The Cicadas are coming. Approximately every 17 years cicadas emerge from underground having finished a long period of gestation. These red eye bugs do not sting or bite but are known to fly into people and cars, and generally be a nuisance. For those who suffer from a fear of insects, also known as entomophobia, the rise of billions of cicadas can evoke fear. Psychiatrists often suggest cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy for phobias. The success rate for CBT alone is mixed and often takes months if not years to work. Fortunately, it is possible to overcome a fear of cicadas with hypnosis.
Cicadas in New York
In New York state alone, billions of cicadas will emerge shortly after the temperature rises to a consistent 64 degrees. They’re often found in places like Central Park, Long Island, parts of the Bronx, and parts of Staten Island. People who struggle with a bug phobia will do anything to avoid insects but will often be unable to avoid the cicadas because they inadvertently fly into people. They may be forced to remain indoors until the cicadas are gone.
What causes an Insect Phobia
While there are different schools of thought, most believe that phobias or irrational fears are a learned response. As children and young adults, we tend to model the behavior of people we love and trust. If we witness a parent experiencing an intense fear of insects, we understandably assume that bugs are dangerous. When a child sees their mother running away from a wasp, it is natural to associate a wasp with danger. After all, if the person who cares for, and protects us, is afraid then we should be too. Whether it’s a parent, a relative, or a trusted family friend, what we learn as children can stay with us throughout our lives.
The Scientific Studies Supporting Hypnosis
The use of hypnosis has become more widely accepted in recent years. This is due to the scientific data found to support the efficacy of hypnotherapy. This study shows that hypnosis is effective for stress and anxiety relief. A different scientific study that shows that patients who utilized hypnosis along with CBT did 75% better than the control group who did not.
Overcome a Fear of Cicadas with Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy for Entomophobia helps patients to remain calm and secure around insects. Patients are guided into a relaxing hypnotic trance state by following the directions given. These instructions typically include techniques to relax the body, deep breathing, the imagination of specific imagery, along with confusion that helps to bypass the analytical conscious mind. Directions are then given to the unconscious mind, that helps to shift the way the inner mind perceives, and responds to insects. The experience that triggered the phobia can be identified and reframed.
How Long Does it Take to See Results
The mind essentially is taught that insects are not a threat. This enables the patient to completely overcome the fear. When traditional methods of addressing an insect phobia fail, hypnotherapy should be considered. Clients can overcome a fear of cicadas with hypnosis in as little as three to six sessions.