and relatively quickly, too!
To understand how hypnosis for fear of elevators can help, you have to understand exactly how this fear works:
If you have a fear of elevators, you are not afraid of the elevator itself. Instead, you are afraid of what is going to happen while you're in one. Whether you're consciously aware of it or not, you are actually afraid of two things - being suffocated and being restricted. You are terrified that the elevator is going to break or that the power is going to go out, and you're going to be stuck. You're convinced that you're going to run out of air before you get to your desired floor.
Having a fear of elevators is not a rational fear. In fact, if you've fallen victim to it, you probably know that it's not rational. However, that doesn't mean it's not a strong fear. You probably think that there's nothing you can do to get rid of it.
Luckily, hypnosis for fear of elevators can give you the power you need to overcome it.
Hypnosis for all phobias is a powerful tool because it attacks problems at their root - in the subconscious mind. Conscious tools and techniques - like willpower - simply aren't strong enough to overcome your fear of elevators because they are no match for your powerful subconscious.
So, when you use hypnosis for your elevator fears, what happens?
You will go into a trance-like state, during which your consulting hypnotist will have full access to your subconscious. You will be able to learn exactly why you are so afraid elevators - whether it's a faint memory that's been blown out of proportion by your subconscious mind, behavior that you've modeled after one of your parents, or something entirely different.
Next, your session will go where other hypnosis for phobias sessions go - towards convincing your subconscious that it is overreacting. Once you teach your subconscious mind that the fearful response it comes up with every time you step into - or even think about - an elevator is unnecessary, it will stop it.
When you use hypnosis for your fear of elevators, it won't take long before you'll be able to reach new heights!
Eli Bliliuos is the founder of The New York Hypnosis Institute. He specializes in helping clients overcome the fear of elevators.
To learn more about Fear of the Dark hypnosis, click here [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/]Fear of Elevators Hypnosis NYC.
New York Hypnosis Institute LLC
241 West 30 street
New York, NY 10001
877-800-6443
To learn about hypnosis training, click here: [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/hypnosistraining.php]Hypnosis Training New York.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Terrified-of-Elevators?-Use-Hypnosis-for-Your-Fears!&id=6591919] Terrified of Elevators? Use Hypnosis for Your Fears!
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Hypnosis for Panic Attacks - It Can Stop Them for Good
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Eli_Bliliuos]Eli Bliliuos
If you have ever experienced a panic attack, you are not alone, and you know just how terrifying it is. Thanks to that feeling of helplessness and that feeling of pure fear, panic attacks can take over your entire life. Make no mistake - when you suffer from these attacks, you are a victim of panic disorder. When you have panic disorder, the basic fear of having another attack can be paralyzing in and of itself.
So what's the best way to these attacks?
With hypnosis for panic disorders!
You may know what's bothering you and causing your attacks - like a specific phobia; but you just can't stop it. Whether you know exactly what's causing the problem or not, hypnosis for panic attacks can help.
How?
Hypnosis focuses on your subconscious mind, and your subconscious is where most of your thoughts and actions stem from. By getting your subconscious under control, you can eliminate your attacks. But unless you address the problem in your subconscious, your panic attacks will likely never go away for good.
When you work to these attacks with hypnosis, you will start by identifying the underlying problem. For example, is something in your past to blame for your current condition? Even if you know that you have a specific phobia that triggers your panic attacks, you need to know where that phobia is coming from - and why it's playing such a big role in your subconscious mind.
Once you know what's causing your attacks, you can work to combat it. If, for example, you determine that your attacks started when you got your driver's license and only happen when you are behind the wheel, you can work to train your subconscious not to be so scared of driving.
How exactly do you do that?
You and your consulting hypnotist may work to show your subconscious that driving may be risky, but as long as you're careful, there's no reason to panic every time you get behind the wheel. Sure, plenty of people die from car accidents every day, but your subconscious' reaction to that fact is completely irrational.
You may also use visualization techniques. By picturing yourself getting into the car, backing out of the driveway, pulling into traffic, and driving to the grocery store and back without incident, you can show your subconscious that you're able to get yourself around town without incident.
Why doesn't traditional counseling typically work? Why should you try hypnosis for panic attacks?
In traditional counseling, you work on "accepting" things. Having attacks isn't something that you need to "accept"; it's something that you need to stop. Discussing your problem with a traditional therapist, will not likely make it go away. You need less talk and more action.
In just a few sessions, hypnosis for panic disorders, can help you can put an end to your suffering for good!
Eli Bliliuos is the founder of The New York Hypnosis Institute. He specializes in helping clients overcome panic attacks.
To learn more about Hypnosis for Panic Attacks, click here [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/]Panic Attack Hypnosis NYC.
New York Hypnosis Institute LLC
241 West 30 street
New York, NY 10001
877-800-6443
To learn about hypnosis training, click here: [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/hypnosistraining.php]Hypnosis Training New York.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Hypnosis-for-Panic-Attacks---It-Can-Stop-Them-for-Good&id=6592004] Hypnosis for Panic Attacks - It Can Stop Them for Good
If you have ever experienced a panic attack, you are not alone, and you know just how terrifying it is. Thanks to that feeling of helplessness and that feeling of pure fear, panic attacks can take over your entire life. Make no mistake - when you suffer from these attacks, you are a victim of panic disorder. When you have panic disorder, the basic fear of having another attack can be paralyzing in and of itself.
So what's the best way to these attacks?
With hypnosis for panic disorders!
