As a solution focused hypnotherapist, I’m often asked whether hypnotherapy can help with anxiety. The answer is yes it can, and it’s actually a perfect way to overcome this debilitating disorder.
We’ll take a closer look at both anxiety and hypnotherapy, and how I use hypnosis techniques to bring about positive change.
What is anxiety?
Everyone feels anxious at times – it’s a normal, everyday emotion. However, when your anxieties start to overwhelm you and take over your thoughts, it’s a sign that you have anxiety disorder.
Again, that isn’t unusual, and anxiety is something that many adults experience at some point. With treatment, anxiety can be overcome; however if left, it will continue to get worse and increasingly affect daily life.
There are various types of anxiety. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety are commonly experienced types, while some people struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a distressing event or events. Panic attacks are another form of anxiety, as is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
When you have anxiety, it can feel hopeless, like you’ll never have peace-of-mind again. This is far from the case, and please be reassured that there are lots of ways that can help you overcome anxiety. I work with a variety of techniques, including solution focused hypnotherapy, which help anxiety sufferers feel optimistic and lighter again.
What is hypnotherapy, and how does it help with anxiety?
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy combines therapeutic techniques with hypnosis, to create a state-of-mind that’s responsive to suggestion. So what’s that in real terms?
I like to think of hypnosis as a state of focused attention. You’re in a light trance, a bit like daydreaming (and absolutely nothing like the trances you see in stage hypnotism!). When your mind is in this relaxed state, it’s more open to suggestion. It’s a rare moment when the thinking and feeling (primitive) sides of your brain come together, and it’s like the emotional side of your brain finally listens to the more sensible side.
If this trance is used in a therapeutic setting, it can help you change unhelpful thought patterns. The solution-focused approach that we use at Great Minds works with your relaxed brain to focus on positive future goals and replace negative thinking.
How does hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
Hypnotherapy can really help people overcome anxiety. While you’re in the trance state, your mind can be guided towards positive changes. You can work towards improving your feelings of self-belief and calm, while also reducing your feelings of anxiety and fear.
The trance state is also incredibly relaxing, and my clients always say how refreshed they feel after a session. We work together to learn how to use these relaxation techniques, so if feelings of anxiety arise, they can be managed.
For me, the ability to use the relaxed mind to replace unhelpful thoughts with positive ones is the most incredible thing about solution focused hypnotherapy. It is the perfect therapy for the anxious mind.
What should I expect at a hypnotherapy for anxiety session?
When I first meet a client, we start with a chat. It’s how all the best relationships start! We discuss how you are feeling, what triggers your anxiety and what you want to change. We start to think about your future goals.
When we have established what we want to achieve and if you’re feeling comfortable, we’ll move onto your first hypnotherapy session. When your mind is in this wonderfully relaxed and receptive state, we can start to replace your anxious thoughts with more positive feelings.
We usually have a batch of sessions, the number of sessions depending on the individual person, and at each, we discuss your feelings and progress. Most people say that they start to feel better after just two or three sessions! I also give my clients simple exercises to do at home, which helps to make anxiety management a natural part of life.
Take that first step
If you have anxiety and you feel ready to seek support, please contact me. We’ll have a confidential chat about how hypnotherapy can help overcome anxiety, and take it from there.
