Anxiety

As a practitioner of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, I encounter individuals struggling with anxiety. Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, but when it becomes persistent and overwhelming, it can significantly impact our daily lives. 

It can manifest in various ways, affecting our thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical well-being. Let's explore the nature of anxiety, its different forms, its impacts, and how SFH can provide effective support.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest through a range of symptoms, including:

Physical: Increased heart rate, sweating, trembling or shaking, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, dizziness, stomach issues.

Cognitive: Excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, catastrophising, memory problems, indecisiveness.

Emotional: Fear, dread, feeling overwhelmed, irritability, restlessness.

Behavioural: Avoidance, compulsive behaviours, social withdrawal, procrastination.

Impact on a Person's Life

Chronic anxiety can interfere with various aspects of life, including:

Work: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and meeting deadlines; reduced productivity; increased absenteeism.

Relationships: Strained interactions with family and friends; social isolation; fear of judgment; difficulty expressing oneself.

Physical Health: Increased risk of headaches, digestive problems, high blood pressure, and weakened immune system.

Mental Health: Can contribute to or coexist with other mental health conditions, such as depression.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Several types of anxiety disorders exist, each with unique characteristics

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, or finances.

Panic Disorder: Characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks – sudden periods of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear of social situations where one might be judged or scrutinized by others.

Specific Phobias: Intense fear of a particular object or situation, often out of proportion to the actual danger.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves unwanted, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to intrusive memories, avoidance behaviours, and negative thoughts and moods.

The Role of the Intellectual and Primitive Brain in Anxiety

The intellectual brain (prefrontal cortex) is the logical, rational part of our brain that helps us make decisions, plan for the future, and control our impulses. It's the part of us that knows our fears may be irrational, yet we still experience anxiety.

The primitive brain (limbic system), on the other hand, is responsible for our survival instincts and emotional responses. It's the part of us that triggers the fight-or-flight response when we perceive a threat, whether real or imagined.

When we experience anxiety, the primitive brain takes over, often overriding the intellectual brain. This can lead to a cycle of negative thoughts, physical symptoms, and avoidance behaviours.

How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Can Help

Hypnotherapy offers a unique and effective approach to addressing anxiety by working with both the intellectual and primitive brain:

Understanding the Brain: Hypnotherapy begins with educating clients about how the brain creates anxiety. This knowledge empowers individuals to understand their symptoms and take control of their responses.

Shifting Focus: Hypnotherapy helps clients shift their focus from problems to solutions. By concentrating on desired outcomes and identifying moments of success, SFH helps rewire the brain for positivity and resilience.

Accessing the Subconscious: SFH uses trance, a state of focused attention and relaxation, to access the subconscious mind where deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behaviour reside. This allows for the introduction of positive suggestions and the reframing of negative beliefs.

Building Resources: Hypnotherapy equips clients with practical coping strategies such as relaxation techniques and NLP tools. These tools empower individuals to manage anxiety in real-life situations.

Creating a Positive Cycle: By encouraging positive thoughts, actions, and interactions, SFH helps stimulate the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin, leading to reduced anxiety and enhanced well-being.

I recognise that each individual's experience with anxiety is unique but positive change is possible!

If you are ready to feel better and would like a quick chat or a free 30-minute consultation please use the contact form here or click on the telephone number or email below.

Telephone 07368 424525

Email better-brain@outlook.com