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Hypnotherapy

15 replies

RachelGreensHair · 13/02/2023 18:42

Hi! Following increasing anxiety and panic attacks I was prescribed Sertraline 50mg by my GP. For 12 months it was great and now I'm back to being full of anxiety and GP has increased dosage to 100mg. The anxiety is so bad that my heart feels like its constantly racing and my hands are shaking, I've stopped driving cos just thinking about it was giving me a panic. GP has suggested talking therapy but I'm not sure how much that will help cos I don't think this because of a life event I need to talk through...then I came across hypnotherapy. I'll be honest I'm a sceptic but the reviews for my local hypnotherapists are all glowing. I wanted to get some real life feedback and whether it's helped anyone here? It's also a bit time commitment which is hard as a single mum. Some offer online hypnotherapy which I could fit it but how effective is it online?

OP posts:
Kate8990 · 13/02/2023 18:49

Hynotherapy didn't help me I'll be honest. In fact I had a panic attack 2 days later. I found it difficult to switch off and I gained no benefit but everyone's different. It's worth a try as I know it's helped lots of people.

RachelGreensHair · 13/02/2023 19:03

Not being able to switch off is what I'm worried about. I've attended in person meditation classes and honestly my mind just wanders and am distracted even with eyes closed sitting in pure silence:/

OP posts:
notsosoftanymore · 13/02/2023 19:08

I believe that hypnotherapy doesn't work for everyone and not all hypnotherapists are equally good and you have to feel OK about who you find. That said, it was miraculous for me and has cured me completely of fear of flying and has been good but not perfect for anxiety.

thenewaveragebear1983 · 13/02/2023 19:21

I use the clearminds recordings, they definitely help me. I also rarely switch off fully and still experience the hypnosis. I find it helps if I listen to them when I’m tired and then they sort of wash over me and I drift off to sleep. I’ve not used them for anxiety but I have used them for healthy eating, binge eating etc and found them to be really good. Each recording is only £12 so it’s not a huge amount if you wanted to try them

JimnJoyce · 13/02/2023 19:28

i had 121 hypnotherapy specifically for panic attacks. It didnt stop them but it did reduce the intensity and frequency and helped me deal with them
much better. before this the panic attacks i had used to start with tingling in my hands and feet which turned to paralysis, my lips also used to tingle and then i couldnt speak. Used to last for up to 30 minutes. the first time i had one i thiught i was dying or having a stroke

caramac04 · 13/02/2023 19:29

Big fan of hypnotherapy here. Clear minds definitely worth trying or I can recommend an online/ftf hypnotherapist if you message me.

Imagineit · 13/02/2023 19:34

Hi OP,

Have you considered changing your medication? Sertraline did nothing for me and made my anxiety sooo much worse. On citalopram I am back to my normal self

IJustHadToLookHavingReadTheBook · 13/02/2023 19:44

It really worked for my anxiety but I was hugely sceptical. I'd say it's worth a go if you can afford it and are prepared for it to not work. I had mine 8yrs ago and still feel the benefits now.

weRone · 13/02/2023 21:40

There's nothing special the hypnotherapist does during the sessions, it all happens in the mind of the client. That's why it does work in an online format.

Kate8990 · 13/02/2023 23:14

@JimnJoyce Exactly the same for me!! Awful isn't it! 😩 glad hypno helped you! I might give it another go.

JimnJoyce · 14/02/2023 00:23

@Kate8990 i was amazed it helped me

SallySH · 25/02/2023 11:16

RachelGreensHair · 13/02/2023 18:42

Hi! Following increasing anxiety and panic attacks I was prescribed Sertraline 50mg by my GP. For 12 months it was great and now I'm back to being full of anxiety and GP has increased dosage to 100mg. The anxiety is so bad that my heart feels like its constantly racing and my hands are shaking, I've stopped driving cos just thinking about it was giving me a panic. GP has suggested talking therapy but I'm not sure how much that will help cos I don't think this because of a life event I need to talk through...then I came across hypnotherapy. I'll be honest I'm a sceptic but the reviews for my local hypnotherapists are all glowing. I wanted to get some real life feedback and whether it's helped anyone here? It's also a bit time commitment which is hard as a single mum. Some offer online hypnotherapy which I could fit it but how effective is it online?

Hi Rachel

Sorry to hear how much you're struggling with anxiety. I'm a hypnotherapist and thought perhaps I could share some information which may be helpful for you so you can make an informed decision. Not here to push my services, don't worry :)

There are different types of hypnotherapy which I appreciate can be confusing to know which approach is best. I would look at a few therapists to see what they offer and explore what feels right for you. Most therapists offer an initial call so you can get a feel for what it's like working with them.

I started exploring hypnotherapy many years before I trained and qualified, and in my opinion I love the solution focused approach. This is what I eventually trained and qualified in. This approach can help train your brain to see your life in the absence of your problem. It draws upon your skills and resources to facilitate a shift in perspective and bring about the change you want to see. It involves a combination of a hope filled conversation followed by hypnosis.

In regards to hypnotherapy over video call this does work equally effective as face to face. It just takes place from the comfort of your own home. Some people prefer this as they're in an environment that's familiar to them and able to relax easier. Others prefer the face to face interaction. It's personal preference but the session format is still the same.

Hypnosis contrary to popular belief is not mind control, in fact it's about you having control. A hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything against your will. The process of hypnosis is to help bring your mind in alignment to focus on what it is you want to achieve.

I would say be wary of anyone offering a cure though! Anxiety is a hardwired response to danger. Sometimes the brain gets it wrong and can overreact which is why it can be problematic when it impacts your day to day living.

I completely understand how hard it is living with anxiety and panic, I've been there. If I can offer you any hope is that the brain is malleable and can learn new patterns and habits. Change is absolutely possible.

P.S. Tip for panic attacks. There are a few things you can do to help regulate your nervous system. When you're experiencing a panic attack you may notice your breathing is rapid. If you focus on slowing your breathing, especially making your out breath longer than your in breath this can help calm your body down. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest state) and the more you practice this the quicker and easier it becomes.

I wish you all the best and I hope you can get the support you need. If you want to ask any questions I will be happy to answer.

Sally

ClaireHypno · 04/04/2023 06:47

I’m a clinical Hypnotherapist, and work with clients all the time online. I’m currently looking after a lovely lady in New York who has already lost 13 pounds after 2 weight loss sessions.

After reading some of the comments on here….. please do not give up on Hypnotherapy! It is a fantastic tool that can help you immensely, especially with anxiety and panic attacks.
It’s a case of finding the right practitioner for you.
I nursed for 20 years and started to have panic attacks when I decided to give hypnotherapy a go and it changed my world!! I then became a hypnotherapist.

Ladybug14 · 04/04/2023 06:54

What I found difficult in a hypnotherapy f2f situation was allowing my brain to get to the state where the hypnotherapist can 'get a hold'

I couldn't relax enough

However I find listening to hypnotherapy on u tube a little relaxing

But then, I'm in my own home

ClaireHypno · 05/04/2023 07:27

I would address this issue in the consultation. If you are resistant, there are different techniques for the initial indication. How many sessions did you have?

I use a Authoritarian induction for your first induction and would recommend 4 sessions.

Have you ever got emotionally into a film?
This is hypnosis.

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