IN response to your Problem Solved column (Evening Advertiser, June 2) your reader WQ expressed her fear (phobia) of thunder.

As usually happens to so many people who have a phobia, they don't feel heard, but if they are to be helped it must be accepted that the terror is very real.

I have worked with many clients whose phobias emanate from a single traumatic experience usually in childhood.

Unless this trauma is dealt with in a safe and accepting environment with a therapist in whom the sufferer has trust, the terrifying reaction to thunder is unlikely to improve.

There are simple, safe and effective ways of dealing with phobias including Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Clinical Hypnosis, and the more recently developed, highly effective, emotional freedom technique.

Many people with phobias believe that there is no way out for them, but my experience indicates that with sensitive therapy, a cure is possible.

JUDY NICHOLS

(Consultant Hypnotherapist & Counsellor)

Old Town