A season for everything: this one is spiders

When I worked at the BBC there was a colleague who had left the Sports department after 20 years because she was tired of always being away in Sheffield on her birthday. Every year, at the same time of year, they covered the snooker at The Crucible, and so that’s where she spent her Birthday. April in Aintree, May in Sheffield, she could tell the date by the hotel.

To some extent, you can tell the date from my inbox. September is spider season, and so people decide that this is the year that they will overcome their fear. It’s typically a single session to overcome what we call a ‘simple’ phobia. This name doesn’t undermine the intensity of the feeling for the critters, it refers to the basis of the fear/phobia in the mind. More than once I have been sent photographs from clients in far corners of the world, amazed how comfortable they are being up close with a spider, when before they couldn’t even stand the word.

October is all about ghosts and ghouls. November? Fireworks. December is shared between elves and relatives. January, dominated by mock exams. Some storylines recur throughout the year with equal dominance; fear of flying, imposter syndrome, interviews, public speaking.

The mind is only really trying to protect you when these phobic responses happen, it believes it is doing its job. But if you’d rather reset that response, dialling down the phobia response and allowing you to enjoy the season more comfortably, then get in touch. Whatever the season.

Free hypnotherapy download for health anxiety

Increasingly I’m taking enquiries from people asking if I can help with their fears around infectious diseases, and concern for the health of themselves and family. Some are asking if I can work over Skype- the answer to both questions is yes.
But fear seems to be spreading faster than the virus, and I suspect that social media isn’t helping. Panic is not just confined to buying, and people are starting to really struggle with their emotional health. It shouldn’t only be those that can afford to book a session with me that get some help.
I have recorded a free* download, a self hypnosis recording that can be listened to in the comfort of your home.
It of course makes no claims to keep you safe from the virus itself, but it will help you to stay calm and in control while the storyline unfolds. Don’t use it in place of medical advice, or hand washing, but do enjoy the calming relief it brings to your mind. Feel free to share with others that might benefit from it too, I’m quite happy for love and kindness to go viral.

*when I say ‘free’ I mean it. You will be asked for your email address and contact details, but if you tick the ‘no thanks’ box you’ll not hear from me again