Introduction
Most of us are aware personally and from those around us that anxiety seems to be at an all-time high. Recent statistics indicate that almost a third of people in Australia will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime.
In addition to this, a longitudinal study, COVID-19 Impact Monitoring Survey Program indicates a rise in psychological distress across the board but particularly for young Australian adults.
Whilst we’re aware of the prevalence of anxiety in our society, many people still find the ways they are trying to manage their anxiety aren’t working.
When symptoms trigger anxiety
However, what I have learned through my own experience and in my work with clients, is that there are a range of less known symptoms can also be triggered by anxiety. This can include issues like IBS, body zaps, numbness and tingling in hands and feet. Things my GP likes to call weird and wonderful symptoms.
These symptoms can be distressing and confusing because we usually assume they have a physical cause. But when medical tests don’t find a physical reason for such symptoms, we often feel at a loss. Being open to the possibility that medically unexplained symptoms may be due to fear or anxiety may be helpful.
Why traditional methods may not work
I have found that traditional advice regarding anxiety such as, “just think of something else”, “think positively” or “compare yourself to those less fortunate and you will realise that your life is not that bad after all” didn’t help my anxiety.
Most people are aware of the common symptoms of anxiety such as worrying, negative thoughts, racing heart, tightness in the chest or a general feeling of foreboding and can identify these easily enough.
When experiencing anxiety, I have found that with myself and my clients changing our relationship with our fearful thoughts and uncomfortable feelings and sensations can really help. There can be such freedom in making peace with “what is” and taking our thoughts and inner stories a bit less seriously.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
In my work with clients, I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) along with hypnosis and coaching to help them drop the struggle with anxiety and change their relationship with their thoughts.
A key aspect of ACT is also doing what’s important to us, even when our mind gets worried and tells us that we can’t do it or that something might go wrong. ACT helps us clarify what is important to us and when doing this things is the better in the long-run than listening to the voice of anxiety.
Studies on hypnosis for anxiety
Recent research looking at several studies on the use of hypnosis for anxiety has shown hypnosis reduced anxiety by around 80 per cent of participants. And that the average participant treated with hypnosis improved by more than 84 per cent.
Further to this hypnosis was more effective in reducing anxiety when combined with other psychological interventions than when used as a stand-alone approach. This is why I always use hypnosis along with ACT and coaching. This method helps clients manage their anxiety effectively and provides them with tools to use in the real world, when life gets tricky.
Promising research has also indicated that hypnosis is successful in reducing anxiety in children. Most of this research has been done in dental and medical settings. However, this also has positive indications for the use of hypnosis with children experiencing general anxiety.
Of course, successful hypnotherapy with children requires an understanding of child development, as well as recognising the child as part of a family system and wider community.
The takeaway
To learn more about hypnosis see my FAQ or book in a free consult.
Hypnosis is a wonderful tool to help drop the struggle with anxiety and change your relationship with your thoughts, bodily sensations and emotions. The beauty of hypnotherapy is that your subconscious mind does the heavy lifting. The most important thing for people considering working with hypnosis and ACT for anxiety is an openness to changing their relationship with their anxiety and a willingness to let go of the struggle with it.
