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Home > News & Articles > News > How to forget fear

How to forget fear

8th January, 2010 by Trevor Silvester

Negative emotions that are evoked by past memories can be removed, according to new research from the University of Amsterdam. Dr Merel Kindt discovered that administering a beta-blocker called propanolol while patients were thinking of a negative emotion caused the emotion to disappear when the memory was recalled later.

The principle behind it is called reconsolidation theory, and it has been taught on our Diploma course and guided the work of Cognitive Hypnotherapists since it was discovered by neuroscientist Joesph LeDoux. He found that recalling a memory rendered it unstable and capable of being changed. Drugs appear to be one method, interventions used by our approach are another. I have written a blog on this theory for those who would like to know more – and there is an excellent article in the Times

Filed Under: News

Comments

  1. Gravatar for Ali TurnerAli Turner says

    10th January, 2010 at 10:19 am

    Thank you Trevor.

    At least with cognitive hypnotherapy we and our clients choose what the negative memories are replaced with. That takes courage in itself but at least we’re in control!

    Because it’s one thing knowing how to remove a negative emotion, but quite another knowing how to replace it with a positive one. Sometimes our negative emotions make up our world and provide a comfort zone. Much of the hard work is done by choosing an alternative, more positive way of thinking, feeling.

    You used the magic words – that a memory ‘can be changed’. I wonder what drugs the scientists can use to ‘change’ an emotion from a negative to a positive one… is that allowed? ๐Ÿ™‚

    Ali
    x

  2. Gravatar for Chris CallowayChris Calloway says

    12th January, 2010 at 12:02 pm

    I wonder if you have to be careful what you think about while the beta blocker is active and in the system. If you recall a happy past memory will it be stripped of all of its emotional content?

  3. Gravatar for Marc CraigMarc Craig says

    21st February, 2010 at 7:55 pm

    I am sure that it can be argued that there are positive aspects with drugs aiding people to ‘forget’ negative emotions but using the techniques in Cognitive Hypnotherapy enables clients to take ownership, reframe and understand these emotions for what they are, not what they are not! As Alison mentioned the client in Cognitive Hypnoptherapy is empowered with the choice of what to ‘replace’ that emotion with. Sometimes it is as simple as just profound awareness.

  4. Gravatar for mohammed saidmohammed said says

    18th May, 2010 at 12:43 am

    Are there any side effects to cognitive hypnotherapy?

  5. Gravatar for Trevor SilvesterTrevor Silvester says

    18th May, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Hi Mohammed,

    Bear in mind that I would say this, wouldn’t I? But the answer is no. If the therapist is well-trained, and avoids clients for whom hypnotherapy is contraindicated (those suffering from psychosis etc), then the techniques themselves are perfectly safe.

    The key is to find a therapist who knows what they are doing, which is why our training focuses so strongly on the competence of our graduates.

Books by Trevor Silvester

Cognitive Hypnotherapy: What's that about and how can I use it? - Two simple questions for change
This book defines an exciting new approach to the field of therapy and counselling. Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a model that can be used to create a unique treatment plan for each client, using techniques drawn from any school of thought, integrated into a single model that uses the clients own mind to solve their own problems.


Wordweaving: The Science of Suggestion - A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Hypnotic Language
In this new approach to the use of hypnotic suggestion, we aim to free you from the constraints of scripts and enable you to use your creative skill to weave subtle spells that empower your clients by changing their model of reality.


The Question is the Answer: Focusing on Solutions with Cognitive Hypnotherapy (Wordweaving 2)
This book builds on the model introduced in Wordweaving, and shows you how to ask the questions that will provide you with the information you need to create hypnotic language patterns specifically for each client.


Lovebirds: How to Live with the One You Love
One of the biggest mistakes we make is to treat other people as if they are just like us. I've been helping couples improve their lives together for over 20 years, and one thing is clear to me: most couples don't flounder through lack of love, but through a lack of understanding. Lovebirds will teach you how to live with the one you love.

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