Hypnosis is a powerful tool for many people, but it can be especially helpful for those who struggle with anxiety. We all all recognise what it feels like to be anxious from time to time, as a normal reaction to being in new or unfamiliar situations. It can be a valuable experience as it can help us to prepare for something or take more care than we otherwise might. However for some people these moments of anxiety are not isolated or rare.
Instead anxiety is a regular and dominating force that severely disrupts the quality and enjoyment of their lives, well-being and functioning in daily life. If you’re feeling anxious and are looking for ways to overcome this, hypnotherapy could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
In this blog, we will explore the benefits of hypnotherapy and anxiety and how it can help you.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a state of altered awareness, a deep state of relaxation, during which our subconscious mind is more open and receptive to new ideas and suggestions. This encourages a more sensible, balanced or helpful attitudes to reality.
The subconscious mind controls the involuntary functions of the body including habits and things we do ‘automatically’ i.e. breathing. It is fuelled by our emotions and imagination and directs the energy from within. The subconscious mind also contains memories of every single thing that has occurred to us.
Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis to help with a specific problem or issue to change your mindset, habits and behaviours for lasting change.
Hypnotherapy and Anxiety
Anxiety is an emotion which forms part of our natural fight or flight response. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehensive about what’s to come, and generally serves to protect us from harm. When this emotion is frequent it can begin to interfere with your ability to function on a daily basis.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you’re very young is likely to have a particularly big impact.
Hypnotherapy can help tackle the fear. We can explore the root causes of why you aren’t feeling safe and work through them. Reframing beliefs to create a new way to respond, for a sense of calm and clarity.
Evidence for the Benefits of Hypnotherapy and Anxiety
Hypnotherapy has been used for decades to help people overcome anxiety and find greater peace of mind. It is easy to be held back on the ‘What Ifs’ and the ‘Maybe’s at times in our lives. Hypnotherapy can help overcome the negative self-talk and dispel the irrational fear.
There are countless studies that have found that people who receive hypnotherapy report feeling calmer, less anxious, and more in control. It’s important to note that there are many different types of anxiety, and while many of these studies focused on Generalised Anxiety Disorder, there is evidence that it can also be helpful for Specific or Social Anxiety.
Does it really help?
Hypnotherapy can help you let go of some of the intense worries that are common with this condition. Many people are surprised to find that hypnotherapy can help reduce or eliminate their anxiety.
Hypnotherapy has been shown to be effective at helping people overcome their fears related to public speaking, flying, and even meeting new people. In addition, it can help with the cognitive distortion that leads to the “What Ifs” that many people with anxiety struggle with. Cognitive distortions are negative thoughts that lead to anxiety; one example is the “What If I Mess Up” thought that can lead to feeling self-conscious. Hypnotherapy can help you change your mindset so that you are less likely to get stuck in these spirals of negative thinking.
Common Anxiety Signs and Symptoms Include:
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety
Is Group Counselling Effective for Anxiety?
While most people look for individual therapy, there is some evidence that group therapy may also be effective. This is particularly true for those who struggle with anxiety and are looking for a low-cost way to get treatment. There are many different types of group counselling programs, but what they have in common is that they are based on a psychological model that helps people examine and overcome their anxieties.
In many cases, group therapy is offered as part group therapy and individual therapy. In this case, the group therapy helps you process the insights you gain from your sessions with your therapist and build a network of support.
Ways you can look after yourself
- Talk about how you’re feeling and what’s making you anxious. Just being heard and understood may make you feel better. You could open up to a friend or call a helpline.
- Look after your physical health. Eating well staying physically active avoiding cigarettes and alcohol and getting enough sleep can also help you manage anxiety better.
- Breathing exercises can help. See my previous article on Phobias, which includes some breathing tips (box breathing) to help alleviate fears.
- Consider joining a peer support group. They offer a safe place to share your experiences and worries with other people who also have anxiety issues.
Next Steps:
We all recognise what it feels like to be anxious from time to time, as a normal reaction to being in new or unfamiliar situations. But when anxiety feels overwhelming, it can seem impossible to find relief. If you’re feeling anxious and are looking for ways to overcome this, hypnotherapy and anxiety could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
So why not take action today and give me a call. Or click on the link below to book your complimentary discovery call. Find out how we can work together to make those changes using hypnosis to reduce your anxiety levels, and get your life back on track, to a better place and a happier you.
