Hypnotherapy for Anxiety London

Anxiety hypnotherapy provides relief from panic attacks, nervousness and stress. As well as other common signs of anxiety such as racing heart, insomnia and nausea. Anxiety is a painful, life-limiting condition that has a huge impact on your everyday activities.

What causes anxiety?

Anxiety is caused by a range of factors. For example, childhood events, negative thoughts and the daily stress of life. Anxiety is part of the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response to threat. This is a short term response for increased performance in a dangerous moment. Unfortunately, Anxiety involves experiencing these physical reactions long-term in response to everyday triggers.

Of course, the body is unable to function under this kind of extreme pressure. Consequently, anxiety has a detrimental effect on our health and well being.

Are you suffering from anxiety symptoms?

Signs of anxiety include:

Worrying what others think about you
Experiencing reoccurring anxious thoughts
Disturbed sleep
Anxious about the past or fearful about the future
Beating yourself up about what you said or did in the past

Is anxiety having a detrimental effect on your life and stopping you doing the things you really want to? Hypnotherapy is a very effective anxiety treatment.

Benefits of hypnotherapy for anxiety

Clearing painful memories that might be causing anxiety
Becoming more confident, positive and self-assured
Gaining the tools and techniques to prevent future re-occurrence
Gaining the strength to deal with previously fearful situations
Face life’s challenges with increased resilience

In conclusion, you can be assured that your anxiety can be reduced without the need for medication.

How does anxiety hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy for anxiety works by accessing the subconscious mind and changing negative and destructive thought patterns. It can help you access a relaxed state of mind that can help overcome anxiety. Anxiety treatment like this can simultaneously boost feelings of confidence and self-esteem and address phobias.

Therapist and client work together to explore anxiety triggers and reprogram the mind to react differently in previously anxiety inducing situations.

Anxiety hypnotherapy London

Alix Needham is an advanced hypnotherapist based in London. She is an expert in helping people overcome their anxiety issues with a unique blend of hypnotherapy. Above all, her techniques help you reprogramme your mind and manage your anxiety. What’s more, all of this is often achieved in as few as three sessions.

Read a case study about anxiety treatment here.

Anxiety Treatment Testimonial

* I approached Alix after suffering anxiety, a feeling which left me scared and confused. Alix’s sessions really helped and I managed to get my anxiety under control. I think I would have struggled without Alix’s help. Thanks xxx

Bethany Hardcross

Anxiety therapy online

Many people with anxiety prefer to access hypnotherapy treatments online from the comfort of their own home. This is not a problem. Online anxiety hypnosis still yields quick and powerful results.

If you’re looking for anxiety help then online hypnotherapy for anxiety from London Hypnotherapist, Alix Needham, could be the answer.

Would You Like A Complimentary Consultation?

Now could be the perfect time to see if online hypnotherapy can provide you with a much needed boost.
If you’re not sure, why not try an initial complimentary 15 minute session?

Book Now

More Reading on Anxiety Hypnosis

Anxiety treatment in detail – Q&As

Health Anxiety

Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment

Why online hypnotherapy is so effective at relieving anxiety

Are you suffering from post trauma anxiety?

Is your worrying an anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety in London

Booking a Consultation
If you are interested in a complimentary consultation, or would like to book an appointment, then please email me on info@alixneedham.com or call me direct on 020 7935 1965, alternatively use my contact form here.

