Thursday, 28 January 2010

Commitment Phobia

Treatment for Commitment Phobia.

Commitment phobia is the fear and avoidance of having to commit to anything, but especially relationships.

Symptoms of commitment phobia

Commitment phobia can express itself in all kinds of different ways, but typically sufferers may exhibit any of these:

Being overly critical of the other partner in the relationship, and/or the relationship as a whole.
Annoying / hurting the other person, thus sabotaging the relationship, even if it's considered to be working well. An example of this, might be consistently turning up late for things - whether with apologetic excuses, or not.
Being scared of getting noticed, because the other person might want to start a relationship. In fact, they'll often reject other people from the word go, so that a relationship barely gets off the starting blocks. The feeling behind this, can be to protect themselves from even the prospect of allowing others' to get too close.

At the other end of the scale, a commitment phobic, may be flirtatious and appear to want the attentions of other interested parties, desiring even a longer-term physical relationship. But, eventually the fear can, and often does, win out and the other person gets pushed away, leaving broken hearts in its wake.
Fearing being swamped by others, and thus losing sight of who they feel they really are.
Unable to face or explore the prospects, issues, or thoughts, of living together, or getting married.Some commitment phobics may want to find Mr or Miss Right and get married, but will often have somewhat unrealistic 'ideals' over possible suitors.
Often friends and relatives notice and will often make comments like: 'you're being too picky', and 'Mr/Miss Perfect' just doesn't exist'.
Sometimes they'll fall in love with other people who just aren't interested in forming an intimate relationship. The reasoning behind this can be that the commitment phobic has, (deliberately, or otherwise), chosen a person who can't/won't, form a lasting relationship, and so they are 'safe' from having to make that long-term commitment.
There is also the type of sufferer who enters a relationship, can't commit, then leaves at some point, only to return sometime later, before leaving yet again. This yo-yoing can happen time and time again leaving hurt, bewilderment and distrust in its wake.
There can be the avoidance of having to commit to anything. This can also involve jobs, tasks, timekeeping, as well as personal relationships / friendships. Interestingly, it can even involve undertaking treatment for the commitment phobia itself.

Commitment Phobia CAN Be Helped!

Commitment phobia responds REALLY well to one particular type of hypnotherapy, known as Pure Hypnoanalysis, as well as a technique calledChanging Limiting Beliefs.

Pure Hypnoanalysis

Pure Hypnoanalysis has helped countless people over the years. The aim of Pure Hypnoanalysis is not to 'control', or 'manage' the problem, the aim is to resolve it completely.

To find out more about how Pure Hypnoanalysis could help you, you can come along and meet with one of us at our North London, North Cambridgeshireor Essex practices for an initial consultation, and we can have a chat about the problems you're having.

It's easy to book and very informal!

Changing Limiting Beliefs

Changing Limiting Beliefs is a short training course, which usually takes 6 hours, and can help you to completely change the way you feel about yourself, about things that you do, and those things that happen around you.

You’ll learn how the astonishing power of the unconscious mind affects almost everything that you do in your day to day life.

“ Dear Paul and Denise,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU VERY, VERY MUCH for being so incredibly patient, understanding, helpful, lovely, trustworthy and genuinely nice during the last few months and, most of all, for bringing those AMAZING changes into my life.

I had hoped for some improvement when I came to see you the first time, but I never ever imagined that so many things would be sorted out and that I would feel that much better -- not just about relationships but about myself in general.

It was another failed relationship that made me go and get professional help, not being entirely convinced that there was much I could do about my pattern -- which was always ending up with the wrong guy. But rather than waiting for Mr. Right, I thought it was better to do something about it. And I am so glad I did! My views, opinions and feelings have completely changed.

Along the line, my fear of seeing others being sick and the fear of being sick myself somehow disappeared and I would have never believed before that this could be cured. And guess what? I saw "The Last King of Scotland" on Saturday and there is a scene where the guy vomits and it did not bother me at all. I was so happy that your magic had worked that I actually enjoyed watching it. Spooky!

I really did enjoy the sessions -- with both of you -- they were good fun and you made me laugh so many times -- and they were definitely the most interesting thing I have experienced in my life so far.

I will never forget you and what you did for me - Thank you so, so much!

All the best, take care and see you soon,

Kerstin “

(an emetophobia and commitment phobia client from London)
(First name used with permission)

“Thank you so so much for all your help with everything....my commitment phobia is well and truely gone.....and i will never forget you for that....you and Denise were amazing..

I would recommend the treatment and of course you and Denise to anyone and everyone who needs a little help getting back on track.. I think its taken so long to get back to you because i have almost forgotten what it was like to have commitment phobia, there is hope out there for people suffering from it....i never thought i would get through it.....and used to come home crying a couple of times a week because it was so bad....

I wanted to thank you both for being so kind, thoughtful, supportive and wonderful, i will and have recommended you to people...i felt so comfortable talking to you about all sorts of things, like i'd known you for years...

i want other people to know that commitment phobia can be overcome.... i have read threads on websites where people have commitment phobia and they are going mad and think that there is no cure or no way of over coming it.....i thought that too....before i met you and Denise...

Chloe S”

...a commitment phobia client from London
(Full name used with permission)

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our website at Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

"For when you need to feel a little bit better" - Sticky Plaster

"Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself" - Anxiety Matters

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Hypnotherapy for Stage Fright

How can Hypnotherapy (Pure Hypnoanalysis) Help Overcome Stage Fright?

Stage fright is the name given to a condition closely related to social phobia, in which people experience what seems like an extreme amount of nervousness before having to make a public appearance, such as on stage.

While stage fright is commonly thought of as affecting people like actors, actresses and musicians, stage fright can just as easily affect people like flight attendants, teachers, polititians, train drivers and pilots, in fact, anyone who has to make an announcement or a similar 'performance'.

While stage fright is closely linked to social phobia, it is also recognised as a 'performance anxiety', and indeed, someone who suffers from strong 'stage fright' symptoms might not exhibit any other symptoms of social phobia on a day-to-day basis, and it's only the 'performance' that brings on the symptoms.

