01577 704 53 56 mail@noack-hypnose.de

Agoraphobia: Information, tips and help in Berlin & online

Hypnotherapy and Hypnobalancing™ in Berlin

Frequently asked question

What is agoraphobia?

Agoraphobia is the fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult or where there is no help available if something goes wrong. Many people think of agoraphobia as simply a fear of open spaces, but it is actually a more complex condition.

How common is agoraphobia?

Therapists regularly deal with people suffering from agoraphobia, that it is quite common.

Does agoraphobia last forever?

Untreated, agoraphobia can last for years, during which sufferers experience repeated panic attacks and fear further attacks. Although individual panic attacks usually last between 10 and 30 minutes, agoraphobia itself can last a lifetime if sufferers do not seek help.

Help with agoraphobia

 

People with agoraphobia experience a strong fear in certain places. This can severely limit their mobility. In this article, you will find information about causes, symptoms, and treatment options for agoraphobia with hypnotherapy and Hypnobalancing™. Agoraphobia is treatable.

Overview

 

 

 

 

What is agoraphobia?

 

Agoraphobia is an intense fear of leaving the home, being in crowded spaces, traveling on public transport, and being in any place that is difficult to leave.

Agoraphobia describes an anxiety disorder in which fear is triggered by certain places and situations, such as wide-open spaces or crowds of people. Patients avoid the triggering situations and, in extreme cases, no longer leave their own homes. When people stop going into situations or places in which they’ve previously had a panic attack in anticipation of it happening again probably they suffer from agoraphobia.

Agoraphobia is often also associated with depression.

 

 

 

Panic attacks

 

Many people with panic disorder develop agoraphobia. More than twice as many women than men report that they experience agoraphobia. Frequently, people report that the onset of their agoraphobia followed a stressful or traumatic event in their lives. It may be associated with a fearful thought that it could happen while they aren’t at home. The person concerned may have a panic attack when outside the home and this reinforces the belief that it is safer to stay inside. Their world may become smaller as they are constantly on guard, waiting for the next panic attack. Some people develop a fixed route or territory, and it may become impossible for them to travel beyond their safety zones without suffering severe anxiety.

 

 

 

I just want to go home!

 

For some people, it comes on gradually and for others suddenly. Then it happens again. Those affected usually have only one thought: I want to go home at any cost! Knees go weak, the heart goes crazy, sweat, tightness and other oppressive sensations begin. The intensity can become unbearable, life is felt to be threatened. Personal control is completely lost. Even if the concerns do not occur, the fear of this anxiety becomes so intense that it affects many parts of one’s life. And people in the sphere around them also become more and more restricted by it. Relationships change because of it. Professional activities are made more difficult or even impossible. Avoidance of places increases the fear more deeply.

People with agoraphobia typically avoid public places where they feel immediate escape might be difficult, such as shopping malls, public transportation, or large sports arenas. Because people with severe agoraphobia have difficulty leaving their homes, it reduces also the opportunities for treatments.

 

 

 

Signs and symptoms of agoraphobia

 

Agoraphobia can manifest itself as a combination of fears, feelings, and bodily symptoms.

 

Common fears associated with agoraphobia are:

  • Fear of spending time alone
  • Fear of being in crowded places
  • Fear of open spaces
  • Fear of being in places where escape might be hard, such as public transport and elevators
  • Fear of losing control in a public place
  • Fear of death

 

Someone with agoraphobia may experience the following feelings:

  • Detachment from others
  • Helplessness
  • Agitation
  • Loss of control
  • As though the body is not real
  • As though the environment is not real

 

People suffering from agoraphobia may become over-dependent on others, or remain housebound for long periods of time. In addition to these symptoms, people with agoraphobia can also experience the physical symptoms of panic attacks, such as:

 

  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Racing heart
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Trembling
  • Upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea
  • Flushing and chills
  • Choking

 

Those who experience panic attacks may change their behavior and how they function at home, school, or work. They may try to avoid situations that could trigger further attacks. They may become sad, depressed, or even suicidal, and in some cases may abuse alcohol and other drugs. Many of those who suffer wait a long time until they ask for help. Don’t wait so long!

 

 

 

Recovery

 

Some patients manage to organize their lives in such a way that they are very successful in their field without leaving the protective home. It is possible for them to arrange themselves with the restrictions. But this means giving up the possible quality of life and is not really a good decision. There are therapeutic ways to get rid of agoraphobia, to get rid of it permanently. Many patients have succeeded in living a fulfilling life with some support. Do it!

 

Self-hypnosis  

 

When appropriate, I will teach you self-hypnosis to complement the hypnosis sessions. Self-hypnosis is a tool to control unconscious processes and thus mental states by yourself.

After you enjoyed positive trance experiences with my support, you can learn self-hypnosis very quickly. This helps you to progress self-determined. It accelerates the process, deepens, and consolidates what has been achieved in the therapy sessions. Your autonomy is thus fostered. A good therapist makes himself superfluous as soon as possible. Self-hypnosis is an excellent method of self-help that can be used beyond the actual issue.

How to decide to ask for help?

