Fluid nature of memory explains success of hypnotherapy in overcoming phobias

Memories are not held securely in the brain.  Every time they are recalled to consciousness they have to be re-installed, thus allowing the possibility of memory change in the process. (New Scientist 3 May 2003). This was followed by the following comment on 24 May:

The model of memory recall in which a consolidated memory becomes fluid when recalled and may then be reconsolidated in an altered form helps explain the success that hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming achieve in removing entrenched phobias, often in single sessions. The therapist guides the patient in a relaxed state to recall the circumstances linked to fear, in a way that avoids the fear reaction - for example, by visualising the situation as a distant picture, or a film that can be run backwards and forwards, chopped up and destroyed. The memory may be altered by adding someone the patient trusts, or by associating it with funny music. An imaginative therapist conjures up many ways of removing the fear and a wide variety of phobias may be removed by these seemingly simple techniques.  Fear of flying, motorways or meeting people seem more common these days than the traditional spider phobia, but all are removed by reconsolidation of the memory

London Zoo offers hypnosis to cure fear of spiders

Millions of perfectly rational people are terrified of spiders, according to London's famous Zoo. No matter how much they try to calm themselves the response remains the same: sweating, nausea, panic, rapid, heartbeat and worse. So the Zoo offers a "Friendly Spider Programme" using a combination of cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnotherapy. They
have achieved an 80% success rate in over 2000 people who have taken the course.

Why are we scared of dentists?

A ten week course of hypnotherapy finally got rid of my 35-year phobia where I would faint just sitting in the dentist's chair. I would recommend trying hypnotherapy to anyone as it is drug-free and helps across the board with getting relaxed.
Comment on an article in the BBC News Magazine February 2009

Hypnotherapy cures Kent MP of his fear of heights

Derek Wyatt, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, has been afraid of heights for over 37 years, but overcame his fears after just one session of hypnotherapy. "I couldn’t go up ladders, I didn’t like open lifts and I would have to be blindfolded on ski lifts. It got to the point where I knew I had to do something about it" Mr Wyatt said. "At my age I’d try anything to get over my fear and I was delighted when hypnotherapy worked. I went on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (which links the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb, and is the largest ski lift in the world) and there wasn’t so much of a wobble from me". Kent News 12 January 2009

The Possibilities of Hypnosis

The New York Times reports on the successful use of hypnotherapy for smoking, fear of flying and many other conditions The New York Times 2008