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What is Desensitization?
Desensitization is a process where you become less sensitive to a stimulus, usually a fear or phobia. The process aims to gradually reduce fear and other reactions and gets you to a point where the response is minimal or completely eradicated. It is a process that takes time to achieve and it is critical not to rush it. Over time repeated controlled exposure to the fearful object or situation simply takes the shock value and learned reactions out of the picture.
This kind of therapeutic approach may be used in CBT, psychology, psychotherapy or psychiatry as well as hypnotherapy.
How is Desensitization used in Hypnosis?
This is used in hypnosis for fears and phobias. It is a much gentler experience than doing it in day-to-day life (such is with CBT). The use of positive suggestions, reinforcement, post-hypnotic suggestions, anchors and visualizations helps to get you feeling comfortable and relaxed while visualizing the object or situation you are afraid of. This is done very carefully.
In some of our hypnosis audios there will be a pause in the process where you visualize yourself facing your fear. You can start off with an easy visualization and build it from there, just like in-person desensitization therapy.
How do we use Desensitization in our Hypnosis Audios
Our fears and phobia audios approach the process delicately. So for example, if you have a fear of wasps you would not hear suggestions or visualizations that one had landed on your arm, or that you suddenly and inexplicably find them adorable. Instead you will hear gentle, permissive suggestions that allow you to move at your own pace. As you are invited to visualize, you can start off small and build the visualization to a more realistic challenging level. Then, after using the hypnosis audio for a short while you can be in situations where you might encounter your fear and notice and test out what changes may have occurred. Gradually your reaction will be reduced.
A-Z List of Phobias
We have compiled what we think is the biggest most comprehensive list of phobias on the internet with over 600 real phobias listed. Click here to check out the A-Z
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