You may know what's bothering you and causing your attacks - like a specific phobia; but you just can't stop it. Whether you know exactly what's causing the problem or not, hypnosis for panic attacks can help.
How?
Hypnosis focuses on your subconscious mind, and your subconscious is where most of your thoughts and actions stem from. By getting your subconscious under control, you can eliminate your attacks. But unless you address the problem in your subconscious, your panic attacks will likely never go away for good.
When you work to these attacks with hypnosis, you will start by identifying the underlying problem. For example, is something in your past to blame for your current condition? Even if you know that you have a specific phobia that triggers your panic attacks, you need to know where that phobia is coming from - and why it's playing such a big role in your subconscious mind.
Once you know what's causing your attacks, you can work to combat it. If, for example, you determine that your attacks started when you got your driver's license and only happen when you are behind the wheel, you can work to train your subconscious not to be so scared of driving.
How exactly do you do that?
You and your consulting hypnotist may work to show your subconscious that driving may be risky, but as long as you're careful, there's no reason to panic every time you get behind the wheel. Sure, plenty of people die from car accidents every day, but your subconscious' reaction to that fact is completely irrational.
You may also use visualization techniques. By picturing yourself getting into the car, backing out of the driveway, pulling into traffic, and driving to the grocery store and back without incident, you can show your subconscious that you're able to get yourself around town without incident.
Why doesn't traditional counseling typically work? Why should you try hypnosis for panic attacks?
In traditional counseling, you work on "accepting" things. Having attacks isn't something that you need to "accept"; it's something that you need to stop. Discussing your problem with a traditional therapist, will not likely make it go away. You need less talk and more action.
In just a few sessions, hypnosis for panic disorders, can help you can put an end to your suffering for good!
Eli Bliliuos is the founder of The New York Hypnosis Institute. He specializes in helping clients overcome panic attacks.
To learn more about Hypnosis for Panic Attacks, click here [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/]Panic Attack Hypnosis NYC.
New York Hypnosis Institute LLC
241 West 30 street
New York, NY 10001
877-800-6443
To learn about hypnosis training, click here: [http://www.tryhypnosisnow.com/hypnosistraining.php]Hypnosis Training New York.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Hypnosis-for-Panic-Attacks---It-Can-Stop-Them-for-Good&id=6592004] Hypnosis for Panic Attacks - It Can Stop Them for Good
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Living With Agoraphobia
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aimee_B_Pickett]Aimee B Pickett
I suffer from agoraphobia. I am a 31 year old female who has had panic disorder since I was 13 years old, although I can remember being anxious even earlier in my childhood. The agoraphobia set in when I was around 18 by starting off with my fear of going into stores and riding in the car to certain places, mainly the interstate scared me. I could bore you with all the events leading up to my agoraphobia, but I won't. Instead I am going to inform you on how it is to live with agoraphobia. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart who is, thankfully very understanding. We married at 20 years old and I can say that I was doing pretty well at this point in my life. I was working as a waitress and he was a laborer for our little city. I still drove during this time. I did not, however drive anywhere I felt uncomfortable due to an extreme panic attack at the age of 18 that put this fear into me. In fact, most of the time my husband would drive me to work. I worked, my husband worked, and on our days off we would hang out with our friends. We were pretty normal back then.
I started to notice around the age of 22 that I was becoming more anxious and also noticed that the panic attacks started coming more frequently and even more severe. I got to a point where I would not drive at all. At 23 I decided to quit my job because my fear had become so bad. I was scared to leave our home, scared to go into big stores, and scared to travel anywhere outside of my comfort zone. I would only leave the home if absolutely necessary, and I would be a nervous and shaky mess the entire time. My husband had to work, so he would take me to either his parents house, my parents house, or my grandmothers house while he did so. The doctors that I would see kept telling me that I had social phobia. I was prescribed an anti-depressant and sent home. It was never even suggested for me to seek counseling. This was a very dark time for me, but imagine how hard it was for my husband who was used to seeing me full of life and happiness. I became very depressed, but rarely showed it to anyone besides my husband.
The internet was my outlet and I actively sought out forums for people with anxiety disorders. I joined an awesome forum and read one post about a member who applied for social security disability due to their disorder. I decided to apply for SSD (social security disability) as well. SSD is not easy to be approved for at all. I applied in 2004 and was denied 3 times before finally being approved in 2007. I am very thankful to receive SSD, but at the same time I feel bitter because I can not work and I want to. I have to rely on my husband or my parents (mainly my mother) for everything. Sure, I can cook, shower, comb my hair, etc., but I have to have my husband or someone else that I feel safe with in my presence in order to do so. I can not stay alone, I can not drive alone, and I can not go many places due to the fear of the fear (anxiety).
I have been through numerous types of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication but none of them magically allowed me to do things outside of my comfort zone. I have been in therapy, but again, it has not magically allowed me to do things that I am fearful of either thus far. The will to get better IS in me, but the fear is so strong that I can not even attempt to expose myself to the things that make me so scared. Living this way is tough, but I am very thankful that it is not worse. I know that my husband gets frustrated because we can not do many things, but he is very understanding. I use to be very embarrassed by this condition, but the older I get, the more open I am with my disorder. What has helped me more than anything is my faith in God and the forum that I am a member of. Knowing that you are not alone is the most important step in the recovery process. One day I will get better, and if you are reading this and have agoraphobia as well, then keep in mind that you will get better one day as well.
