A phobia is an irrational fear. The list of phobias are endless, the most common being fear of spiders, fear of flying, fear of the dentist, fear of heights, fear of enclosed spaces, fear of open places, and fear of water. As I said the list is endless.
There are many things that we have fears about but are not phobias, the difference is when we fear that fear so badly it restricts our lives and stops us enjoying life. We anticipate being in that situation that we will feel the fear long before that situation arises, therefore becoming frightened most of the time. We then avoid putting ourselves in that position, restricting ourselves and so dominating our lives. For example, someone who has a phobia of spiders may well deliberately decorate the whole of the house in very light colours so they can detect spiders easily. Somebody will be overcome with fear for many weeks before going on holiday because they know they will have to get on that aeroplane or stop. Therefore, it is this fear of being in that situation where they will be feeling frightened that dictates what they do and what they are able to do most of their life.
While in that hypnotic state of deep relaxation, the subconscious mind can learn it can be relaxed, as when we are stressed, anxious, frightened or worry we cannot be relaxed. When we are relaxed we cannot feel stressed, anxious, worried or frightened. Also, while so very relaxed we can visualise being in that situation we fear but remain very calm and relaxed allowing us to change all those negative thoughts and feelings we have about the situation we fear to positive ones.