Anxiety and Stress

When worry and stress take over

​

Anxiety can show up as constant worry, a racing mind, tight chest, poor sleep, irritability, panic or a feeling of being on edge that never switches off. Long-term stress can also appear in the body, through headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems and exhaustion.

​

If this sounds familiar, you are not failing and you are not alone. Your brain's threat system is doing its job too well. The good news is that it can learn to settle.

​

How solution focused hypnotherapy helps

​

Solution focused hypnotherapy combines practical, forward-looking conversation with hypnosis and clear explanations of how stress and anxiety work in the brain and body.

​

• We start with what you want, not a long analysis of the past. What would you like to feel and do instead?

• We build on what already works. Even when anxiety feels overwhelming, there are times when it is less. Those exceptions show us what to build on.

• You learn how your stress response works. Understanding what is happening in your body takes away much of the fear. This is where my science teaching and genetic counselling background comes in.

• Hypnosis reinforces calm and confidence. It is a relaxed, focused state in which you remain aware and in control. We use it to rehearse feeling calmer and to strengthen new patterns of thinking and responding.

• You take tools home. Practical strategies and self-hypnosis practice for between sessions.

 

My approach draws on solution focused therapy and cognitive-behavioural ideas, alongside therapeutic hypnosis.

​

What I can help with

​

• Generalised worry and persistent anxiety

• Panic and panic attacks

• Work stress and burnout

• Health anxiety

• Social anxiety and confidence

• Exam, performance and presentation nerves

• Fears and phobias

• Sleep difficulties linked with worry

• Physical symptoms linked with stress, such as IBS and tension

 

What to expect

​

1. A free 15-minute call to ask questions and see whether it feels right.

2. An initial consultation (no hypnosis) to explore what you would like to change and how stress and anxiety affect you. You leave with strategies to start using straight away.

3. Ongoing sessions, usually weekly at first and then fortnightly as things improve, combining conversation with hypnosis.

 

Many people notice changes within a handful of sessions, but everyone is different and I cannot guarantee results.

 

Is hypnotherapy evidence-based?

​

Research suggests that hypnosis can be a helpful part of support for anxiety and stress, particularly when combined with other approaches. I am open about what the research does and does not show, and I will always encourage you to see your GP if you have not already, especially if your anxiety is severe, or if you are having thoughts of harming yourself.

​

If you are in crisis, please contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111, or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours). In an emergency call 999.