Have you ever felt frozen by fear?

Is there something you want to try, but the thought of it fills you with dread?

This is exactly how one of my clients felt when they came to me for help.

It’s so important to challenge ourselves by setting goals to build confidence and boost self-esteem. Though our subconscious mind can sometimes be sneaky and hold us back, and that kind of sucks doesn’t it? This can make us feel our goals are unachievable! 

My client had accepted a challenge by MIND charity, to partake in hiking up Pen-y-Ghent, one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, but their fear of stumbling on uneven ground was plaguing them, they just felt they wouldn’t be able to achieve it and were contemplating cancelling their place.

That's when they turned to solution focused hypnotherapy, a powerful tool that helps people reprogram their subconscious mind, to overcome their fears and achieve their goals. During our sessions, we worked on reframing general anxieties along with this trigger of the upcoming hike, by replacing their negative thoughts with more positive ones, developing the confidence they needed to take on the challenge.

We visualised the hike up Pen-y-Ghent and broke it down into small steps, including purchase of equipment. We focused on the sights, sounds, and sensations they would experience on the day, and we also practiced box breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to help them stay calm.

Throughout our sessions, my client began to feel more confident and empowered. They started to see their fear as a challenge to be overcome, rather than an obstacle that was limiting them. They found a new belief in themselves and their ability to achieve their goal.

When the day of the hike arrived (actually the second date, as snow cancelled the initial day) it was not a problem. My client was nervous at the outset, but they were also excited and ready to face their fear. They stayed calm and focused, and took it step by step.

When they reached the summit, as you can see in the picture they shared with me, they were overcome with a sense of accomplishment and pride. What an achievement - they had conquered their fear and smashed their goal.

Reflecting on their experience, my client said, "I’m so proud of myself for doing it, I definitely feel 10 out of 10, like I can do anything now!"

So, if you're struggling with a fear or situation, know that there is help available. Solution focused hypnotherapy can help support you by unveiling your inner strength and help you achieve your goals. Just like my client, you too can conquer your fears and accomplish great things – the sky is the limit!