Phobia to Freedom
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Stop claustrophobia controlling your life. Feel calm in lifts, MRI scanners and tight spaces again, with 4 private online sessions.

  • No exposure therapy. You're never pushed into small spaces in your sessions.
  • Feel calm and in control again, even if past therapy hasn't helped.
  • Risk nothing. Feel the difference from your first session or get your money back.

Lifts, MRI and CT scans, the Underground, tunnels, planes and crowded rooms

Clients reach out when…

  • The letter arrives for an MRI scan and the dread starts straight away
  • They've had to stop a scan halfway through and don't want that to happen again
  • A new job, flat or hotel room means using lifts every day
  • A holiday, flight or trip on the Underground is coming up
  • They're tired of planning every day around the nearest way out

Claustrophobia rarely stays in one place

It starts with one situation and quietly spreads. Clients tell me about:

  • A tight chest the moment the lift doors close
  • A racing heart, dizziness and the feeling that the air is running out
  • Avoiding the Underground, tunnels, car washes and the back seat
  • Needing the aisle seat, the end of the row or the door left open
  • Panic in crowded rooms, busy trains and queues with no clear exit

What it stops you doing

  • Having medical scans you need
  • Travelling, commuting or flying freely
  • Taking the job, flat or holiday you want
  • Relaxing on a night out without scanning for exits

Claustrophobia is usually two fears working together. There's the fear of being trapped and the fear of not being able to breathe. When your mind decides a space is dangerous, your body reacts automatically. That's why telling yourself "it's only a lift" doesn't help. Each time you avoid it, your mind learns you escaped danger and the fear grows a little stronger. Breathing tricks may get you through a moment. They don't change the response underneath.

It isn't the lift you're afraid of

For some people it started with getting stuck somewhere. For others it was a panic attack that seemed to come from nowhere, in a lift, a tunnel or a crowded train, and ever since the fear has been of it happening again.

Either way, you don't have a phobia of lifts, tunnels or scanners so much as a phobia of the thoughts and feelings you experience inside them: the trapped feeling and the thought "I can't get out". The only thing getting in the way is the "what if" thoughts, and the fear, anxiety and panic in your nervous system.

That is what we work on together. Once those thoughts and feelings are under control, small spaces can feel normal again: calm, steady and in control.

Phobia Practitioner

You're not being dramatic and you're not alone

Lewis McDonnell

I know how isolating claustrophobia can feel. From the outside it looks like a small thing. On the inside it shapes where you go, how you travel and what you say yes to.

My approach is calm and respectful. I'll never push you into the situations you fear. Instead we work on why your mind reacts the way it does, so the fear loses its grip.

View all testimonials
View screenshot testimonials
Today Michelle: Hi Lewis, just to let you know I got through the MRI yesterday and confident that I could do another one. I was a little bit shaky initially but calmed after reassuring myself i was safe. Thanks so much for all your help 🙏 08:28 Lewis: Michelle! That is a VICTORY 😁🙏 Well done for being such a winner 🏆 you've been a joy to work with and it's great to know that you conquered this. Onwards and forwards. Message Enlarge screenshot

Michelle

Today Michelle: Hi Lewis, just to let you know I got through the MRI yesterday and confident that I could do another one. I was a little bit shaky initially but calmed after reassuring myself i was safe. Thanks so much for all your help 🙏 08:28 Lewis: Michelle! That is a VICTORY 😁🙏 Well done for being such a winner 🏆 you've been a joy to work with and it's great to know that you conquered this. Onwards and forwards. Message
Today Hey Lewis, all went well 👍 survived a crazy concert and was really fine on journey back home. 😄 used planes, lifts , we were on 11th floor, used tram and bus. Went to concert with 18,000 people now anything seems possible! Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Today Hey Lewis, all went well 👍 survived a crazy concert and was really fine on journey back home. 😄 used planes, lifts , we were on 11th floor, used tram and bus. Went to concert with 18,000 people now anything seems possible!
Martin [surname hidden] recommends Lewis McDonnell. 24 December 2023 I had claustrophobia for over half a century. Not any more. A combination of video programmes sent to me by Lewis, a small number of ninety minute therapy sessions, and my own dedication to gradually expose myself to small spaces, and I have overcome the fear and possibility of becoming out of control with panic if ever I were trapped somewhere small. This is the perfect combination of friendly, supportive therapy, and rigorously professional and effective techniques. I was so fearful and skeptical that nothing could help me with me phobia. I'm so pleased to say I was wrong. Lewis and his approach have been life-changing. I can't praise or thank him enough. Enlarge screenshot

Martin G.

