The Science Behind Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Relief

🧠 The Science Behind Hypnotherapy for Anxiety Relief

(By Claire Roach DSFH, HPD, AfSFH, MNCH – Clinical Hypnotherapist, Ironbridge, Shropshire)

Anxiety can feel overwhelming — like your mind is constantly running a “what if” script you can’t turn off. If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at night replaying worries or struggling to switch off during the day, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience anxiety, but what many don’t realise is that hypnotherapy has a strong scientific basis for helping the brain find calm again.

🔍 Understanding Anxiety: A Brain-Based View

When we feel anxious, our brain’s primitive emotional mind takes over — it’s the part designed to keep us safe from danger. It releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing us to fight, flee, or freeze. This is incredibly useful if you’re facing real danger, but not so helpful when your worries are triggered by emails, work, or social pressure.

Over time, repeated stress keeps this primitive part of the brain switched on. The logical, rational part — the intellectual mind — becomes less active, which makes it harder to think clearly or see things in perspective.

This is where Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help.

🌿 How Hypnotherapy Helps Calm the Brain

Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed, focused state — a bit like daydreaming or that moment before sleep. In this state, the brain moves into a natural trance (scientifically measured as the alpha/theta brainwave state).

During trance:

  • The subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestion and new ways of thinking.
  • The nervous system shifts out of “fight or flight” and into “rest and digest.”
  • The brain starts to process and reframe anxious thought patterns, allowing calm, rational thinking to return.

This process has been supported by neuroscience. Functional MRI scans show that hypnosis can change activity in the areas of the brain linked with emotional regulation, self-awareness, and problem-solving. It helps the brain literally “rewire” itself — reducing the overactivity of the amygdala (the anxiety centre) and strengthening the prefrontal cortex (the rational thinking centre).

💬 What Makes Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Different

Unlike traditional forms of therapy that focus on problems and their causes, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps you look forward. We focus on what’s working well and build small, achievable steps towards calm and control.

This positive approach encourages the production of serotonin and other “feel good” neurotransmitters — helping to restore balance in the brain naturally.

Over time, clients often report:
✅ Feeling calmer and more in control
✅ Sleeping better
✅ Thinking more clearly
✅ Reacting to challenges with greater ease

🌼 What to Expect in a Session

Every session begins with a relaxed conversation where we focus on your goals and progress. You’ll then enjoy a guided hypnotic relaxation, allowing your subconscious mind to absorb positive suggestions that support lasting change.

Most clients find the sessions deeply relaxing — and often describe feeling lighter, calmer, and more optimistic afterwards.

💫 Start Your Journey to Calm

If anxiety has been holding you back, hypnotherapy can help you take back control in a gentle, natural way — backed by science and tailored entirely to you.

I offer a free initial consultation (either online or face-to-face in Ironbridge) where we can discuss how hypnotherapy can help you move forward.

📞 Get in touch today to start your journey towards calm, confidence, and control.

Contact Claire on 07940034263 or email Claire@bridgetherapy.uk

 

Why is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy So Effective?

Why is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy So Effective?

If you’ve been looking for a gentle yet powerful way to make positive changes, you may have come across Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH). Unlike traditional therapies that often explore the past in depth, SFH helps you focus on what you want your future to look like — and gives you the tools to get there. But what makes it so effective?

  1. It Combines Modern Psychology with Hypnosis

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy blends proven techniques from neuroscience, positive psychology, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy with the natural, relaxing state of hypnosis. This unique combination helps you calm the mind, access your inner resources, and move towards your goals quickly and confidently.

  1. You Work with Your Brain – Not Against It

When we’re stressed, anxious, or stuck, the primitive part of the brain takes over, keeping us in “fight or flight.” SFH helps you access the intellectual, solution-focused part of your brain, so you can think clearly, see new possibilities, and break free from old habits.

  1. Hypnosis Makes Change Easier

During hypnosis, you enter a deeply relaxed but focused state – a bit like daydreaming. In this state, your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions that support the changes you want to make, helping them feel natural and achievable.

  1. Sessions Are Future-Focused and Uplifting

Rather than analysing problems in detail, SFH encourages you to look at your strengths, successes, and the steps you can take next. This forward-looking approach is empowering and motivating, helping you build confidence and resilience week by week.

