From Fear to Freedom: Understanding (and Overcoming) Phobias
- Cherie James
- Jul 6, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 14
It Was “Just a Bridge”... But My Legs Had Other Ideas
Years ago, I stood at the edge of the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Canada—my heart racing, legs wobbling, every cell in my body screaming, “Nope.” To most people, it’s just a bridge. To me? It felt like a test I wasn’t sure I’d pass.
I’ve always had a fear of heights. Even the idea of standing on something high would make my stomach flip. But that day, something had shifted. I’d been working on my fear, gently, using the very same techniques I now use with my clients.
And I walked across that bridge.
Was I totally calm and composed? Not exactly. But I did it. And I came back smiling.
Phobias Are More Than Just Fear
Phobias aren’t just about being scared.They’re intense, sometimes overwhelming responses that hijack your body and brain, often without warning.
Whether it’s:
Standing on a high balcony
Getting on a plane
Seeing a spider
Walking into a crowded room
Driving on a motorway
…phobias can take what should be ordinary moments and turn them into full-blown panic. And what makes it harder is that part of you knows the fear might be irrational—but that doesn’t stop your heart from pounding or your palms from sweating.
Why Does This Happen?
The brain is incredibly clever—but also a little literal.If something once felt dangerous (even if it wasn’t actually life-threatening), your brain stores that experience like a “red flag.” Then, the next time anything remotely similar shows up, your subconscious goes:
“This looks like that scary thing. Better freak out to keep you safe.”
It’s a protective mechanism—one that was useful once, but now may be stopping you from doing things you’d like to enjoy.
There are a few different types of phobias I see in my practice:
Specific phobias, like fear of heights, flying, dogs, or needles.
Social phobia, where the fear is around being judged or humiliated.
Agoraphobia, which can feel like a fear of panic itself—being somewhere you can’t easily escape.
Whatever the type, the experience is real—and it can take over daily life if left unchecked.
What Phobia Symptoms Can Feel Like
Phobia symptoms vary from person to person, but often include:
Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
Sweating, shaking, dizziness
Nausea or digestive upset
Dry mouth or trouble speaking
A strong, almost automatic need to avoid the trigger
Feeling panicky or out of control
And perhaps most frustratingly? Knowing it's not “rational” doesn’t stop it. Which is why just telling yourself to calm down rarely works.
How QCH Therapy Can Help
This is where QUEST Cognitive Hypnotherapy comes in.Unlike one-size-fits-all treatments, QCH works with you—your story, your subconscious, your experience of the fear.
Together, we uncover where the phobia began.Often, it’s not where you think.Maybe it was a childhood memory, or a moment where you felt helpless or unsafe. Maybe it wasn’t even your memory—but something passed on through family stories or repeated warnings like “Be careful! That’s dangerous!”
Once we’ve found the root, we work gently to reframe that experience—so your brain no longer sees it as a threat.The result?Your body begins to respond differently. The fear loosens. New possibilities open up.
You don’t have to fight the fear. You just have to teach your mind that you’re safe now.
A Bridge Between Fear and Freedom
Crossing that bridge in Canada wasn’t just about conquering a fear of heights.It was about reclaiming choice.I didn’t feel brave in the traditional sense. But I did feel empowered. Because I knew my fear wasn’t in control anymore.
And that’s what I want for you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If there’s something holding you back—whether it’s flying, public speaking, crowds, driving, or anything else—I’d love to help.
I offer a free, no-pressure consultation to explore what’s going on and whether QCH Therapy could be the path that helps you walk across your own “bridge.”
Because you can change how you feel. And it doesn’t have to take years.
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