Anxiety and Panic Disorders are areas that I have a keen interest and much experience within and is often linked to today’s fast pace of living. There are many different aspects to anxiety, panic and phobias and in my practice approximately 55% of my clients present with any array of these issues.

Anxiety is part of normal human experience and we all probably know what it feels like to be anxious – perhaps about a big forthcoming event ahead of us, all 27 of the family for Christmas dinner…..the car passing it’s MOT….! Anxiety can be a beneficial experience as it often helps us to prepare for something or take more care than otherwise. For some people however, these moments of anxiety are not isolated to specific things and are not rare. Instead, anxiety is a constant and pervasive force that severely impacts on the quality and enjoyment of their lives and is far more than just simply ‘nerves’.

Having worked successfully with a great many clients here are a number of typical areas that anxiety plays a part:-

Social Anxiety
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Panic Attacks/Disorders
Agoraphobia
Phobias

Social Anxiety

This is characterised by extreme fear when facing social interactions and it is estimated that up to 7% of the population can be affected by this at any time. It is the avoidance of certain social situations when sufferers fear they may be negatively judged by others and experience feelings of dread, worthlessness, increased heart rate, shaking limbs, blushing or dry mouth, to name but a few (very similar to the heightened anxiety responses). Hypnosis is a highly effective treatment for this particular area of anxiety.

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Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, often caught up in the fearful anticipation of disastrous future events for example “What if……….should happen whilst I am out” thoughts. For some people simply getting through the day provokes unreasonable levels of anxiety, for others it can be more specific for example the health of the family, money, work etc.

People who suffer from GAD often seem unable to relax, so using hypnosis as a method of treatment aids and encourages the individual to empower themselves by learning this and many other strategies to deal with day-to-day life thereby reducing, and often times eliminating, anxiety over time.

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Panic Attacks/Disorders

These affect 1.6% of the population and are twice as common in women as men. Not everyone who experiences a single panic attack will develop panic disorder. Many people have one attack and never have another. For those who do have another, seeking treatment is essential. Panic attacks can occur out-of-the-blue, without warning. Feelings of terror and intense anxiety often develop between attacks. Symptoms can be varied and attacks can happen at any time, even during sleep. On average an attack lasts approximately 2 minutes, but occasionally may last for 10 minutes and in rare occasions upto an hour or more. Hypnosis is a proven method enabling relaxation and encouraging the focus of the mind onto a more productive outcome. I have worked to help many of my clients so they are able to overcome panic attacks completely.

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Agoraphobia

This often results from a fear of having a panic attacks in specific situations which may be embarrassing or they may not be able to get out of. It can lead to extreme anxiety and avoidance of open spaces and some people, left untreated, may become ‘housebound’ unable to leave their ‘safe area’. Agoraphobia is responsive to both therapeutic and medical treatment and early treatment of anxiety helps avoid the escalation of the problem.

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Phobias

Many people experience specific phobias and these are intensely irrational fears about or certain things or situations, for example, dogs, lifts, fish, closed-in places, heights, spiders, driving, water, bridges, flying, injuries involving blood and dentists. Adults with phobias realise their fears are irrational, but often when faced with the feared object or situation they experience anxiety or feelings of panic

It may surprise you to know that specific phobias affect more than 1 in every 10 people. Hypnosis can treat phobias easily, simply and quickly.

It is important to note that anxiety in its many forms can be treated successfully but, dependent upon severity, may require several sessions to learn how to deal with it. Often prescribed medication is already being taken, which is fine too because hypnosis is a completely natural and safe method of therapeutic intervention.

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