I think this is a great subject to touch on- psychological associations on painful experiences. However I don’t quite agree with the theory that you stated but instead the reverse. I’d think that the pain you’d endure during dental work because you refuse to have a pain killing injection would make you more likely to try and brave the needle if you associate the pain you experienced with the absence of a needle. This is just a theory as I don’t personally suffer with a fear of needles or injections so feel free to correct me if I’m wrong.
That makes sense to me as a few years ago I started to become obsessional with my teeth. I’d be gaining reassurance about my teeth all the time from friends and family, I’d constantly be looking in the mirror and checking them to see if I could see any cavities ( Although obviously I didn't have a clue what i was looking for) and I’d even check them all individually to see if they were wobbly. I was convinced I had something wrong with my teeth and would lay awake at night worrying they were going to fall out. Eventually it became too much psychologically and decided I’d rather brave the dentist regardless of how scared I was of them then torture myself with the worry. Turned out my teeth were absolutely fine and all I needed was a filling.
Yes and I think that could be a very good approach in helping yourself overcome your phobia. I know it can be easier said then done but trying this method could be really useful. The mind is a very powerful thing and I think sometimes we coax ourselves into a state where we imagine an alternate reality where everything is 10 times more scary then it is. It would be interesting to know if pessimism plays a big part in phobia.
) was very ill this time last year and we feared we were going to lose her. She was tired all the time, not eating and hardly drinking so we took her to the vets. It turns out she has diabetes which is not perfect by any means for a person or an animal but my point is, we feared the worst as we didn't know what was happening. I have to inject her with insulin twice a day, she gets her walks and food at the same time each day but she is back to her old self and loving life again. Not a perfect scenario by any means but nothing compared to the fear of losing her - we learn to adapt when we know what is happening.)I'm glad she's back to her old self again and she's very lovelyI will give you a perfect example of that. My dog Mindy (the one in the picture
p.s. If that is not a picture of a dog content, relaxed and happy then I dont know what is (dont tell my wife she was on the couch though
I think so Mark and I’ve found a list that describes how pets and animals can help heal a number of problems in humans if anybody is interested:Thanks Jade, she is a little star
This has made me wonder - is there a place for pets in the treatment of phobias? Anything which takes your mind off a phobia or lets you forget your anxiety issues for a few moments is well worth it?
) Hi Mark, Thanks for the message. As for relaxing? Its not always neededI am intrigued by hypnosis - does it kind of "rewire the brain" or is it a means of being able to relax, think rationally and put everything into perspective. (I know this is over simplification but you get the idea
Its very much a misconception / misnomer of hypnosis. I am trained in hypnotherapy and love talking about it As for rewiring, I merely say focusing your attention on a requirement so it becomes your reality. Merely looking at things differently. Also as for rationally, your response at that moment is rational, as its how you know how to react, however it may not be useful for you to react that way..... Perspective? Most certainly, often its a lightbulb moment. I worked with someone for a spider phobia once, 2 weeks later she brought a dead one in a box and put a tarantula on her head.... 