In fact, anyone who has to do something like a best-man's speech at a wedding for example, might experience a form of stage fright more commonly known as the 'fear of public speaking'

Of course, for an actor, actress, musician or pilot, they are in the sorts of jobs that means that they have to face their fear on a daily basis, and this can become quite stressful for the sufferer.

Using hypnotherapy to help with overcoming stage fright

Anyone suffering from either stage fright or performance anxiety will appreciate that the excessive level of fear and trepidation that they feel just before they need to 'perform' is caused by a high level of anxiety in that situation.

Because the two types of hypnotherapy used are very effective at relieving anxiety, we can greatly help those stage fright or nervousness caused by just such an anxiety, like the fear of failure, or the fear of being judged.

If you are someone who suffers from stage fright or performance anxiety, and feel that it might be caused by an anxiety like we've described, why not come along for an intial consultation, so that we can meet, and discuss your individual needs.

You can meet with a male or female therapist, whichever you'd prefer, and would feel most comfortable with.

Naturally, your initial consultation, and in-fact any sessions that we have together, are in the strictest confidence.

Stage Fright CAN Be Helped!

There is a type of hypnotherapy that can REALLY help with stage fright.

Pure Hypnoanalysis has helped countless people over the years. The aim of Pure Hypnoanalysis is not to 'control', or 'manage' the problem, the aim is to resolve it completely.

Suggestion Therapy and Stage Fright

Another way that many people like to overcome stage fright, is using 'suggestion therapy'.

Suggestion therapy is a nice, relaxing form of therapy that can really help with feeling more confident and outgoing.

Suggestion therapy can either be done as a one-to-one session (see our find-a-therapistservice to find a hypnotherapist in your area), or via our hypnosis download, Boost Your Self Confidence with Hypnosis.

Come Along For a Chat

To find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you, you can come along and meet with one of us at our North London,North Cambridgeshire or Essex practices for an initial consultation, and we can have a chat about the problems you're having.

It's easy to book and very informal!

Not In Our Area?

If you're not in our area, still do get in touch with us, and we'll put you in touch with a therapist that practices Pure Hypnoanalysis nearer to you.

Just contact us using the form below. selecting the option telling us you're looking for a therapist in your area.

Monday, 25 January 2010

Hypnotherapy for driving test nerves

Using hypnotherapy to treat driving test nerves

For many people, the anticipation of the driving test can be just as bad as the test itself. Thoughts of what might happen, or what might go wrong, just bringanxiety and stress.

This stress builds and builds, and as the time of the test draws ever closer, the anxiety builds to such an extent, that the learner driver feels that all their newly-learned skills will be sure to abandon them, and just at the moment they know they'll need them the most.

They 'know' that they can drive perfectly well at any other time, but feel and sometimes find, that their skills desert them just as soon as the examiner gets in the car!

The stresses and strains that a driving test can bring, can be especially frustrating to the normally competent student.

Issues associated with driving test nerves

All of the following, and more, are very common issues and signs of driving test nerves:

Feelings of anxiousness in the time leading up to the test
Butterflies in the tummy, feeling sick, and a dry mouth
Trembling hands trying to sign the forms
A blank mind during the written test
Worry over the inability to take the examiner's instructions correctly
The extra pressure of friends and family waiting for your call to see if you've passed
All your friends stories about how they 'passed first time!'

All these things can bring untold pressure on the student. And of course, if someone does fail a driving test, this can add even more pressure for a future test. and so on, and so on. it's almost self-perpetuating!

Lack of confidence in the driving test

Many of the feelings that people with a fear of the driving test face, are to do with their lack of confidence in a test situation, as well as a basic fear of losing control while they are 'on-the-spot' and being judged.

Of course, for some people the fears they experience prevent them from even sitting the test in the first place.

They put it off, and put it off - and so completely avoid the issue. On the other hand, for some the fear of driving simply doesn't end after the test has been passed.

For these people, another page devoted entirely to the fear of driving has been created.

Hypnotherapy as a treatment for driving test nerves

So, how can hypnotherapy / hypnosis help with overcoming driving test nerves?

Gentle, relaxing hypnosis and suggestion therapy can be used to help bring back confidence in the student, thus helping to restore feelings of control.

For the person who needs more help with driving test nerves, or performance anxiety in general, analytical hypnotherapy can help greatly.

The different types of hypnotherapy will be fully explained if you decide to come along for an initial consultation with us.

Once the feelings of control and confidence are restored, the driving test can be tackled with a new levels of calmness and assurance.

Hypnotherapy (hypnoanalysis) can help with driving test nerves.

Treatment using hypnotherapy for driving test nerves, can give very rewarding and satisfying results.

If you suffer with driving test nerves, and especially if it's causing problems in your life, then don't suffer in silence.

Hypnosis / hypnotherapy: a brief and effective treatment to help with driving test nerves.

Suggestion Therapy and Driving Test Nerves

Another way that many people like to help with those driving test nerves, is using 'suggestion therapy'.

Suggestion therapy is a nice, relaxing form of therapy that can really help with feeling more confident and outgoing.

Contact Us Today

You can use the contact us page , e-mail, or give us a ring on 01354 696155, (probably the quickest and easiest method).

If you wish to book an initial consultation, it's a self-referral system, so you don't have to make an appointment through your doctor, or other healthcare professional.

All calls come through to the same central office, so it doesn't matter which practice it's for, it can still be booked using the same number: 01354 696155.

All appointments are strictly confidential.

Book an initial consultation now

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our website at Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

"For when you need to feel a little bit better" - Sticky Plaster

"Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself" - Anxiety Matters

Hypnotherapy for the Fear of Public Speaking

The fear of speaking in public - Glossophobia

Glossophobia, which is the fear of speaking in public, is closely related to social phobia and stage fright.

The fear of public speaking is thought to affect as many as three out of every four people, and as such, is one of the most common phobias.

The fear of public speaking can exhibit itself in many ways, such as:

Actors, actresses and musicians finding shows and concerts extremely difficult.
Businesspeople having a fear of making presentations
The fear of making speeches at weddings
The fear in anticipation of a public speaking event
The avoidance of situations that might include public speaking
Pilots and cabin crew feeling intensely uncomfortable having to make announcements to passengers during a flight
Stuttering or stammering in public speaking situations

Ultimately, the fear of speaking in public can, in some cases, lead on to a full blown panic attack.