  1. It’s Tailored to You

Each session is designed around your personal goals – whether you want to reduce anxiety, sleep better, improve confidence, manage weight, quit smoking, or overcome a phobia. Because it’s so personalised, SFH feels supportive, relevant, and highly effective.

Ready to See How SFH Can Help You?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a safe, enjoyable, and evidence-based way to create meaningful change. Whether you’re ready to overcome challenges, build confidence, or simply enjoy a calmer mind, I’d love to help.

I offer a free initial consultation so you can explore how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works and decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Claire Roach DSFH, HPD, AfSFH, MNCH
Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist – Ironbridge/Shropshire
Online & in-person appointments available

Contact me today to arrange your consultation and take the first step toward a happier, more focused you.

Claire@bridgetherapy.uk or 07940 034263

How Hypnotherapy Can Help Reduce Anxiety

How Hypnotherapy Can Help Reduce Anxiety: A Solution-Focused Approach

Anxiety can feel overwhelming

Racing thoughts, sleepless nights, and a constant sense of unease. But what if you could retrain your mind to feel calmer and more in control? As a solution-focused hypnotherapist working online and face to face in Ironbridge I help adults and teenagers manage anxiety naturally.

What Causes Anxiety?

Anxiety is our brain’s way of trying to protect us. When stress levels rise, the brain triggers the fight-or-flight response, even if there’s no real danger. Over time, this response can get “stuck,” making it hard to relax.

How Hypnotherapy Helps with Anxiety

Solution-focused hypnotherapy works by:

  • Calming the nervous system – Deep relaxation during hypnosis helps the brain switch from “survival mode” to a calmer, solution-focused state.
  • Reframing negative thinking – Together, we’ll focus on what you want rather than what you fear.
  • Building confidence and resilience – Over time, clients often notice better sleep, improved focus, and a renewed sense of calm.

What to Expect in a Session

  • Free initial consultation – We discuss your needs and explain how hypnotherapy works.
  • Personalised sessions – Available online or face-to-face in Ironbridge.
  • Relaxing, goal-focused therapy – No need to rehash painful memories; instead, we look forward to positive change.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?

If anxiety is holding you back, hypnotherapy offers a safe, natural way to take control. Whether you’re struggling with social anxiety, general worry, or panic attacks, the right support can help you move forward.

Book your free consultation today and start your journey to calm. Sessions available online or at Ironbridge practice. Contact Claire on 07940034263 or email Claire@bridgetherapy.uk

 

The Brain Creates the Problem — And the Brain Creates the Solution

The Brain Creates the Problem — And the Brain Creates the Solution

As a hypnotherapist, one of the most powerful truths I help clients understand is this: your brain is both the source of the problem and the solution.

Many of us struggle with anxiety, fears, self-sabotage, limiting beliefs, or chronic stress — and we often look for answers outside ourselves. But the real power lies within. The same brain that created the negative patterns you’re experiencing has the capacity to unlearn, rewire, and heal.

How Does the Brain Create the Problem?

Your brain is constantly learning. From childhood onward, it stores experiences, emotions, and beliefs — many of them on a subconscious level. When we experience something emotionally intense (like trauma, rejection, or fear), the brain stores that memory in a way that helps us avoid similar pain in the future. This is a survival mechanism.

But here’s the catch: over time, these protective patterns can become mental blocks. For example:

  • A child who is criticised for speaking up may grow into an adult with a fear of public speaking.
  • A person who experienced a painful breakup might unconsciously sabotage new relationships to avoid getting hurt again.
  • Chronic stress at work might lead the brain to expect stress constantly — even during rest.

These patterns are not “who you are.” They are simply programs your brain has learned. And just like any program, they can be changed.

The Power of Neuroplasticity

Modern neuroscience confirms that the brain is not fixed — it’s neuroplastic. This means it can rewire itself. New beliefs, habits, and emotional responses can be created through intentional mental work — and that’s where hypnotherapy comes in.

Hypnotherapy: Accessing the Subconscious to Create Change

Traditional talk therapy can be helpful, but often works on a conscious level — the part of the brain that makes up only about 5% of your mental activity. The other 95% lives in the subconscious mind, which stores your emotions, habits, and automatic responses.