 

Are you thinking about whether you need professional help to recover? You may feel that you should be able to handle things on your own, or that talking to someone means you are not a strong person. You might be worried that talking about your issue during treatment could make your symptoms worse. It is important to get all those obstacles out of the way.

 

 

 

When asking for help

 

It is good to know that it is important to help yourself. It’s also important to know when you need to reach out for some help. Therapy can be a good opportunity to learn both aspects of emotional strength, autonomy, and reliance on those you trust.

An experienced therapist will let you choose the pace of your therapy and won't force you to discuss things you're not ready for. Emotional strength involves learning on your own and knowing how and when support is helpful.

 

 

 

How do the symptoms influence your life?

 

One of the best ways to figure out if assistance is good for you is to consider how much the symptoms you are experiencing interfere with your daily life. Do you have limitations in your personal life, or at work? Are you able to focus? Is it easy for you to build and maintain fulfilling relationships with people? Do you enjoy your life? Is there a feeling in you that your life could be more fulfilling?

 

 

 

Who can assist you?

 

Are you considering getting my assistance? The easiest way for you to find out is if you know someone I've been able to help. Then you will know firsthand what to expect. If that is not the case, you will find on this website some information that will make it easier for you to get an impression of me. Trust is important, and that's why I aim for transparency.

Your therapist

 

For about two decades, I am specialized in the field of fears and anxiety disorders. I spend about 20 hours a week helping people to free themselves from their limitations and thereby gain a better quality of life. If you want to know how it all started and what you should know about me, please read my profile. And yes, therapy is a very personal matter: Because it is a very intensive collaboration, I reveal some details about myself. So you can get a first impression of me. Trust is important and that is why I focus on transparency.

The sessions are conducted either in German or English.

What does hypnotherapy cost?

 

Here are some organizational details. Please read them before the appointment reservation. People often ask, "How much does hypnotherapy cost?" What is meant by this are the presumed total costs, which result from the fee and the duration of the psychotherapy with hypnotherapy.

 

 

 

Fee for psychotherapy

 

The fee per session hour of psychotherapy (60 minutes) for appointments from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00:

The fees for psychotherapy are exempt from VAT according to § 4 No. 14 a) UStG.

The first session usually lasts 90 minutes. Outside the mentioned business hours (Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.) I add a 35 % surcharge. The minimum duration of a session is 60 minutes, billing beyond that in 30-minute units. The minimum duration of a session is 60 minutes, billing beyond that in 30-minute units.

The fees do not include travel, accommodation, and allowance costs, which will be charged to the client. For traveling on my behalf: The costs for the journey will be charged according to time and effort. Within Berlin, at least an hourly fee is charged. Relevant is the individual agreement.

Postponement of meetings: For hourly fees A. and B. sessions that last up to 120 minutes can be once rescheduled up to 72 hours in advance (only weekdays count Monday till Friday, no holidays), longer sessions, or more than 120 minutes within 7 days at least 14 days in advance. Otherwise, they will be charged in full.

You can't come to my practice? Switch to a session with video or use your telephone.

Method of payment: The fee must always be paid in full by bank transfer 7 days before the session. I will send you details by mail so that you are well-informed.

Right of rescission: If registration by consumers for an event is made by telephone, letter, e-mail, or online form, the provisions of the Distance Selling Act shall apply. If the intended start of the event at the time of registration is within the withdrawal period according to the Fernabsatzgesetz (Distance Selling Act), the registration is considered a request to start the service within the withdrawal period. You have the right to revoke a service order/date without giving reasons. This is possible within 14 days of the order by telephone and in writing.

 

 

Cost coverage by health insurance companies and other insurers

 

Usually, the fee is not paid by national health insurance companies. Please contact your insurance company to find out about their policy details. Please discuss this with your insurer in advance. You will receive an invoice from me with classification according to ICD-10. Should applications etc. be necessary, we can do this together during the meetings.

 

 

 

Therapy duration

 

The first therapy session lasts 90 minutes, subsequent sessions can also be 60 minutes long. The number of sessions required is as varied as the personalities and situations of the clients. For anxiety disorders, I usually see clients for 3 to 8 sessions. Frequently, this question can be estimated by the clients themselves after the second session. I will then also give you an estimation based on previous experience.

Just ask me personally.

 

Let's talk. Please read the privacy policy. If you are interested, you can contact me for questions and appointments via this contact form or by e-mail (mail@berlin-hypnosis.com), phone 030/86421369, and mobile phone 01577/7045356. The best time to contact me by telephone is Monday to Thursday between 9.00 am and 6.00 pm. During sessions, there is an answering machine. Leave a message and your phone number in Germany, and I'll call you back as soon as possible. Make sure I understand what you are asking for.

You can find answers to frequently asked questions, such as fees, on the home page. There are also lots of articles and details about me (profile) to help you get an idea of who I am. This will also make it easier for you to decide if I am the right therapist for you and your problem.

 

 

Message

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.berlin-hypnosis.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Appointment booking

 

Please read the important information before making an appointment with me, including the contraindications for psychotherapy with hypnotherapy. I have answered frequently asked questions for you. For the success of your therapy, this information is of crucial importance. If this attracts you, then you can find out about booking your appointment here. The better you are informed, the faster we can focus on you and your wishes.