How to Reduce Anxiety with Hypnotherapy: Stop Worrying About Everything
Do you feel like you worry about everything? You’re not alone. Over 8 million people in the UK have anxiety disorders. Many of these people are seeking a safe and effective way to reduce their anxiety and stop worrying about everything. The answer for them, and you, could well be hypnotherapy. What Is Anxiety? Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling of fear, dread, apprehension, worry, or unease. It’s often accompanied by physiological symptoms such as sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, headaches, muscle tension, and insomnia. The stress and worry of anxiety is life altering. Anxiety can affect anyone at any age, but it often starts in childhood. Why Treat Anxiety? Anxiety can be a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can affect your ability to function at school, work, or home. Hypnosis can help you overcome this problem by helping you relax and focus on the present moment. Anxiety is a life-altering condition. Panic attacks, heart palpitations and exhaustion are just some of the symptoms. Although anxiety can feel physical, its roots are in the mind. Some treat anxiety with medication to hide physical symptoms. Others with exposure therapy which can be very stressful. Others still just put up with it or avoid things they want to do because of it. Life’s too short to live with anxiety when they are effective treatment options. It could just be a few short hypnosis sessions between you and the life you deserve. Why Do We Worry? There are several reasons why we worry. One reason is because we are afraid of what might happen. Another reason is because we are trying to avoid something bad happening. A third reason is because we are worried about things that haven’t happened yet. The Effects Of Stress Hormones If you’re feeling anxious, chances are you’ve been releasing stress hormones into your system. This is called “stress response.” It’s normal to feel anxious when faced with stressful situations. However, when these feelings become overwhelming, they can lead to other symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, and muscle tension. How To Stop Worry There are various techniques that can help you stop worrying. Relaxation techniques and distraction can be great in the moment. But addressing the root cause can stop excessive anxiety for good. If you suffer from anxiety, hypnosis can help you stop worrying about everything. You can learn more about anxiety hypnosis here. Reduce Anxiety by Addressing the Cause Hypnotherapy can be tailored to an individual, their needs and the cause of the anxiety. It’s perfect for those with anxiety. And it can be accessed from the safety and comfort of your own home, if you prefer, with online hypnotherapy. This means you are at your most calm for each session. Some people know the origin of their anxiety, but other times the cause is unclear. But there’s not always one triggering event. It’s possible for anxiety to grow slowly over time with increasing avoidance behaviour and negative thoughts. What Causes Anxiety? You can think of anxiety almost like reverse self-hypnosis with negative results. Because we program our mind to believe bad things will happen, fixating, ruminating and catastrophising. Eventually, our anxiety spirals out of control. In addition, we constantly feed the anxiety with negative self-speech and worst-case scenarios. Much of this takes place subconsciously. Learn How to Relax with Hypnosis Hypnosis is a state of mind where you enter into a relaxed, focused state of awareness. During hypnosis, you will learn to control your thoughts and feelings. This allows you to focus on relaxing your body and mind. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that has been used successfully for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of medical issues. In fact, hypnosis is one of the oldest forms of medicine known to man. Discover How Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Works Hypnosis is an effective treatment for anxiety because it helps you relax your body and mind. It also helps you gain insight into your own behaviour patterns and emotions. In addition, hypnosis can help you overcome fears and phobias. Hypnosis is a process that involves focusing attention on something while blocking out other distractions. This allows the subconscious mind to take control of the body and perform tasks without conscious effort. During hypnosis, you will learn relaxation techniques that help you achieve a calm, peaceful state of mind. Learn How to Use Hypnosis to Relieve Anxiety Hypnosis is a state of mind where you enter into an altered state of consciousness. In this altered state, you are more suggestible than usual. This means that you will respond well to suggestions given during hypnosis. During hypnosis, you are relaxed and focused, able to concentrate better and listen to instructions more easily. These suggestions and instructions can be tailored to you and help you relax and reduce anxiety. Reduce Anxiety with Hypnotherapy Treatment Hypnosis is a state of focused attention in which people can learn new skills, change behaviors, and improve performance. Hypnotic techniques can be effectively used to treat anxiety disorders. Hypnotherapy