The challenge of curing a flying phobia with hypnosis for the summer holidays

I always love a challenge so when I was asked by reporter Beth Wright from the Redditch Standard if I could help her with a problem then I was more than happy to help.

I had already met Beth last year when we spoke about phobias of snakes after a report in the paper about a snake who had hidden in a car engine prompted a rash of calls to me from people with similar phobias.

This time the challenge for me was to help Beth as she prepared for a holiday in Las Vegas. However, rather than looking forward to this trip Beth was very worried about how she would deal with not just the flight, which of course is one of the most common fears that I help people with, but also with a fear of getting in a lift.

Knowing that we didn’t have much time before the trip, and also that we could use the lifts in the Redditch Library, which is just across the square from the offices of the Redditch Standard, I knew that we had somewhere that we could go to actually see how well what we were doing was working.

Here’s the story as reported in the Redditch Standard by Beth Wright herself...

AS THE final days of April draw to a close, residents across Redditch are turning their minds to this year’s summer holiday.

But the lure of turquoise waters and golden sands may prove out of reach for some due to a crippling fear of flying, which haunts many us across the borough.

A number of factors can be blamed, including claustrophobia, a fear of heights and a general lack of control.

It’s a feeling The Standard’s Beth Wright knows all too well, having suffered with a fear of flying since she was a little girl along with all-consuming claustrophobia, which is so restrictive she hasn’t used a lift in six years.

So when local hypnotherapist Mark Powlett, who works out of his surgery in Winyates, offered to help Beth overcome her fears before a trip across the pond to America, she jumped at the chance.

For as long as I can remember I’ve suffered with claustrophobia and been terrified of going in lifts. But now, at the grand old age of 26 I thought it was about time I addressed my fears.

They were starting to curb my excitement over my trip to the States next week as I have a 10 hour flight and countless ‘elevators’ to face upon landing in Las Vegas.

But Mark helped me learn the only two fears we are born with are falling and a fear of loud noises – everything else we find ourselves scared of can be ‘unlearnt’.

During two sessions with Mark, who could not have made me feel more comfortable or at ease, we worked on a variety of hypnosis techniques including Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), sometimes known as tapping.

At the start of my first session I described my fears on a scale of one to ten, as right up there at the top spot.

But after working through both techniques I was amazed by how much calmer I felt and actually didn’t feel too fazed at the prospect of getting into a lift or the thought of the being on an aeroplane.

Prior to the session just the thought of doing both made me short of breath, panicked and on edge.

But just by following Mark’s fingers as he moved them in front of my face from side to side, mimicking the way our eyes move when we are sleeping, I instantly felt better.

EMDR is used for a number of serious conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and common stress and ‘devotees’ say moving your eyes from left to right between 25 and 30 times, can diminish negative memories.

But it was the tapping that really seemed to do the trick when it came to the final hurdle – going in a lift in Redditch Library and travelling up to the first floor.

It was a target I set myself going into the sessions and one I was hesitant I would even be able to achieve.

But Mark was by my side every step of the way, and while he assured me I did not have to face it unless I was comfortable, his steady presence was extremely reassuring.

After around five minutes of EFT, which includes tapping on certain pressure points around the face, body and hands and repeating an affirmation, it was incredible how I tapped away my stress and anxiety.

Although I was still apprehensive I was able to not only go in the lift but travel up one level, tapping as we did so, to the first floor – something I haven’t been able to do for six years.

The relief and sheer joy I felt at being able to cope was immeasurable, no longer will I have to traipse up flights of stairs, luggage in hand, hanging off the handrail as I fight for breath!

I can’t begin to explain just how much two simple sessions with Mark, who also uses Brain Working Recursive Therapy (BWRT), helped me face up to my fears.

Thanks to Mark I feel like a burden has been lifted from shoulders and the world – or at least Las Vegas – is my oyster.

If you would like to contact me for more information and to book your session, then just use the contact me page above.

Is Donald Trump using hypnosis on the American Public to win the US election?

As the candidates for the office of President of The United States of America move closer and closer towards Election Day, one New York based Hypnotist says that they are using hypnosis skills to persuade voters to tick their box and support them.

It's not the first time that this subject has come up. The creator of the Dilbert cartoons has already expressed his opinion that Trump is a "Master Wizard" using hypnosis on the public. Forbes magazine has even written a whole article on Donald Trump as a mass political hypnotist.

