If you’ve ever felt paralysed by fear — whether it’s a specific phobia that’s shaped your life for years, or a more generalised anxiety that seems to colour everything — I want you to know you’re not alone.
As a hypnotherapist, I’ve sat with countless people who’ve shared their struggles with fear. The woman who hasn’t driven on a motorway in fifteen years. The man who crosses the street to avoid dogs. The mother who can’t watch her children climb at the park without her heart racing.
These fears are real. They’re exhausting. And they can make you feel like you’re somehow broken.
But here’s what I’ve learned through my years as both an NHS nurse and now as a therapist: you’re not broken. Your mind is simply trying to protect you — it’s just got a bit confused about what’s actually dangerous.
Why I Wrote “Facing the Shadows”
I wrote this book because I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, practical support for their fears. Not everyone can attend therapy sessions, and not everyone is ready to. Sometimes, you need a quieter starting point — something you can explore in your own time, in your own space.
“Facing the Shadows” is that starting point.
It’s part of my Emotional Enquiry Series, and like all the books in that series, it’s written in plain, gentle language. No complicated psychology jargon. No pressure to do anything before you’re ready.
What You’ll Find Inside
The book guides you through understanding the fear response itself — why we have it, how it works in the body, and why fighting against it often makes things worse.
You’ll discover practical techniques for calming your nervous system when fear strikes. These are tools you can use immediately, wherever you are.
Most importantly, you’ll begin to shift your relationship with fear. Instead of seeing it as an enemy to be conquered, you’ll learn to approach it with curiosity and compassion. This shift alone can be transformative.
Fear Doesn’t Have to Run Your Life
I’ve seen people make remarkable changes. Not through forcing themselves into terrifying situations, but through gentle understanding and small, consistent steps.
If fear has been holding you back from living the life you want, I’d love for this book to be a companion on your journey forward.
“Facing the Shadows: A Gentle Guide to Understanding Fears and Phobias” is available now in both Kindle and paperback formats.
And if you’d like to go deeper, I’ve also created a companion audio series with three guided sessions to help you find calm, understand your fear response, and step into your courage. You can find that on my Gumroad shop.
Remember — the bravest thing you can do is take that first small step. And reading this post? That already counts.
With warmth,
Gwen Certified Hypnotherapist & RTT Practitioner GwenGouldTherapy.com
Part of the Emotional Enquiry Series — practical, compassionate guides for emotional wellbeing.