Hypnotherapy allows you to bypass the critical, analytical mind and go directly to the subconscious. In this deeply relaxed state, you’re able to:

  • Identify the root cause of a problem
  • Reframe limiting beliefs
  • Install healthier patterns and responses
  • Resolve emotional blocks
  • Boost self-confidence and clarity

This is why clients often describe hypnotherapy as feeling effortless — because we’re working with the part of the mind that actually drives behaviour.

The Brain Creates the Solution, Too

Once we uncover the root cause of a challenge, the mind becomes open to new solutions. During hypnotherapy, I guide clients to visualise outcomes, anchor positive emotions, and build new neural pathways that align with their goals.

This isn’t “mind control” — it’s mind empowerment.

Your brain already knows how to heal. It just needs the right environment and guidance to do so.

Real Change Is Possible

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, phobias, or unwanted habits, remember: you are not broken. You are simply running a program that no longer serves you.

And the best news? You have the power to change it.

If you’re ready to discover how hypnotherapy can help you unlock the solutions already inside your mind, [book a free consultation] today. Let’s work together to reprogram your brain for confidence, clarity, and calm.

Contact Claire 07940034263 or email Claire@bridgetherapy.uk

I look forward to hearing from you

The Impact of Poor Sleep on Mental Health

The Impact of Poor Sleep on Mental Health – And How Hypnotherapy Can Help

In today’s fast-paced world, sleep often takes a back seat to our busy schedules. However, what many people don’t realise is that poor sleep can have a profound impact on mental health. From increased anxiety to difficulties with concentration and mood regulation, chronic sleep deprivation can affect nearly every aspect of our well-being.

The Link Between Sleep and Mental Health

Sleep and mental health share a bidirectional relationship—poor sleep can contribute to mental health struggles, while conditions such as anxiety and depression can make it harder to sleep. Research shows that sleep deprivation disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters and stress hormones, leading to:

  • Increased anxiety and stress – Lack of sleep heightens activity in the amygdala, the brain’s emotional centre, making us more reactive and prone to stress.
  • Low mood and depression – Disrupted sleep affects serotonin production, a key neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation.
  • Poor concentration and memory – The brain consolidates memories and processes emotions during sleep. Without it, cognitive function declines.
  • Weakened immune system – Chronic sleep deprivation can reduce the body’s ability to fight off illness, leading to a cycle of poor health and low energy.

How Hypnotherapy Can Help Improve Sleep

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a natural and effective way to address sleep difficulties by calming the mind and promoting a positive mental state. Here’s how it works:

  1. Reducing Anxiety and Stress – Hypnotherapy helps to shift the mind away from overthinking and worry, which are common causes of insomnia. Through guided relaxation and positive visualisation, the nervous system moves into a more balanced state, making sleep easier to achieve.
  2. Rewiring Negative Sleep Patterns – Many people associate bedtime with frustration and anxiety. Hypnotherapy helps to reprogram these negative associations, replacing them with feelings of relaxation and comfort.
  3. Encouraging Healthy Sleep Habits – During hypnotherapy sessions, clients learn techniques that promote better sleep hygiene, such as controlled breathing, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises.
  4. Enhancing Deep Sleep and Recovery – The subconscious mind plays a crucial role in regulating sleep cycles. Hypnotherapy works at this deeper level, helping the body and mind transition smoothly into restful, restorative sleep.

Take Control of Your Sleep with Hypnotherapy

If you’re struggling with sleep problems and noticing an impact on your mental health, hypnotherapy could be the solution you need. By addressing the root causes of poor sleep and guiding your mind into a state of relaxation, you can restore balance and wake up feeling refreshed.

Ready to improve your sleep and well-being? Book a free consultation to discover how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you sleep better and feel better.

📍 Sutton Coldfield | Online Sessions Available- Contact Claire on 07940034263 or Claire@bridgetherapy.uk
📞 Get in Touch Today!

Are you ready to finally stick to your New Year’s resolutions and transform your life?

✨ Make 2025 Your Year of Change!

Are you ready to stick to your New Year’s resolutions and transform your life? Whether you want to overcome anxiety, improve sleep, quit smoking, lose weight, or break free from old habits, I can help you turn those goals into lasting results.

I’m Claire Roach, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist based in Sutton Coldfield, offering tailored hypnotherapy sessions to help you make positive changes that really stick.

💡 Why choose hypnotherapy?

  • Reprogram unhelpful thought patterns.
  • Build confidence and motivation.
  • Overcome the subconscious blocks holding you back.

