In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become an increasingly common companion for many people, and is currently one of the most common issues that I treat.

While talk therapy is useful (and this also forms part of my overall treatment plan), hypnosis is the sprinkling of magic that can really make the difference in getting to the heart of the matter and changing at a deeper level.  

Understanding Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a guided state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. During this state, I help you explore your subconscious mind, uncover root causes of anxiety (if needed), and implement positive changes in thought patterns and behaviours. Hypnosis is gentle and safe – and nothing like you’ve seen in the movies! 

How Hypnotherapy Works for Anxiety

Here are some of the ways hypnosis helps with anxiety:

1. Relaxation: One of the primary benefits of hypnotherapy is its ability to induce deep relaxation. For individuals with anxiety, this alone can provide significant relief from symptoms like muscle tension and racing thoughts.

2. Accessing the Subconscious: Anxiety often stems from deep-seated fears or beliefs. Hypnotherapy allows individuals to access their subconscious mind, where these underlying issues can be addressed more directly.

3. Reframing Negative Thoughts: Through suggestion and guided imagery, I help clients reframe the negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety.

4. Building Coping Mechanisms: Hypnotherapy can be used to instill new coping strategies and reinforce positive behaviors, giving clients new tools to manage anxiety in their daily lives.

5. Addressing Root Causes: By exploring past experiences and emotions in a hypnotic state, clients may uncover and resolve underlying causes of their anxiety, and release any stuck emotions from their body. 

Typical Hypnotherapy Process for Anxiety

Like any therapist, I need to get an understanding of how and where anxiety shows up for you, and the kinds of thoughts, beliefs and behaviours that are holding the anxiety in place. 

The hypnosis part of the session is generally done towards the end of the session, and lasts 25-35 minutes (sometimes longer for regression sessions). 

A typical hypnotherapy session for anxiety might include:

1. Induction: You are guided into a relaxed, focused state.
2. Deepening: The hypnotic state is deepened to access the subconscious mind.
3. Therapeutic Intervention: This varies depending on the client – I use various techniques such as suggestion, visualization, regression or emotional release to address anxiety-related issues.
4. Post-Hypnotic Suggestions: These are suggestions that continue to transform your thoughts and behaviours after the session.
5. Awakening: You are gradually brought out of the hypnotic state, feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Benefits of Hypnotherapy for Anxiety

• Quick Results: Many individuals report feeling more relaxed and less anxious after just a few sessions.
• Non-Invasive: Hypnotherapy is a drug-free approach with no physical side effects.
• Personalized Treatment: Sessions can be tailored to address each individual’s specific anxiety triggers and symptoms.
• Empowerment: I teach my clients self-hypnosis techniques, allowing them to manage their anxiety independently.
• Complementary Approach: It can be used alongside other treatments, potentially enhancing their effectiveness.

Scientific Support for Hypnotherapy

While more research is needed (any more funding for such research please!), several studies have shown promising results for hypnotherapy in treating anxiety:

• A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that hypnotherapy was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
• A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis in 2018 concluded that hypnosis interventions consistently produce significant decreases in anxiety.

The real proof is in the results that people experience – I would encourage you to check out the testimonials on my Google business page!

I also expect my clients to take responsibility for their own healing, and to be fully committed to their process of transfomation. I am simply the guide, the client is always the one with the power.

I’d love to chat with you about how hypnotherapy may benefit you. Book a session or a free discovery call here.