Panic attacks can be overwhelming and debilitating, affecting individuals both mentally and physically. If you're seeking relief from the distressing symptoms of panic attacks, hypnotherapy offers a promising solution.
By utilising the power of hypnosis, hypnotherapy can help you understand and address the underlying causes of panic attacks, empowering you to regain control so you can feel free to enjoy life again.
In this article, we will explore how hypnotherapy can effectively alleviate panic attacks and the connection between panic, anxiety, and the brain.
The Link between Panic, Anxiety, and the Brain
You know those moments when anxiety takes over and panic strikes? It's not just in your head - there's a real connection between panic, anxiety, and the brain. When we feel threatened, our brain's stress response kicks in, releasing hormones that trigger physical sensations like a racing heart or shortness of breath. But in individuals with panic disorder, this response goes haywire, causing intense panic attacks even in seemingly safe situations. It's like our brain's fear circuitry is on high alert, amplifying the sense of danger and creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and fear.
However, with panic disorder, this response becomes dysregulated, leading to frequent and intense panic attacks even in the absence of actual danger. The brain's fear circuitry becomes hypersensitive, amplifying the perception of threat and triggering panic attacks in seemingly harmless situations. This can create a distressing cycle of anxiety, fear, and avoidance behaviours.
How Hypnotherapy Helps with Panic Attacks
Now, let's dive into how hypnotherapy can be your secret weapon against panic attacks so you can address both the psychological and physiological aspects of anxiety. Here's how hypnotherapy can help you:
1. Identifying Triggers and Underlying Causes:
Hypnotherapy combines positive talk therapy with hypnosis, and ask we talk we can understand and uncover the triggers and underlying causes of your panic attacks. This increased self-awareness is crucial in developing targeted strategies to manage and prevent future episodes as we come up solutions and steps towards those new responses and behaviours.
2. Reprogramming Thought Patterns:
Hypnotherapy focuses on reprogramming negative thought patterns associated with panic attacks. By utilising guided imagery and positive suggestions, hypnotherapy can help you replace anxious thoughts with more empowering and calming beliefs. This process reduces the intensity of panic attacks and promotes a sense of control over your emotions.
3. Relaxation and Stress Reduction:
Hypnosis induces a deep state of relaxation, allowing you to release stress and tension. By promoting relaxation, hypnotherapy reduces the likelihood of panic attacks triggered by stress and anxiety. It helps you with effective relaxation techniques that can be utilised in daily life which allows you to have calmer responses to sensations of anxiety and stress so you can respond more positively, bringing a sense of calm and emotional well-being.
4. Equipping Yourself with Coping Strategies:
Hypnotherapy empowers you with practical coping mechanisms to manage panic attacks. You'll learn powerful relaxation techniques, visualization exercises, and self-soothing methods that you can lean on during those moments of anxiety or panic. These tools will put you back in the driver's seat, giving you the confidence to navigate through any challenging situation.
Ready for change?
If you'd like to explore how hypnotherapy could help you without obligation, please get in touch for a free initial chat with Andrew to explore your situation and discover what your personalised treatment plan might look like.
Now, let's address some common questions people have about hypnotherapy for panic attacks
How effective is hypnotherapy for panic attacks?
Hypnotherapy can help you manage and reduce panic attacks by addressing the underlying causes and reducing anxiety (a catalyst for panic) and by providing tools for coping with anxiety so it is not interpreted as a fear response. Hypnotherapy can help you regain control over your thoughts, feelings and emotions which helps you reduce the frequency and intensity, gradually overcoming panic attacks.
Can hypnotherapy cure panic disorder?
While there is no guaranteed "cure" for panic disorder, hypnotherapy can be highly effective in managing and alleviating its symptoms. By addressing the root causes, rewiring negative thought patterns, and promoting relaxation, hypnotherapy gives you valuable tools to reduce anxiety and stress, manage panic disorder so you can break free and love life more freely and confidently again.
