‘I’ve always been a worrier…it’s just the way I am.’ Does it have to be this way?

‘I’ve always been a worrier….it’s just the way I am,’ ‘We’re all worriers in our family,’ ‘My mum’s always got stressed over things like this too,’……I often hear comments like this from clients as they tell me about their anxiety.  And the truth is we are all worriers to a greater or lesser extent!  We have to be for our own preservation. 

Anxiety is natural

Anxiety and fear are natural human responses to threat situations.  Our most basic need is for survival. Our bodies go into an automatic survival mode when we are faced with danger. This is the fight, flight or freeze response, centred in the amygdala (or alarm system) in our brain. It kept our ancestors safe from marauding tribes and wild animals. It keeps us safe from physical danger and emotional traumas. The problem is that it can sometimes be too sensitive and gets things out of proportion. We can become too anxious or fearful over problems and even recognising this in ourselves does not change the situation.

Calming your mind down

When anxiety takes hold it is very difficult, if not impossible, to think rationally. Physical responses of anxiety include fast breathing, increased heartrate, sweating and a churning stomach. At this time the quickest way to calm your body down is to try to regulate your breathing. Slowing your breathing right down (as you may do in a meditation session, through hypnosis or yoga) tells your body that it is ok; that you are not under threat.

Working to reduce your anxiety through hypnotherapy

Many clients come to me because they want help with their anxiety. This may take a specific form or phobia or may be more generalised such as social anxiety or health anxiety. I encourage clients to listen to a relaxation track I give them because this is a good way of working at home to reduce overall anxiety levels, supporting the sessions we have together.

It is also important that clients understand the nature of anxiety so that they recognise there is nothing wrong with them but their brains are doing an important job of keeping them safe. Many people feel frustrated or angry with themselves for their anxious thoughts and behaviours, but understanding these is a first step to thinking more kindly about themselves. This in turn builds confidence and lowers anxiety.

How hypnotherapy supports you with anxiety

Hypnotherapy is a lovely, relaxing experience. During trance you naturally find that your breathing slows and your body relaxes. This all leads to a pleasant feeling of wellbeing. A hypnotherapy session can help quieten down your anxious thoughts through this sense of calmness.

During hypnosis your mind is also more receptive to positive messages which helps you to tap into your inner self, strengthening your resilience and promoting self confidence and hope. Over time this helps you develop new ways of thinking, recognising your anxiety for what it is and feeling more able to cope.

Reviews from clients who had hypnotherapy for anxiety

Often clients are surprised at how they start to deal with life differently once they begin to address their anxieties. One client described how ‘hypnotherapy changed my perception of the situations I found difficult.’ Another explained that ‘the focus on making positive changes has helped me to navigate situations where previously my anxiety would have spiralled out of control,’ while a third said ‘it really helped me focus my mind and stopped my brain whirring. It gave me the strength to face my inner fears.’

Online hypnotherapy for anxiety

While I see people face to face in Hayfield, High Peak I continue to see the majority of my clients online via Zoom. This can be particularly helpful for clients with anxiety as they can fully relax in their home environment. Please get in touch to find out more.

It is important to note that having hypnotherapy for anxiety is not an overnight process. Most people have at least 6 weekly sessions before switching to fortnightly or monthly sessions. However this means that changes have time to embed and clients go forward with a renewed sense of calm.

For more information about online hypnotherapy please see here.

For more information about how I work with clients with anxiety please see here.