hypnosis

[recruitment]

I have a phobia well at least I think I have one its all to do with having a blood test I find it really hard to explain how I feel its not the needle or the pain it just something as I say its really herd to explain, I really need to have a blood test even more now than ever as I am having a baby do you think a hypnotist would be able to help me as I cant tell him how I feel properly?

[redcrx]

Hi,
havnt you got a time period for taking this blood test? If pregnant I think you need 3 tests over the term of the pregnancy.
I can understand your fear in a way as i am needle phobic but with me its the fear of pain so i went to hospital for my tests and had the area numbed first so i felt nothing.
Have a word with your GP and see if they can recommend anything or any counsellors or hypnotists in your area who can deal with such things. I have heard of hypnotism used for labour pains so i cant see why they cant help in other areas.
Good luck.

[Octavius]

A hypnotist may well have the ability to remove or reduce your anxiety with the information you have given. I don�t believe it has to be specific.

However, hypnotism does not work for everyone. Perhaps if you could explore further why you think you have this phobia (needles, blood, situational). There are specific types of blood test phobias such as hemophobia, hematophobia, hemaphobia and most commonly the fear of blood, so it is not uncommon.

It is likely that the hypnotism may focus on the situational anxiety and try to make you feel at ease when the situation arises.

[recruitment]

redcrx - I have taken the counseling offered to me by my Dr, still no joy after a few months, I have needed a blood test for appx 4 years, my dr is old school and hypnosis is not an option as far as he is concerned he offered me drugs and numbing cream(befor pregnancy) but I still have not been able to have it done I�m so scared and now I�m worrying about my child and not just me.

thank you both

[redcrx]

maybe a word with either your midwife or the right department at the hospital will be able to point you in the right direction.
I hope you find someone who is sympathetic and can point you in the right direction.
Is it worth calling another surgery in the area and see if they can recommend a hypnotherapist?

[Octavius]

Opinions are, that the most beneficial treatment for anxiety (which you may have) is likely to be cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This is the acknowledged treatment of choice for a lot of phobic conditions (including yours). However, many qualified hypnotherapists can get good results with phobias too.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is available on the NHS in some areas � but it sounds as though your GP may not be persuaded of the virtues of CBT since he seem keen to dish out drugs. So maybe it might be worth seeing one of the other partners in the practice to discuss the possibility of being referred for treatment.

Of course there's nothing to stop you going private. If you want to see a CBT specialist privately, this is likely to cost you from around �45 per session to around �100 depending on the specialist and where you live. Take a look at (www.babcp.com) .

It is highly unlikely that you will get hypnosis on the NHS. If you want to consider private treatment, go for someone who is accredited to organisations such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy. (www.hypnotherapists.org.uk) . Hypnosis is generally less costly than psychotherapy, and you should expect to pay between �30 and about �80 per hour - depending on where you live and on the individual therapist.

In either case, go for someone who is accredited with a professional organisation. You will be in safe and qualified hands.

[idalovett]

Its hard to answer you and your phobia when you say its not the needle or the pain. I presume its the matter of your blood being tested? Your blood being removed? To try and explain the actual phobia you have may be helpful for people to try and help or advise you. I think a hypnotherapist would be good but why not talk to your doctor? Is this based on your religion at all? is it because a bit of "you" is being tested by a third party? Its hard to advise without kowing the phobia but I think many of us have phobias and I don't laugh at anyone who does 9even if they seem silly to me) try talking to your doctor as I think basically they are used to being told so many things and I expect a lot of their patients have phobias. I have a phobia and I told my doctor and she never laughed at me.

[~max~]

Aw god, now I'm sitting here with my hands on my shoulders.....*shudder".....I know where you're coming from, even hearing about it makes me feel queazy! :-(

[johnizere]

I have to have a blood test every 6 weeks, due to an illness 4 years ago (begins with c)...and have always been terrified of needles. However, I just don't look!..all over in seconds. I think it's the repetitive tests now that have broken my phobia, so now I don't even think about it, just let it happen. Think of something else when you're waiting, or having it done. Wish I could help more, good luck.

[recruitment]

thanks all so much foe your feedback, i have booked to see the hypnotist im going to try and tell him how i feel about it and see what he things i also have my 1st midwife appointment thursday and i will see what see thinks, thanks again!!!