With online sessions, or home visits available, it’s never been easier to take the first step toward the life you deserve.

🎉 Special New Year Offer:
Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward achieving your resolutions with professional guidance and support.

📞 Call  on 07940034263 or message now to secure your session.
🌐 Visit https://bridgetherapy.uk to learn more or book your consultation.

Start your journey to a happier, healthier you this January – and let 2025 be the year you thrive!

#NewYearNewYou #Hypnotherapy #SuttonColdfield #PositiveChange

#solutionfocusedhypnotherapy

#mentalhealth

#wellbeing

Dopamine and the Benefits of Hypnotherapy: A Powerful Duo for Positive Change

As a hypnotherapist, I often encounter clients who want to improve their mental well-being, manage stress, or break free from habits they feel trapped in. One of the key players in these processes is a neurotransmitter you might have heard of: dopamine. Known as the “feel-good” chemical.  Dopamine is a powerful contributor to our brain’s reward system, influencing everything from motivation to mood, and it can be harnessed for profound, positive change through hypnotherapy.

Understanding Dopamine: The Brain’s Motivational Currency

Dopamine plays an essential role in how we feel pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. When we experience something enjoyable, dopamine levels rise, creating that “reward” feeling and reinforcing behaviours linked to the pleasure source. This system helps us learn, develop, and adapt, motivating us to repeat beneficial actions.

However, dopamine can also contribute to negative habits, such as addiction and compulsive behaviours. For instance, dopamine spikes when people engage in activities like smoking, eating junk food or excessive drinking, reinforcing these actions even if they’re detrimental in the long run. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool in this regard, as it allows us to address and reshape these dopamine-driven behaviours on a subconscious level.

How Hypnotherapy Influences Dopamine Levels

Hypnotherapy creates a state of focused relaxation that can reduce stress and help our bodies achieve a calm, balanced state. When in this relaxed state, the brain can experience an increase in dopamine and serotonin, often leaving clients with a sense of relief and well-being after sessions. Here’s how hypnotherapy can help manage dopamine-driven behaviours:

  1. Breaking Unwanted Habits
    Hypnotherapy works by reprogramming the subconscious mind to detach pleasure from certain behaviours. For instance, smoking or excessive eating might be linked with dopamine releases. Hypnotherapy can help clients reframe their association with these habits, decreasing their desire to engage in them.
  2. Reducing Anxiety and Stress
    Dopamine plays a role in managing stress levels, but chronic anxiety can deplete dopamine over time. Hypnotherapy induces relaxation, which can promote dopamine release, making people feel calmer, more focused, and more positive.
  3. Enhancing Motivation and Focus
    Dopamine is critical in goal-oriented behaviour and motivation. Through hypnosis, we can access the subconscious mind to enhance motivation, focus, and drive, rewiring the brain to respond positively to rewarding actions, like exercise, self-care routines, and personal growth pursuits.
  4. Managing Chronic Pain and Depression
    Pain and depression are often associated with low dopamine levels. Hypnotherapy can be a supportive tool in managing both, as it engages the mind in a way that redirects the focus away from pain and negative thoughts, creating a shift toward positive, dopamine-enhancing activities and thoughts.
  5. Supporting Long-Term Positive Change
    Because dopamine is closely tied to reward-seeking behaviour, it can reinforce the positive habits that clients work on in hypnotherapy. By setting and visualising goals in a hypnotherapy session, clients can experience a dopamine boost that reinforces their commitment to change, making it easier to adopt and maintain healthy behaviours over time.

Dopamine and the Power of Visualisation in Hypnotherapy

Visualisation is a powerful technique used in hypnotherapy that taps into the brain’s reward system. When we visualize achieving our goals, the brain releases dopamine, as if we’re experiencing the real thing. This process helps solidify positive outcomes in the subconscious mind, encouraging clients to work toward their goals with added motivation and resilience.

How Hypnotherapy and Dopamine Create Positive Life Changes

Through hypnotherapy, we can leverage the power of dopamine to break free from negative patterns and cultivate a life filled with healthy habits and purpose. By working with a hypnotherapist, clients can learn to redirect their minds and bodies toward more balanced, dopamine-supported lives.

Hypnotherapy can be a game-changer for those seeking to improve their relationship with dopamine-driven behaviours and habits. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, improve motivation, or break free from unwanted habits, hypnotherapy offers a pathway toward harnessing dopamine’s benefits to support a fulfilling, balanced life.

