Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by feelings of worry, fear, and unease that can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life. While traditional forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication, have been found to be effective in treating anxiety, online hypnotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular alternative. In this article, we will explore how online hypnotherapy can help with anxiety, including the benefits and risks.

What is Online Hypnotherapy?

Online hypnotherapy is simply the use of hypnosis in a therapeutic setting conducted via an online platform. This is usually via a video conferencing platform such as Zoom, but can include phone calls or pre-recorded sessions. The goal of hypnotherapy is to help individuals access the subconscious mind, where negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours are stored, and replace them with positive ones.

How does Hypnotherapy help with Anxiety?

Online hypnotherapy helps with anxiety by teaching individuals to relax and focus their minds, which can reduce feelings of worry and fear. During a session, a hypnotherapist will often guide the individual into a state of relaxation and suggest positive thoughts and behaviours that can help reduce anxiety.

In most cases, the hypnotherapist will also give tools and guidance on how to change the way an individual thinks about their anxiety, and how they interact with their own thoughts on a day-to-day basis. This can include self-hypnosis and autosuggestion practices, but sometimes it’s as simple as re-framing the experience as something much less threatening, or even entirely benign, and therefore much more manageable.

The mental states and processes that comprise hypnosis and hypnotherapy allow the individual to access their subconscious mind, where they can work on changing their thought patterns and habits that contribute to their anxiety.

One of the most significant ways that hypnotherapy can help with anxiety is by addressing the underlying cause. Anxiety can stem from a variety of sources, including past traumas, negative thought patterns, and stress. Although it’s not always appropriate, where necessary hypnotherapy allows the individual to access the root cause of their anxiety, and work on resolving it.

Benefits of Hypnotherapy Online

There are several benefits of working with a hypnotherapist online, including:

• Convenience: Online hypnotherapy can be done from the comfort of one’s own home, making it more accessible for those who may have difficulty leaving their home due to anxiety.

• Flexibility: Online hypnotherapy can be done at a time that is convenient for the individual, which can be helpful for those who have busy schedules.

• Privacy: Some individuals may feel more comfortable discussing personal issues in the privacy of their own home.

• Cost-effective: Online hypnotherapy can be less expensive than in-person therapy.

• Global reach: you can work with a therapist that suits you no matter where you are in the world

Additionally, studies have shown that hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety. A systematic review published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found that hypnotherapy was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, with results lasting up to six months after treatment. Another study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology found that hypnotherapy was as effective as CBT in reducing anxiety symptoms.

Are There Any Risks?

Very few risks are associated with online hypnotherapy, and any risks are generally practical. These are things such as ensuring that you have a stable chair in which to sit, and giving early suggestions that, should the internet go down, you will be able to deal with the situation with a clear mind.

However, it is important to find a hypnotherapist that is experienced at working online as they will know best how to mitigate what risks there are. Any hypnotherapist experienced at working online will give you clear and appropriate advice about how to set your environment up in the first place, and then ongoing guidance to keep the session running safely and smoothly on the day.

Conclusion

Online hypnotherapy can be a valuable tool for managing anxiety symptoms. It offers convenience, flexibility, privacy, and cost-effectiveness. With the right guidance and support, online hypnotherapy can help individuals overcome their anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

In summary, online hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that is conducted via online platforms such as video conferencing, phone calls, or pre-recorded sessions. It helps individuals access the subconscious mind where negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours are stored and replace them with positive ones. It has been found to be effective in treating anxiety, and it is convenient, flexible, private and cost-effective.

I have been a qualified hypnotherapist for over 10 years, working both online and in-person throughout. I have been working exclusively via Zoom since 2020 and have a great deal of experience in working this way.

If you would like to discuss this further, or you would like to book a session, please contact me here, or call me directly on +44 (0) 7967473691