According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a whopping 40 million Americans are affected by anxiety disorders each year, making it the most widespread mental illness in the country. Popular treatments include medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy. There’s another equally—if not more—effective treatment that isn’t as well-known, namely hypnotherapy.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at how hypnotherapy helps people treat symptoms of anxiety.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Contrary to what’s shown in the movies, hypnotherapy doesn’t have people clucking like chickens. Instead, it’s carried out by a certified professional who utilizes techniques that helps people focus and relax their mind. This state is similar to sleep and makes it easier to interact with the subconscious.
Not only is the hypnotherapist able to explore deeper issues, but sessions are also noted to help clients instill a desire to implement healthy habits, explore repressed memories like abuse during childhood, or help to relax a stressed-out mind.
Effectiveness of Hypnotherapy in Treating Anxiety
Even though medication and psychotherapy are far more popular than hypnotherapy, scientists and researchers have been conducting numerous studies to determine its efficacy in treating mental health conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety have been the subject of research and debate for many years.
In one study carried out at Stanford University, researchers monitored the brains of people that were a part of guided hypnosis sessions. After the study was over, it was concluded that the hypnotized region of the brain experienced changes that included less self-consciousness, greater emotional and physical control, and focused attention.
How a Hypnotherapist Goes About Treating Anxiety
Let’s assume that a person has a phobia of driving. The hypnotherapist will begin by bringing the person into a relaxed state of mind. Here, the patient will enter a state of trance while the hypnotherapist gives “posthypnotic suggestions”.
Since the mind is relaxed and accepting of change, the hypnotherapist will suggest how easy it is to drive a car. This will reduce the intensity or eliminate symptoms associated with the phobia such as shortness of breath, increased heart rate, irritability, fear, and a nervous stomach.
Hypnotherapy is also commonly used as a complementary treatment alongside cognitive behavioral therapy.
If you’re also suffering from anxiety and want a way to deal with the symptoms, getting in touch with Rekha Shrivastava is the way to go. She’s a certified hypnotist at Blossom Hypnosis and has helped countless people deal with depression and anxiety. Contact us today to book an appointment!
Rekha also offers Skype sessions to clients not residing in Rochester, NY.
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/hypnotherapy-for-panic-disorder-2584300
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/does-hypnotherapy-work#1
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help/clinical-hypnotherapy/
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