 

 

Unhealthy Habits to Drop for Better Health

As a hypnotherapist, I’ve seen first hand how certain habits can take a toll on our health and well-being. Often, these habits feel so ingrained that we don’t even notice them until they start impacting our lives in subtle but harmful ways. I want to share some of the most common unhealthy habits I’ve encountered and offer guidance on how you can start letting go of them using hypnotherapy. Remember, each small change brings you one step closer to a healthier, happier life.

  1. Procrastinating on Sleep

I’ve done this too – staying up late, getting caught up in the day’s to-do list or mindlessly scrolling on my phone. But the truth is, we can’t be at our best if we’re not getting enough sleep. I’ve seen clients who struggle with insomnia or constant exhaustion, and it always links back to not making sleep a priority.

What to Do: Commit to a sleep schedule, even if it’s just starting with getting to bed 15 minutes earlier. Hypnotherapy can also help, especially if anxiety or racing thoughts are keeping you awake. You deserve a full night’s rest, and your body will thank you.

  1. Negative Self-Talk

This is a big one, and it’s something I work on with many clients. How many times have you caught yourself saying, “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never get this right”? We often don’t realise how damaging these thoughts can be. Over time, they wear down your self-esteem and can lead to anxiety and depression.

What to Do: Start by becoming more aware of your inner dialogue. When you catch yourself in a negative thought loop, pause and reframe it. Hypnotherapy is an amazing tool to help rewire your brain to focus on positive affirmations, and it can make a huge difference in how you feel about yourself.

  1. Mindless Eating

I know it’s easy to snack while you’re working or watching TV—trust me, I’ve been guilty of it too. But when we eat mindlessly, we lose connection with our body’s natural hunger signals, and this often leads to overeating or making unhealthy food choices.

What to Do: Try to create space for mindful eating. Even if it’s just for one meal a day, take a moment to sit down, slow down, and enjoy your food. You’ll be amazed at how much more satisfying and nourishing your meals become.

  1. Overloading on Caffeine

For many of us, that morning coffee is non-negotiable. But when one cup turns into three or four, it can lead to jitters, anxiety, and even affect your sleep. I’ve worked with clients who rely heavily on caffeine to get through the day, and often, it’s masking underlying fatigue that needs to be addressed.

What to Do: Start by cutting back gradually. If you’re having multiple cups of coffee, try switching one out for herbal tea or water. Hypnotherapy can also help reduce reliance on stimulants by addressing underlying fatigue and helping you manage your energy in healthier ways.

  1. Sedentary Lifestyle

We’ve all been there—too tired or busy to move much during the day. I’ve seen this with clients who spend most of their time sitting for work, and it’s easy to slip into a pattern where movement feels like an afterthought. But staying sedentary affects more than just our physical health; it also impacts mood and mental clarity.

What to Do: Find small ways to add movement into your day. It doesn’t have to be a big workout—standing up every hour, stretching, or going for a quick walk can make a difference. Hypnotherapy can also help build motivation to stay active, by reinforcing positive routines.

  1. Constantly Multitasking

This is one I see so often –  trying to do everything at once, juggling work, family, and life. But what happens when we multitask is that we end up doing everything halfway, and that creates more stress than relief. Many clients tell me they feel scattered or overwhelmed when they’re always trying to do too much at once.

What to Do: Give yourself permission to focus on one thing at a time. You don’t have to be superhuman. Take small breaks between tasks, and you’ll notice that your productivity and focus actually improve.

  1. Holding onto Stress

In my practice, stress management is a frequent topic. It’s not just about the big stressors; often, it’s the little, persistent worries that pile up and wear us down. If you’re holding onto stress, it can manifest physically—headaches, insomnia, digestive issues—you name it.

What to Do: I always encourage clients to explore relaxation techniques, and hypnotherapy is a fantastic way to release deeply held stress. Whether it’s through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply taking time to unwind, managing stress is key to both mental and physical health.

Letting go of these unhealthy habits doesn’t happen overnight, but each step you take brings you closer to a healthier and happier life. Whether it’s breaking free from negative self-talk or finally getting the sleep you need, small changes add up. And remember, hypnotherapy can be a powerful ally in this journey, helping you make lasting changes by working directly with your subconscious mind.

