The treatment for anxiety is available on the NHS but waitlists for therapy sessions can be long, and many look to other options. Could clinical hypnotherapy for anxiety be helpful for those with the condition?
As I travel to my appointment for hypnotherapy, which I’m attending due to anxiety, I realise I’m worrying about it all the time my heart beats fast and I’m starting to sweat. It’s not unusual for me. My brain is prone to turn even the most basic of scenarios into a apocalyptic issue of epic proportions; a cacophony of “what ifs” that build up to a crescendo of terror in my thoughts.
And that’s precisely why I’m here at Harley Street. I’ve come to see clinical hypnotherapist Fiona Lamb, hoping she will make me feel less overwhelmed, more present and stop excessive worry from dominating my life. I’m not sure what I should think, but I’m sure that eventually I’ll singing like a prized cockerel.
Hypnotherapy myths rule the day
I’m not too far from being on the right track. Lamb welcomes me with warmth, understanding and a big smile. Her office is small and cosy and she doesn’t at any point do she pull out a pocket watch. She’s not surprised about my preconceived notions however.
“People prefer hypnosis to stage shows on television,” she laughs. “But the reality is that there’s nothing magical, no swinging watches or chicken sounds in reality. It’s an innate state that we are all able to attain and is similar to meditation. It’s simply about engaging your creative side.”
I feel guilty for making assumptions I’m embarrassed, but Lamb does not care. She immediately makes me feel comfortable, asking me to explain why I’ve come and what I want to achieve. She shares that she, too, suffered from severe sleeplessness and anxiety. Through a variety of treatments, from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to herbal remedies she realized that hypnotherapy for anxiety was the technique that finally worked for her.
“Hypnotherapy really helped me with my own anxiety and sleep issues. The only option that worked after trying everything else. That’s why I wanted to learn what made it work and why,” she explains.
How does hypnosis to treat anxiety be effective?
In a nutshell, trying to find the root of the problem according to Lamb.
“Anxiety is just anxiety and. We determine the reason you’re not feeling secure or relaxed, and then we look at the root cause and tackle them. It’s probably the fastest and the most lasting method to change your beliefs,” she shares.
It is still a bit nerve-wracking I am still nervous when Lamb requests me to sit in my chair, and puts my feet up on an ottoman. She plays some relaxing music on the stereo , then demands that I close my eyes. Speaking slowly, gently and going backwards in time, she performs the meditation. I feel myself almost losing consciousness but not entirely. I’m awake and conscious to my surrounding. I’m also aware that I could be able to stop the hypnosis anytime, if I have to.
It’s in this deeply relaxed state that Lamb invites me to go back to an earlier time in my life in which I felt fearful. It immediately makes me feel disoriented. My anxiety isn’t connected to anything that happened years ago are they?
Part of me would like to keep this from happening But I am surprised by recalling events I’d lost from my childhood. The events I’m sure I dismissed as trivial, yet seem to remain in my mind. “Where is it that that originate?” I think.
Lamb tells me to imagine this past version of myself from each period. I reassure her, telling me to read the sentences in a loud voice. This is a bit awkward and more than embarrassing, but I do according to the instructions. A half-heartedly awkward hour may be worth it if it improves my mental well-being. “Everything is going to be okay. You’re safe,” I tell my inner child, trying to not scream.
When Lamb takes me back to this room, I’m glad it’s over. I’m also a bit scared about the things I’ve recalled from the session. Our hour together has flown by though. As I leave Lamb’s office, I realize I’m more relaxed and lighter than I have felt in years.
The only way to know is if my visit has actually assisted me. But according to Dave Smithson from Anxiety UK the use of hypnotherapy in clinical settings for anxiety can be an beneficial treatment for mild to moderate cases. Though I’d wager it probably not for everyone’s taste.
“The evaluation of our own services confirms this, with nearly 74% of clients accessing Hypnotherapy in the years 2016 and 2017 and achieving recovery by the end of treatment. However, it may possibly not provide the greatest efficacy method of treatment for more complicated conditions,” he cautions.
But does hypnotherapy for anxiety actually perform?
Clinical evidence peer-reviewed for hypnotherapy’s efficacy in treating anxiety disorders and panic attacks is not available. The few studies that have been conducted show that it’s effective in helping those suffering from “trait anxiety” (a tendency to anxiety as a part of your personality). However, research suggests that more studies are needed which isn’t a sign of the evidence that it isn’t effective however, but rather a recognition that not enough research has been conducted on hypnotherapy for anxiety to show that it does. In contrast, there are more studies indicating that it is effective in treating IBS.
However, at the moment it isn’t offered in the NHS. So, those who wish to give it a go must go on their own, for a the cost of around PS50 for a session. I was lucky enough to be able to enjoy two complimentary sessions, and would have been denied such an approach.
It’s also important to mention that hypnotherapy should not be recommended for someone with psychosis or a personality disorder because it could cause the disorder more serious.
Other options to treat anxiety
Before you commit to the treatment of anxiety with hypnotherapy It’s best to speak with your GP first. They can prescribe the appropriate medications. Also, it’s worth looking into the NHS self-referral programs in your local area. You might be able to get access to talking therapies through a mental health professional (such as CBT as the most popular choice for anxiety treatment), without needing to visit your doctor.
“In the meantime, in addition to looking into any form of talking therapy, it’s recommended to consider other ways of addressing your anxiety, such as exercising more and re-examining your diet, engaging in mindfulness, talking to your GP who may also recommend medication, and using other tools such as the Headspace app or joining Anxiety UK to access the numerous benefits and help we can provide,” says Smithson.
“Often we find it is not one single treatment that helps manage the anxiety, but rather a mixture of changes including therapy.”
I’m going to opt for the combined approach for myself, but I’m not totally given up on the use of hypnosis to treat anxiety. Lamb sends me audio files for self-guided hypnosis sessions, which I’m promising to give a try since I’ve realized there’s more that ‘look in my eyes’ and leather couches.