Fear of forests (hylophobia)

Hylophobia is a fear of forests. Woodland walks, camping trips or even dense parks can bring on unease, often linked to getting lost, feeling closed in or not knowing what is hidden among the trees. Fairy tales and films that set danger in the woods can add to it.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek hyle, meaning wood or forest. It is a rare term found mostly on lists, and the related word nyctohylophobia is given for fear of forests at night. It can overlap with fear of the dark, fear of getting lost and fear of wild animals.

What it feels like

• A sense of being watched or hemmed in among trees
• Worry about getting lost once the path is out of sight
• Avoiding walks, picnics or holidays near woodland

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Why do woods feel so frightening to some people?

Forests limit how far you can see and can make it hard to find your way, which naturally raises alertness. Stories and films often place danger in the woods, which can feed the fear. For many people it is much stronger at night, alone or in unfamiliar places.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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