Gerry Steinhauer

Fears and phobias are both characterized by an intense emotional response to a perceived threat or danger, but they differ in their intensity and impact on daily life.

​

NLP treats fears and phobias as learned patterns—automatic emotional and behavioural responses that are the result of how individuals mentally represent certain experiences or triggers. These  responses may seem inherent or permanent, but are constructed through the interplay of neurological processes, language, and past experiences

​

We use several highly effective techniques for relieving fears and phobias, many of which produce rapid and lasting results. The most widely used and evidence-backed NLP methods include:

Fast Phobia Cure (Visual-Kinaesthetic Dissociation): This technique involves mentally dissociating from the traumatic memory or feared stimulus, often by visualizing the event as if watching it on a movie screen, then “rewinding” and replaying it in a safe, detached way. Research and clinical experience show it can resolve even severe or long-standing phobias in a single session by breaking the automatic fear response.

​

2. Anchoring: Anchoring associates a calm, confident emotional state with a physical gesture (like pressing thumb and forefinger together). When facing the phobic trigger, activating the anchor helps access the positive state and reduces fear. Recall a time of confidence, intensify the feeling, and set the anchor. Use it in real-life situations to manage fear.

​

3. Reframing: This technique changes the meaning or context of the feared object or situation, helping the individual adopt a more empowering perspective. Identify the negative frame, brainstorm alternatives, and practice the new frame until it feels natural.

4. Visualization and Mental Rehearsal: Visualize yourself calmly and successfully facing the feared situation, engaging all senses for realism. Gradually increase the intensity of scenarios as confidence builds.

5. Swish Technique: Replace unwanted, fear-inducing mental images with positive, empowering images. This rapid “swish” helps retrain the brain’s automatic response to triggers.

6. Sub-modality Shifts: Alter the sensory qualities (size, colour, distance, sound) of the fear-inducing image in your mind to make it less intense or even comical, reducing its emotional impact.

​

7. Dissociation: Observe yourself from a third-person perspective while recalling the feared situation, which helps detach from the emotional intensity and gain new insights.