40 million Australians are affected by anxiety disorders every year.
There are many options for treating anxiety disorders.
- Cognitive behavior therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Medication
Many people choose to address their anxiety with hypnotherapy, which is an alternative treatment. This article is about hypnosis for anxiety: procedure, benefits, and more.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Contrary to what is shown in movies, hypnosis doesn’t just involve falling into a trance state and looking into another’s eyes.
Hypnosis helps you relax, focus and calm your mind. This is similar to sleep, except that your mind will be much more focused and ready to respond to suggestions.
You may find that you are more open to the thoughts of your subconscious mind when you are relaxed. This allows one to dig deeper into some of their issues.
Hypnotherapy sessions might be used to:
- Repressed memories, such as abuse, can be explored
- Instill a desire to have healthy habits that lead to weight reduction
- It helps to relax and reprogram anxious brains
The practitioner or therapist is there as a guide. They are not there to direct your thoughts.
What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Hypnotherapy As A Treatment For Anxiety?
Although hypnotherapy isn’t as well-known as psychotherapy and medication for managing anxiety, scientists and researchers continue to study its potential effects on mental health conditions, such as anxiety, post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and depression.
One research showed that researchers had scanned the brains while in hypnosis-guided sessions. The brains of people who have been hypnotized show changes that give them a feeling of being in control.
- Concentrated attention
- Higher physical and emotional control
- We are less self-conscious
What Can Hypnotherapy Do To Help With Anxiety?
Let’s imagine you have a fear that flying is something you are afraid of. The therapist will give you what’s known as “posthypnotic advice” in hypnotherapy sessions when you are in a trance.
The mind becomes more open and receptive to suggestions in this dreamlike state. This allows the therapist or therapist to show you how confident and comfortable you will be when you next board a plane.
Due to your relaxed state, it is easier to avoid worrying about anxiety symptoms like:
- The feeling of imminent doom
- Breathing problems
- Increased heartbeat
- Tension in the muscle
- Irritability
- Nervous stomach
Hypnotherapy should not be used as an alternative to cognitive behavior therapy.
You could experience similar results to Meditation, even if you only use hypnosis for anxiety treatment. You can achieve this state of relaxation by using hypnotic stimulation, which works similarly to Meditation. This is a state that can be used to treat anxieties and phobias.
You can also visualize yourself returning to the first time you were afraid to fly if you’re trying treatment for fear. Hypnoprojectives can be used to help you see past events in a way that you wish you had. Then, you can see yourself in your future, feeling calm and peaceful while flying.
How to Get Started With Hypnotherapy?
You can use hypnotherapy in anxiety treatment as long your doctor is licensed and has completed extensive training in hypnosis.
First, consider the qualifications of the practitioner when looking for a hypnotist. A licensed mental care professional is the first thing to look for in a hypnotist. This could include a psychologist, counselor, psychiatric nursing practitioner, counselor, social worker, or doctor.
A comprehensive treatment plan should include multiple options and approaches. Hypnotherapy may be just one of the many clinically successful tools available to manage anxiety.
