Understanding Phobias and How Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Can Offer Support
Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I’m a Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
What Is a Phobia?
Phobias are more common than many people realise, with an estimated 11% of the population experiencing strong fears around specific situations, objects, or sensations.
For some, the fear can feel overwhelming, affecting everyday life, wellbeing, and the choices they make.
A phobia typically involves an intense fear response to a particular focus — such as an object, situation, or activity — which can activate the body’s natural stress response. This may include sensations like a racing heart, nausea, shaking, or the urge to escape.
Many people manage phobias through avoidance, but this can sometimes limit opportunities, such as travelling, attending events, or pursuing certain goals.
Often, people begin exploring support when they feel the phobia is holding them back, or when they want to respond differently for their own children or family.
Simple vs. Complex Phobias
Phobias are usually grouped into two categories: simple and complex.
Simple Phobias
Simple phobias focus on one specific trigger and often begin in childhood.
Examples include:
Claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces)
Aerophobia (fear of flying)
Acrophobia (fear of heights)
Arachnophobia / Entomophobia (fear of spiders or insects)
Trypanophobia (fear of needles)
Dentophobia (fear of dentists)
Aquaphobia (fear of water)
Cynophobia (fear of dogs)
Globophobia (fear of balloons)
Ophidiophobia (fear of snakes)
People with simple phobias often say they respond well to structured, focused therapeutic sessions.
Complex Phobias
Complex phobias tend to involve multiple triggers or a broader pattern of fear that affects daily life. Examples include:
Social phobia / social anxiety
Agoraphobia
Emetophobia (fear of vomiting) — which may affect food choices, travel, social events, or public situations
People with complex phobias often benefit from more gradual, future-focused support that helps them explore their goals and the impact the phobia has on their lifestyle.
How Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Can Support Phobia Work
As a Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist, my approach is tailored depending on whether the phobia is simple or more complex.
Simple Phobias: Rewind and Reframe Approach
For simple phobias, many clients choose to explore the Rewind and Reframe style of work.
This typically involves:
Rewind Phase:
A calm, relaxed state where clients can safely review the phobic memory or situation from a comfortable distance. This isn’t about reliving fear — it’s about creating space to explore it from a different perspective.
Reframe Phase:
This phase encourages clients to imagine responding in a way that aligns with how they would prefer to feel — calmer, steadier, and more resourceful.
Visualisation and solution-focused thinking are often used to help clients mentally rehearse this alternative response.
Many people find this process offers a gentle, supportive way to approach their phobia differently.
Complex Phobias: Ongoing Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Sessions
For more complex phobias, I use the broader Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy framework. These sessions tend to:
Focus on the client’s goals and preferred future
Explore strengths, coping abilities, and helpful patterns
Use relaxation and guided imagery to support a calmer mindset
Create space for clients to reflect on what’s within their control
Build confidence gradually, at a pace that feels right
People with complex phobias often appreciate having ongoing support as they navigate the emotional and practical impacts of their fear.
Why Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy?
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a gentle, forward-looking approach centred around:
noticing strengths
identifying what’s already going well
imagining preferred outcomes
using relaxation and imagery to support clearer thinking
moving toward small, achievable steps
Rather than analysing the past, the focus is on how you’d like things to be — and the resources you already have to move towards that.
Ready to Explore Your Next Steps?
If you feel your phobia or fear is holding you back, you don’t have to face it alone.
I offer a free initial consultation (online or in-person) where you can:
ask questions
explore whether the approach feels right for you
get a sense of what working together could look like
You are welcome exactly as you are, and we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Professional Disclaimer
This information is for general purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach and should be used alongside appropriate medical or psychological care where needed.
Want to find out more about how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can offer supportive space for working through fears or phobias?
The next step is booking a FREE 45 Minute Initial Consultation / Hypnotherapy Discovery Session (no half-measures here).
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
The first step to setting yourself free and living the life you want.
My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviours for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).
Hypnotherapy sessions can be done either in my garden therapy room in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire (Near Bicester). Ideally situated, it also serves individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire and I also work online nationwide via Zoom.