Hypnotherapy for Anxiety
Hypnotherapy for Anxiety is a form of psychotherapy that uses hypnosis to help people identify and address the underlying causes of their Anxiety. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind where an individual's attention is focused and they become more open to suggestion. Hypnotherapists use this heightened sense of focus, relaxation, and suggestibility to help patients explore the psychological and emotional components of their Anxiety.
The goal of Hypnotherapy for Anxiety is to help people identify and address negative thought patterns and behaviours that are associated with their troubling emotional state. Hypnotherapy can also be used to increase an individual's awareness of emotional reactions to certain situations or triggers, often allowing them to gain control of their responses, enabling them to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Hypnotherapy can also assist individuals to learn relaxation techniques. These techniques can have many benefits including reducing muscle tension and stress which can assist in elevating many symptoms of Anxiety such as racing heart, sweating, and difficulty breathing.
Research has shown Hypnotherapy for Anxiety to be an effective treatment for a range of disorders including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and other forms of anxiety.
Results from a large meta analysis that looked at "THE EFFICACY OF HYPNOSIS AS A TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY: A META-ANALYSIS" showed encouraging results for those participants who received Hypnotherapy as a part of their treatment, compared to the control group who did not receive Hypnotherapy.
Abstract
This meta-analysis quantifies the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating anxiety. Included studies were required to utilize a between-subjects or mixed-model design in which a hypnosis intervention was compared with a control condition in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety. Of 399 records screened, 15 studies incorporating 17 trials of hypnosis met the inclusion criteria. At the end of active treatment, 17 trials produced a mean weighted effect size of 0.79 (p ≤ .001), indicating the average participant receiving hypnosis reduced anxiety more than about 79% of control participants. At the longest follow-up, seven trials yielded a mean weighted effect size of 0.99 (p ≤ .001), demonstrating the average participant treated with hypnosis improved more than about 84% of control participants. Hypnosis was more effective in reducing anxiety when combined with other psychological interventions than when used as a stand-alone treatment.
Valentine KE, Milling LS, Clark LJ, Moriarty CL. THE EFFICACY OF HYPNOSIS AS A TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY: A META-ANALYSIS. Int J Clin Exp Hypn. 2019 Jul-Sep;67(3):336-363. doi: 10.1080/00207144.2019.1613863. PMID: 31251710.
Overall, Hypnotherapy for Anxiety can be an effective form of treatment as a standalone therapy however, when used in combination with other forms of Psychotherapy, it has been shown to have an even more beneficial synergistic effect.
Hypnotherapy for Anxiety is an evidence-based treatment option that has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving overall quality of life. Hypnosis can be used to help individuals identify and address underlying psychological factors associated with their anxiety, as well as develop healthier coping mechanisms and relaxation techniques that can reduce physical symptoms.
Hypnotherapy for Anxiety is a promising treatment option to identify and address underlying psychological factors, and develop healthier coping mechanisms to better manage anxiety. With the right Hypnotherapist, Hypnotherapy for Anxiety can be a powerful tool to help individuals manage their anxiety and improve overall quality of life.
Disclaimer: Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments prescribed by your doctor or psychiatrist. It is important to consult with a qualified Hypnotherapist who has experience dealing with Anxiety disorders so that the best possible outcome is achieved. All AHA Hypnotherapists are suitably qualified to meet the highest exacting standards of the Australian Hypnotherapists Association.
Many of our AHA Registered Clinical Hypnotherapists® are also qualified in a range of additional therapeutic modalities which have been shown to compliment the practise of Hypnotherapy for Anxiety and many other conditions.
Find a qualified AHA hypnotherapist on our exclusive directory, using the Specialities list search will direct you to those members who specialise in Hypnotherapy for Anxiety.