Tag Archive for: Family Camping

snake

By Rosemarie Solarz, Maryland

The story I am about to tell is perhaps one that a lot of people can relate to. Fear of snakes!

Having a brother that frequently brought home creepy crawlers of any kind, made my life uneasy at a very early age. Family camping trips were never fun for me, I was always fearful of us coming across one, dead or alive, and have my brother tease me by threatening to throw it at me.

Looking back now I can see the controlling effect the fear of snakes had on me.

Spring is the most difficult time for me because of my phobia. The fear of the snakes coming out of hibernation kept me from doing the things I love in the yard.

Remembering back to the times when there would be the annual field trip to the local zoo and I would chaperon.

Each time when it came time to visit the snake house, I would have to have one of the other mothers include my group with hers. I could not bring myself to even go near the place.

There are no words adequately enough to express the depth of fear I had at just the mention of the word snake.

When I was first approached to consider a new concept in treating phobias with Thought Field Therapy, I honestly was skeptical. I was told that it would not take long, perhaps five to fifteen minutes of my time, no cost to me, and painless!

I laughed it off and walked away, since I did not want to face the issue of my phobia.

Two weeks went by before I was again asked if I would like to get rid of my fear of snakes.

Finally I consented. I first asked if I had to touch one or it be in the same room I was in because if I did, no deal!

Assured there would not be any snakes involved, the process began.

I was first told to think about snakes and rate my fear on a scale of one to ten. The mere word snake set me in a tailspin. I immediately felt sick to my stomach, heart beating very rapidly, felt faint, head began to ache, sweaty palms and down right scared to death not knowing what I had done to myself. As far as I was concerned, ten was not a high enough number to express my pain.

The therapy began and it was hard for me to concentrate on the instructions I was given at first because of all my physical pain I was experiencing.

The time went by quickly, what seemed like minutes to me, took all of twelve minutes all toll for the therapy to end.

The transformation in my mind and body was unbelievable. I felt as if a heavy weight has been lifted off my shoulder. Or I had just awakened from a ten hour sleep, very refreshed and happy.

To my utter disbelieve the fear was gone. I can not only say the word snake and not go into my usual physical pain; I can now look at pictures about them, watch movies about them and read books about them with my grandchildren.

The technique Dr. Callahan has developed for ridding phobias for people like me is so unique; I wish I had had the opportunity to have done so long ago.

I want to express to all that still suffer from some type of phobia to take a step in faith and give TFT a try. You have nothing to loose, a few minutes of your time can change your life.

Creative Commons License photo credit: LongitudeLatitude