Aimee Pickett
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Living-With-Agoraphobia&id=6589462] Living With Agoraphobia
I suffer from agoraphobia. I am a 31 year old female who has had panic disorder since I was 13 years old, although I can remember being anxious even earlier in my childhood. The agoraphobia set in when I was around 18 by starting off with my fear of going into stores and riding in the car to certain places, mainly the interstate scared me. I could bore you with all the events leading up to my agoraphobia, but I won't. Instead I am going to inform you on how it is to live with agoraphobia. I am happily married to my high school sweetheart who is, thankfully very understanding. We married at 20 years old and I can say that I was doing pretty well at this point in my life. I was working as a waitress and he was a laborer for our little city. I still drove during this time. I did not, however drive anywhere I felt uncomfortable due to an extreme panic attack at the age of 18 that put this fear into me. In fact, most of the time my husband would drive me to work. I worked, my husband worked, and on our days off we would hang out with our friends. We were pretty normal back then.
I started to notice around the age of 22 that I was becoming more anxious and also noticed that the panic attacks started coming more frequently and even more severe. I got to a point where I would not drive at all. At 23 I decided to quit my job because my fear had become so bad. I was scared to leave our home, scared to go into big stores, and scared to travel anywhere outside of my comfort zone. I would only leave the home if absolutely necessary, and I would be a nervous and shaky mess the entire time. My husband had to work, so he would take me to either his parents house, my parents house, or my grandmothers house while he did so. The doctors that I would see kept telling me that I had social phobia. I was prescribed an anti-depressant and sent home. It was never even suggested for me to seek counseling. This was a very dark time for me, but imagine how hard it was for my husband who was used to seeing me full of life and happiness. I became very depressed, but rarely showed it to anyone besides my husband.
The internet was my outlet and I actively sought out forums for people with anxiety disorders. I joined an awesome forum and read one post about a member who applied for social security disability due to their disorder. I decided to apply for SSD (social security disability) as well. SSD is not easy to be approved for at all. I applied in 2004 and was denied 3 times before finally being approved in 2007. I am very thankful to receive SSD, but at the same time I feel bitter because I can not work and I want to. I have to rely on my husband or my parents (mainly my mother) for everything. Sure, I can cook, shower, comb my hair, etc., but I have to have my husband or someone else that I feel safe with in my presence in order to do so. I can not stay alone, I can not drive alone, and I can not go many places due to the fear of the fear (anxiety).
I have been through numerous types of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication but none of them magically allowed me to do things outside of my comfort zone. I have been in therapy, but again, it has not magically allowed me to do things that I am fearful of either thus far. The will to get better IS in me, but the fear is so strong that I can not even attempt to expose myself to the things that make me so scared. Living this way is tough, but I am very thankful that it is not worse. I know that my husband gets frustrated because we can not do many things, but he is very understanding. I use to be very embarrassed by this condition, but the older I get, the more open I am with my disorder. What has helped me more than anything is my faith in God and the forum that I am a member of. Knowing that you are not alone is the most important step in the recovery process. One day I will get better, and if you are reading this and have agoraphobia as well, then keep in mind that you will get better one day as well.
Aimee Pickett
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Living-With-Agoraphobia&id=6589462] Living With Agoraphobia
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Ways to Overcome Entomophobia
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Irena_Pergjika]Irena Pergjika
We all have some kind of fear that stops us from living life the way we want. Although we've tried to overcome it, the fear keeps coming back to haunt us. Whenever that feeling comes over us, we are unable to shake that stressor/anxiety away. How can we cope with our phobias? The answer is coming so keep on reading...
The word phobia comes from a Greek word Fobos which means fear. Those of us who face their phobias on a daily basis are unable to interact and cope with many situations in life. As opposed to the mild anxiety and adrenaline rush associated with a normal fear, the fear response in a person afflicted with a phobia goes haywire, and is characterized by rapid/increased heartbeat, sweating, vomiting, and trembling. I like to think of phobias as anxiety attacks. Let's first discuss the most common phobia of all: Entomophobia.
Also known commonly as insectophobia, this phobia is associated with the acute fear of insects. Since there is no differentiation between species, the list of feared animals includes, but is not limited to: mosquitoes, cockroaches, bees, ants, fleas, maggots, worms, and even the arachnids such as scorpions and spiders. When we a person with entomophobia comes close to an insect, or just sees or imagines one, the stress response kicks in, jump starting their heart and circulatory systems, triggering a sense of panic and anxiety. Basically the whole body is coaxed by the sympathetic nervous system to run as fast and far away from the stressor as possible. This is called the Fight-or-Flight response.How about we slow down for a minute and stop running?
Imagine your friends planning a camping trip for the weekend. You happen to have a entomophobia and are unable to go just because the sheer thought of being surrounded by bugs makes you break out in cold sweat. Wouldn't that simply suck? You bet it would!
Some other stuff I recommend doing to overcome your fear,
while making sure you won't miss any other weekends with your friends are:
Admit you have a fear - denial never helps.
Cognitive therapy - you may try to seek professional help which helps you rationalize your fear.
Come face to face with your fear - at first I am sure it will be unpleasant and stressful, but imagine how good life would once you overcome it. If you see an insect don't run way! Stay where you are, taking deep breaths and thinking positive. They won't even approach you. Trust me; they're more scared of you than you of them. Remember, who's bigger, you or them?
Bug spray - Spray on and do what you want! One thing is for sure: They won't come near you!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ways-to-Overcome-Entomophobia&id=6595178] Ways to Overcome Entomophobia
We all have some kind of fear that stops us from living life the way we want. Although we've tried to overcome it, the fear keeps coming back to haunt us. Whenever that feeling comes over us, we are unable to shake that stressor/anxiety away. How can we cope with our phobias? The answer is coming so keep on reading...