to overcome anxiety is an effective anxiety treatment. It is a powerful way of transforming people’s lives. Together we can reprogram the mind to empower, not weaken. Moreover, we can clear out harmful messages, replacing them with positive and productive ones. The body then realises it is not receiving stress signals from the mind. As a result it turns off the fight or flight response. So calmness can return. My sessions are completely tailored to you. They can take place in my central London hypnotherapy clinic or online. Both in-person and online hypnotherapy can help you reduce anxiety in a short period of time. You may only need three sessions so why not call today for a free initial consultation? Reach out and ask for help from a friendly and experienced hypnotherapist. More reading Generalised Anxiety Disorder treatment How to Deal With Anxiety Do you just worry too much or is it an anxiety […]
Am I an Introvert or Is It Social Anxiety?
Many of us our familiar with the term ‘introvert’ and some of the associated characteristics. But does a preference for introversion ever become a problem? What’s the difference between an introvert and shyness or social anxiety? What is an Introvert? Introverts have a personality trait that means they prefer to focus on internal thoughts and feelings rather than external stimulation. The introversion and extroversion spectrum is a sliding scale with most people not at either extreme. In fact, the term ‘ambivert’ has been coined to describe people who associate with both. Introvert Characteristics Introverts tend to be quieter and more reserved than extroverts. Extroverts may feel like they gain energy and ideas from social interaction whereas many introverts actually expend energy in social interaction. It’s not necessarily that they don’t enjoy it, but they may need some time alone to recharge afterwards. Introverts tend to be more inward facing and require less external stimulation. Introvert Traits If you have the following traits you may be an introvert…. You…… can be seen as aloof or mysteriousare sometimes quietcan be happy aloneare self-awarehave a rich fantasy lifethink things through carefullyhave a small group of close friendscan be left feeling drained by social interactionenjoy spending time with close friends over meeting lots of new peopletend to shy away from small talk and chit chat How does being an introvert translate to everyday life? Introverts at Work As an introvert your learning style might be different. You may prefer to learn by watching and like to wait until you feel capable before giving things a go. Conversely, extroverts may be more willing to jump right in and learn by trial and error. Introverts prefer to practise privately until they feel secure in their skills. Clearly there are some jobs where this is a benefit and others where it might be more difficult. Think of a trainee doctor having to learn on the job, surrounded by observing people and often in high pressure situations. Introverts may sometimes not contribute as much in meetings because they like to fully consider a problem from every angle before commenting. They want to have a full understanding before offering input. Many workplaces will appreciate this considered approach. Being careful about what you say is vital in many situations at work. However, in others it can be more detrimental – think about a creative, lively office where brainstorming and thinking out loud is the norm. Introverts can find small talk tedious and difficult but it can be an important skill when socialising with new people, especially at work. Introvert Jobs Many introverts will choose careers that involve independence and solitude. They may struggle in jobs that involve a great deal of social interaction or relationship building. Some extroverts may have struggled during the recent Covid pandemic being forced to work from home, alone away from the hustle and bustle of office life. Introverts on the other hand may have thrived. Someone with social anxiety may struggle at work. Working from home could be perfect for them but even a zoom call or phone chat can feel like a challenge. Some people’s social anxiety at work manifests as a fear of authority. Social anxiety at work can significantly affect success. Introverts and Dating Many introverts desire deep and authentic connection so can struggle in the early parts of relationships where things are more surface level. They may struggle with small talk or feeling the pressure to perform. However, in the right environment introverts enjoy dating and meeting new people. Especially when they bond over shared interests and values. Many introverts prefer to meet in a quiet place where they can concentrate on getting to know the person rather than a club or busy bar where there’s a lot of other distractions. Someone who has social anxiety may panic at the thought of dating. The idea of being in a social situation with a stranger may feel so scary that they simply end up not doing it at all. Again, it’s not necessarily that they don’t want to form a relationship but the challenges involved are just too high. Introvert or Social Anxiety Being an introvert is not the same thing as being shy or having social anxiety. Although, the two may coexist. Introversion is more about