One of the things that I love about what I do is that I can help people resolve a variety of issues and live the life they desire, a life that they thought was only a dream. I've been writing the last three weeks about generalized anxiousness/anxiety that I have been able to help my clients resolve. This week, I'd like to focus on another case history but  this client had specific anxieties--fear of needles and fear of going to the doctor. My client came in to see me because he wife had given him an ultimatum--he had to go the doctor or else. This client is on medication for high blood pressure and acid reflux. He had over one year's supply of medication and refills available. In addition, he has diabetes and is not taking any medication, oral or injections. He was so terrified of having his blood drawn that he just refused to go this entire year. He also has a fear of going to the doctor and knows that when he has his blood pressure taken, the number will be very high from his fear. He told me he has been monitoring his glucose. He was totally fine sticking his fingers for the glucose monitor. Here's the problem...whilst he is monitoring the numbers, they are still very high (200+). He is in denial that  these are high numbers although he does know that diabetes complications are likely if he doesn't truly get his diabetes under control. You would think that knowing you can lose a limb or your vision would be enough to motivate someone to go to the doctor. If the conscious mind were in control of one's actions, that would be true. The truth is that whatever is lurking in the subconscious that is counteracting that is much more powerful. After discussing his issues with him, we decided to first work on his fear of needles. He rated his fear on a scale of 1-10, with "10" being the worst, a "9". I then put him into hypnosis and, at the same time,  used a Neuro-Linguistic Programming approach to helping someone get rid of their fears. After this technique, he rated his fear a "2". To help him get to a "1", I once again put him into hypnosis and made him an hypnotic recording he is to use daily that has him visualizing the outcome he wants, the emotions and beliefs he want to feel when going for blood work and/or going to the doctor as well as many suggestions that help him achieve his goals. He was amazed that he was ready to go get his blood drawn. We still need to work on his fear of doctors, although that was even a bit better after our session. Hypnotherapy is amazing for helping people get over fears and phobias. Is there a fear holding you, or someone you love, back in life? Call (407)632-0600 and set up your free consultation to see if Robin can help you.