The causes of the fear of public speaking

Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, can be caused by a number of experiences in life, including:

A traumatic event in early life, which may or may not be direcly linked to speaking in public, or having to perform.
The 'under-socialisation' of a child, whereby the child doesn't build up confidence in his or her own ability. This can often be caused by an overprotective parent, for example.
A low self esteem, where the person feels that what they have to say isn't important.
The expectation of failure, sometimes due to being overly criticised in early life.

The fear of public speaking, and the associated problem of social phobia (social anxiety, or social anxiety disorder) is one of the most common phobias around, and certainly one of the most responsive to analytical hypnotherapy.

Social phobia revolves around a fear of how others might see you, what they think of you, and feeling that whatever you're doing is getting noticed.

The fear of public speaking in the workplace.

In the workplace, the fear of speaking in public can manifest itself as the avoidance of situations involving making presentations with colleagues, for example, especially when involving figures of authority, such as supervisors and managers.

This can dramatically increase the effects of the social phobia / social anxiety, bringing with it the attendant dread and unease.

Glossophobia (The fear of public speaking) CAN Be Helped!

“ Having been stuck in the wrong bandwidth
for 28 years, thankyou so much for helping me
re-tune my radio”
A public speaking client from Hertfordshire

There is a type of hypnotherapy that can REALLY help with Glossophobia (the fear / phobia of speaking in public and making speeches).

Pure Hypnoanalysis has helped countless people over the years. The aim of Pure Hypnoanalysis is not to 'control', or 'manage' the problem, the aim is to resolve it completely.

Suggestion Therapy and Public Speaking

Another way that many people like to help with public speaking, is using 'suggestion therapy'.

Suggestion therapy is a nice, relaxing form of therapy that can really help with feeling more confident and outgoing.

Come Along For a Chat

To find out more about how hypnotherapy could help you, you can come along and meet with one of us at our North London, North Cambridgeshire or Essex practices for an initial consultation, and we can have a chat about the problems you're having.

It's easy to book and very informal!

Not In Our Area?

If you're not in our area, still do get in touch with us, and we'll put you in touch with a therapist that practices Pure Hypnoanalysis nearer to you.

Just come to our website, using the links below.

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our website at Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

"For when you need to feel a little bit better" - Sticky Plaster

"Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself" - Anxiety Matters

Saturday, 23 January 2010

Overcoming Test Nerves with Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Nervousness in anticipation of an exam.

For many people, the nerves that build up in the anticipation of an exam, can be just as bad as the test or exam itself.

Thoughts of what might happen, or what might go wrong, or what questions they might get asked, just compound to bring anxiety and stress.

This stress builds and builds, and as the time of the test draws ever closer, the anxiety builds to such an extent, that the student feels that all their newly-learned skills and knowledge will be sure to abandon them and just at the moment they know they'll need them the most.

They might 'know' that they are competent in their subject, but feel and sometimes find, that their skills desert them just as soon as the test or exam begins!

The stresses and strains that a test or exam can bring, can be especially frustrating to the normally competent student.

This can be especially true of the driving test... So much so, in fact, that we have dedicated a page entirely towards using hypnotherapy for driving test nerves.

Symptoms of test or exam nerves.

All of the following, and more, are very common issues and signs of test or exam nerves:

Feelings of anxiousness in the time leading up to the test
Butterflies in the tummy, feeling sick, and a dry mouth
Trembling hands trying to write the answers in a written test
A blank mind during the test
Fear of speaking in front of examiners in an oral exam

All these things can bring untold pressure on the student. And of course, if the person does fail the test or exam, this can add even more pressure and worry for the re-sit.

Exam confidence.

Many of the feelings that people with a fear of the test or exam face, are to do with lack of confidence while in a test situation.

This fear gets compounded by the importance of doing well in the test, as the result may be life-changing.

Pressure from family and friends doesn't help either.

Treatment using hypnotherapy for test nerves (exam nerves), can give very rewarding and satisfying results.

If you suffer with test nerves, and especially if it's causing problems in your life, then don't suffer in silence.

Test Nerves CAN Be Helped!

There is a type of hypnotherapy that can REALLY help with test nerves.

Pure Hypnoanalysis has helped countless people over the years. The aim of Pure Hypnoanalysis is not to 'control', or 'manage' the problem, the aim is to resolve it completely.

Suggestion Therapy and Test Nerves

Another way that many people like to help with test nerves, is using 'suggestion therapy'.

Suggestion therapy is a nice, relaxing form of therapy that can really help with feeling more confident and outgoing.

Come Along For a Chat

It's easy to book and very informal!

Not In Our Area?

If you're not in our area, still do get in touch with us, and we'll put you in touch with a therapist that practices Pure Hypnoanalysis nearer to you.

Just give Paul or Denise a call now, on 01354 696155, or contact us using the links below.

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our website at Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

"For when you need to feel a little bit better" - Sticky Plaster

"Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself" - Anxiety Matters

Hypnotherapy for Self Confidence

On this page...

See also, Boost Your Self Confidence with Hypnosis (MP3 Download)

Hypnosis as a treatment to help boost low self confidence and low self esteem.

Low levels of self-confidence can be very restrictive in a person's day to day life.

People often find that they need help in gaining an increased level of self-confidence with respect to:

Pre-test nerves
Exam pressures
Meeting a partner
Job interviews
Public speaking
Presentations
Driving test nerves
One-off stress situations
Low self-esteem
Stage fright
Overcoming shyness
Social Phobia / Social Anxiety
Fear of rejection
Lack of confidence
Commitment Phobia
Fear of driving

Self Confidence Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy / hypnosis is one of the most effective ways of boosting your confidence and self-esteem.

Hypnotherapy for the lack of self confidence seeks to address what's causing the low self confidence.

The same can be said of treatment with hypnotherapy for low self esteem.

“ Hi Paul
I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much...

It has been a pleasure, and an honour to have met such an honest, genuine, and caring man, one who successfully devotes his life to making others better...

