Th13teen rollercoaster proves lucky for phobic
A man who suffered triskaidekaphobia had to undergo hypnotherapy treatment when bosses at the themepark where he works announced the introduction of a ride called Th13teen.For years Paul McNicol, 44, has suffered a debilitating phobia of the number 13. He wouldn't go into a house numbered 13 or visit the 13th floor of any building.
Paul couldn't even bring himself to read the 13th page of a book - which meant he wasn't exactly thrilled when Alton Towers Resort revealed their new rollercoaster would be called Th13teen.
The site manager says his fear was so bad that he couldn't even go to work after hearing the news, so he signed up for an intensive hypnotherapy treatment.
Paul is now cured… and has no excuse for turning up to work late.
"I’d always been slightly ashamed of my phobia, it’s pretty embarrassing, especially for a 44 year old man. It can be perceived as trivial, or even just a simple superstition, but it’s not," said Paul.
"The treatment was intensive and pretty emotional at times. Before I just couldn’t bear the thought of going to work; now I can’t wait to return and put the finishing touches to the secret element!
"To be honest I’m surprised and amazed that I’m saying the word 13 right now."
Hypnotherapist Bonita Rayner-Jones added: "He literally couldn’t get further than the front entrance to the park without breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Tridecaphobia, or a fear of the number 13 is a surprisingly common problem for many people. Working with a combination of intensive hypnotherapy techniques, we were able to finally tackle the problem, once and for all."
LINKS
Alton Towers Resort
"The treatment was intensive and pretty emotional at times. Before I just couldn’t bear the thought of going to work; now I can’t wait to return and put the finishing touches to the secret element!
"To be honest I’m surprised and amazed that I’m saying the word 13 right now."
Hypnotherapist Bonita Rayner-Jones added: "He literally couldn’t get further than the front entrance to the park without breaking out in a cold sweat.
"Tridecaphobia, or a fear of the number 13 is a surprisingly common problem for many people. Working with a combination of intensive hypnotherapy techniques, we were able to finally tackle the problem, once and for all."
LINKS
Alton Towers Resort
