One of the most common reasons clients look for hypnotherapy and counselling help from Alison Fernandes are for anxiety disorders. We can sometimes forget that looking after ourselves is equally as important as looking after our family, or meeting our commitments. When we are feeling confident and able to deal with everyday life without anxiety, the care and attention we can give to others is enhanced; for this reason, putting ourselves first when it comes to our mental and emotional health is good for the people we care about too.
Anxiety is a term used to describe feelings of apprehension, fear, nervousness and worry. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common health problems in the UK today, with more than 1 in 10 people (according to Anxiety UK) likely to experience a disabling anxiety disorder during their lifetime.
While anxiety is a completely normal reaction to certain situations, such as: attending a job interview; moving house; or sitting an exam, in some circumstances anxiety can remain with us even when there are no specific triggers causing it.
There are a number of different types of anxiety disorder which Alison commonly encounters through her work as a hypnotherapist and counsellor.
Social anxiety disorder can make it difficult to interact with others, as we fear being judged by people we come into contact with. This can cause us to withdraw from and avoid meeting or being with others as a way of avoiding triggering our anxiety.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can manifest as a means of controlling our anxiety. This might be in the form of repetitive actions, such as continually checking that doors and windows are shut and locked; by repeated routines such as hand washing; or in a less visible way by intrusive and distressing thoughts.
Panic disorder (panic attacks) can be very frightening, triggering symptoms such as: palpitations; nausea; confusion and breathing difficulties. These attacks tend to peak and die away within around ten minutes, although for some an attack can be more prolonged. It is not uncommon for a panic attack to be triggered simply through fear that one might occur.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a non-specific state of anxiety which affects every aspect of our daily life. It is estimated that up to 5 in 100 people live with this disorder, which leads to a constant state of apprehension and fear. Rather than having a specific trigger, GAD is ever present and manifests as a “worst case scenario” response to everyday situations. Examples of this can range from being convinced that we are going to fail before we set out to do something; to imagining that our partner has met with an accident on the way home because they are running ten minutes late.
Overcoming anxiety requires our commitment to what can be a gradual process of replacing negative response patterns with positive ones, particularly when our anxiety is deep rooted and sustained. New techniques and tools, designed to help us turn our lives around need to be practiced on an ongoing basis; until they become part of our normal daily function. We would not, after all, visit a GP for a physical health condition and then not take the medication or follow the course of treatment prescribed for us. While some problems can be significantly improved in a very short time, others require longer support. Because this can mean a client hesitates to commit to therapy, Alison is offering a 25% discount for advance bookings of 6 or more sessions (paid at the outset). For clients unable to attend during the day, Alison can offer evening appointments by arrangement (Tuesdays and Wednesdays at CHHC or other evenings/weekends at Elkstone). Contact CHHC or Alison for more information or to make a booking.