I feel like you have re-instilled my confidence in people.

You are one of the best blokes that I have ever met, and I'm so happy my experience with you will be with me for the rest of my life...

It has been without doubt the most interesting, and challenging thing I've ever done.

Thank you again for everything... ! “

...a self-confidence client from Buckinghamshire

The causes of low self confidence / low self esteem.

A lack of self confidence and self esteem can have a variety of causes, but by far the most common, we have found, is a social anxiety (social phobia).

Hypnotherapy (hypnoanalysis) can help with increasing self confidence and self esteem.

Treatment using hypnotherapy for increasing self confidence and self esteem, can give very rewarding and satisfying results.

If you suffer with a lack of self confidence, or a lack of self esteem, and especially if it's causing problems in your life, and you want to improve your self confidence, then don't suffer in silence.

Your Self-Confience and Self-Esteem CAN Be Helped!

There is a type of hypnotherapy that can REALLY help with your levels of self confidence, and your self-esteem.

Pure Hypnoanalysis has helped countless people over the years. The aim of Pure Hypnoanalysis is not to 'control', or 'manage' the problem, the aim is to resolve it completely.

Suggestion Therapy and Self Confidence

Another way that many people like to boost their self confidence, is using 'suggestion therapy'.

Suggestion therapy is a nice, relaxing form of therapy that can really help with feeling more confident and outgoing.

Come Along For a Chat

It's easy to book and very informal!

Not In Our Area?

If you're not in our area, still do get in touch with us, and we'll put you in touch with a therapist that practices Pure Hypnoanalysis nearer to you.

Just give Paul or Denise a call now, on 01354 696155, or contact us using the form below.

The Effects of Social Phobia (Social Anxiety), and the Use of Hypnosis to Treat Social Anxiety.

The problem of social phobia (social anxiety, or social anxiety disorder) is one of the most common phobias around, and certainly one of the most responsive to analytical hypnotherapy.

Social phobia is certainly the single most common cause of problem that is treated here.

Social phobia revolves around a fear of how others might see you, what they think of you, and feeling that whatever you're doing is getting noticed.

The fear of being judged.

In essence, social phobia is a fear of being judged.

If you suffer from social phobia / social anxiety, this fear becomes your own worst enemy.

The symptoms of social phobia (social anxiety).

The symptoms produced by this condition can vary from ...

dry mouth
blushing
feeling sick
shaking
feeling weak
shy bladder (inability to urinate in public toilets)
stammering
diarrhoea
stuttering
sweating
having palpitations.

...Ultimately, it can cause a full-blown anxiety attack or panic attack. Social anxiety also shares many similar symptoms with general anxiety,

Social situations

The fear of social phobia is based around social / public situations, and these can range from anything such as nights out, to going shopping, meeting people, going to work, parties, entertainment situations, or even a complete inability to use public toilets (shy bladder), as well as many other situations where people come into some kind of contact with others.

Avoidance.

Indeed, they may arrange their whole life to avoid situations where social interactions may occur.

This can include avoiding using / answering the telephone, or typing / writing something down in front of others, avoiding signing their name, or indeedanything that could possibly put them at the centre of attention, or 'on the spot'.

“I just wanted to let you know how I was getting on, basically, I have been meaning to thank you for a while but I keep forgetting because to be honest I don't even think about my 'problem' these days, its history and I can't believe how much it previously dominated my life.

I actually thought about the treatment only last week after I had been out for a meal with some of my girlfriend's family whom I had only just met. A year ago I would either made an excuse not to go, or had to get drunk to relax beforehand, but I just walked in to the restaurant, sat down and enjoyed myself, no problems, no fuss, no worry.

There have no doubt been countless occasions since we concluded the treatment when I have acted differently to before, but its become such a way of life now that I take it for granted and feel so much more relaxed and happy for it.

Thank you so very much for the treatment, I was beginning to doubt I could ever have been 'cured' but I have been, the few people that I have told about it all asked me the same question "so what did she do to you?" and I always say "I'm not quite sure, but it definitely worked!”

...a social anxiety client based in Derbyshire

Low self confidence and self esteem.

Often, when a person has social anxiety, their self esteem is low, they are lacking in confidence, they are sometimes not even able to hold eye contact.

There is usually an intense dislike of being introduced to people, often anxiety over eating / drinking in public - the very things that most people enjoy, such as having dinner in a lovely restaurant, can bring dread to someone with social phobia.

Suggestion Therapy and Self Confidence

Another way that many people like to boost their self confidence, is using 'suggestion therapy'.

Suggestion therapy is a nice, relaxing form of therapy that can really help with feeling more confident and outgoing.

Suggestion therapy can either be done as a one-to-one session (see our find-a-therapist service to find a hypnotherapist in your area), or via our hypnosis download, Boost Your Self Confidence with Hypnosis.

Social phobia in the workplace.

Social phobia may also manifest itself as the avoidance of situations involving confrontations with colleagues, especially when involving figures of authority, such as supervisors and managers.

This can dramatically increase the effects of the social phobia / social anxiety, bringing with it the attendant dread and unease.

Other effects of social phobia.

Parties can be stressful and because of this, the need to have a drink beforehand, to "loosen up a bit", and relax enough to release those social inhibitions, becomes of prime importance to the sufferer.

Over time, this social phobic condition may go on to develop into depressive illnesses, or because the sufferers end up avoiding so many social places, they may go on to develop agoraphobia.

Some people with social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, may use drugs, alcohol, or tranquillisers as crutches, and sometimes become addicted to them.

Fear of Public Speaking / Stage Fright / Performance-Related Fear.

It's interesting to note, that fear of public speaking (or stage fright) is also a form of social phobia (social anxiety), and yet the individuals concerned may lead perfectly normal lives, with no problems or anxiety at all over socialising, or eating in front of others, etc.

Yet, when the person in question has to stand in front of others, and give a talk, demonstration or performance, then the social anxiety can come out full force, and they too might feel sick, shaky, stammer, their mouth dry over, or their heart will start to race.

Actors, singers, sales people, musicians, teachers, etc, can all suffer from this debilitating "stage fright" form of social anxiety, as well as people giving presentations, talks or wedding speeches.

