Are you looking for help with social anxiety and hypnosis as a treatment option? Jason Demant, clinical hypnotherapist in London and online, will explain more about social anxiety and how hypnosis can help. In this article we will look at what social anxiety is, what hypnosis is and how hypnosis can really make a difference to someone experiencing social anxiety. For more information about Jason’s hypnosis social anxiety sessions in London and online click here now.
Social anxiety and hypnosis
Many people can look happy and smiley but underneath actually are feeling quite anxious. It can be a surprise to discover that somebody you know well is experiencing high anxiety, even in situations which may actually be quite happy and joyous. Social anxiety affects people of all walks of life and in many situations. It can come on in teenage years and many people at university experience social anxiety when meeting new people or living away from home for the first time.
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is the experience of having anxiety symptoms when around other people. This can happen on social occasions, at work meetings or any place where you are meeting new or even familiar people. Social anxiety is often a concern about what people may think about you or how you are coming across. When anxiety has been experienced for a while, people may then worry that people can see that they are anxious.
They then assume that they look like they lack confidence. This itself can then create an anxiety loop or vicious cycle. You worry about what people think and then you feel anxious that they can see that you are experiencing anxiety. Often people will drink alcohol or even take drugs to ‘medicate’ or deal with these anxious feelings.
Drinking too much alcohol in social situations can then lead to acting in ways that you might prefer not to, or saying things you might regret. Often people approach me for hypnotherapy and hypnosis help for social anxiety. Though frequently, people will come because of the resultant reliance on alcohol and wish to decrease their alcohol consumption.
Social anxiety and hypnosis are a great combination. Hypnosis works well for social anxiety itself and other unwanted behaviours ,for example drinking too much alcohol. Social anxiety and hypnosis treatment is also easy to access. People usually only require a few sessions. Many people need three, four or five sessions to really make a difference to their anxiety levels.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis or hypnotherapy is a wonderful and relaxing treatment for anxiety. Social anxiety and hynosis work well since hypnosis works with the subconscious mind. Our fears, worries and insecurities really reside in the subconscious. The subconscious is that part of the mind that takes care of those automatic systems of the body. For example regulating breathing and heart rate. It is also in your subconscious where you store memories, fears and worries. Since hypnotherapy works with the subconscious, hypnosis is a direct treatment for social anxiety.
Social anxiety often involves rehearsing events or playing out movies in the mind of what will happen in the future. However, these movies are always negative and anxiety provoking. People may imagine stumbling over words, saying the wrong thing or being perceived as lacking in confidence. Some people may fear the judgment of others or not being interesting enough in conversations.
What happens during a hypnosis session?
The first stage is always to understand the social anxiety thoughts and beliefs a person is experiences. It is important to really get underneath the causes of anxiety. This will be through talking and hypnosis too. Hypnosis for anxiety is itself very relaxing and is nothing like what you may have seen in the movies. You will be gently guided into a relaxing hypnosis trance.
During this you will always be able to open your eyes and will hear what is going on throughout. During hypnosis, I run through visualizations about confidence in social situations. We look directly at those thoughts and beliefs causing your anxiety. Through hypnotherapy and hypnosis social anxiety can be reduced. Hopefully soon you will again feel calm and relaxed in these situations.
Social anxiety and hypnosis practical tools
Social anxiety and hypnosis practical tools are very helpful for clients. During sessions we look at strategies and ideas to help you do better in social situations, without relying on alcohol, smoking, vaping or anything else. We look at how to think differently and some helpful ways to just better regulate emotions, especially when feeling high levels of stress or anxiety.
Hypnosis is a very forward-looking and positive treatment modality. I really enjoy seeing the positive changes that people make during sessions. Here is an example of a client story.
Client story
Amanda recently graduated from university and started on a graduate training scheme at a top law firm. Always quite shy, Amanda found herself feeling extremely anxious in meetings and in social get-togethers after work. She would have physical anxiety symptoms including sweating and feeling hot and even blushing. She got in touch as she was feeling that social anxiety was becoming a barrier to enjoying life.
During sessions we worked to decrease unhelpful beliefs and thoughts Amanda had about herself in comparison to her colleagues. From early childhood she had always felt that she wasn’t intelligent. This belief really affected her confidence in the present. By working on her confidence and her inner beliefs, we were able to reduce social anxiety.
Amanda said: “I haven’t realized how some of my internal thoughts were creating the anxiety. After just a few sessions, I was able to feel more comfortable and calm. I began to look forward to post-work social events rather than fearing not fitting in or being judged by colleagues, who initially all seemed more successful than me. I also began to value my achievements rather than criticising myself.”
Social anxiety and hypnosis sessions
If you do ever experience social anxiety and hypnosis is a treatment you would consider, get in touch today. Sessions are enjoyable and stimulating, as you will look at issues in a deeper way. Anxiety is a normal human experience but when it becomes too strong and affects how you feel and think, it’s time to get a grip on it. Don’t allow anxiety to hold you back from living life to the full. If social anxiety is affecting you, get in touch today to see how hypnotherapy in London and online can help.