preference. How do you prefer to spend the majority of your time and who with? What energises you and how do you experience the world and express yourself? Introverts do have a desire to socialise, although they may choose the times, places and people differently to an extrovert. People who are shy often have feelings of tension or anxiety when in social situations or even just at the thought of them. Shyness influences the way someone acts when in a social situation and may mean they don’t feel comfortable or able to fully be themselves. What Next? If you feel like your introversion tendencies are the result of shyness or social anxiety that is negatively affecting your daily life perhaps it’s time to change them. I have helped many clients with shyness therapy. Hypnotherapy is a really powerful and effective way of doing this and allows people to make positive change in a short space of time. Please do contact me to learn more about how I can help you or for a free no-obligation consultation. Why wait to change your life for the better? Book Now Related Articles Social Anxiety Disorder – What It Is & How To Treat It Social Phobia After Covid Lockdown How to Overcome Social Anxiety in London Social anxiety symptoms Hypnosis for Social Anxiety 5 Effective Ways for Dealing With Shyness How to Stop Being Shy Client Testimonials Social anxiety disorder low self trust – client story Improved my social life – client story Improved confidence – client story Shyness Therapy – Case Study
Health Anxiety In The Time of Covid
Coping with health anxiety is difficult at the best of times. But for those who struggle with health anxiety, (also known as hypochondria), the current Covid crisis is an especially difficult time. What is Health Anxiety? Health Anxiety is a term used to describe anxiety and worry surrounding getting sick. Although some health anxiety is normal, especially in these strange times, when that anxiety overrides everything else and is detrimental to your everyday life, there can be a problem. What are the Signs of Health Anxiety? The symptoms of health anxiety or hypochondria include… Constant, overriding worry about your health Frequently checking for signs of illness Obsessing over symptoms and signs of illness Feeling that you know better than medical professionals all the time Spend a lot of time researching possible diagnoses Act as if you are ill when you’re not or avoid certain activities because you might get sick The overriding sign of health anxiety is worrying and obsessing over your health so much that it stands in the way of your life, relationships and other priorities. Taken individually the signs outlined above are not necessarily bad, but if you are experiencing most or all of them, and you feel like it’s become obsessive, then it might be time for a change. Coping with Health Anxiety Health Anxiety During Covid Health Anxiety is characterised by a worry that is disproportionate to the reality. The present Covid pandemic makes that definition extremely difficult. We all know there is a real reason to be worried at the minute and that vigilance is necessary and responsible. We all have to do our bit and there are precautions to follow. However, overriding health anxiety that prevents you doing anything else is a problem. Whether you were already predisposed to anxiety, stress or depression or are finding the current situation tough, there’s no reason not to seek some extra help. In this unprecedented situation, we need to strengthen our resilience. There is a definite balancing act between appropriate caution and unhealthy obsession. We all still need to live our lives and get out of the other side of this crisis as healthy as possible in both body and mind. Self Help for Hypochondria There are some things you can try yourself to gain perspective on your anxieties around health. You can try keeping a diary of your behaviour. Challenge your thoughts by writing them down and questioning them from a balanced perspective. You might also try to keep your mind busy with relaxing activities and breathing exercises or meditation. Hypnotherapy for Health Anxiety Hypnotherapy can help you to cope and override your anxieties about health. It can help you change your mindset and challenge your negative thoughts. An outside perspective encourages you to objectively question your behaviour, thoughts and beliefs. Through hypnotherapy you can find the underlying causes of your anxiety. This is the best way to overcome it. You will feel empowered to take back control of your life. Online Hypnotherapy At a time like this when we are all limiting our exposure online hypnotherapy is ideal. You can get all the benefits of therapy with a top London hypnotherapist from the comfort of your own home. Contact Me Today If you’d like to learn more, ask questions or book a free, no-obligation consultation, please do get in touch. Now is the perfect time to work on your own happiness and wellbeing. Further Reading Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment Social Phobia After Covid Lockdown How to Stay Young and Improve Your Health Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment – Why am I tired all the time? Lockdown Mental Health Help:; Online Hypnotherapy How to Reduce Anxiety with Online Hypnotherapy The Real Difference Between Low Mood And Depression Do you just worry too much or is it an anxiety disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder – What It Is & How To Treat It