The word phobia comes from a Greek word Fobos which means fear. Those of us who face their phobias on a daily basis are unable to interact and cope with many situations in life. As opposed to the mild anxiety and adrenaline rush associated with a normal fear, the fear response in a person afflicted with a phobia goes haywire, and is characterized by rapid/increased heartbeat, sweating, vomiting, and trembling. I like to think of phobias as anxiety attacks. Let's first discuss the most common phobia of all: Entomophobia.
Also known commonly as insectophobia, this phobia is associated with the acute fear of insects. Since there is no differentiation between species, the list of feared animals includes, but is not limited to: mosquitoes, cockroaches, bees, ants, fleas, maggots, worms, and even the arachnids such as scorpions and spiders. When we a person with entomophobia comes close to an insect, or just sees or imagines one, the stress response kicks in, jump starting their heart and circulatory systems, triggering a sense of panic and anxiety. Basically the whole body is coaxed by the sympathetic nervous system to run as fast and far away from the stressor as possible. This is called the Fight-or-Flight response.How about we slow down for a minute and stop running?
Imagine your friends planning a camping trip for the weekend. You happen to have a entomophobia and are unable to go just because the sheer thought of being surrounded by bugs makes you break out in cold sweat. Wouldn't that simply suck? You bet it would!
Some other stuff I recommend doing to overcome your fear,
while making sure you won't miss any other weekends with your friends are:
Admit you have a fear - denial never helps.
Cognitive therapy - you may try to seek professional help which helps you rationalize your fear.
Come face to face with your fear - at first I am sure it will be unpleasant and stressful, but imagine how good life would once you overcome it. If you see an insect don't run way! Stay where you are, taking deep breaths and thinking positive. They won't even approach you. Trust me; they're more scared of you than you of them. Remember, who's bigger, you or them?
Bug spray - Spray on and do what you want! One thing is for sure: They won't come near you!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Ways-to-Overcome-Entomophobia&id=6595178] Ways to Overcome Entomophobia
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Curing Your Fear of Driving
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Brian_P._Wexel]Brian P. Wexel
Driving is something that many of us do without much thought at all. But for some people, the fear of driving can truly affect their quality of life as well as their employment options and social activities. There are ways, however, to deal with this fear.
For many of those who suffer from this fear, the root cause is based on a traumatic event they experienced in the past. This might have been a wreck or it might have been the loss of a loved one who died in a driving accident.
The fear of driving is considered an anxiety disorder and as such there are treatment options available to help people deal with this fear. Because each person is different, the techniques that work for you may not be the same as what works for someone else.
When considering treatment options, it is best to first determine the level of fear. For some people the fear level is mild, while for others it is far worse, even to the point that they will not drive at all or even take public transportation. The level of disorder often determines the appropriate treatment option.
One technique is known as exposure therapy. This type of treatment is done with a professional therapist and it involves the person being exposed to their fear. This treatment option helps the person to regain control over his or her emotions when faced with driving. This method should not be attempted alone unless directed by your therapist.
Another technique is through relaxation. There are numerous relaxation methods available today, all with the goal of helping the person to relax and remain calm during stressful events. Deep breathing is just one of the many techniques you can explore. With deep breathing you simply inhale as you count to four; then hold and count to five, and exhale as you count to six.
If you driving and symptoms begin to come upon you, you use a method called distraction therapy. This method involves inserting something other than your negative thoughts into the environment. This can be done by turning on the radio and listening to music. Or, you can concentrate on how certain things feel to you such as how the steering wheel feels in your fingers.
Distraction therapy does not mean that you lose focus on your driving which can lead to an accident. The issue of distraction is to take your mind off the symptoms, not the road. If your symptoms persist, pull over and do some deep breathing exercises until the symptoms fade.
By practicing or using the above techniques, you can begin to take back control of your life. You do not have to suffer with this fear if you take action to fight back. While some methods require more time to bring about results, the investment is worth the time and effort. Start exploring your treatment options and master those that work for you. You will be glad you did!
Interested in [http://www.anxietypanicsolutions.com/overcoming-fear-of-driving.php]overcoming fear of driving? Read more about the best way to cure [http://www.anxietypanicsolutions.com/panic-attacks-while-driving.php]panic attacks while driving.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Curing-Your-Fear-of-Driving&id=6613539] Curing Your Fear of Driving
Driving is something that many of us do without much thought at all. But for some people, the fear of driving can truly affect their quality of life as well as their employment options and social activities. There are ways, however, to deal with this fear.
For many of those who suffer from this fear, the root cause is based on a traumatic event they experienced in the past. This might have been a wreck or it might have been the loss of a loved one who died in a driving accident.
The fear of driving is considered an anxiety disorder and as such there are treatment options available to help people deal with this fear. Because each person is different, the techniques that work for you may not be the same as what works for someone else.
When considering treatment options, it is best to first determine the level of fear. For some people the fear level is mild, while for others it is far worse, even to the point that they will not drive at all or even take public transportation. The level of disorder often determines the appropriate treatment option.
One technique is known as exposure therapy. This type of treatment is done with a professional therapist and it involves the person being exposed to their fear. This treatment option helps the person to regain control over his or her emotions when faced with driving. This method should not be attempted alone unless directed by your therapist.
Another technique is through relaxation. There are numerous relaxation methods available today, all with the goal of helping the person to relax and remain calm during stressful events. Deep breathing is just one of the many techniques you can explore. With deep breathing you simply inhale as you count to four; then hold and count to five, and exhale as you count to six.
