Hypnotherapy for Anxiety in Hayle, Cornwall

Anxiety can be loud and unmistakable. It can also be a quieter, wearing sort of problem that follows you through the day.

You may find yourself repeatedly thinking about what could go wrong, replaying conversations or feeling tense when nothing in particular is happening.

Sometimes anxiety centres on one situation, such as driving, flying or speaking in front of other people. Sometimes it seems to attach itself to almost everything.

You may understand perfectly well that your reaction is out of proportion and still be unable to reason your way out of it when the feeling arrives.

People often come to see me after spending a long time trying to manage anxiety on their own. We begin by making sense of what happens for them and what they would like to feel more comfortable doing.

What does anxiety feel like for you?

There is no single experience of anxiety.

You may notice:

• a mind that keeps jumping ahead
• repeatedly imagining the worst outcome
• feeling restless, tense or unable to settle
• a racing or more noticeable heartbeat
• shaking, sweating or feeling light-headed
• a tight feeling in your chest or stomach
• disturbed sleep
• difficulty concentrating
• avoiding places or situations
• repeatedly checking or asking for reassurance
• worrying about the sensations of anxiety themselves

For some people, the physical feelings are the most frightening part. Others feel caught in a loop of thoughts that never quite reaches a conclusion.

You don’t need to arrive knowing which type of anxiety you have. Tell me what you notice and how it affects your life, and we can begin there.

“I know it’s anxiety, so why can’t I stop it?”

Understanding anxiety can be useful, but insight doesn’t always change what happens in the moment.

You may know that a flight is statistically safe, that you have prepared properly for the meeting or that the physical feeling has passed before. Your body can still react as though something urgent is happening.

Trying to argue with every anxious thought can become exhausting. Even when you answer one concern, the mind may quickly produce another.

Our work can include becoming less caught up in that repeated checking and giving your attention somewhere more useful to go.

What is anxiety getting in the way of?

I’m interested in the difference you would like to notice outside the therapy room.

Perhaps you want to:

• sleep without spending hours thinking
• drive on a road you have begun avoiding
• go somewhere without planning an escape route
• contribute during a meeting
• travel with more confidence
• make a decision without repeatedly questioning it
• feel less overwhelmed by physical sensations
• enjoy time with other people without being distracted by worry

A clear aim gives our sessions some direction. It also makes “feeling less anxious” more meaningful and personal to you.

How hypnotherapy may help

Hypnotherapy can help relieve anxiety.

We begin with a conversation about what has been happening, the situations you find difficult and anything you have already tried.

During hypnosis, I may use guided relaxation, imagery and mental rehearsal connected with the goals we have agreed.

You might imagine approaching a familiar situation, noticing an anxious feeling and responding more calmly. We can include realistic moments, such as uncertainty, waiting or something not going entirely to plan.

The aim isn’t to pretend that every situation will be easy. It is to help you become more familiar with a steadier response and support the practical steps you want to take.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Most people describe hypnosis as a relaxed and focused state. It can feel similar to becoming absorbed in a book, a film or a familiar journey.

You remain aware of what is happening and stay in control. You can hear me, speak, move or stop whenever you wish.

You cannot be made to reveal something or do anything against your wishes.

There is also no need to empty your mind. Thoughts may still appear. You don’t have to chase each one, answer it or decide whether you are “deep enough” in hypnosis.

I will explain what we are doing before we begin, and you can ask questions at any point.

Would you like to hear my approach first?

If you are curious about hypnotherapy or would like something to try at home, I have created a guided session called Quiet Your Busy Mind.

It is for those times when your mind keeps finding something else to think about, even when everything around you is reasonably all right.

Listen somewhere comfortable where you can safely give it your attention. Never use hypnosis or relaxation recordings while driving or doing anything that requires concentration.

Anxiety in particular situations

You may already know which part of anxiety you want help with.

You can explore my pages about:

• Panic attacks, fears and phobias
• Driving anxiety
• Fear of flying
• Emetophobia
• Public speaking anxiety
• Tests and exams
• Blushing anxiety
• OCD and intrusive thoughts
• Stress and feeling overwhelmed

Each page looks more closely at the experience, practical considerations and how hypnotherapy may fit.

If your concern isn’t listed, you are still welcome to ask me about it.

What happens at the initial consultation?

The initial consultation gives us time to talk without rushing into hypnosis.

You can explain what has been happening, ask questions and get a clear idea of how I work. I’ll also ask about any relevant medical or mental-health care you receive.

If I think hypnotherapy may be suitable, I’ll explain how I would approach the work. If another service should be involved or would be a better starting point, I’ll tell you.

You don’t have to decide immediately whether to book further sessions.

Keeping expectations realistic

People respond differently to hypnotherapy.

I won’t promise that anxiety will disappear completely or decide in advance exactly how many sessions you will need. We will agree what you want to work towards and review how things are going.

Your participation matters too. The steps you take between appointments, and your willingness to approach things differently, form part of the process.

Hypnotherapy can also sit alongside support from a GP, counsellor, psychologist or NHS Talking Therapies where that is appropriate.

When medical or psychological support should come first

Anxiety-like sensations can have more than one cause.

Please speak to your GP about new, severe, persistent or unexplained physical symptoms rather than assuming they are caused by anxiety.

A GP or appropriately qualified mental-health professional should also be involved if anxiety has appeared suddenly, is severely affecting daily life, may be connected with medication or a health condition, or raises concerns about your safety.

NHS Talking Therapies provides established psychological support for anxiety and can often be contacted without a GP referral.

Continue taking prescribed medication unless the clinician responsible for your care advises otherwise.

Let’s start with what anxiety is like for you

You don’t need to write a long explanation or know exactly what kind of support you need.

Tell me briefly what has been happening and what anxiety is making difficult. I’ll answer your questions and explain whether my approach seems suitable.

Appointments are available at my practice in Hayle, Cornwall, and online.

Contact me about anxiety support

You can also try my short interactive guide if anxiety, poor sleep and overthinking have become tangled together.