What is social anxiety disorder? Social anxiety or social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder that produces an extreme fear response in social situations or even when thinking about them. This can be anything from just leaving the house, going shopping, speaking on the phone, interacting with other people or engaging with groups. How common is social phobia? Social phobia has always been quite a common problem. It usually starts during adolescence and often does not go away without treatment. But recently, with the outbreak of Covid 19, it has become a huge issue for many people who have not previously suffered. Read more about Covid’s impact on social anxiety here. Social anxiety disorder symptoms Symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of general anxiety disorder except that the triggers are social in nature. Symptoms include: Worry about everyday social activitiesAvoiding social activities or situationsWorrying about embarrassment and blushingFeeling like you’re being watched and judged all the timeFearing criticismPanic attacksLow self-esteem and low self confidencePhysical anxiety symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, feeling sick, tremblingAn overriding fear of dread, fear of panic in situations that wouldn’t typically merit it Related issues Many people find that their social phobia is actually linked to another fear or phobia, low self-confidence, past traumatic events, a fear of authority or other complex issues. Discovering the root cause or underlying issue is important in finding relief. Do I need help for my social anxiety? If this is significantly affecting your life it might be time to seek help for social anxiety disorder. Finding treatment isn’t always easy, but they can drastically improve your life. Self-help treatment options There are a few things you can do to start to try and unravel your anxiety issues. Try and understand the triggers for your social phobia. When did it start? What do you think is behind it? Perhaps keep a record of each day and the struggles you have. You can try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, exercise and yoga to see if these can settle the symptoms. You can also try a gradual desensitisation and challenge yourself to overcome small challenges each day. Try and address any negative behaviour patterns or unhelpful assumptions you are making. Don’t catastrophize or always assume the worst. Social phobia treatments Some of the above advice is easier said than done and can be much more easily achieved with the help of a professional therapist. Common treatments you might be offered for social anxiety include guided self-help, group therapy or medications. Medication treatment options Most of my clients come to me because they want to avoid drug treatments or they want another treatment alongside, that addresses the root causes of the anxiety. Medication can have many side effects and sometimes only addresses the symptoms rather than the cause. You can become reliant on medication to relieve symptoms whilst gaining no real long-term relief. Social anxiety disorder hypnotherapy So what’s the answer? I believe that hypnotherapy for social anxiety provides real, safe and effective change. The results are quick and long-lasting. Often in just three sessions I can help my clients find relief from social anxiety. No more being afraid to leave the house or engage with people. A new world of possibilities is opened up. Next steps for social phobia treatment If you feel like you would benefit from treatment for social anxiety please do get in touch. I offer my clients a free 15 minute consultation so you can learn more about how I can help you. If you’d like to read more about how hypnotherapy works please click here. I can offer my services in person from my central London hypnotherapy clinic or via online hypnotherapy sessions. Both are effective for anxiety, so it just depends which suits you best. Please do contact me for more information or to book your first session. Further Reading Social Phobia After Covid Lockdown Generalised Anxiety Disorder How to Reduce Anxiety with Online Hypnotherapy How to Deal With Anxiety Social Anxiety Symptoms How to Overcome Social Anxiety in London Hypnotherapy for Social Anxiety How to overcome shyness Social phobia disorder case study
Generalised Anxiety Disorder Treatment
