Overcoming Anxiety and Managing Stress
The rewired Approach
Hypnotherapy for anxiety is gaining recognition as a powerful and natural way to reduce stress, calm the mind, and rewire unhelpful thought patterns. Combined with Solution-focused brief therapy, it is an effective way to make positive changes, faster than you might have thought.
In this in-depth page, i explore how hypnotherapy works, the key techniques qualified therapists use, and why it’s becoming a popular alternative or complement to conventional treatments for anxiety disorders.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to help individuals enter a deeply relaxed, focused state of awareness. In this state, the mind becomes more open to suggestion, allowing the therapist to help the client explore and reshape subconscious beliefs and emotional responses.
Clinical hypnotherapy is a medically recognised practice carried out by trained professionals. It's grounded in psychology and neuroscience, and it's used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, especially anxiety and stress-related disorders.
How Hypnotherapy Helps Reduce Anxiety
1. Accessing the Subconscious Mind
A key principle of hypnotherapy is its ability to access the subconscious mind, where many of our automatic thoughts, behaviours, and emotional responses originate. Anxiety often stems from ingrained negative thought patterns or unresolved emotional conflicts. I work with you to identify and reframe these subconscious patterns, making lasting change possible.
2. Breaking the Anxiety Cycle
Anxiety is self-reinforcing. When the brain perceives danger, it triggers a fight-or-flight response—even when there is no real threat. Hypnotherapy interrupts this cycle by calming the nervous system and retraining the brain to respond differently to perceived stressors.
3. Enhancing Relaxation and Focus
Hypnosis induces a deep state of relaxation, which can lower heart rate, reduce muscle tension, and ease mental chatter. For those living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, or panic attacks, even short sessions of guided hypnosis can provide a sense of relief.
Most hypnotherapy sessions begin with progressive muscle relaxation. I guide you through a series of physical relaxation exercises, helping you become both physically and mentally calm.
Guided imagery is then used and along with Positive suggestions. I describe peaceful scenarios—like walking down to a deserted beach, or through a quiet forest or floating in clouds.
In this state of heightened awareness, I then use positive affirmations and suggestions tailored to your situation and goals. For example, if you are tackling social anxiety I might use phrases like: “You feel calm and confident when speaking in groups.”
What to Expect in a Hypnotherapy Session for Anxiety
Sessions typically last between 55 to 75 minutes. In the first session, we discuss your anxiety symptoms, triggers and goals. This helps to tailor the session to your individual needs.
During hypnosis, you remain aware and in control. You may feel deeply relaxed, or in a light dream-like state. I guide you through a series of verbal cues and suggestions designed to lower your anxiety and build emotional resilience.
Many clients report feeling immediate relief after their first 2-3 sessions, although everyone is different and there are no guarantees, as with any medical service.
Who Should Consider Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is suitable for people dealing with:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic attacks
- Social anxiety
- Performance anxiety
- Phobias (e.g., fear of flying, heights, public speaking)
- Stress-related insomnia
It is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a drug-free or holistic approach to anxiety management.
