The human brain is designed to be more aware of unpleasant feelings such as fear; than it is of pleasant ones.

This is an inbuilt primary instinct to maximise the chances of survival. If you didn't have this inbuilt 'risk assessment' process in your brain you wouldn't think to look when you cross the road!

The metaphor of a smoke alarm can be helpful when overcoming thoughts that create fear.

Visualise a smoke alarm…..its on the ceiling…..it is designed to make a very very loud noise when it detects a fire to alert you to the danger.....

Some thoughts create a sense of overwhelm…your nervous system has detected a fire…the smoke alarm goes off and you might react as if the house is on fire!

You shut down, run away or hide…you might even decide to fight the fire!

To train your brain to cope better remind yourself of the smoke alarm...... the house isn’t on fire… you have burnt some toast. Once you open a window the smoke alarm will stop making the noise, and all will be well again.

You can switch off your nervous system 'smoke alarm' by focusing on your breathing - make sure you use longer out breaths - just in and out… in and out. Focused attention on breathing tells your nervous system you are safe….its only burnt toast not the house burning down….

I hope this metaphor is a useful…

If you want to know more techniques to help you or to talk through your difficulties get in touch….