Angela King

Phobias are far more than simple fears. They can quietly weave themselves into everyday life, shaping decisions, limiting freedom, and creating anxiety long before the feared situation even appears. Whether it’s a fear of flying, driving, needles, dogs, or enclosed spaces, phobias often dictate what we avoid and over time, that avoidance can shrink our world.

Many people living with a phobia know their fear is irrational, yet that knowledge alone doesn’t make the reaction disappear. The heart still races, breathing becomes shallow, muscles tense, and the mind floods with “what if” thoughts. This is because phobias are not logical problems, they are emotional and neurological responses that happen automatically, without conscious control.

At the heart of a phobia is the brain’s survival system. The mind is designed to protect us, and when it believes something is dangerous, it triggers the fight-or-flight response. A phobia often forms when the subconscious mind links an object or situation with a perceived threat. This link may develop after a single frightening experience, repeated stress, or even through learned behaviour, such as observing someone else’s fear. Once created, the mind treats the trigger as if it were genuinely dangerous, even when no real threat exists.

Over time, avoidance reinforces the phobia. Each time the feared situation is avoided, the brain learns that avoidance equals safety. This strengthens the fear response and keeps the cycle going. What may start as a manageable discomfort can grow into something that affects work, relationships, travel, social life, and overall confidence.

Hypnotherapy works by addressing the root of this cycle – the subconscious patterns that keep the fear alive. Rather than forcing someone to face their fear or relive distressing experiences, solution-focused hypnotherapy helps calm the nervous system and retrain the mind’s response. In a deeply relaxed state, the brain becomes more open to positive change, allowing outdated fear responses to be gently replaced with feelings of calm, safety, and control.

Through hypnotherapy, the mind can learn that the feared situation is no longer a threat. New neural pathways are formed, and the automatic stress response begins to soften. Many people notice that situations which once caused panic start to feel neutral, manageable, or even completely unremarkable. As confidence grows, avoidance reduces and life begins to open up again.

Phobias do not have to define your choices or limit your experiences. With the right support, it is entirely possible to feel calm, capable, and in control again. Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, effective way to help the mind let go of unnecessary fear — so you can move forward with freedom and confidence.

Contact me for a 15 minute discovery call to see how I can help.

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on a small but powerful gland that plays a huge role in overall wellbeing.

What is the Thyroid? 

• A small, butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck.
• Produces hormones vital for energy use, body temperature, and proper functioning of the heart, brain, and other organs.

Many people (about 1 in 20) can have problems with their thyroid which can result in it being over or under active. I was first diagnosed with an overactive thyroid about 8 years ago and about 2 years ago had radioactive iodine treatment which means I am now underactive.

The thyroid helps regulate metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, mood, and many other vital processes. When it isn’t functioning optimally, the effects can be wide-ranging and often misunderstood or overlooked.

Thyroid conditions are more common than many people realise, and symptoms can be subtle, varied, and easily attributed to stress or lifestyle. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may be associated with persistent fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, low mood, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, and reduced motivation. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), on the other hand, can be linked to anxiety, restlessness, racing thoughts, sleep difficulties, weight loss, and heart palpitations. Because these symptoms overlap with emotional and stress-related concerns, many people struggle for years before receiving clarity and support.

Medical assessment and treatment are essential for diagnosing and managing thyroid conditions. However, even with appropriate medical care, many individuals continue to experience emotional, psychological, and stress-related challenges that impact their quality of life. This is where hypnotherapy can offer valuable complementary support.

Hypnotherapy does not treat or cure thyroid disease itself, but it can help address the emotional and mental strain that often accompanies long-term health conditions. Living with ongoing symptoms can create cycles of stress, frustration, anxiety, and low self-confidence. Stress, in turn, can further burden the body and nervous system, making it harder to cope day to day.

Through guided relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy helps calm the nervous system and reduce the body’s stress response. Many clients find it helpful for managing anxiety, improving sleep quality, boosting energy levels, and rebuilding a sense of control over their wellbeing. Hypnotherapy can also support mindset shifts—helping individuals move away from self-criticism or helplessness and toward self-compassion, resilience, and positive coping strategies.

For those experiencing brain fog, low motivation, or emotional overwhelm, hypnotherapy can assist in improving focus, confidence, and emotional balance. Sessions can be tailored to support healthier habits, stress management, and improved mind-body awareness, all of which are especially important when living with a thyroid condition.

Thyroid Awareness Month is an opportunity to listen to your body, seek appropriate medical advice, and recognise that wellbeing is about more than physical symptoms alone. Supporting mental and emotional health is a vital part of the journey.

If you are living with thyroid issues and feel that stress, anxiety, or emotional exhaustion are affecting your life, hypnotherapy may be a gentle and empowering addition to your support toolkit – helping you feel calmer, more balanced, and better equipped to navigate your health with confidence.

My new website is now up and running and I will soon be posting articles on my Blog page – you can sign up to my Blog using the Subscribe facility on this page. Watch this space!