PHOBIA TREATMENT
in Brighton and Hove
IN-PERSON PHOBIA TREATMENT with experienced therapist Tam Johnston
A gentle, tailored approach for phobias and intense fears utilising NLP, Havening, hypnotherapy and CBT.
Phobias can be distressing, debilitating and surprisingly common. Left to their own devices, they can shrink our world, and even if we know the fear is irrational, that does not stop the dread, embarrassment, avoidance or panic that can come with it. A lot of people feel like they’ve tried everything for their phobia and it won’t go away, or they struggle to believe its possible to get rid of a phobia without exposure therapy. As a phobia specialist, I’ve encountered these concerns so often and they are completely understandable.
how my approach is different
If you’re looking for a calm, effective and personally tailored approach to phobia treatment in the local Brighton and Hove area, my approach may suit you.
Phobia therapy without exposure
There is no need to relive trauma or having to face your fear through overwhelming exposure, which is something I know puts so many people off seeking help.
I use safe, gentler and kinder ways that work with your physical and emotional response to reduce it so it feels proportionate again. My qualification in applied neuroscience informs my work and has meant that over the years, I have developed an integrated approach drawing on techniques from NLP, Havening, hypnotherapy and CBT, to ‘re-code’ how your phobia is stored in your brain and your response to it. I don’t rely on one method, I pull from an extensive tool kit and expertise to fit a fit for you.
By working directly with how the phobia is coded, stored and triggered, it means a lot of simple phobias can change surprisingly quickly. My experience through the years is commonly within 2-3 hours.
More complex phobias need a bit more time and working with trauma and anxiety aspects that may co-exist. Either way, we work out what is most likely to help your particular experience at a pace that suits you.
If you’d like to know more about how I work with phobias, visit my main page.
Common Phobias I Help With:
Needle phobia
Dental phobia
Fear of vomiting (emetophobia)
Public speaking and presentation fears
Social phobia
Claustrophobia
Achluophobia (fear of the dark)
Agoraphobia
Blood phobia
Asthenophobia (fear of fainting)
Fear of heights (acrophobia)
Fear of spiders (arachnophobia)
Interview and exam fears
People naturally have more questions about helping phobias and the treatment of phobias. I’ve put together the answers to most common questions I’m asked. Click the button below to be taken straight to them.
The impact of phobias on your daily life
Whatever the phobia, one of the biggest difficulties is often how it quietly starts to shape things around it.
Most people think it’s the coming face to face with the thing you fear most. But for so many, its often the impact it has on the small day-to-day things. Avoiding certain routes into town to avoid the summer tourist crowds, putting off a dental appointment for fear they might say you need ‘work’. Sidestepping a work trip (giving that casual presentation is just too much), turning down a beach barbeque because those seagulls…! Putting off your dream trip abroad with a little ‘Gatwick airport lounge’ extra treat due to your fear of flying.
The planning and the managing can become so habitual it can go unseen, but you can feel the impact your scared it might have on your friends and family how it’s making your world feel more limited.
It can feel frustrating, embarrassing, even hard to explain to people close to you, especially when part of you knows the reaction is out of proportion to the actual situation. Brighton is a social, active place and a lot of people find that living here brings that contrast into sharper focus. There is always something on, somewhere to be, people to see. When a phobia is quietly running in the background, it can ramp up the pressure and diminish the pleasure of living in such a vibrant, life-style centric place.
Over time it can affect where you go, what you agree to, and how free you feel day to day. That is often the point at which people stop looking for ways to manage around it and start looking for a way to actually change it. If that is where you are, feel free to reach out.
“
Fear of fainting and medical procedures: After first blood taking visit: I am still feeling so chuffed about yesterday and what it means for the rest of my life - I have done it now so I know that I can, whereas before I came to you I truly believed I could NOT.
Second visit: “I thought, I'm doing it and I can't even feel it and I'm fine! - this was the moment that I now know everything has changed. So today, I really really got there- I now feel confident I can do it again with no fear of fainting and am keen to try and give blood.
Tam, your work is truly amazing and life changing!
Clare Napper
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Treatment of a spider phobia after one off 2 hour session: Feedback after session: So, I'm encountered by a spider and a frog this evening! Happy to say that I didn't freak like a girl or panic and start sweating!!
Charlie
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Treatment of severe generalised claustrophobia after one 2 hour session: "I'm doing good! I took the lift today and it was ok, planning to make a habit of it :) I went on the tube today in my lunch break just to keep the momentum. My husband is so pleased he's almost as proud of me as I am :) I really appreciate your help, thank you again".
Female, anonymity preferred
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It was the care that was put into understanding the issue – and tailored approach, that helped achieve such an amazing result – I would never have thought it possible to overcome a lifelong spider phobia in such a short time!
Helen
Phobia Treatment in Brighton and Hove, with flexible ways to work together
Phobia Treatments can take place both in person and online, depending on whatever you’re most comfortable with. We can see each other in Brighton or at my long-established London Marylebone Practice.
A lot of people prefer in person phobia treatment, to have the support of someone physically in the room with them. I completely understand that preference and want you to be at your most comfortable and feel safe and supported. We can work with whatever feels most natural and convenient for you.
Sessions for those local to Brighton and East Sussex are held at a discreet professional practice in the Brunswick area between Brighton & Hove, with easy transport links and complete privacy.
Fancy A QUICK CHAT?
If you’re looking phobia treatment with a highly experienced, accredited Practitioner, and someone you feel comfortable with, I’d love to chat with you.
It’s really helpful for both of us to have a phone call together before we schedule a first session.
It’s a chance to:
- assess your symptoms and clarify exactly what we are dealing with, to ensure the right approach for you
- check timings and what may work best so we can plan accordingly
- ensure you feel comfortable and safe with me
- answer your questions and voice any concerns (they’re natural)
- plan for what would work best for you and possible next steps
It’s a practical ‘get-to-know’ each other conversation and to work out what you may need.