I know overcoming phobias is possible because I have overcome:

• Fear of driving
• Fear of flying

Currently I’m addressing a fear of heights.

What is Fear of Heights Called?

Fear of heights is called Acrophobia.
Google says acrophobia comes from two Greek words:

• Ákron, meaning “edge”.
• Phóbos, meaning “fear”.

Edge and fear … Fear of looking over the edge.

How does Acrophobia Feel?

• I feel a spinning sensation throughout my body.
• I visualize myself twirling, and tumbling, uncontrollably through the air.
• I imagine my body smashing onto the ground.
• Sometimes these thoughts play on a repeating loop, until I stop looking down.

In another visualization I imagine falling upward. Torn away from the people I love. Flipping and flailing into the sky, screaming for help. Pushed into the clouds, into the darkness of space. As if gravity is reversed. 

Fighting Through Phobia Fear

Have you ever heard the phrase “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” or “Fight through the fear”? Many people swear by these phrases. Sometimes brute force may actually work.

But I would ask, “Why push through discomfort, pain and misery?” Aren’t easier, more enjoyable approaches available?

A Better Approach

There is a much better approach. I combined a variety of tools and techniques, including, but not limited to:

• Self-hypnosis
• Affirmations
• Visualization
• Psychosensory techniques

I combined these tools and techniques with specific activities related to the phobia I wanted to release.

Poor Plan of Action

Imagine Raoul has a fear of horse riding. He finds a coach to help. That coach suggests he attend a course on baking cakes. This sounds like some sort of TV comedy. Probably a great comedy writer could come up with a convoluted way for such an approach to work. Realistically though, baking cakes would not be helpful for overcoming a phobia of horse riding.

Better Plan of Action

I chose more direct routes to erase my flying fear. First, I selected some of the techniques mentioned previously. Next, I added specific activities related to the phobia:

• Touring the airport
• Having a meet and greet with the airplane Captain and her crew
• Creating a travel itinerary
• Finding travel companions

Using a combination of strategies is called a “belt and suspenders” approach. It’s true, there are no guarantees in life. Still, using a variety of approaches ensures a stronger likelihood of success.

The Best Mindset for Success

• Be kind to yourself - (Life can be rough, don’t put yourself down).
• Listen to your body – (If your body is in fight, flight, freeze stop, and regroup).
• Take things slowly.
• Slow and steady is preferable pushing until you break.

“Fighting through” can become physically and emotionally exhausting. Punching your way through until you drop is not fun. At least not for me - I’m not a masochist, I hope you’re not either.

Questionable Approaches

Some folks still hide from their phobia with questionable or dangerous remedies. You should listen to your body. And you should be gentle with yourself, slow down, move at a reasonable pace. In this way you can avoid some of these bad choices:

• Getting drunk - (crocked, blasted, blitzed or snockered).
• Using “recreational” drugs.
• Consuming sleeping pills – (Especially from shady websites).

All of these are risky; some are probably illegal.

The more rewarding approach

Combine fun and gentle phobia-busting strategies. Now releasing your phobia becomes safer, relaxing and pleasurable.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

I have studied hypnosis and other self-improvement methods for decades. Sadly, most folks don’t have time to learn self-help technologies. Thankfully, there are more resources available today than ever before.

Next Steps

• Consult your healthcare professional about your phobia.
• Get a referral for an experienced hypnotist or coach who you trust.

What are your phobia experiences? I want you to get a lot of help from this discussion. Tell me about your experiences or ask any questions you may have. Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.

I’m happy to help.

Earl Westergaard