But, whatever the profession, or reason for giving the speech, and however this condition affects them, this can be a very demoralising and debilitating situation to be in.

Further information on Stage Fright

Social Phobia CAN Be Helped!

There is a type of hypnotherapy that can REALLY help with social phobia (also known as social anxiety)

Pure Hypnoanalysis has helped countless people over the years. The aim of Pure Hypnoanalysis is not to 'control', or 'manage' the problem, the aim is to resolve it completely.

Come Along For a Chat

It's easy to book and very informal!

Not In Our Area?

If you're not in our area, still do get in touch with us, and we'll put you in touch with a therapist that practices Pure Hypnoanalysis nearer to you.

Just contact us using the form below. selecting the option telling us you're looking for a therapist in your area.

“ Hi Denise...

I am finally back to myself...

All I want to do is just to say thank you to you and how grateful I am for all those magic things you have done to me.

Life couldn't be better now and finally I get to enjoy it.

Thank you so much for giving me my life back. I wish you all the best.“

...a 'blushing' client from London

Meet with a Therapist

You might like to meet with a therapist for a one-to-one session (an initial consultation).

If you're within reach of one of our practice locations in North London or North Cambridgeshire, you can come and meet Paul Douglass or Denise Douglass for an initial consultation, to have a good chat about the problem you're looking for help with.

Again, the sessions aren't done as a 'quick chat'... they're full 50 minute to an hour sessions, where you can discuss your problem, and hear about the options available... again, these sessions are very informal, and very informative!

If you're in the UK, but can't get to one of our own practices, our find-a-therapist service could still help... tell us a little bit about yourself (using the form at the bottom of most pages), select the 'I am looking to find a qualified hypnotherapist in my area'option, and we'll do what we can to help you find someone in your area. This service is totally free for you to use.

Pure Hypnoanalysis

Pure Hypnoanalysis is a one-to-one therapy which has been designed to help you if you have an anxiety based problem, such as a fear, a phobia, stress, a sexual problem, panic attacks, or of course, anxiety itself.

Pure Hypnoanalysis works by resolving the root cause of the anxiety that's causing the symptom to be there. Once the root cause is resolved, the symptom will usually disappear shortly after.

It's a course of therapy, that typically lasts for 6 to 12, one hour sessions, usually held weekly.

Pure Hypnoanalysis has to be held as one-to-one sessions (i.e. it can't be done online)... again, if you're in the UK, you can come to one of our own therapy practices to meet one of us for an initial consultaion, or if you're not in our area, use our find-a-therapist service, and we'll try to help you find someone more local.

Changing Limiting Beliefs

'Changing Limiting Beliefs' has been designed to help you if your problem seems to centre around the way you think or feel about things.

Rather than being a therapy as such, Changing Limiting Beliefs is a short training course, which usually takes around 6 hours, and can help you to completely change the way you feel about yourself, about things that you do, and those things that happen around you.

You’ll learn how the astonishing power of the unconscious mind affects almost everything that you do in your day to day life.

If your unconscious mind has a tendency to feel ‘negative’ or ‘dismissive’ about something that you’re trying to do with your life, it can have a massive effect on your ability to achieve those things. It's like seeing yourself and your life through a huge, negative filter!

To read more about Changing Limiting Beliefs, click here.

Has This Helped You Know Where To Start?

Hopefully, you now know a little bit more about where to start.

If you need any more information on any of the things mentioned on this page, or this website, just visit our websites using the links below… I look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks for taking the time to read this... we hope it's helped!

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our website at Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

"For when you need to feel a little bit better" - Sticky Plaster

"Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself" - Anxiety Matters

Thursday, 10 September 2009

New! - Hypnotherapy Practice Open in Takeley, on the Hertfordshire / Essex Borders

Avon Hypnotherapy are pleased to announce an additional practice location in Takeley in Essex, on the Hertfordshire and Essex borders.

The Takeley practice is within easy reach of Bishop's Stortford, Harlow, Stansted, Saffron Walden, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Braintree, Great Dunmow, Epping, Loughton, Ware and Royston, with Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Letchworth, Hitchin, Cheshunt, North London, Basildon, Brentwood, Southend-on-Sea and Colchester being within easy reach by car.

The Hertfordshire / Essex hypnotherapy practice is only a mile-and-a-half from the nearest railway station, at London Stansted Airport, while Bishop's Stortford and Elsenham railway stations are only around 10 minutes away by taxi.

Bookings are now being taken for this new practice, so if you'd like to come along and meet a therapist on the Hertfordshire / Essex borders, get in touch with us today, and we'll be very glad to see you there!

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Avon Hypnotherapy's Blog is now available as an RSS feed

Avon Hypnotherapy’s Blog is now available as an RSS feed.

RSS allows you to receive regular updates from us on all the latest news, items and information, directly to your RSS reader.

To subscribe to our RSS feed, just click on the orange RSS logo on any page, or go to http://www.avonhypnotherapy.co.uk/feed.htm

New Avon Therapy Services Blog Launched

A new website for Avon Therapy Services has been launched.

Avon Therapy Services, whose services include Avon Hypnotherapy, Therapy Webs, Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy and Anxiety Matters offer a range of therapy related services for therapists, and people looking for help with a problem.

To see the new website, visit http://avontherapyservices.blogspot.com/

New Avon Therapy Services Website Launched

A new website for Avon Therapy Services has been launched.

To see the new website, visit http://www.avontherapyservices.com

Monday, 23 February 2009

Food Vouchers for Pregnant Women Who Stop Smoking in Essex

Pregnant smokers are being offered up to £100 in supermarket food vouchers if they stop smoking.

Women who successfully stop smoking for one week will be offered £20 in food vouchers, with the amount rising to £40 after four weeks. Another £40 will be given after the woman has stopped smoking for one whole year.

The idea is currently under trial by regions covered by the North East Essex NHS.

Women will be expected to successfully pass regular carbon monoxide tests.

The scheme will be trialed until March 2009.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Anti-Smoking Advisors Use the 'Power' of Children

Children are being encouraged to put pressure on their parents to stop smoking.

