Clinical Hypnotherapy for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Telling someone who is feeling anxious, stressed or experiencing a full blown panic attack to “just calm down” may seem both calming and helpful. Chances are, however, the exact opposite of that well-meaning-yet-oh-so-unhelpful pearl of wisdom will occur.

Regardless of age, gender, faith, profession or nationality – whether you’re a student, employed, self-employed, unemployed or retired – a stay-at-home parent, professional singer, musician, dancer, actor, athlete or public speaker, stress, anxiety and panic knows no boundaries. It can reach anyone and everyone at any given time and without warning.

Those suffering from stress and anxiety may:

• Find it hard to concentrate

  
  
  
  

  

  
  
  
  

• Have problems with sleeping or eating,

• Be prone to angry or aggressive outbursts.

• Suffer negative thoughts, thinking that bad things are going to happen

• May avoid everyday activities, such as seeing friends, going out in public or going to work or school.

Quite apart from the psychological effects of anxiety, the physical effects of anxiety and panic can be manifold. Presenting in symptoms such as:

• Heart palpitations

• Chest pains

• Hot flushes

• Problems sleeping

• Digestive disorders 

• A weakened immune system.

In hypnotherapy, we utilize a variety of breathing techniques designed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is often referred to as our ‘Rest and Digest’ response. This system plays a crucial role in promoting a state of calmness and relaxation within the body, counteracting the effects of stress and anxiety that are often prevalent in our fast-paced lives. By focusing on deep, rhythmic breathing, clients can effectively signal to their bodies that it is time to shift away from the fight-or-flight response, allowing for a more serene and balanced state of being. Furthermore, we incorporate guided imagery as a powerful tool to help individuals re-frame and redirect negative thoughts, beliefs, and expectations that may have been holding them back. This technique involves visualizing positive outcomes and scenarios, which can transform fears and vulnerabilities into powerful tools for personal growth and empowerment. Through this process, clients learn to harness their inner strength and resilience, ultimately fostering a more optimistic outlook on life. Additionally, we integrate other therapeutic modalities, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which further facilitate the healing process. EMDR helps clients process traumatic memories and experiences, allowing them to move forward with their lives positively and constructively, free from the burdens of past traumas.

Hypnosis itself serves as a unique and effective method that enables individuals to focus intently on a specific problem and its resolution, all while maintaining a comfortable state of physical relaxation. This state of deep relaxation is not merely about feeling good; it is about entering a heightened state of awareness where the subconscious mind becomes more open to suggestion and change. In this profound state, individuals can regain control over their body’s physical response to stress, effectively preventing the body from slipping into its default mode of high alert. This newfound ability to manage stress responses is transformative. Clients often report that they can think more clearly, approach challenging situations with a sense of calmness, and respond to difficulties in a more effective and measured way. This clarity of thought empowers them to make precise and defined decisions, enabling them to navigate life's challenges with confidence and assurance. The cumulative effect of these techniques not only enhances emotional well-being but also promotes a holistic sense of health and vitality, allowing individuals to thrive in both their personal and professional lives.