Former dentist swaps fillings for phobias as Louth-based hypnotherapist

FROM spiders to flying, phobias may seem insignificant to some, but to those affected by irrational fears these supposed small problems can often leave a lasting impact.

However, help is at hand in the form of an ex-dentist who has swapped his retractable chair for a comfortable leather couch, as he attempts to treat restless residents in overcoming their daily worries.

At your service: Hypno- therapist Steve Mason working with a client.

Stephen Mason, from Alford, has recently started a new therapy practice in Louth, based in the Fairfield Enterprise Centre.

Stephen gave up a lucrative career working with teeth and gums in South London to train as a hypnotherapist after coming across a rising number of patients who were terrified of having their teeth looked at.

He said: "I have always been interested in the concept of hypnotherapy and understand how fears such as visiting the dentist can really affect people's lives.

"I first realised the results of hypnotherapy when trying to treat children where I discovered that by lowering their fear levels it reduced the need for anaesthetic in their treatment."

During his time working as a dentist, Stephen had taken basic level training in hypnosis techniques and had used these with good outcomes.

He said: "I decided that I would like to pursue further training to enable me to become a qualified hypnotherapist and so my training was carried out with The Academy of Advanced Changework in London and Sheffield.

"My training included the use of a wide range of psychotherapeutic appro- aches."

Now, after gaining his full medical qualification and signing up with the General Hypnotherapy Register, he is calling on anyone who suffers with a specific phobia or anxiety to give him a call for a free telephone consultation.

Stephen claims to be able to help people of all ages break through an array of psychological barriers, including difficulties sleeping, low confidence, weight loss, OCD, depression, exam anxiety and smoking.

The Lincolnshire Therapy Rooms, in Louth, offer hypnotherapy and reiki. Phone 01507 463583 to find out more.