My generalised anxiety disorder treatment has been carefully crafted after year’s of experience in the field of anxiety hypnotherapy. Anxiety is a debilitating condition that significantly affects everyday life. I am pleased to help my clients find relief from anxiety. What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder? Anxiety is the overwhelming feeling of panic, fear or unease. Many people experience feelings of anxiety almost every day of their lives. This can be extremely upsetting and debilitating. Is Anxiety Normal? Anxiety is normal at certain times of our lives. For example, when we are in a high stress situation. However, it becomes a problem if a person is experiencing anxiety with no obvious cause for long periods of time. What Causes Anxiety? Anxiety is often a symptom of other issues such as panic disorder, phobias, PTSD or social anxiety. However, it can also be a disorder in itself. The exact causes are unknown but research has pointed to the following factors often being linked with anxiety. Causes of Anxiety Over activity in certain areas of the brainImbalance in brain chemistryGeneticsTraumatic experiences or dealing with death or life changesLong-term health conditions and chronic painSubstance abuse and addictions Generalised Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Not everyone will experience the same symptoms but generally symptoms of anxiety can include the following. Symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder Feeling restlessPanic or worryFeeling the need to escapeDifficulty concentratingIrritabilityAvoiding social contact and workLow self-esteem How Does Anxiety Affect the Body? These are some of the physical signs of anxiety although not everyone experiences them all. Physical Signs of Anxiety Sleep issuesDizzinessNauseaHeart palpitations and chest painsDry mouthStomach acheSweatingShortness of breathHeadachePins and needlesShakingMuscle achesFatigue Anxiety Triggers The triggers of anxiety will be different from person to person. Some people will experience anxiety almost constantly, whilst others will have more defined anxiety attacks. Some people may know what their triggers are, especially if the anxiety is linked to a specific event or phobia. Whereas other people will experience anxiety attacks seemingly at random. Anxiety treatments may be able to help you pinpoint your triggers, understand the causes or desensitise you to them so you can live your live more freely. Anxiety Attacks The term anxiety attack is difficult to define and can be used for a burst of anxiety symptoms, or as another term for a panic attack. Panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder and can be very severe. Anxiety and Depression Depression and anxiety commonly occur together. Anxiety can occur as a symptom of depression or depression can be triggered by the hopelessness of an anxiety disorder. Many anxiety treatment options will also be effective for depression. Both conditions may also have the same underlying causes. Anxiety and Sleep It’s almost impossible to sleep when you are anxious. The physical state of anxiety is designed to help you escape a perceived danger and going to sleep would be in direct contradiction to this. Sleep deprivation inevitably makes anxiety worse, starting a negative cycle of anxiety and sleep disorders. Anxiety and Phobias Anxiety is often a symptom of a phobia. If you feel like you know what triggers your anxiety it may be that you have a phobia around that situation or object. Even if you aren’t sure of the triggers, it may be that there’s an underlying phobia you aren’t fully aware of. Social Anxiety Social anxiety disorder or social phobias are becoming more and more common. They involve fear and anxiety surrounding social situations. It’s more than feeling shy or experiencing blushing, it can have a huge impact on your relationships, friendships, work life and general wellbeing. Covid Anxiety The traumatic events of the Covid 19 pandemic and the isolation of the lockdown have led to a rise in anxiety cases. In particular many people feel anxious about going out or re-engaging in social activities after so long in isolation. Getting Help For Generalised Anxiety Disorder It is important to get help for anxiety if you feel like it is becoming a problem. Anxiety is supposed to be a short-term state for the body. It is designed to help us get through a high-pressure situation. But this ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response isn’t designed to go on long term. It’s too much for the body to handle. Should I Seek Anxiety Treatment? If anxiety is affecting your daily life then I would recommend seeking help. Especially if you find life extremely stressful and upsetting, you tend to catastrophize and think about worst case scenarios or you feel your anxiety is getting out of hand. Even if you don’t feel like things are quite this bad yet I am happy to help people experiencing anxiety at any level. Often, early treatment for anxiety is very effective. No matter how big or small you think your problems are, my anxiety treatments can help. How Can You Reduce Anxiety Yourself? Mild symptoms can sometimes be relieved with some of the following self-help treatments for anxiety. Guided self-helpRelaxation and breathing exerciseMindfulnessExerciseYoga or PilatesReduce caffeine, smoking and drinkingSupport groups Learn more about practical ways to overcome anxiety here. Anxiety Medication Some people may treat anxiety with medication but, once started, this can be hard to stop. Medicines such as antidepressants can have side effects and many only treat the physical effects of anxiety, not the root cause. Most of my clients come to me seeking a more natural anxiety treatment. Hypnosis for Generalised Anxiety Disorder Hypnosis for anxiety is becoming an extremely popular anxiety treatment option. The benefit of hypnosis anxiety treatment is that it addresses the underlying causes of anxiety rather than just masking the symptoms. In this way it provides real, natural and long lasting relief. Anxiety Hypnotherapy by Alix Needham If you want to overcome your anxiety try a treatment session with Alix Needham. An advanced hypnotherapist based in the heart of London with a range of treatments including online hypnotherapy sessions. Anxiety Therapy London I help many people with anxiety in my offices situated in the heart of London near […]