Are you ready to drop these habits and embrace a healthier, more vibrant you? The time to start is now!

 

Contact Claire via email at Claire@bridgetherapy.uk to find out more or visit website https://www.bridgetherapy.uk

 

 

Unlocking Your Inner Confidence Through Hypnotherapy

Confidence is a powerful force that shapes how we experience the world. It affects our decisions, how we interact with others, and even our potential for success. But what happens when confidence feels elusive? When self-doubt or fear holds us back from stepping into the version of ourselves we truly want to be?

The Confidence Struggle

Many of us, at some point, have felt a lack of confidence. Perhaps it’s that inner voice that questions our abilities, or maybe it’s the fear of failure that keeps us from pursuing our dreams. Whether you’re dealing with social anxiety, self-doubt at work, or feeling stuck in your personal life, low confidence can be a frustrating barrier.

But the good news is: confidence is not something you’re born with or without. It’s something you can cultivate and strengthen—like a muscle. And one of the most effective ways to do this is through hypnotherapy.

How Hypnotherapy Can Boost Confidence

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the subconscious mind, where deeply ingrained beliefs and patterns live. Many of the beliefs we hold about ourselves—such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never succeed”—are stored in this part of the mind. These negative thoughts are often a product of past experiences or conditioning that no longer serve us. Hypnotherapy helps to reprogram these limiting beliefs, replacing them with positive, empowering ones.

When you’re in a relaxed, hypnotic state, your mind becomes more open to suggestion. This allows us to challenge those negative thought patterns and plant new seeds of confidence, self-worth, and empowerment.

Here’s how hypnotherapy can support you in building greater confidence:

  1. Releasing Negative Beliefs: Hypnotherapy helps uncover the root of your self-doubt, whether it’s past criticism, fear of failure, or social anxieties. By identifying these blocks, we can work to replace them with positive affirmations and beliefs.
  2. Visualizing Success: Confidence often grows when we can clearly see and feel our future success. Through guided visualization during hypnotherapy, you’ll imagine yourself confidently navigating situations that once felt intimidating. Over time, this mental rehearsal builds your belief in your abilities.
  3. Overcoming Fear: Fear is often at the core of low confidence—fear of judgment, fear of making mistakes, or fear of failure. Hypnotherapy allows you to explore and reduce these fears, replacing them with a sense of calm, focus, and assurance.
  4. Developing Positive Self-Talk: Our internal dialogue has a massive impact on how we feel about ourselves. Hypnotherapy encourages the development of positive self-talk, helping you speak to yourself with kindness and encouragement rather than criticism.

Building Long-Lasting Confidence

One of the greatest benefits of hypnotherapy is that it creates long-lasting change. While affirmations or motivational talks may provide temporary boosts, hypnotherapy works at a deeper level. It creates a shift in how you fundamentally see yourself, building a foundation of confidence that continues to grow over time.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?

If you’ve been struggling with low confidence or self-esteem, hypnotherapy offers a safe and effective way to explore and address those challenges. Whether you’re looking to feel more comfortable in social settings, improve your performance at work, or simply start believing in yourself more, hypnotherapy can help.

Ready to start building your confidence from the inside out? Let’s work together to unlock your full potential. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward becoming the confident, empowered version of yourself that you’ve always wanted to be.

Confidence isn’t something that’s beyond your reach—it’s something you can create, nurture, and strengthen. With hypnotherapy, you have the tools to let go of limiting beliefs, overcome fear, and finally step into your full power. Confidence isn’t just a feeling; it’s a state of mind that can transform your entire life.

Contact Claire on Claire@bridgetherapy.uk

Managing Anxiety

Managing Anxiety: Practical Tools for Daily Calm

Anxiety is a common experience that many of us face, often triggered by stress, work, personal relationships, or uncertainty about the future. While it’s natural to feel anxious from time to time, chronic anxiety can affect your overall well-being. Fortunately, there are several effective tools you can use to self-manage anxiety and regain a sense of calm and control.

As a hypnotherapist, I’ve seen first hand how simple, mindful techniques can significantly reduce anxiety. Here are some practical steps you can take to manage anxiety on your own:

1. Practice Deep Breathing

Anxiety often causes shallow, rapid breathing, which can make you feel even more panicked. One of the simplest and most effective ways to counteract this is by practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing. This type of breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, calming the nervous system.