Martin [surname hidden] recommends Lewis McDonnell. 24 December 2023 I had claustrophobia for over half a century. Not any more. A combination of video programmes sent to me by Lewis, a small number of ninety minute therapy sessions, and my own dedication to gradually expose myself to small spaces, and I have overcome the fear and possibility of becoming out of control with panic if ever I were trapped somewhere small. This is the perfect combination of friendly, supportive therapy, and rigorously professional and effective techniques. I was so fearful and skeptical that nothing could help me with me phobia. I'm so pleased to say I was wrong. Lewis and his approach have been life-changing. I can't praise or thank him enough.
Testimonial, i found difficult to express how ell this has worked for me in a language that would relate to others. "Lewis Made me feel comfortable from the very beginning he was willing to listen to listen if it was what I required, but also did not probe into things unnecessarily. We worked through learnt behaviors and coping mechanisms and Lewis taught me to acknowledge them for what they were and my mind and body's reaction to them. It is hard to find the words that do justice to how effective this way of working together is. I am now free from unneeded, counterproductive coping mechanisms that I was barely aware of and feel free to move forward with my life in a positive and assertive way. I have also learnt to let go of things that I didn't even realize were bothering me and holding me back." Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Testimonial, i found difficult to express how ell this has worked for me in a language that would relate to others. "Lewis Made me feel comfortable from the very beginning he was willing to listen to listen if it was what I required, but also did not probe into things unnecessarily. We worked through learnt behaviors and coping mechanisms and Lewis taught me to acknowledge them for what they were and my mind and body's reaction to them. It is hard to find the words that do justice to how effective this way of working together is. I am now free from unneeded, counterproductive coping mechanisms that I was barely aware of and feel free to move forward with my life in a positive and assertive way. I have also learnt to let go of things that I didn't even realize were bothering me and holding me back."
TODAY Hey Lewis, I hope you are having a great day. I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you soooo much for the session last night. As soon as we finished I felt like a very dark cloud had lifted and I just felt like my old self again. No fear, no anxiety and nothing holding me back. It's like I found my confidence again and the way I had been thinking was completely gone. 🎉🙌 Honestly, I am feeling so good and so exited to continue working with you. I cannot thank you enough and I know we have only touched the surface. THANK YOU 🙏🙏🙏 14:29 Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

TODAY Hey Lewis, I hope you are having a great day. I just wanted to send you a message to say thank you soooo much for the session last night. As soon as we finished I felt like a very dark cloud had lifted and I just felt like my old self again. No fear, no anxiety and nothing holding me back. It's like I found my confidence again and the way I had been thinking was completely gone. 🎉🙌 Honestly, I am feeling so good and so exited to continue working with you. I cannot thank you enough and I know we have only touched the surface. THANK YOU 🙏🙏🙏 14:29
I feel I must leave a review to let other people know what I have experienced during my sessions with Lewis. I am so elated to have overcome my childhood phobia. Lewis has changed my life and there are no words to describe how fantastic that feels. Lewis is exceptionally talented and professional and he works with you as a team. He is reassuring, calm and kind and is a genuinely nice person. I can highly recommend Lewis. 21:19 Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

I feel I must leave a review to let other people know what I have experienced during my sessions with Lewis. I am so elated to have overcome my childhood phobia. Lewis has changed my life and there are no words to describe how fantastic that feels. Lewis is exceptionally talented and professional and he works with you as a team. He is reassuring, calm and kind and is a genuinely nice person. I can highly recommend Lewis. 21:19
Definitely got a lot more of the fighting spirit back. Those few conversations with you really helped - appreciate you my friend 11:53 Message Enlarge screenshot

Anonymous

Definitely got a lot more of the fighting spirit back. Those few conversations with you really helped - appreciate you my friend 11:53 Message
Dear Lewis, Thank you for these notes. Thank you so much for your support and expertise over these five sessions (thank you so much for the additional session). As I stand here now I feel strong and prepared for what is to come. Your guidance and knowledge has given me ways to approach this matter and I don't feel like the terrified man who met you on the first session, I hope I can maintain this and will work hard to do so. You have made a huge difference in my darkest times and I will be forever grateful. I wish you all the best in life and business and will keep in touch if I may. Best regards and thank you. Johnny Enlarge screenshot

Johnny

Dear Lewis, Thank you for these notes. Thank you so much for your support and expertise over these five sessions (thank you so much for the additional session). As I stand here now I feel strong and prepared for what is to come. Your guidance and knowledge has given me ways to approach this matter and I don't feel like the terrified man who met you on the first session, I hope I can maintain this and will work hard to do so. You have made a huge difference in my darkest times and I will be forever grateful. I wish you all the best in life and business and will keep in touch if I may. Best regards and thank you. Johnny
Just wanted to say thank you for freeing me from my phobia after 50 years, one thing I would say is anyone that is thinking of conquering your fear, make sure you are doing it because you are ready. That made a huge difference in my journey and Lewis validates your fears and helps you work through them at your pace. I would recommend him to anyone going through a phobia, as I am proof that his techniques work. Julia G. 11:45 Enlarge screenshot

Julia G.