Appearing on Pix 11 morning news he spoke about his theory.

“Trance or hypnosis is simply a narrowness of attention” He said “a focus and absorption on one thing when we are not distracted. In that state you are more suggestible, so our subconscious mind is more open to suggestions for new attitudes and beliefs, about our politicians, our country and our policies.

He was asked about Covert Hypnosis and is it something that Donald Trump is using.

“Covert hypnosis is simply altering that way we think in a disguised way. So when Ted Cruz repeatedly used the word imagine over 30 times in his presidential announcement speech, he was actually speaking with the hypnotic pattern of a preacher.” Said Jeffrey Rose.

He explained that some of the techniques being used mean that people follow along with the words that are being spoken and the cadence of the words. By pacing the language you can encourage people to follow along. Basically, it's just making it less boring.

He was also asked if the politicians were praying on our fears.

“Absolutely, they are praying on fear, but they must have rapport, so that you like them”

Of course, you can use as many techniques as you like, but the truth is that most people can see perfectly well how they feel about someone who stands up in front of them. What he is really saying is that politicians are trying to manipulate you into thinking that they are the right person for your vote, so I suppose in that case, nothing much has changed !

 Does Donald Trump Use Hypnosis in His Speeches? Examining the Evidence

In the world of politics, the power of persuasion is often a topic of intrigue and speculation. From the tone of voice to the choice of words, politicians carefully craft their speeches to sway the opinions of their audience. One figure who has drawn significant attention in this regard is Donald Trump. With his distinctive speaking style and ability to captivate crowds, some have questioned whether he employs hypnosis techniques in his rhetoric. Of course we will likely see a decline in his cognitive behavior over time, and it seems that some people will become wise to his use of outright lies.

Hypnosis, some may say as a tool of influence, involves inducing a trance-like state in individuals to enhance suggestibility and manipulate behavior. While it may seem far-fetched to suggest that a public figure like Trump would utilize such methods, there are certain aspects of his speeches that have led to speculation.

One notable characteristic of Trump's speech delivery is his use of repetition. Throughout his campaigns and public appearances, he often repeats key phrases and slogans to drive home his points. This technique, known as "linguistic repetition," can be found in various forms of persuasive communication and is intended to reinforce ideas in the listener's mind.

For example, during the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump frequently used the phrase "Make America Great Again." This slogan became synonymous with his candidacy and was repeated ad nauseam at rallies and in media appearances. The repetition of this phrase served to create a sense of unity and purpose among his supporters, effectively embedding the message in their consciousness.

Moreover, Trump's use of vivid imagery and emotive language is another hallmark of his rhetorical style. He often paints a picture of a dystopian America plagued by problems such as crime, illegal immigration, and economic decline. By appealing to people's emotions and tapping into their fears and frustrations, he is able to establish a connection with his audience and rally support for his agenda.

The biggest problem with this is that whilst he may be an effective communicator, he uses untruth to seel his ideas, which seem to be based around things that will benefit him alone.

In his speeches, Trump also employs what psychologists refer to as "anchoring." This involves associating certain ideas or concepts with specific words or phrases to influence how they are perceived. For instance, he frequently refers to himself as a successful businessman and a "deal-maker," thereby anchoring his image in the minds of the audience as a capable leader. We may see this unravel in the future as some suggest his business accumen is a TV construct and not the real truth. Court cases my show a different story to his business savvy.

While these techniques are common in persuasive communication, some argue that Trump's use of them borders on the hypnotic. They point to instances where his supporters seem to enter a trance-like state, hanging on his every word and cheering enthusiastically at his rallies.

However, it's essential to approach these claims with skepticism. While Trump undoubtedly possesses a unique speaking style and a knack for capturing the attention of his audience, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that he employs hypnosis in his speeches.

Moreover, attributing his influence solely to hypnosis overlooks the complex socio-political factors at play. Trump's appeal to certain demographics, his use of social media, and his unconventional approach to politics all contribute to his success as a communicator.

In conclusion, while Donald Trump's speeches may exhibit elements of persuasion commonly associated with hypnosis, there is no real proof that he employs hypnotic techniques to manipulate his audience. Instead, his rhetorical prowess can be attributed to a combination of linguistic strategies, emotional appeal, and a deep understanding of his target audience. Whether you agree with his politics or not, there's no denying that Trump's ability to command attention and rally support is a testament to the power of effective communication in the political arena.