If you driving and symptoms begin to come upon you, you use a method called distraction therapy. This method involves inserting something other than your negative thoughts into the environment. This can be done by turning on the radio and listening to music. Or, you can concentrate on how certain things feel to you such as how the steering wheel feels in your fingers.
Distraction therapy does not mean that you lose focus on your driving which can lead to an accident. The issue of distraction is to take your mind off the symptoms, not the road. If your symptoms persist, pull over and do some deep breathing exercises until the symptoms fade.
By practicing or using the above techniques, you can begin to take back control of your life. You do not have to suffer with this fear if you take action to fight back. While some methods require more time to bring about results, the investment is worth the time and effort. Start exploring your treatment options and master those that work for you. You will be glad you did!
Interested in [http://www.anxietypanicsolutions.com/overcoming-fear-of-driving.php]overcoming fear of driving? Read more about the best way to cure [http://www.anxietypanicsolutions.com/panic-attacks-while-driving.php]panic attacks while driving.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Curing-Your-Fear-of-Driving&id=6613539] Curing Your Fear of Driving
Friday, February 3, 2012
Breakdown Public Speaking Fears Using Two Tools
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=David_I_Abrams]David I Abrams
Public speaking causes nightmares. People are afraid to speak before an audience.Speaking in public can and does cause fear. People from all walks of life are frightened of public speaking. Giving speeches can therefore be very intimidating. My experience in the practice of law has taken me into courtrooms where I was required to make oral presentations in front of the judge, my client, opposing counsel, the opposing party, court staff and members of the public. At other times in other venues I have given speeches, or made presentations. I wish to share with you a couple of simple techniques I have used that have enabled me to conquer my fear of public speaking. This is not me saying to you I am a great orator. Absolutely not. But I no longer consider speaking in public terrifying. Just try two techniques. The techniques are to 1.) Use your imagination, and 2.) Prepare.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt
1.) FIRST TECHNIQUE- IMAGINATION
The first technique I like to employ is very simple indeed. When we are scared to speak in public, we are focused on how difficult our job is going to be. We keep thinking we are going to forget what we need to say, or, no one will understand us. We all have this tendency to think we are the only ones giving a speech, or arguing in front of a judge and/or a jury. We feel all alone. We feel like we are nothing. We fear being by ourselves in front of others. When I am in court, or giving a speech, its true that I am generally standing alone. These are the two most familiar venues in my own personal experience in the world of public speaking but there are scores of other places where people go to speak to groups of other people. In reality, there is a very simple but powerful truth which we fail to recognize every time we get ready to speak. The truth is, even if we are the President of the United States about to give a speech on national television, there are many, many other people speaking, or about to speak in public at the same time as us! Not only are there people about to speak at the precise time as we are, but even in the case of our President, there are perhaps many, many other Presidents or Prime Ministers of other foreign nations involved in speaking at the same time. In other words, in my case, when I began my legal career I would have to go into a court of law and talk to a judge. The first few trips to court were full of fear, anxiety and pain. I had no idea if what I needed to say I would be able to say, or, if I would make any sense. But after the first handful of hearings I began to notice a crucial something, a piece of information that would literally transform my perceptions, then my presentations. I began to see there were, in my case, lists of cases printed on legal paper hanging just outside the courtroom door in front of the department where I was going to appear. I saw perhaps ten or fifteen other cases, and other attorneys, all about to appear before the same judge at the same time. I realized that what I was about to do was definitely hard, but also not unique. The work I needed to do, the messages, arguments and information I needed to convey were not uncommon. In other words, my oral presentation was just one of perhaps a hundred other cases going on in my courthouse, and possibly thousands of other cases taking place in other locations throughout Los Angeles and the United States.
The realization of this phenomenon made a big difference in my professional life. I gained confidence knowing there were other attorneys doing just about the same thing I was doing, at the same time, in the same building! From this point forward, whenever I needed to go to court, just before I did this I imagined all of courtrooms in the building I was driving to. I then realized there were a lot of other attorneys doing the same thing. I would then imagine all of the courthouses where there were attorneys doing what I was doing. My work was important, somewhat difficult and time consuming. I prepared very thoroughly. But when it comes right down to it, in my opinion, if there are so many other people doing the same thing I was doing it could not be that hard. The work is fairly common, and not unique. When I say this I don't mean to imply the work is not important. I also don't mean to give you the impression practicing law in court or giving speeches before a large audience is easy. Not even close. However, in order to break down the element of fear, you must eliminate your belief that you are alone, unique or the very first person in the world to ever speak before an audience. You might be standing by yourself in front of a judge or large audience speaking, but you can be sure there other folks doing just about the same thing as you at the same time, albeit in different geographic locations. One can apply this concept to just about any variety of public speaking. Take a chance and use your imagination. But, never overlook the second part of my formula for tackling your fear. Preparation.
2.) SECOND TECHNIQUE: PREPARATION
Everyone always talks about the importance of being prepared. However, in reality, what exactly does this mean, and, how do you prepare effectively?
