top of page

Does Hypnotherapy Work for Anxiety and Its Symptoms?

In my practice I see how anxiety can be a debilitating condition that impacts many aspects of daily life, from work to relationships and overall well-being. Clients come with a variety of symptoms, and there's no doubt that anxiety can have a profound effect on our mental and physical health.


Fortunately, there are a variety of methods to manage and alleviate anxiety symptoms, and one of these methods is hypnotherapy. In this blog post, I will explore how hypnotherapy can help address anxiety and its symptoms, the types of anxiety, the benefits of a solution-focused approach, what happens during hypnosis, and how self-hypnosis can improve symptoms.


Types of Anxiety


Anxiety comes in various forms such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder or panic attacks. Anxiety conditions can also present as phobias such as fear of driving, or fear of motorways, fear of lifts, claustrophobia, fear of MRI, emetophobia (fear of sick), and so on. Each type can manifest differently and affect individuals in unique ways and can be treated with hypnosis and therapy.


Solution-Focused Approach


I work using a solution focused approach to dealing with anxiety. It helps you make the changes you need to to take small steps forward towards how you would like to be living. Unlike traditional therapy that can delve deep into past experiences, solution focused hypnotherapy looks at things in the context of the present and future, empowering you to focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It helps you to draw on your strengths and resources rather than your dreaded past. This method encourages positive thinking patterns which challenge the fears at play in your subconscious.


How does hypnosis work with anxiety


If you are wondering 'Will hypnotherapy help anxiety?', I hope illustrating how our sessions could work will help. Half of the session is talking therapy, helping guide you to your solutions and the other half is hypnosis, or deep relaxation. During a hypnosis session, I will help guide you to a state of deep relaxation. Whilst relaxing, I will suggest positive thoughts, and help reframe negative thought patterns associated with anxiety. Hypnosis can help you access your subconscious mind, where deeper emotions and beliefs reside, and promote positive change.



What Happens During Hypnosis


Hypnosis is a collaborative process between me, as the therapist, and you, the client. I will guide you using a progressive muscle relaxation, followed by other calming techniques. This helps your brain go into a relaxed state where it is calm but aware. Once in this state, you remain fully in control and can accept or reject any suggestions given. Contrary to popular misconceptions, hypnosis is not about losing control but about gaining insight and control over one's thoughts and behaviours.





Ongoing Self-Hypnosis


In addition to in-clinic sessions, practicing self-hypnosis between sessions enhances your treatment's progression. As with anything, repetition and practice helps you master something, and in the same way your brain will build new, more beneficial connections (this is called neuroplasticity), which will shape how you think and act gradually over time. Usually the recording I send you will be similar to what we do in sessions so that your brain associates the experience with relaxation. The recording will have positive affirmations to relax the mind and body, reduce stress, and make positive suggestions to the subconscious mind. Doing self-hypnosis regularly between sessions reinforces the positive changes made during therapy and provide you with a tool to manage anxiety symptoms independently.


A resting person, deeply relaxed illustration

Other Practices to Alleviate Anxiety


While hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for addressing anxiety, integrating other practices into one's routine can further support mental well-being. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can all contribute to reducing anxiety symptoms. The most important thing is that with my guidance, you find a holistic approach that works best for your individual needs and preferences.



How Hypnotherapy Can Help You with Anxiety


If you are struggling with anxiety or a panic disorder, hypnosis can help. Hypnosis is a natural and effective way to manage your symptoms. Sometimes it's appropriate to use a rewind technique to diffuse the initial onset of the of anxiety, followed by suggestions that will promote positive changes in thought patterns. If you want to know how much hypnotherapy costs, click here


Please do reach out to explore how hypnotherapy can support you on your journey towards a calmer and more balanced life.




Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page