Children as young as three years of age are being given smoking related health lectures in their schools and nurseries, in a attempt to get them to put pressure on their parents to stop smoking.

Anti-smoking campaigners use models of the lungs of smokers to show how they differ from those of non-smokers.

The anti-smoking campaign, being run by Colchester and Tendring NHS Stop Smoking Service has been criticised as being potentially frightening to young children, although those running the campaign claim that it is run in a ‘delicate’ manner.
Colchester and Tendring NHS Stop Smoking Service is also running another controversial trial, whereby pregnant women are being paid in supermarket vouchers if they stop smoking.

Official figures show that the number of smokers in the UK have reached an all time low, with only 21% of UK adults now smoking.

This is claimed to show that the UK smoking ban, along with more aggressive government campaigns are working.

The aim of the campaign to get children to put pressure on their parents to stop smoking includes a reduction in the effect of passive smoking on the children.

In addition to this, it is hoped to have a knock-on effect, in that children who grow up in a non-smoking household, are far less likely to take up smoking themselves.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Bar Staff See Benefits of Smoking Ban

A study of bar staff has shown that their health has benefitted from the smoking ban.

The study of almost 200 Scottish bar staff has shown that they report a significant decrease in breathing difficulties in the year following the Scottish smoking ban in 2006.

The bar staff also reported that they had fewer sore throats in that period.

One surprising effect of the smoking ban shown by the study, is that there was also a decrease in breathing problems amongst bar staff who smoke themselves.

The study, funded by NHS Health Scotland and the Scottish Government, showed that those bar staff who reported respiratory problems fell from 69% to 57% following the smoking ban.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Number of UK Smokers Hits All Time Low Following Smoking Ban

Following the smoking ban coming in to force in the UK, the number of smokers has reached an all time low.

This also follows on from the UK government’s health campaigns which have increased in recent years.

Official UK figures show that the number of adults in the UK who smoke is now down to 21%. This is a dramatic decline on the 45% of UK adults who smoked in the mid 70’s.

The number of cigar smokers in the UK has dropped from 34% to 2% in the same period.

The official figures also show that 59% of adults have never smoked, which is also a record number of life-long non-smokers.

Around 50% of current smokers say that they started smoking before the age of 16.

Social class also seems to have an effect on the likelihood of smoking, with around 15% of ‘professionals’ smoking, with the number of ‘manual’ workers who smoke being around 27%.

People in their early twenties are the most likely to smoke (over 30%), and there is currently an increase in the number of teenagers who smoke (currently around 22% of teenagers smoke).

The Tobacco Advisory Group says that although the overall drop in UK smokers shows that the government smoking ban and stronger warnings are working, the trend amongst teenage smokers is still a concern.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

NHS Costs to Help People Stop Smoking rises over £200 per person.

NHS figures have shown that the cost to the NHS of helping people to stop smoking has risen above the £200 mark, and is in fact £244 per person.

The number of people stopping smoking with NHS services had dropped, despite the fact that the NHS is currently spending more than £33,000,000 per quarter on helping people to stop smoking.

The rise in NHS spending, and the drop in the number of people using the service, means that the average cost per smoker has risen to £244.

NHS figures show that around 50% of those who stop smoking with NHS services will still not be smoking approximately one month after stopping smoking.

NHS stop smoking services use a range of techniques to help people to stop smoking, including nicotine replacement products (such as nicotine gum, nicotine patches and nicotine inhalers), as well as drug based products such as Zyban and Champix.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Pregnant Women Fear Being Judged By Their Doctor

Many pregnant women who would like to stop smoking for the health of their unborn child, are afraid of asking their doctor for help, fearing they may be judged negatively for smoking while pregnant, it has been claimed.

As many as 40% of pregnant smokers have hidden the fact that they smoke from their midwives or doctors, for fear of being judged.

The figures have been released in an effort to help the 17% of pregnant women who smoke while they are pregnant to stop smoking.

Smoking during pregnancy can cause premature birth, underweight babies, and a loss of oxygen in the bloodstream of the smoker, which in turn affects the unborn baby.

While the NHS provides stop smoking services, many women never use the service in fear that if they approach their doctor, they may be criticized for smoking while pregnant.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Plans to Remove Cigarette Displays in Northern Ireland

Plans are currently being considered in Northern Ireland which, if approved, would see cigarette displays being removed from shops.

The plans would also restrict access to vending machines, in an attempt to prevent cigarettes being accessible to young people.

It is hoped that the plans will be passed and put in place as early as 2010, and may help to prevent young people from taking up smoking. It is also hoped that the ban will help adults to stop smoking.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Smokers Would Stop Smoking for the Health of Their Pets

Smokers are more likely to stop smoking for the health of their pets, than for their own health.

A US survey of over 3,000 pet owners has shown that their pets’ health is a greater motivator for them to stop smoking than their own health concerns.

Of the pet owners who were told about the effects of passive smoking on their pets, almost 30% said that they would try to stop smoking so that their pets’ health wasn’t effected by passing smoking.

Many pet owning smokers don’t realise that their smoking can have a detrimental effect on their pets’ health, with many pets developing lung cancer, eye problems, respiratory conditions, skin disease and other illnesses due to second-hand smoke.

Many people who lived with smokers (but weren’t smokers themselves) also said that they would encourage their partners to stop smoking for the benefit of their pet.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Underage Smokers Offered Money to Stop Smoking

The NHS in Brighton and Hove is to offer underage smokers cash to stop smoking.

Smokers under 18 years of age will be offered £15 in vouchers if they successfully stop smoking.

Those running the stop smoking scheme have said that although the amount of money isn’t great, it can often be enough to motivate someone who is thinking of stopping smoking to ask for help.

Under 18’s are often influenced greatly by peer pressure, and the financial benefit of the scheme may give the idea of stopping smoking a more ‘street credible’ edge.

Children as young as ten years old have taken advantage of the scheme since its inception.

It is reported that one in every hundred children aged 11 regularly smoke in the Brighton and Hove area, with that percentage rising to 20% by the time the children reach 15 years of age.

The scheme also pays pregnant teenage girls to stop smoking.