"You cannot dream yourself into a character: you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
Henry David Thoreau
I love the way Mr. Thoreau thinks. Mr. Thoreau recognizes so much truth for the rest of us. He conveys the reality of success is actually not much more than very work. My belief is each person is going to need to develop, and acquire their own brand of preparation. Having said that, there are some definite elements involved. When you are going to give a speech, or, appear in court, do not ever wait until the last second. I hear people say, when I ask them if they are ready, yes, I am going to "wing it". When I hear this, I know this means the person is not prepared. People who for whatever reason do not want to prepare say they "have to just show up and do it". Well, I disagree vehemently. I understand being flexible, and spontaneous. But when you are not prepared, you have nothing particular to say. You don't set the agenda of what is said, you are going to react to what the judge says. If you need to speak to a group of club members, an audience, if you just appear before them, I suppose you might have to begin by asking questions of your audience. You would have to ask them if they have any questions. My experience is most people do not attend a meeting with a speaker who asks them to set the agenda. A speaker must present with an agenda. Finding your agenda will take some time, and, some preparation. If you have no ideas, and no agenda, people will just leave your speech. The very worst thing happens: people see you are not ready, and rather than ask you to speak about x, y, or z they might walkout.
Why someone would not prepare I cannot say. The first thing about preparation is to begin immediately.
Right down, brainstorm what you need or want to say. Don't worry about an outline per se, or, using precise language. Begin with going over your documentation. Figure out what is most important. Find the essential information. Determine the essence of the problem or material. When you have found the essence, begin to write down what you need or want to say. Stick with this, go through the problem until you finish. Remember, you can abbreviate, this is a rough, rough first draft. If you are tired after this, put the work aside and do something else. The beauty of starting to prepare early is you have the luxury of time on your side. Time can be a friend or an enemy. When you are early, and when you begin your work early, time is on your side. I can promise you this, if you wait to prepare until just before your speech, or hearing, you are going to be nervous. Being nervous means you are under more stress than you need. Going to court is stressful all by itself. Waiting until the last second to prepare your work simply doubles the stress. When you are under a double dose of stress, your mind will not work as efficiently. You will skip things,miss things, and lose your train of thought. Suddenly, what you are doing is much more difficult. There are errors you are making, and, you have made your job much tougher. I am not saying pressure is always bad. I am saying preparing at the last second is bad. You don't need twice the pressure.
Alright, now you are aware you need to begin right away. How do people prepare to give speeches or speak to a judge? I write an outline, or, I write a list of the most important items I need to discuss, argue or present. I try to put the points with the highest priority on top of the sheet of paper I am using. As I do this I also try and read these words out loud. Obviously, you cannot read things out loud if you are amongst other people. So try this, go for a walk.
It might look to an outsider or stranger like you are nuts talking to yourself. So what. Nowadays, people might just think you are talking on a cell phone. Just practice your speech over, and over again. If you hesitate slightly, go back to the beginning and start again. If you can, use a friend or someone as a sounding board. They might give you some pointers. You can also write out the things you plan to say. You can write them on a sheet of scratch paper, over and over again. Writing down your arguments, or speech, cements the ideas and makes them much easier to recall at a later time.
I wish you all the best, and the greatest amount of success possible. If in your future you are facing the prospect of speaking before an audience, remember you are not alone, there are others doing the same thing you are doing at the same time all over the place. Give yourself an advantage by being prepared. Your future is unwritten, turn it into something you will be proud of.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breakdown-Public-Speaking-Fears-Using-Two-Tools&id=6552723] Breakdown Public Speaking Fears Using Two Tools
Public speaking causes nightmares. People are afraid to speak before an audience.Speaking in public can and does cause fear. People from all walks of life are frightened of public speaking. Giving speeches can therefore be very intimidating. My experience in the practice of law has taken me into courtrooms where I was required to make oral presentations in front of the judge, my client, opposing counsel, the opposing party, court staff and members of the public. At other times in other venues I have given speeches, or made presentations. I wish to share with you a couple of simple techniques I have used that have enabled me to conquer my fear of public speaking. This is not me saying to you I am a great orator. Absolutely not. But I no longer consider speaking in public terrifying. Just try two techniques. The techniques are to 1.) Use your imagination, and 2.) Prepare.
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Theodore Roosevelt
1.) FIRST TECHNIQUE- IMAGINATION
The first technique I like to employ is very simple indeed. When we are scared to speak in public, we are focused on how difficult our job is going to be. We keep thinking we are going to forget what we need to say, or, no one will understand us. We all have this tendency to think we are the only ones giving a speech, or arguing in front of a judge and/or a jury. We feel all alone. We feel like we are nothing. We fear being by ourselves in front of others. When I am in court, or giving a speech, its true that I am generally standing alone. These are the two most familiar venues in my own personal experience in the world of public speaking but there are scores of other places where people go to speak to groups of other people. In reality, there is a very simple but powerful truth which we fail to recognize every time we get ready to speak. The truth is, even if we are the President of the United States about to give a speech on national television, there are many, many other people speaking, or about to speak in public at the same time as us! Not only are there people about to speak at the precise time as we are, but even in the case of our President, there are perhaps many, many other Presidents or Prime Ministers of other foreign nations involved in speaking at the same time. In other words, in my case, when I began my legal career I would have to go into a court of law and talk to a judge. The first few trips to court were full of fear, anxiety and pain. I had no idea if what I needed to say I would be able to say, or, if I would make any sense. But after the first handful of hearings I began to notice a crucial something, a piece of information that would literally transform my perceptions, then my presentations. I began to see there were, in my case, lists of cases printed on legal paper hanging just outside the courtroom door in front of the department where I was going to appear. I saw perhaps ten or fifteen other cases, and other attorneys, all about to appear before the same judge at the same time. I realized that what I was about to do was definitely hard, but also not unique. The work I needed to do, the messages, arguments and information I needed to convey were not uncommon. In other words, my oral presentation was just one of perhaps a hundred other cases going on in my courthouse, and possibly thousands of other cases taking place in other locations throughout Los Angeles and the United States.