To make an appointment, you can preferably contact me by e-mail (mail@noack-hypnose.de) or by using the contact form (privacy policy) as well as by phone 01577 704 53 56 or 030 - 864 213 69. You will then receive a confirmation of your reservation by e-mail. In this reply, you will find the details for the first session. This usually happens within 24 hours. If you do not receive a reply, it could be because an email has ended up in the spam filter. In such a case, please call me.

There are only a few practice hours available, and they want to be used well. The fee for individual session hours is therefore always to be paid in full by bank transfer, with payment received at least 7 days before the session.

Why at least 7 days in advance? I would like to do it differently, but this is the best practice. Appointments that have not been confirmed with payment received seven days in advance are noticeably more likely to be canceled. And the repeated callbacks take up a lot of time. Because of this, I'm currently faced with the decision of whether and how to either significantly adjust fees to absorb this or to consistently organize in a way that is fair to all parties. Because of this, I am also offering options in terms of shifting appointments with the fees.

There is a maximum of 20 hours a week available for psychotherapy, and any canceled appointment means patients are unable to benefit from psychotherapy help. I understand that it would be more convenient for you otherwise, but this solution is the fairest for all involved.

You can use real-time bank transfer (costs 25 Ct. at Sparkasse Berlin, for example) for time-sensitive appointments, and the transfer takes a few minutes, or we can make an appointment with appropriate advance preparation. If this is not an option for you, please let me know immediately so that I can assign your appointment. Otherwise, I appreciate your understanding and look forward to intensive cooperation.

You are not in Berlin or prefer an alternative instead of coming to me?

 

You are not in Berlin or do not want or cannot come to the practice for other reasons? Then it is worth reading the following information about the options:

 

a. Travel to Berlin

 

For clients traveling to Berlin, there is the possibility, if booked in advance, to hold 2 sessions on the same day. It should be discussed in advance by telephone whether this is a recommendable option, as it requires appropriate prerequisites. Any sources of additional pressure should be avoided in the interest of the therapeutic success.

Here you will find further information when considering to travel to me in Berlin.

 

 

b. Online sessions

 

At times a personal meeting is not possible. In such cases, a telephone session or a session with video support via the Internet is an alternative or supplement. I have been using this setting for many years, and many clients have achieved excellent results with it. These experiences make it easy to achieve very intensive sessions in this way as well. You are more flexible and can also use my support very promptly. There are currently reduced fees for such sessions.

You are also on the safe side regarding the coronavirus. By the way, this is also an option if you should be unexpectedly unable to attend a session personally.​

Preparation for the first session

 

With the confirmation of your appointment, you will receive recommendations on how to prepare for your first session with me. With your appointment confirmation, you will receive recommendations on how to prepare for your first session with me. You will also get an overview of what to consider regarding the Coronavirus during in-office appointments and how to prepare best for online sessions.​

 

 

 

The first session: Step by step 

 

The optimal prerequisites are set right at the beginning. In the first meeting, we create the basis for intensive cooperation. Step by step:

 

 

 

1. Preparation

 

The first session is generally 90 minutes so that there is enough time for an in-depth preliminary discussion, in which we can clarify questions. Then we begin with a detailed dialogue, with the anamnesis, in order to adapt the therapeutic plan individually to your personal needs. For this purpose, we define your goals and motives and discuss the steps.

 

 

 

2. First intervention

 

As soon as you are ready for it, we get to work. You set the pace. In the second part of the session, we figure out the easiest way to get you into a comfortable, relaxed hypnotic state. You will experience an introductory trance. This enables access to your unconscious and permits initial suggestions. How far we proceed with this in the first session will be determined by your reactions. Finally, I gently lead you out of the trance.

 

 

 

3. Evaluation, options, and outlook

 

Following the first trance, I will respond to your questions, and we will discuss how to proceed with your hypnotherapy. In most cases, you will receive recommendations you can apply to complement and enhance the work we do together, even beyond the sessions. It is crucial that you not only feel better in the session, but also have an improvement in your everyday life. The more effectively we work together, the sooner I make myself superfluous as your therapist. That's it!

 

Be sure to read the following notice

 

Before contacting me, please read the detailed information about fees, booking, contraindications to hypnotherapy and answers to other frequently asked questions (FAQ).

These pages are intended to provide information for those interested in psychotherapy using hypnotherapy. It is not intended to replace psychotherapy or personal consultation, examination or diagnosis by a licensed medical practitioner. I am not a medical doctor. I specialize in helping people with anxiety and anxiety disorders. The profession of a hypnotherapist (official license to practice psychotherapy according to the HPG) is fundamentally different from that of a medical doctor. Medical diagnoses are not made, nor are promises of healing made or medication prescribed. Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric intervention where this is required.

If you have any questions about psychotherapy with hypnosis, please do not hesitate to contact me. I will be happy to inform you.

 

Articles

 

Published: March 1, 2008
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 15, 2023
Translation: May 26, 2009
K:
H:
T: RR
AN: #34336
German version: https://www.noack-hypnose.de/agoraphobie/

error: Copyright