Author: Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH Acc. (Avon Hypnotherapy)
Article Date: 23rd February 2009

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Food Vouchers for Pregnant Women Who Stop Smoking in Essex

Pregnant smokers are being offered up to £100 in supermarket food vouchers if they stop smoking.

The idea is currently under trial by regions covered by the North East Essex NHS.

Women will be expected to successfully pass regular carbon monoxide tests.

The scheme will be trialed until March 2009.

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Paruresis (Shy Bladder)

Article by Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH. Acc.
Avon Hypnotherapy

In this article, we'll look at paruresis (shy bladder), and see what it is, and what you can do about it.

We'll cover...

What is Paruresis?
How Many People are Affected by Paruresis?
What is Paruresis Also Known As?
How Severe Can Paruresis Be?
Does Paruresis Matter?
What Causes Paruresis?
When Can Paruresis Start?
What Do People with Paruresis Do to Get Around It?
Can Paruresis be a Symptom of Something Else?
Can Hypnotherapy Help with Paruresis?
Will I Feel Comfortable Asking for Help with Paruresis?
What to Do Now

What is Paruresis?

Paruresis is a condition where the person cannot urinate in front of other people, or where they think there may be other people present.

Paruresis may manifest itself by the person not being able to start to urinate when they feel there are other people there, or the urination may involuntarily stop if someone else should enter the room.

Paruresis is an involuntary clenching of the muscles that cause the urine stream to stop.

It is quite common for anyone to experience this at some point in their life, but where paruresis is concerned, the person will find that it happens regularly enough to be a real hindrance in day-to-day life.

How Many People are Affected by Paruresis?

Paruresis can affect both men and women, although because paruresis often occurs in public toilets, paruresis can often seem to affect men more because of the presence of urinals in male public toilets.

A man with paruresis can sometimes feel embarrassed queuing for a cubicle in a public toilet when there a urinals available.

Paruresis can also cause embarrassment to a man who starts to urinate into a urinal in an empty public toilet, only for the ‘flow’ to seemingly ‘cut itself off’ when someone else comes into the room!

What is Paruresis Also Known As?

Paruresis is also known as...

Shy Bladder (or shy bladder syndrome)
Urophobia
Shy Kidneys
Fear of Toilets
Bashful Bladder
Pee Shyness
Toilet Phobia
Shy Cock
Restroom Phobia
Avoidant Paruresis
Fear of the Restroom
Psychological Urinary Retention

How Severe Can Paruresis Be?

In less severe cases, paruresis may only affect the suffer in very occasional situations (for example a man using a urinal in an empty public toilet when 5 other men all come in at once and stand either side of him).

In more severe cases, the paruresis sufferer will only be able to urinate at home (for example), and will have to spend a large part of their day (and their life), planning around their paruresis. They may be unable to work because of it, or they may go to a school or workplace that is close enough to home that they can go home to urinate.

Various levels of paruresis can exist anywhere between the two extremes, and can vary from one situation to the next.

Does Paruresis Matter?

Paruresis matters if the person suffering from paruresis feels that it is having a detrimental affect on their lives.

For example, someone may find it difficult to find a school or workplace that is close enough to home (or has private enough toilet facilities for them to be able to ‘go’ there) for them to be able to spend their day there.

As well as the more obvious physical issues surrounding paruresis, the paruresis sufferer can also find that they find it difficult to start relationships with other people, because at some point the other person is ‘bound to find out’ about the paruresis.

What Causes Paruresis?

Paruresis, where it has a psychological component, can be caused by many things, which typically might include:

Fear of being judged (which is also known as social anxiety or social phobia)
Unresolved psychological conflicts
Performance Anxiety - that is to say something like “Will I be able to do it if I go into that toilet?”
Anticipation of Paruresis happening
Underlying anxiety or stress
Worrying about past experiences of paruresis
Having grown up in an environment where toilets and/or urination were seen as ‘dirty’, or where ‘toilet issues’ (or even sexuality) were actively suppressed or used to induce guilt

When Can Paruresis Start?

Paruresis can start at any time of life, and can last for any length of time, with some people having a one-off incident (for example, not being able to produce a urine sample ‘on-demand’ for a doctor), to some others suffering regularly from paruresis for the rest of their lives.

Often, people will find that their paruresis comes and goes throughout their life, depending on the general levels of anxiety or stress in their lives, for example.
For many people who regularly suffer paruresis, the paruresis started in their teenage years.

What Do People with Paruresis Do to Get Around It?

People with paruresis will often have a range of ‘coping mechanisms’ that they can draw upon to avoid the onset of paruresis at any given moment.

These paruresis ‘coping mechanisms’ can include:

Avoiding going to the toilet when they know other people are about to go
Having a ‘favorite’ cubicle
Searching their school or workplace to find the least busy toilets
Drinking less during the day
Urinating while someone is using the hand drier or running a tap (in order to mask the sound)
Flushing the toilet, and quickly urinating while the flush covers the sound
Timing going to the toilet to avoid going at the busiest times
Trying to ‘dissociate’ (for example, closing their eyes and imagining that they are sitting on their ‘safe’ toilet at home)

Can Paruresis be a Symptom of Something Else?

Paruresis is often felt to be a performance anxiety, and is often a symptom of social anxiety (or social phobia). Someone suffering from paruresis will often experience some, or many, of the other symptoms of social phobia (for a list of these other symptoms, see the social phobia page).

(Sometimes, paruresis can be caused by a physical cause, so it’s always an idea to talk to your doctor).

Can Hypnotherapy Help with Paruresis?

While some other possible ways to help with paruresis do exist, from ‘immersion therapy’, ‘cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)’, ‘counselling’, ‘support groups’ and ‘desensitization therapy’, through to completely redesigning public toilets with the paruresis sufferer in mind, it must be borne in mind, that paruresis is quite often a sign of anxiety, stress, or, possibly more commonly, social anxiety.

So, a simple answer to the question “Can Hypnotherapy Help with Paruresis?”, I would say yes, but it has to be the right kind of hypnotherapy.