How many hypnotherapy sessions are typically needed for panic attacks?
The number of hypnotherapy sessions required to see results can vary from person to person. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you make positive change quickly so, some clients may experience improvement in a just a few sessions, while others may benefit from more sessions. What's important is you motivation and commitment to therapy and a willingness to participate. During our initial consultation, we'll understand your unique situation and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Is hypnotherapy safe for treating panic attacks?
Yes, hypnotherapy is generally considered safe for treating panic attacks when conducted by a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist. It is important to choose a reputable professional who specialises in anxiety and panic disorders. They will guide you through the process, ensuring your safety and well-being throughout the sessions.
Can hypnotherapy be combined with medication for panic disorder?
Yes, hypnotherapy can be combined with medication as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for panic disorder. It is important to consult with both your hypnotherapist and healthcare professional or GP to ensure a coordinated and individualised treatment plan that meets your specific needs.
Is online hypnotherapy as effective as in-person sessions for treating panic attacks?
Yes, online hypnotherapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions for treating panic attacks. Research has shown that whether you choose therapy online or in person, both options are equally effective in helping you recover. One of the fantastic benefits of online therapy is the convenience and accessibility it offers. You can engage in therapy right from the comfort of your own home, enjoying the flexibility it provides.
Online hypnotherapy maintains all the essential elements of therapy that make it effective. You'll establish a strong therapeutic relationship with your therapist, fostering trust and understanding. Communication will be open and effective, ensuring that you receive the support you need.
Remember, the success of therapy is not determined by the mode of delivery, but by important factors such as your readiness for change, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, and the expertise of your therapist. If you'd like to explore online hypnotherapy, you can book a free initial chat with Andrew here.
What tools or equipment do I need for online hypnotherapy sessions for panic attacks?
For online hypnotherapy sessions, you'll need a quiet and private space where you can talk and relax freely. Of course, you'll need a reliable internet connection, a computer or mobile device with a webcam and microphone. Good quality headphones always help, especially during the hypnosis and trance work as you'll feel more fully immersed in the experience as you relax.
Does Online Hypnotherapy work for panic attacks?
Online hypnotherapy is very effective for anxiety related conditions. In fact, some people prefer working online with their therapist because they are more relaxed and comfortable in their own space or home. Also, there is no need to travel to see your therapists because online hypnotherapy is just as effective as working face to face. You also have flexibility because our sessions can take place wherever you are in the world via Zoom, and I often work with clients based in the US, Europe and around the world from my UK practice.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works for anxiety by combining positive talking therapy and coaching with hypnosis. During the first half of the session, we talk and avoid past problems, and instead focus on the future. You're encouraged to think and express yourself in a positive way which helps you to reduce your anxiety. Because hypnotherapy is a brain-based therapy, you'll also learn how the brain works in relation to your issues, but importantly what can be done to help you make changes to stop the cycle of anxiety so you can regain control and feel better.
Hypnosis reduces anxiety by using guided relaxation techniques to calm your body and mind. As you listen to your therapist, you will be guided into a relaxed state of focused attention by asking you to imagine certain things. Positive suggestions are made to help you make changes subconsciously by encouraging a shift in perspective. It allows your mind to reflect on the ideas and solutions discussed during our session to understand how they can help you.
What happens at an initial consultation?
The initial consultation and assessment is one of the most important sessions, the beginning of real focus and change. Together we'll explore what you want to achieve and how many sessions may be required. I'll explain how hypnotherapy works and I'll briefly explore how the mind works in relation to your issues and how if you're willing to make changes, hypnotherapy can help you achieve your goals. You'll also receive a complimentary guided hypnotic relaxation audio track to listen to at home which sets the wheels in motion for your subsequent sessions.
How do I start online hypnotherapy for panic and anxiety?
If you'd like to explore how hypnotherapy could help you without obligation, please get in touch for a free initial chat with Andrew to explore your situation and discover what your personalised treatment plan might look like.
