Anxiety
It is a natural, biological response that is designed to keep us safe from harm. It is designed to protect us and not, as it sometimes feels, to destroy us. Believe it or not, in general, anxiety is really useful and can help motivate us to complete reports or tasks. Anxiety is often experienced in the body as a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear.
Our bodies are designed to respond to danger. When we sense a ‘threat’, our inbuilt defence mechanism known as the ‘fight or flight response’ is triggered and we experience psychological and physical changes in our bodies. The rapid release of chemicals such as adrenaline presents physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweaty palms, and faster breathing. These signals are designed to give us the ability to ‘fight or run away from’ a specific danger – such as a fire or – back in the days of early man – run from a wild beast.
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life, such as sitting in an exam, going for a medical test, or having a job interview. Feeling anxious at times like these is perfectly normal. However, some people find it hard to control their worries, their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.
So how does Hypnotherapy for anxiety work?
Hypnotherapy uses the power of positive suggestion to influence a change in our behaviour and the way we respond to our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It is a modern, evidence-based form of complementary therapy that uses talking therapy and hypnosis to help people make positive change, promote relaxation, and have a better quality of life.
1. Hypnotherapy targets the Subconscious
The subconscious mind controls the fight or flight response which is largely responsible for anxiety. Hypnotherapy manages the subconscious mind using the power of suggestion, guided visualisation, and relaxation techniques, helping you to change perspective, relax and feel less anxious.
2. Hypnotherapy brings positivity into your life
Hypnotherapy for anxiety helps you learn how to manage negative and destructive thoughts, teaching you how to see problems from a fresh, clear, and manageable perspective, whether that is from the past, present or future.
3. Hypnotherapy promotes ongoing self-care
Hypnotherapy for anxiety gives importance to the person’s own ability to turn his/her life around. Learning relaxation and stress reduction techniques will help your state of mind and improve your ability to relax and enjoy life being able to manage anxiety and fear.
Following an extensive review of the existing literature on Hypnotherapy, the British Medical Association concluded that Hypnotherapy was not only effective but may be ‘the treatment of choice’ in dealing with anxiety (‘psychoneurosis’) and stress-related (‘psycho-somatic’) disorders.
Annette Sloly is a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist based in Clifton Bristol. Over the years, he has worked with everyone from professionals suffering from stress to world-class artists looking to improve their performance. For more information get in touch to find out how Hypnotherapy could help you today.