  • Try this exercise:
    1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
    2. Close your eyes and place one hand on your chest, the other on your abdomen.
    3. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds, feeling your abdomen rise.
    4. Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
    5. Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds, feeling your abdomen fall.
    6. Repeat this cycle for 5-10 minutes.

Why it works: Deep breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain, which helps clear your mind and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, like a racing heart.

2. Ground Yourself in the Present

Anxiety often stems from worrying about the future or ruminating on the past. Grounding techniques can bring you back to the present moment, helping to disrupt anxious thoughts.

  • Try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding exercise:
    • 5: Identify five things you can see around you.
    • 4: Notice four things you can physically feel (the texture of your clothes, the warmth of the sun, etc.).
    • 3: Acknowledge three things you can hear.
    • 2: Focus on two things you can smell.
    • 1: Think of one thing you can taste.

Why it works: This exercise shifts your focus from worrying thoughts to sensory experiences, helping you stay in the moment.

3. Use Positive Visualisation

Hypnotherapy often involves the power of suggestion and visualisation, and you can apply similar techniques to manage anxiety. Positive visualisation helps you shift your mind from anxious thoughts to calming, empowering imagery.

  • Try this exercise:
    1. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
    2. Picture yourself in a place where you feel completely relaxed. This could be a beach, a forest, or your favourite cosy spot at home.
    3. Engage all your senses in this visualisation: hear the waves, feel the sand or grass beneath your feet, smell the fresh air.
    4. Spend a few minutes here, allowing your mind to fully immerse itself in the experience.

Why it works: Visualisation activates the same areas of the brain that respond to real-life experiences, allowing your body to feel the calming effects as if you were actually there.

4. Mindful Journaling

Anxiety can be fuelled by racing thoughts, so getting those thoughts out of your head and onto paper can provide relief. Mindful journaling is a powerful way to process your feelings and reframe anxious thoughts.

  • Try this exercise:
    1. Set aside 5-10 minutes each day to write down your thoughts, fears, and worries without judgment.
    2. Once you’ve written everything down, review what you’ve written and ask yourself: “Is this something I can control?” If it is, create an action plan. If not, practice acceptance.
    3. End your journaling session by writing three things you are grateful for that day.

Why it works: Journaling helps you process your emotions, allowing you to release pent-up tension. It also encourages gratitude, which can shift your mindset from anxiety to positivity.

5. Create an Anxiety Toolkit

Sometimes, anxiety can strike unexpectedly, so it’s helpful to have a toolkit of calming strategies ready to use. Your anxiety toolkit might include items and practices that soothe you in the moment.

  • Your toolkit could include:
    • Essential oils like lavender for a calming scent
    • A stress ball or fidget toy to release nervous energy
    • A list of affirmations or positive quotes to refocus your mind
    • A favourite song or playlist that lifts your mood
    • A short guided meditation or breathing app on your phone

Why it works: Having a physical toolkit reminds you that you have control over your anxiety and provides immediate relief when needed.

6. Move Your Body

Exercise is a well-known anxiety reliever. When you move your body, you release endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Even a short walk can help break the cycle of anxious thoughts.

  • Try this exercise:
    • Engage in 20-30 minutes of moderate activity like walking, yoga, or cycling. If you’re short on time, even 10 minutes of stretching or light movement can help.

Why it works: Exercise reduces the body’s stress hormones, like cortisol, while boosting endorphins. It also shifts your focus away from your thoughts and back to your body.

7. Consider Hypnotherapy

While these self-management techniques can be effective, sometimes deeper, unconscious patterns need to be addressed to truly resolve anxiety. Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that allows you to access the subconscious mind and reframe thought patterns that trigger anxiety.

  • How hypnotherapy can help: Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state, where your subconscious mind is more receptive to positive suggestions. During hypnotherapy sessions, we can work on rewiring the way you respond to anxiety triggers, replacing anxious reactions with calm, confident responses.

Final Thoughts Self-managing anxiety is a daily practice, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you’ll begin to notice more moments of peace and control in your life.

If you feel your anxiety is overwhelming or difficult to manage on your own, hypnotherapy may provide the deeper support you need. Feel free to reach out for a consultation—I’m here to help guide you on your journey to lasting calm.  Contact Claire on 07940 034263 or email Claire@bridgetherapy.uk.