The realization of this phenomenon made a big difference in my professional life. I gained confidence knowing there were other attorneys doing just about the same thing I was doing, at the same time, in the same building! From this point forward, whenever I needed to go to court, just before I did this I imagined all of courtrooms in the building I was driving to. I then realized there were a lot of other attorneys doing the same thing. I would then imagine all of the courthouses where there were attorneys doing what I was doing. My work was important, somewhat difficult and time consuming. I prepared very thoroughly. But when it comes right down to it, in my opinion, if there are so many other people doing the same thing I was doing it could not be that hard. The work is fairly common, and not unique. When I say this I don't mean to imply the work is not important. I also don't mean to give you the impression practicing law in court or giving speeches before a large audience is easy. Not even close. However, in order to break down the element of fear, you must eliminate your belief that you are alone, unique or the very first person in the world to ever speak before an audience. You might be standing by yourself in front of a judge or large audience speaking, but you can be sure there other folks doing just about the same thing as you at the same time, albeit in different geographic locations. One can apply this concept to just about any variety of public speaking. Take a chance and use your imagination. But, never overlook the second part of my formula for tackling your fear. Preparation.
2.) SECOND TECHNIQUE: PREPARATION
Everyone always talks about the importance of being prepared. However, in reality, what exactly does this mean, and, how do you prepare effectively?
"You cannot dream yourself into a character: you must hammer and forge yourself into one."
Henry David Thoreau
I love the way Mr. Thoreau thinks. Mr. Thoreau recognizes so much truth for the rest of us. He conveys the reality of success is actually not much more than very work. My belief is each person is going to need to develop, and acquire their own brand of preparation. Having said that, there are some definite elements involved. When you are going to give a speech, or, appear in court, do not ever wait until the last second. I hear people say, when I ask them if they are ready, yes, I am going to "wing it". When I hear this, I know this means the person is not prepared. People who for whatever reason do not want to prepare say they "have to just show up and do it". Well, I disagree vehemently. I understand being flexible, and spontaneous. But when you are not prepared, you have nothing particular to say. You don't set the agenda of what is said, you are going to react to what the judge says. If you need to speak to a group of club members, an audience, if you just appear before them, I suppose you might have to begin by asking questions of your audience. You would have to ask them if they have any questions. My experience is most people do not attend a meeting with a speaker who asks them to set the agenda. A speaker must present with an agenda. Finding your agenda will take some time, and, some preparation. If you have no ideas, and no agenda, people will just leave your speech. The very worst thing happens: people see you are not ready, and rather than ask you to speak about x, y, or z they might walkout.
Why someone would not prepare I cannot say. The first thing about preparation is to begin immediately.
Right down, brainstorm what you need or want to say. Don't worry about an outline per se, or, using precise language. Begin with going over your documentation. Figure out what is most important. Find the essential information. Determine the essence of the problem or material. When you have found the essence, begin to write down what you need or want to say. Stick with this, go through the problem until you finish. Remember, you can abbreviate, this is a rough, rough first draft. If you are tired after this, put the work aside and do something else. The beauty of starting to prepare early is you have the luxury of time on your side. Time can be a friend or an enemy. When you are early, and when you begin your work early, time is on your side. I can promise you this, if you wait to prepare until just before your speech, or hearing, you are going to be nervous. Being nervous means you are under more stress than you need. Going to court is stressful all by itself. Waiting until the last second to prepare your work simply doubles the stress. When you are under a double dose of stress, your mind will not work as efficiently. You will skip things,miss things, and lose your train of thought. Suddenly, what you are doing is much more difficult. There are errors you are making, and, you have made your job much tougher. I am not saying pressure is always bad. I am saying preparing at the last second is bad. You don't need twice the pressure.
Alright, now you are aware you need to begin right away. How do people prepare to give speeches or speak to a judge? I write an outline, or, I write a list of the most important items I need to discuss, argue or present. I try to put the points with the highest priority on top of the sheet of paper I am using. As I do this I also try and read these words out loud. Obviously, you cannot read things out loud if you are amongst other people. So try this, go for a walk.
It might look to an outsider or stranger like you are nuts talking to yourself. So what. Nowadays, people might just think you are talking on a cell phone. Just practice your speech over, and over again. If you hesitate slightly, go back to the beginning and start again. If you can, use a friend or someone as a sounding board. They might give you some pointers. You can also write out the things you plan to say. You can write them on a sheet of scratch paper, over and over again. Writing down your arguments, or speech, cements the ideas and makes them much easier to recall at a later time.
I wish you all the best, and the greatest amount of success possible. If in your future you are facing the prospect of speaking before an audience, remember you are not alone, there are others doing the same thing you are doing at the same time all over the place. Give yourself an advantage by being prepared. Your future is unwritten, turn it into something you will be proud of.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Breakdown-Public-Speaking-Fears-Using-Two-Tools&id=6552723] Breakdown Public Speaking Fears Using Two Tools
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Top Ten Common Phobias
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erik_R_Johnson]Erik R Johnson
It is natural for human beings to have some form of fear. When fear becomes excessive and causes irrational behavior, it is considered a phobia. Many people are embarrassed to admit that they have an excessive fear for something, but phobia is actually not an uncommon condition. According to reports from the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10% of American adults are affected by at least one kind of phobia. Phobias are somewhat harmless when they are mild, but they can be detrimental and dangerous if they are severe.
