Do you have a fear or phobia?

Can you offer some examples of peer-reviewed psychology research that demonstrate experimentally the effectiveness of "neuro-linguistic programming"? Or offer explanations for why this practice has been wholly discredited by professional psychologists?

?

Hmmm I cannot do either but your comment intrigues me as I have studied Psychology and practice as a Business Psychologist and Neuro Linguistic Practitioner and Coach. I have not come across experimental research of how NLP is effective although I my theories from my training of NLP as to why it works, in particular in relation to the strengthening of connections in the brain from simple conditioning, and I would not discredit NLP myself as I see it's effectiveness and would argue that experimental designs cannot fully gather the effectiveness of NLP because it's very nature is dependent on individuals perceptions of whether it can help.

If you don't mind me asking, are you a Psychologist/interested in Psychology and skeptical about NLP or visa versa? ?

Huh? ?

Huh indeed Mrs C!

I came on to the thread to add that I have a un-usual phobia: Window cleaners. I don't seek to be "cured" of this, I am happy just to have manky windows.

Obviously not. ?

For info: classify me as a "skeptic".

I caught a mention of this the other day - unusual indeed. What about window-cleaners scares you? Does it scare you if someone you know cleans your windows?

That is an unusual phobia indeed. I don't seek to cure you of this and i have no issue with manky windows since you wouldn't miss much. In fact i'm sure that helps with snooping neighbours ?.

But wouldn't one miss out so much more with other phobias like flying or heights if it means you can't even travel to other places or climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower or the Empire State Building to see what it's like?!

Do you assume that fear of heights/flying is a conditioned fear? How would NLP address a non-associative etiology, where fear of heights could be an evolutionary adaptation to preserve survival?

Oooh ha ha ha ha...this thread has really made me laugh!

I thought that fear of heights was one of the two (can't remember the other one) evolutionary fears that we are born with? Possibly because it is useful?

Ah yes - why I couldn't live in a modern glass house!

It stems from when I was younger, lived in a small village where there was a spate of house break ins. Turns out it was the window cleaner who was responsible. Had obviously having seen what was inside each home. Anyway he was got into our house when he thought everyone was out (I was home from school on study leave) and I caught him. Ever since I've been terrified of that profession as a whole...

A few years ago when they visited my workplace I would be in tears hyserical or throwing up, now I'm better, can actually remain at my desk while they are outside, but I do have to fight the urge to be sick or start crying. Workmates used to think it was hilarious, now they are a bit more sympathetic and will give me the signal so I can prepare myself. On the whole lots better, and I have to admit I find it a bit funny myself!

Lots of theories that fear of snakes/spiders/etc are adapted fears. Fear of loud noises...

Crane flies.

What is the point of them anyway?

Maybe I just hate them rather than a phobia? Where's the dividing line?

? Love this thread!

When you see a crane fly, do you...

1. Shudder/bat them away/squash them/shoo them out of door or window?

2. Cry/vomit/panic?

I reckon you KNOW when you're phobic

Thwack them very hard with my special Crane-fly-thwacker.

Whilst yelling insults at them.

So less phobia, more deep-seated anger issues being shifted onto one of God's little creatures

If I get to heaven I shall ask God why crane flies.

Barnacles have the largest penis:body size ratio in the animal kingdom. And when being a man (barnacles are hermaphroditic), they stick their doodah out of the top of the shell and just feel around for the nearest neighbour.

FTLOMB you are like an encyclopaedia, (did I spell it right?) ?

Not dissimilar to the tube then?

I have an unrational fear of sponges and anything similar with holes in, like cake.... and Wispas. I get cold sweats, the lot.

Oh, and I am tremendously claustrophobic.

Spiders, heights and flying, although the last one doesn't stop me going on holiday I just don't enjoy getting there.

I know someone who has a phobia of bananas.?