Anxiety and stress go hand in hand if the stress isn't managed
Anxiety can be a useful tool – it helps in a stressful situation by keeping us alert and 'on the ball'. Whilst we may think of it a as a negative, it's actually one of the ways our brain helps us to stay safe. Anxiety helps us to perform well in sticky or stressful situations, by sharpening our reactions and awareness.
Unfortunately, when we are exposed to stressful situations on a daily basis, our brains can get fixed on full alert. This leaves us feeling exhausted and unable to cope with our daily lives. Stress means different things to different people, and different times. Something that feels stressful today may be easier a week from now, and vice versa.
Decision making becomes difficult, when we are under stress, so we start to make the wrong choices, leading to a vicious circle of anxiety, poor nutrition, less exercise, and so on. Sleep can suffer when we feel anxious, because we can't still our thoughts for long. Sometimes this leads to a full blown panic attack, which is frightening and exhausting. There may be unwanted physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, bloating, and perhaps even obsessive behaviours as in OCD.
We are all different, and our response to stress varies due to a variety of factors. Working one to one with me means we can really create a bespoke solution that is just right for you.
We all manage stress in different ways
Recent global events including lockdown, and the cost of living, as well as everyday local concerns, have meant an increase in the level of stress that we are all subject to on a daily basis. Whilst we are all experiencing these stresses, the effect on each of us varies . And of course, as individuals we are all subject to different stressful experiences throughout our lives. Some may be able to manage, and some may find that anxiety has become an issue which they can no longer control. Factors that contribute to how well we manage stress include:
Our cultural background
How much support we have from others
Our general health
Our genetics
Our previous experience of managing
The way that stress shows itself is also different for everyone. For some it means an increase in physical tension, lack of sleep or headaches. For others, a flare up of eczema or IBS. Some of us become more angry, or tearful, fearful or unable to socialise. Unfortunately, these symptoms make it even harder to manage the anxiety, and that's when we get stuck. When you come to me for help, we’ll talk about the factors that contribute to stress using this ‘Top Down, Bottom Up, Outside In model to help make things clearer.
Help for anxiety is here
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool in helping to relieve that stress and to bring anxiety levels down, allowing us to get back in control of our thoughts and emotions and therefore our lives.We can regain a feeling of calm confidence which has an effect on all areas of our lives.
How does Solution Focused Therapy work?
Each session contains an element of talking - the 'coaching section' , followed by the hypnotherapy section, where I carefully use what you have told me to create the change you want. Hypnosis brings about a very natural state of deep relaxation, very similar to daydreaming, where the mind is focused and the subconscious is open to suggestion for your benefit. It's a gentle and powerful tool for transformation, which I believe is a valuable addition to talking therapy. If you are sceptical or concerned, please arrange a Tell Me More call before we meet so that I can answer your questions. You can find answers to some commonly asked questions in my FAQ section
Online Hypnotherapy for anxiety
Hypnotherapy delivered online has been shown to be just as effective as in person. In some cases, it's even more effective. Providing that you have a quiet safe space for an hour, we can work closely together to help you achieve your goals. I use Zoom for my online sessions, which is secure and reliable. If this will be your first session with me, please choose an Initial Consultation. If you'd like to chat before committing to therapy, please schedule a Tell Me More Call, where I can answer any questions you may have. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.