I say the right kind of hypnotherapy, because something like suggestion therapy, which aims to cause a temporary lessening of symptoms, wouldn’t normally do very much for paruresis in the long term.

Where the paruresis is caused by anxiety, stress, or an unresolved psychological conflict for example, it’s much better to use a far more effective form of hypnotherapy, known as Pure Hypnoanalysis.

Pure Hypnoanalysis can help you to completely resolve these ‘underlying’ issues, so that rather than having a temporary respite from the paruresis, you can resolve the ‘root cause’ of the problem, and resolve the ‘symptom’ (the paruresis) once and for all.

Will I Feel Comfortable Asking for Help with Paruresis?

Please do.

Paruresis, as a symptom of social anxiety / social phobia is something that I help people with all the time.

My initial consultations are always informal and friendly, and you can come along and have a chat about it all... my job is to provide you with a nice, relaxing, friendly, confidential, and non-judgemental place that you can come to for help... so that when you leave, you think to yourself... “phew... that wasn’t so bad after all!”

What to Do Now

Why not come along for an informal chat, and see how we can help you?

Our practices are in Highgate in North London (N6) and Chatteris in North Cambridgeshire.

If you are easily able to get to one of those locations, then the best way to arrange an initial consultation is to just contact us using the form at the bottom of any page, or give us a ring, on 01354 696155.

If you aren’t within easy reach of either of those practices, then you can still use our find-a-therapist service to find a qualified therapist who is trained in Pure Hypnoanalysis.

Get in touch... we’ll do our best to help!

Article by Paul Douglass D.Hyp. Adv. MIAPH. Acc.
Avon Hypnotherapy

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

"The Stop Smoking Channel" has been launched

Welcome to the Stop Smoking Channel

This is the place for you to find everything you need to do with stopping smoking... This is where you can get involved, tell us your story, and hear from other people who are also looking to stop smoking. You can ask questions, and get answers from other people who have had similar experiences.

Please be sure to post your questions, and share stories, and comments.

Posts
18th February 2009	Welcome to the Stop Smoking Channel!
Start a new post - Why not ask a question, or tell us your story?

Stop Smoking Channel Articles
18th February 2009	Stop Smoking Hypnosis Download available now!
15th September 2008	How hypnosis and hypnotherapy can help you to stop smoking
24th March 2008	Cigarettes to be sold under the counter in the UK
9th April 2008	How many sessions of hypnosis does it take to stop smoking?

Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Stop Smoking Hypnosis Download

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Paul Douglass

Avon Hypnotherapy

Visit our hypnotherapy practices - Avon Hypnotherapy, Cambridgeshire, UK and North London

Find a hypnotherapist in your local area - Find a Hypnotherapist

Train to become a hypnotherapist - Hypnotherapy Training

Download hypnosis audio files to your PC, Mac or iPod - Hypnosis Downloads and our dedicated Hypnosis Downloads Website

Stop Smoking with Hypnotherapy - Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Visit Paul Douglass's website - Paul Douglass

Sticky Plaster - "For when you need to feel a little bit better"

Anxiety Matters - "Everything to do with Anxiety, and how to feel better in yourself"

Avon Hypnotherapy's Blog

Thursday, 28 January 2010

Treatment for Commitment Phobia.

Symptoms of commitment phobia

Commitment Phobia CAN Be Helped!

Pure Hypnoanalysis

Changing Limiting Beliefs

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

How can Hypnotherapy (Pure Hypnoanalysis) Help Overcome Stage Fright?

Using hypnotherapy to help with overcoming stage fright

Stage Fright CAN Be Helped!

Suggestion Therapy and Stage Fright

Come Along For a Chat

Not In Our Area?

Related Links:

Monday, 25 January 2010

Using hypnotherapy to treat driving test nerves

Issues associated with driving test nerves

Lack of confidence in the driving test

Hypnotherapy as a treatment for driving test nerves

Hypnotherapy (hypnoanalysis) can help with driving test nerves.

Hypnosis / hypnotherapy: a brief and effective treatment to help with driving test nerves.

Suggestion Therapy and Driving Test Nerves

Contact Us Today

The fear of speaking in public - Glossophobia

The causes of the fear of public speaking

The fear of public speaking in the workplace.

Glossophobia (The fear of public speaking) CAN Be Helped!

Suggestion Therapy and Public Speaking

Come Along For a Chat

Not In Our Area?

Saturday, 23 January 2010

Nervousness in anticipation of an exam.

Symptoms of test or exam nerves.

Exam confidence.

Test Nerves CAN Be Helped!

Suggestion Therapy and Test Nerves

Come Along For a Chat

Not In Our Area?

Hypnosis as a treatment to help boost low self confidence and low self esteem.

Self Confidence Hypnotherapy

The causes of low self confidence / low self esteem.

Hypnotherapy (hypnoanalysis) can help with increasing self confidence and self esteem.

Your Self-Confience and Self-Esteem CAN Be Helped!

Suggestion Therapy and Self Confidence

Come Along For a Chat

Not In Our Area?

Related Links:

The Effects of Social Phobia (Social Anxiety), and the Use of Hypnosis to Treat Social Anxiety.

The fear of being judged.

The symptoms of social phobia (social anxiety).

Social situations

Avoidance.

Low self confidence and self esteem.

Suggestion Therapy and Self Confidence

Social phobia in the workplace.

Other effects of social phobia.

Fear of Public Speaking / Stage Fright / Performance-Related Fear.

Social Phobia CAN Be Helped!

Come Along For a Chat

Not In Our Area?

Related Links:

Meet with a Therapist

Pure Hypnoanalysis

Changing Limiting Beliefs

Has This Helped You Know Where To Start?

Thursday, 10 September 2009

Wednesday, 9 September 2009

Monday, 23 February 2009

What is Paruresis?

How Many People are Affected by Paruresis?

What is Paruresis Also Known As?

How Severe Can Paruresis Be?

Does Paruresis Matter?

What Causes Paruresis?

When Can Paruresis Start?

What Do People with Paruresis Do to Get Around It?

Can Paruresis be a Symptom of Something Else?

Can Hypnotherapy Help with Paruresis?

Will I Feel Comfortable Asking for Help with Paruresis?