Can BWRT Help With Phobias?
A phobia can be difficult to explain. You might know that a spider, flight, lift, dog or particular situation isn’t actually dangerous, yet your body can react as though you’re facing an immediate threat.
That response can be intense enough to make you avoid certain places, activities or situations altogether. The NHS describes phobias as an anxiety condition usually linked to a particular object or situation, and treatment can help people manage their symptoms.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/
Why does a phobia feel so automatic?
Fear isn’t simply something you consciously decide to feel.
When you’re faced with something you perceive as threatening, your body can produce a physical stress response. You might notice your heart racing, trembling, feeling sick, becoming light-headed or experiencing a strong urge to get away.
The NHS explains that this response can become heightened or over-sensitive, meaning you can experience fear in situations that aren’t actually dangerous.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/facing-your-fears/
This can create a frustrating situation where you know you’re safe, but you don’t feel safe.
What is BWRT®?
BWRT® stands for BrainWorking Recursive Therapy®, a therapeutic approach developed by UK therapist Terence Watts.
The International BWRT Institute describes Level 1 as covering a range of issues including anxiety, fears and phobias, performance anxiety and other unwanted responses.
Source: https://www.bwrt.org/folders/What-is
BWRT® takes a different approach to many conventional talking therapies, focusing on unwanted responses and the way a person would prefer to respond instead.
At Mindfuel, BWRT® can be discussed as an option if you’re looking for a different way of working with a particular fear or phobia.
What types of phobias can BWRT® be used for?
Phobias can relate to many different objects, situations and experiences. The NHS lists examples including animals, flying, heights, enclosed spaces and bodily fluids.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/
Depending on the individual, people may seek help for:
Fear of flying
Feeling anxious or panicked when thinking about flying or travelling on an aircraft.
Fear of heights
A strong fear response around high places, balconies, bridges or similar situations.
Fear of dogs or animals
An automatic fear response when seeing or being near a particular animal.
Fear of enclosed spaces
Feeling uncomfortable, anxious or panicked in lifts, tunnels, small rooms or other confined environments.
Other specific fears
Phobias can develop around many different situations or objects. The important thing is understanding how the particular fear affects you and your everyday life.
Do I have to face my fear during BWRT®?
Not necessarily.
Exposure-based approaches are an established treatment for phobias. They involve gradually facing feared situations in a structured way, rather than avoiding them completely.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/facing-your-fears/
BWRT® takes a different approach. Information from the International BWRT Institute describes the method as allowing a degree of privacy, meaning you don’t necessarily have to disclose every detail of an experience.
Source: https://www.bwrt.org/folders/What-is
Your practitioner should explain the process and establish whether BWRT® is appropriate for your individual circumstances before beginning.
How many BWRT® sessions are needed for a phobia?
There isn’t a fixed number of sessions that will be right for everyone.
The International BWRT Institute describes Level 1 as a brief approach and states that some issues may be addressed in one or two sessions.
Source: https://www.bwrt.org/folders/What-is
This shouldn’t be taken as a guarantee. The number of sessions someone needs can depend on the nature of the problem and their individual circumstances.
At Mindfuel, your situation can be discussed before deciding what approach may be appropriate.
BWRT® vs exposure therapy for phobias
BWRT® and exposure therapy use different approaches.
Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting feared situations in a structured way. It is an established approach for phobias and is recommended within NHS guidance.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-wellbeing-tips/self-help-cbt-techniques/facing-your-fears/
BWRT® uses a different structured process focused on unwanted responses, with phobias included within the issues covered by Level 1 BWRT® training.
Source: https://www.bwrt.org/folders/What-is
Neither approach needs to be presented as suitable for everyone. The right type of support depends on the individual and the nature of their difficulty.
Could BWRT® be suitable for your phobia?
If you find yourself thinking “I know there’s nothing to be afraid of, but I still can’t control my reaction”, BWRT® may be an approach worth discussing with a trained practitioner.
At Mindfuel, you can talk through the particular fear you’re experiencing and explore whether BWRT® Level 1 may be suitable for you.
If a phobia is significantly affecting your everyday life, you can also speak with your GP or access NHS Talking Therapies. The NHS advises that you can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without needing a GP referral.
Source: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/phobias/
Ready to talk?
If a fear is stopping you from doing things you’d like to do, get in touch with Mindfuel to discuss what you’re experiencing and whether BWRT® may be suitable for you.
Find out more about BWRT® at Mindfuel
