Experts provide guidance on overcoming ‘ablutophobia’
Ablutophobia is an anxiety disorder characterised by an intense, persistent, and irrational fear of bathing or washing.
People with this phobia may experience overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, and avoidance behaviours when faced with the prospect of cleaning themselves.
The Inspiraology team explain the fear of bathing can stem from a traumatic event, such as a near-drowning experience.
They add that it can also be associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), in which the person may have irrational thoughts or fears about cleanliness and contamination.
Some individuals with ablutophobia may have a generalised fear of water, including other activities such as swimming or showering.
This fear can be related to a lack of confidence in their ability to swim or navigate in water. It may be associated with a fear of drowning or a traumatic experience.
‘Hypnotherapy can be a helpful tool in treating ablutophobia, as it can help individuals access and work through subconscious thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to their fear,’ explains Matthew Cahill, Director of Inspiraology.
‘Hypnotherapy can also be used to help individuals work through any past traumas or negative experiences that may be contributing to their fear.’
‘By accessing and working through these experiences while in a relaxed and suggestible state then the individual may be able to process and release any associated emotions or beliefs holding them back.’
Challenging negative thoughts with positive affirmations
Inspiraology is one of the country’s leading training schools for hypnotherapy practitioners. The team explain that hypnotherapy can help individuals to identify and reframe certain thought patterns to provide a client with a more positive approach to life.
During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist will guide the individual into deep relaxation, often using a series of visualisations and suggestions to help the individual focus their mind and let go of any tension or anxiety.
While in this relaxed state, the individual may be more open to exploring and challenging their thoughts and beliefs about bathing.
The hypnotherapist may use positive affirmations, visualisation and suggestion techniques to help the individual develop a more positive approach to their life.