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Dealing with my phobia of bees and wasps

Posted By lynxhb58

"Dealing with my phobia of bees and wasps"

About: Inclusion Thurrock (Talking Therapies)

(as the patient),

I would jump, shout and run if a bee or wasp came near me. Slowly over time I gave up more activities, and avoided situations until the issue was affecting my happiness, and time with family or friends.

Going through therapy has allowed me to understand why my situation was getting worse, and begin a course of action to steadily take back the ground that I'd lost. Being supported by one to one online sessions, setting plans and actions that allowed me to take small steps to gain confidence has been brilliant.

I've finished therapy now and have a plan to take forward. I may have set backs at times, but knowing why I got so bad, means I will never fall as far again.

I'll never be best friends with wasps, but the cold dread and panic is no longer controlling me. I can now look forward to outdoor social events as I used to.

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Responses

Response from Isabel Saunders, Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Inclusion Thurrock NHS Talking Therapies, Inclusion Thurrock IAPT nearly 2 years ago
Isabel Saunders
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner, Inclusion Thurrock NHS Talking Therapies,
Inclusion Thurrock IAPT

Submitted on 10/06/2022 at 17:01
Published on Care Opinion at 17:01

Dear lynxhb58,

First of all, thank you for sharing your experience with us!

Suffering from a phobia can be in itself difficult, more when as you described the phobia of bees and wasps started affecting you to the point of you avoiding more situations, activities and missing time with family or friends resulting in you feeling unhappy.

I am glad you reached for help and started therapy, which allowed you to understand your phobia, so you could start taking action.

It is great to know that you had worked hard in partnership with your therapist to set plans and actions, allowing you to get your confidence back! and now with a plan to take forward, as you mentioned it may be a setback sometimes, but now you are equipped with tools and techniques so the cold dread and panic won't control you anymore.

Even when wasps are not your best friends:) you must be so proud of what you have achieved.

Best wishes on the future and enjoy your outdoor social events!

J. Isabel Saunders

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