Fear of leaves (phyllophobia)

For people with phyllophobia, a fear of leaves, the rustle of a tree in the wind or a pile of autumn leaves can be enough to cause alarm. Leaves brushing against the skin may feel especially unpleasant. Parks, gardens and woodland walks can become stressful, particularly in the months when leaves fall.

About this phobia

The name comes from the Greek phyllon, meaning leaf. It is a rare fear with very little written about it, and it appears mostly on phobia lists. It can link to related fears such as botanophobia, the fear of plants, or to a worry about what might be hiding among the leaves.

What it feels like

• Jumping at the rustle of leaves in the wind
• Avoiding walking on or through fallen leaves
• Unease when leaves brush against your skin or hair

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

Common questions

Why might someone fear leaves?

There is no single reason. For some it is the sound or texture, for others a worry about insects or animals hiding underneath, and some can link it to a memory from childhood. Working out the trigger can be a helpful first step.

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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