Anxiety is exhausting - but freedom’s closer than you think

Anxiety is exhausting. This is both mentally and physically. Anxiety comes in different shapes and forms. A few of us are walking around with learned fear patterns we never consciously chose. Whilst we can try to 'think' our way out of it, these beliefs are deeply anchored in our subconscious.

Change is good, they say, it is about renewal. However, change is not always good for everyone, and sometimes it is daunting and causes a lot of anxiety if you are not sure what is coming your way.

Yet, renewal is possible for yourself, your nervous system and upcoming situations. To live anxiety-free and free of fear. Whether it is a panic on a plane, or a crowded space, or not being able to drive over bridges. Whatever triggers your anxiety, let's talk about it and identify where this is coming from.

When we look at hypnosis, it means focused attention. Deep safety and inner rewiring. It does not happen overnight, but over time. Healing always takes time. Hypnosis for anxiety is not about 'fixing you' but about releasing what was never yours to carry. 

You do not have to live with that tight chest, racing heart or fear of planes forever. Imagine waking up without dread and feeling that freedom.

How does hypnosis really work for anxiety?

First, it bypasses the busy mind. The mind that is overthinking and which is full of chatter. Hypnosis goes straight to where anxiety is coming from, the subconscious mind. It helps with calming the nervous system, which goes from 'fight-flight' to 'rest-digest'. Also, as we feel anxious, we often fall into the trap of a downward spiral, resulting in more anxious thoughts.

Hypnosis reduces the intensity of these thoughts and, similar to mindfulness, can even stop them. There is a sense of inner control that is created, boosting confidence and the ability to cope. 

Whilst this is happening, hypnosis also encourages a deeper understanding of oneself, resulting in a self-awareness that is deep and identifies patterns, shifting habits. On the back of it, due to its relaxing effects, you improve your sleep and ease other physical symptoms like a racing heart, shallow breathing or muscle tension. 

Yes, do not forget, whilst you are in hypnosis, you stay in control. You are deeply relaxed and always aware of what is going on. We say it is like daydreaming, really. Imagine you drive from one familiar place to another and you get to your destination, and you do not remember all of the journey. That is a similar state to hypnosis.

Under hypnosis, we address patterns, images and emotions associated with your anxiety. Your nervous system is calming down, and your body associates this calm with situations that used to trigger your anxiety. A bit like rewiring your alarm system. We reframe limiting beliefs, and the 'what ifs' start to lose power.

I often get asked if you have to re-live your trauma, but you do not. You are reshaping it. It is a gentle process that helps you shift emotional responses without digging through every memory. Instead, it creates an inner belief like "I am safe", "I can cope" - they are not just affirmations, but under hypnosis, your brain takes it on. And that is the power of hypnosis.

With these new beliefs in your unconsciousness, you can start living a life without anxiety and fear. After a few sessions, you will see a shift and things will fall into place.

Your brain will stop reacting to the triggers that once caused your anxiety. You will stop anticipating the worst, which means your internal alarm system is switched off. Like building trust in yourself. 

It's like you remember who you were before your anxiety started.

How would that feel for you?

What can you expect in a hypnosis session for anxiety?

I often get asked what you can expect in a hypnosis session. We always start with a chat about what is going on, without any judgement or pressure. We identify the anxiety you want to work on, when, where and what it feels like. Together, we understand how the anxiety shows up, and the likelihood is that we have discussed this in previous sessions, so we can define more of 'what is the desired outcome', 'how would you like to feel instead'. 

During the hypnosis itself, you are guided into a relaxed state, and we work with visualisation, imagining calm responses and real-life scenarios. There will be positive suggestions, planting seeds of change in your subconscious. Depending on the nature of the problem, you might rehearse future situations, anchoring or visualise outcomes. 

Be open to the journey. Hypnosis is not magic, but it is powerful. It is a deep exhale, a way to quiet the chaos and rewrite the script anxiety has been feeding you.