Are You Nervous About Going to Parties?
Are you nervous about going to parties? As our festive season approaches many of us will be enjoying all the extra social activities that come with it. An equal number of us struggle around this time of year as the extra expectations and social obligations pull us from our comfort zone. Whilst we may have developed reliable coping techniques, excuses or routines in our everyday lives, opting out of parties can be a lot more difficult and we may find ourselves having to face our fears in order to boost our careers or maintain important relationships. If you struggle with social anxiety, shyness or low self-esteem parties can be difficult and trigger panic, stress or anxiety symptoms. If this sounds like you, here are a few tips to help you overcome your phobia and enjoy yourself. Confront Negative Thoughts Take a minute to write down all your fears surrounding parties. What is it specifically that scares you? For example, I’ll look like a fool No one will talk to me I might embarrass myself Once you know what you’re afraid of it’s easier to work through it. Take a minute to recognise and process the fears so you can be mindful of these thoughts when they occur. Counter Negative With Positive Calmly and rationally talk yourself through each fear. “No I will not look like a fool. I am a strong and competent person who other people will respect. Nothing bad will happen. Other people want to socialise with me.” Find a mantra that works for you that you can repeat when you feel yourself slipping. Test each negative assumption and determine what is a more likely outcome. It may also help to ground yourself with a worst case scenario. Although social anxiety can feel crippling, focusing on the worst case scenarios can help you put things into perspective. You have the power to change your negative thought patterns. If you struggle, this is something that hypnotherapy is extremely effective at helping people with. Practice & Visualise For any event it’s important not to build it up too much in your own mind or catastrophize with negative predictions. Instead, positively visualise things going well – you arrive at the venue, you feel calm, you get a drink and join in a conversation. Try having a few suitable conversation topics prepared that you can call on if you feel stuck. Practise eye contact and smiling in a mirror. Whilst this sounds like a lot of work, preparation always pays off and things will eventually become easier. Keep An Open Mind When meeting or talking to other people it’s important not to ‘read their mind’. You don’t know what they are thinking so don’t try to guess. One thing confident and charismatic people do so well is to always assume the best of people and not to waste time worrying about what other people think of them. As long as they are treating others well and are happy with themselves that’s all they need. You’ll find that this approach makes you much more approachable and likable so focus on yourself rather than fearing others. Things To Avoid It’s common to have to dress up for parties but having to wear new, strange or uncomfortable clothes can add to anxiety issues. Choose an outfit you’re comfortable in and that fits well. Wear it before hand and get familiar with it. This can often help you feel more settled. Although one or two drinks may help you feel a little calmer, it’s usually best to avoid more than that. Alcohol can make you feel out of control or do things that are out of character. You don’t need alcohol to feel more confident when you feel calm and prepared. Further Help If you’d like more support with confidence, social anxiety or shyness issues I can help. Hypnotherapy is hugely effective at helping people with all of the above and more. If you want an extra boost before going to a party, please do get in touch. Further Reading Social Anxiety Disorder; What It Is & How To Treat It Social Anxiety Symptoms Hypnosis for Social Anxiety Do you Suffer with Shyness & Social Anxiety? How to Overcome Social Anxiety in London How to Find Your Christmas Party Confidence
Are you Suffering from Post Traumatic Anxiety?
Post Traumatic Anxiety or Post Trauma Stress is a disorder developing after living through a shocking or frightening experience. Symptoms include anxiety, sleep issues and depression. Without help, some sufferers can become isolated, volatile or turn to harmful substances, such as alcohol, for relief. Signs of Post Traumatic Anxiety Other symptoms of post traumatic anxiety include intrusive emotions or flashbacks, avoidance of triggering situations, hyper-sensitivity to specific stimuli, negativity and numbness. For the sufferer, these flashbacks or triggered emotions can be just as distressing as the original event. For loved ones, it is upsetting and difficult to see someone suffering with this. As a result, it is important the person is encouraged to seek treatment as soon as possible. How