Just wanted to say thank you for freeing me from my phobia after 50 years, one thing I would say is anyone that is thinking of conquering your fear, make sure you are doing it because you are ready. That made a huge difference in my journey and Lewis validates your fears and helps you work through them at your pace. I would recommend him to anyone going through a phobia, as I am proof that his techniques work. Julia G. 11:45
Kristina [surname hidden] recommends Lewis McDonnell. Two words - Life Changing! I am just so glad to have met Lewis. He is such a gentle, genuine soul. From the start I felt totally at ease and really looked forward to my sessions with him. Lewis was able to get to the root of my phobia very quickly and with his guidance I was able to see my imbalance that had been plaguing me for years. After the first session, I was ready to face my fear. In fact, I was really excited to try it out and guess what, I am now free from my life long phobia. Life is so much sweeter. Lewis is definitely gifted and would have no hesitations in recommending his services. You did it.... amazing 😀 💪💯 Thank you soooo much, Lewis. Really. Enlarge screenshot

Kristina S.

Kristina [surname hidden] recommends Lewis McDonnell. Two words - Life Changing! I am just so glad to have met Lewis. He is such a gentle, genuine soul. From the start I felt totally at ease and really looked forward to my sessions with him. Lewis was able to get to the root of my phobia very quickly and with his guidance I was able to see my imbalance that had been plaguing me for years. After the first session, I was ready to face my fear. In fact, I was really excited to try it out and guess what, I am now free from my life long phobia. Life is so much sweeter. Lewis is definitely gifted and would have no hesitations in recommending his services. You did it.... amazing 😀 💪💯 Thank you soooo much, Lewis. Really.

Individual experiences. Results vary from person to person.

What does freedom look like to you?

For my clients, freedom is…

  • Stepping into a lift without a second thought
  • Lying still through an MRI scan and simply getting it done
  • Taking the Underground, the tunnel or the flight without dread
  • Sitting anywhere in the room, not just by the door
  • Saying yes to the job, the trip or the night out
  • Feeling in control of their own body again

The Phobia to Freedom Programme

A calm, private programme to change how your mind responds to small and enclosed spaces, from the comfort of home.

  • 4 private 90-minute sessions with Lewis so that you can go at your own pace without feeling rushed or judged
  • Understanding your pattern so that you know when and why your claustrophobia shows up and it stops feeling random
  • Clinical hypnotherapy and NLP to change the automatic "get out" response, so that lifts, scanners and small spaces stop setting off the alarm
  • Mental rehearsal so that you've already felt calm in the situations you dread before you face them in real life
  • Practical tools so that you know what to do on the day of your scan, in the lift or on the train
  • A 3-hour video course to watch between sessions so that your progress keeps building
  • Everything online so that you never have to travel to a clinic
  • No exposure therapy so that you can start without facing the thing that frightens you

Our guarantee

Feel the difference from your first session or get your money back.

Got a scan, flight or trip coming up? Tell me the date on your free call and we'll plan around it. If your scan is soon, let the radiography team know about your claustrophobia too. They deal with it often and can talk you through what to expect.

You can feel calm in small spaces…

  • Even if you've had this fear for as long as you can remember
  • Even if you've had to stop a scan or get out of a lift before
  • Even if past therapy hasn't helped
  • Even if you've never talked to anyone about it before

FAQs

Do I have to go into small spaces during the sessions?

No. Everything happens online from somewhere you feel comfortable.

I have an MRI booked. Can you help before then?

Often, yes, depending on how much time there is. Tell me the date on your free call and we'll plan around it.

I've had claustrophobia for years. Is it too late?

Not at all. Many people who get in touch have lived with it for most of their lives.

Is it all done online?

Yes. Sessions are one to one over video, so you can join from anywhere in the UK.

How long does the programme take?

The programme is 4 sessions of 90 minutes each.

What if it isn't right for me?

Feel the difference from your first session or get your money back.

Ready to feel calm in tight spaces again?

  1. Book a time that suits you. It's a relaxed, no-pressure call.

  2. Tell me about your claustrophobia. What it stops you doing and what you'd love to be able to do.

  3. Find out if the programme is right for you. Honest advice either way.

£150 per session. Most people work with me over 4–6 sessions. Your first consultation is free.

Imagine stepping into the lift without a second thought

You don't have to keep planning your life around escape routes. Your freedom starts with one conversation.

Talk to Lewis about your claustrophobia

This does not submit an enquiry or confirm a booking. Choose a time and complete your booking on Calendly.

Privacy policy

Results may vary from person to person. Phobia to Freedom provides hypnotherapy and NLP. It is not a substitute for medical care. If you have chest pain, breathing difficulties or other health concerns, please speak to your GP.