Buddha
According to the NHS, a phobia is defined as “an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling, or animal.” This goes far beyond merely disliking something or feeling a bit cautious; phobias can significantly impact a person's life. If you have a phobia, you may find yourself avoiding situations where you might encounter the source of your fear, leading to a constricted life.
No one wants to experience this kind of distress, and simply telling yourself to “get over it” is not a feasible solution.
Take the first step in your journey to reclaim control over your life and alleviate your pain. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
To effectively guide you on your healing journey, it’s essential to differentiate between two main categories of pain: acute and chronic. While hypnotherapy can benefit individuals experiencing either type, at Mind Matters, we specialize in providing support for both acute and chronic pain.
Acute Pain occurs in response to an immediate injury or damage to the body, such as touching a hot stove or twisting an ankle. This type of pain typically lasts less than six months and serves a protective purpose; it prompts you to withdraw from harmful situations quickly, preventing further injury. Hypnosis has been successfully employed to help individuals cope with surgical procedures without anesthesia, and it is also beneficial during childbirth—a practice known as “hypnobirthing” - see Hypnobirthing for more details on how Mind Matters can support you.
Chronic Pain, in contrast, persists for an extended period, often lasting years and sometimes becoming a permanent condition. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain lacks a protective function and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Conditions such as fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) are commonly associated with chronic pain.
Chronic pain often worsens with anxiety, as the nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain become more active. By addressing anxiety, it is possible to alleviate the perception of pain.
At Mind Matters, we emphasize a holistic approach that encourages clients to identify small, actionable steps to improve their quality of life. By shifting the focus away from pain and toward positive aspects of life, clients can lessen the impact of pain and reduce their overall suffering.
Additionally, engaging in supportive therapies promotes the production of the body’s natural “happy chemicals,” which not only enhance mood but also function as natural painkillers. The more these chemicals are produced, the less pain is experienced.