Up to now, experts are unable to ascertain the true causes of phobia, but they have managed to identify a number of possible causes. According to renowned psychologists David Rosenhan and Martin Seligman, the phobias that are affecting modern people are the outcomes of the evolution of phobias that were experienced in the past. For example, the fear of spiders was probably passed down from ancient human beings who had to avoid spiders when they were hunting. However, other psychologists are of the opinion that phobias are a result of cultural learning. This opinion is supported by the fact that there are less people with fear for spiders in South America. The South American continent is home to some of the largest and deadliest spiders in the world, and some of the natives consume them as delicacies.
Symptoms of phobia can occur when you are exposed to a situation or object that triggers a fear reaction. They can also affect you when you are thinking about the particular thing that you fear. Some of the common symptoms that are associated with phobia are breathlessness, dizziness, nausea, sense of unreality, and a fear of dying. If you have a severe phobia, you may experience a serious anxiety attack when you become fearful, and you may gradually isolate yourself from other people. Some phobias can be cured, while others will not go away. The best way to treat a phobia is to consult a psychologist or hypnotist.
Here are the top 10 most common phobias:
Arachnophobia - This refers to the fear of spiders. In the most extreme cases, arachnophobes are even afraid of images of spiders.
Social Phobia - If you are fearful of social situations, you have social phobia. It is an excessive fear of being scrutinized and humiliated.
Agoraphobia - Agoraphobes are fearful of inescapable situations, and they prefer to stay at home, where they feel the safest.
Aerophobia - This term is applied to people who are afraid of flying in an airplane.
Claustrophobia - If you are affected by claustrophobia, you will be fearful of confined spaces. You will try to stay away from trains, elevators, and small cupboards under the stairs.
Acrophobia - Acrophobia refers to the fear of heights. If it results in panic attacks, it can be very dangerous.
Carcinophobia - Carcinophobes are so afraid of contracting cancer that they will suspect that they have the disease just because they touched an affected person.
Emetophobia - This phobia means the fear of vomit.
Brontophobia - Brontophobia is also called astraphobia, and it means fear of thunders. If you are affected by this phobia, you may experience panic attack and breathing difficulty when you hear the sound of thunder or see lightning.
Necrophobia - Necrophobes are fearful of death and things that are associated with death, such as corpses and coffins.
Find detail information about top [http://www.psychologyschoolsu.com/]psychology schools and best [http://www.psychologyschoolsu.com/]psychology programs to Become an experimental psychologist at PsychologySchoolsU.com. Choose best psychology college in your preferred location and start your path to a rewarding career.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Ten-Common-Phobias&id=6635882] Top Ten Common Phobias
It is natural for human beings to have some form of fear. When fear becomes excessive and causes irrational behavior, it is considered a phobia. Many people are embarrassed to admit that they have an excessive fear for something, but phobia is actually not an uncommon condition. According to reports from the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10% of American adults are affected by at least one kind of phobia. Phobias are somewhat harmless when they are mild, but they can be detrimental and dangerous if they are severe.
Up to now, experts are unable to ascertain the true causes of phobia, but they have managed to identify a number of possible causes. According to renowned psychologists David Rosenhan and Martin Seligman, the phobias that are affecting modern people are the outcomes of the evolution of phobias that were experienced in the past. For example, the fear of spiders was probably passed down from ancient human beings who had to avoid spiders when they were hunting. However, other psychologists are of the opinion that phobias are a result of cultural learning. This opinion is supported by the fact that there are less people with fear for spiders in South America. The South American continent is home to some of the largest and deadliest spiders in the world, and some of the natives consume them as delicacies.
Symptoms of phobia can occur when you are exposed to a situation or object that triggers a fear reaction. They can also affect you when you are thinking about the particular thing that you fear. Some of the common symptoms that are associated with phobia are breathlessness, dizziness, nausea, sense of unreality, and a fear of dying. If you have a severe phobia, you may experience a serious anxiety attack when you become fearful, and you may gradually isolate yourself from other people. Some phobias can be cured, while others will not go away. The best way to treat a phobia is to consult a psychologist or hypnotist.
Here are the top 10 most common phobias:
Arachnophobia - This refers to the fear of spiders. In the most extreme cases, arachnophobes are even afraid of images of spiders.
Social Phobia - If you are fearful of social situations, you have social phobia. It is an excessive fear of being scrutinized and humiliated.
Agoraphobia - Agoraphobes are fearful of inescapable situations, and they prefer to stay at home, where they feel the safest.
Aerophobia - This term is applied to people who are afraid of flying in an airplane.
Claustrophobia - If you are affected by claustrophobia, you will be fearful of confined spaces. You will try to stay away from trains, elevators, and small cupboards under the stairs.
Acrophobia - Acrophobia refers to the fear of heights. If it results in panic attacks, it can be very dangerous.
Carcinophobia - Carcinophobes are so afraid of contracting cancer that they will suspect that they have the disease just because they touched an affected person.
Emetophobia - This phobia means the fear of vomit.
Brontophobia - Brontophobia is also called astraphobia, and it means fear of thunders. If you are affected by this phobia, you may experience panic attack and breathing difficulty when you hear the sound of thunder or see lightning.
Necrophobia - Necrophobes are fearful of death and things that are associated with death, such as corpses and coffins.
Find detail information about top [http://www.psychologyschoolsu.com/]psychology schools and best [http://www.psychologyschoolsu.com/]psychology programs to Become an experimental psychologist at PsychologySchoolsU.com. Choose best psychology college in your preferred location and start your path to a rewarding career.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-Ten-Common-Phobias&id=6635882] Top Ten Common Phobias
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