can hypnotherapy help with post traumatic anxiety? Through hypnotherapy I help clients dealing with post trauma anxiety in a safe space. Avoidance The person may refuse to discuss the event or visit associated places. They may also avoid certain people that remind them of the stressful incident, even if the other person is only trying to help. They may attempt to avoid emotions altogether, displaying a strange distance or numbness. Avoidance is a short-term, ineffective solution. During hypnotherapy a person can be opened up to these emotions or fears gradually, in a safe reassuring space and helped to deal with them effectively. Hyper-arousal Hyper-arousal is a term used to describe a constant state-of-being similar to a ‘fight-or-flight’ response. It’s a feeling of being on-edge or over-emotional and may lead to people seeming distracted or jumpy. This is one of the main symptoms that can contribute to disturbed sleep, which leads to tiredness making the symptoms even more difficult to deal with. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises can help. Safety Many people don’t feel comfortable talking to friends or family about these type of events for fear of burdening or upsetting them. Therapy helps them process feelings without worrying about the reaction of other people. Sometimes feelings of guilt, shame or anger prevent people talking with anyone but a neutral professional. Hypnotherapy also helps them face their fears in a safe way, knowing at any time they can withdraw and relax. Restructuring An experienced therapist helps sufferers take a rational view of their situation. Overly emotional reactions can be hard to control but careful restructuring of thought patterns can encourage a healthier response. Together we question the accuracy of negative thoughts and beliefs and whether fears are helpful to their future well-being. Closure after trauma Working through the effects of a trauma is an important step to recovery. Closure comes only after we face up to a situation, how difficult it was for us and how much it may have changed us. Once this is done, then we can begin to realign our beliefs and find happiness again. These events often change us, but they don’t have to mean an end to our happiness. Book Hypnotherapy for post traumatic anxiety If you would like to learn more about this issue and how I can help, please do get in touch. Whether it’s in person at my London clinic, or online, we can work together to find you relief. Further Reading Generalised Anxiety Disorder How to Reduce Anxiety with Online Hypnotherapy How to Deal With Anxiety Do you just worry too much or is it an anxiety disorder? How to get rid of anxiety and panic attacks Beating anxiety and depression Case Study – Anxiety Hypnosis Anxiety Hypnotherapy
How to Deal With Anxiety
How to deal with anxiety? Everyone experiences anxiety at some point. However, for some, it’s an everyday occurrence. Moreover, sapping confidence, causing stress and fear of panic attacks. What causes anxiety? Firstly what’s anxiety is unique for each person. Some people experiencing social anxiety. Whilst others find certain tasks or situations triggering fear. Whatever’s causing your anxiety start by addressing your worries. Practical ways to deal with anxiety Are you struggling with fear? If so, keep your life as calm and stress free as possible. It’s useful to perform small tasks right away so they don’t mount up. As well as using lists for keeping you on track. Taking control where you can Is your personal situation making you feel out of your control? If so take action rather than staying in limbo. In addition, prepare for these situations as best you can. In short setting boundaries or clear expectations will help you feel more in control. Accepting where you can’t Whatever is causing you anxiety, look at the situation from a different perspective. Acknowledge your anxiety whilst accepting you can’t do much at this point, and let go. Developing coping mechanisms When panic takes over coping techniques will calm you down. Hypnotherapy can be helpful in learning these coping strategies. These include mindfulness techniques, practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Furthermore positive visualisation is also useful for focusing on positive outcomes. Changing thought patterns Long term relief is gained by changing your negative thinking which have been causing anxiety. These include all-or-nothing thinking and separating emotions from reason. Also try not to take things so personally. As well as asking yourself what’s the worst that can happen ? Seek help to deal with anxiety In conclusion, if you’re asking how to deal with anxiety talking to people can help. Or seek professional help. I provide clients with a friendly, personal service with real, proven benefits. So why not get in touch today? Further Reading Social Anxiety Disorder – What It Is & How To Treat It Generalised Anxiety Disorder How to Reduce Anxiety with Online Hypnotherapy Are you suffering from Post Traumatic Anxiety? Do you just worry too much or is it an anxiety disorder? Hypnotherapy for Social Anxiety How to get rid of anxiety and panic attacks Beating anxiety and depression Case Study – Anxiety Hypnosis Anxiety Hypnotherapy

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