When the Sutton Coldfield Observer did a feature on a man who claims he can cure any phobia in 30 minutes, deputy editor Mark Eustace was eager to try the service out on his own fear of sickness.

Mark thought he suffered from emetophobia – the fear of vomiting or being around anyone who is sick – and has been plagued by the condition for most of his life.

But when he visited life coach Andrew Whittaker, Mark found that his condition was more deep-rooted and was taught to focus on positive thoughts.

Mark said: “We tried a few techniques and realised that I didn’t have a phobia per se.

“Andrew talked to me and he made me see things in a more positive light. We used an American technique where I had to imagine an image of something really positive, then think of something really bad related to sickness and swap the two around.

“Beforehand I was thinking ‘Yeah right, it’s all smoke and mirrors’. Saying I’m ‘cured’ is perhaps a bit strong but I do feel more in control.”

Mark said that flying was a particular situation where his fear of sickness was prevalent.

He said: “With flying there are three things – being too hot associated with illness, turbulence and sitting next to someone who is sick.

“It’s amazing how common the condition is. One person here is afraid of going to parties because of the association between alcohol and sick.”

Andrew also taught Mark some breathing exercises which can be used in everyday life.

Mark said: “Andrew said that as children we breathe properly but as we get older we almost forget and take it for granted.

“We did a meditation exercise where you focus your eyes on a point on the wall and concentrate on your peripheral vision. You take slow breaths and hold them and before you know where you are, you’re not focussing on the spot but are in a sort of meditated trance.

“The more you do that, the more you can learn to concentrate in other situations.”

And for Observer readers who are still sceptical of Andrew’s ability to cure phobias, Mark told them: “All I would say is just don’t underestimate the power of the mind.”

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