Anxiety Disorders
What is and Anxiety Disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterised by excessive and persistent worry, fear, or uneasiness that significantly interferes with daily life.
​
Anxiety disorders can have various triggers. Common triggers include stressful life events, trauma, work stress, a family history of anxiety disorders, chronic medical conditions, and imbalances in brain chemistry. Additionally, major life changes such as loss, relationship issues, or financial difficulties can contribute to the development or exacerbation of anxiety disorders.
The accumulation of 'macro' and 'micro' doses of stress in our everyday lives means that we might wake up every day with full 'buckets,' where even the smallest triggers become overwhelming, trapping us in a cycle of worry and dread.
People come to me for:
Generalised Anxiety (GAD)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterised by excessive and persistent worry or anxiety about a wide range of everyday situations, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, and difficulty concentrating. Other problems aften associated with chronic anxiety are: insomnia, migraines, nail-biting or hair-pulling, skin conditions, and IBS.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a mental health condition characterised by an intense fear of social situations and a persistent concern about being negatively judged or scrutinised by others. People with social anxiety often experience distress and avoidance behaviours in social settings. This also include fears of life changing events, such as getting married or changing jobs.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared event, significantly impacting daily functioning.
Performance Anxiety
Performance anxiety is characterised by heightened fear or apprehension about our ability to meet expectations or perform well in specific tasks or situations, such as public speaking, sport events, performing on stage, or taking exams. This anxiety can adversely impact our ability to perform and our overall well-being.
Phobias
Phobias are intense, irrational fears of specific objects, situations, or activities, leading to avoidance behaviours that significantly impact daily functioning. They are characterised by excessive anxiety and can range from common fears to more specific and debilitating aversions.
Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is characterised by excessive distress or fear of being separated from people or places to which you are emotionally attached.
How I help them
Positive Focus: Solution-focused therapy emphasises identifying and building on strengths and positive aspects of a person's life. By focusing on what is already working well and encouraging positive thinking, I help my clients to develop a more optimistic outlook, which can be beneficial for managing anxiety.
​
Goal Setting: SFH involves setting specific, achievable goals. Establishing clear and realistic objectives helps overcoming anxiety by regaining a sense of purpose and direction. Working towards, and experiencing positive changes also contribute to a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.
​
Trance: Hypnosis is a key component of my practice. Through guided-relaxations I help clients to regulate their emotions, reframe negative beliefs, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm and control.
​
Positive Visualisation: Sessions often include guided imagery and positive visualisations. This can help by creating mental images of positive outcomes, promoting and embedding a more positive mindset, and reducing anxiety associated with negative thoughts or unrealistic expectations.
​
Addressing Underlying Issues: As part of the therapeutic process, we may explore the root causes of anxiety. I can help you understand and address underlying issues on a conscious or subconscious level. Identifying and resolving these issues or 'blocks' can contribute to long-term anxiety management.
​
Changing Thought Patterns: Together we will challenge and reframe negative thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety.
​
Building Coping Strategies: I also help people develop effective coping strategies. Learning how to cope with stressors and challenges in a constructive way can significantly improve our ability to manage stress level.
​
A Mindful Approach: Mindfulness reduces anxiety by promoting present-moment awareness. Using various techniques, I help people observe and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. I use mindfulness as a powerful tool to break worrying cycles and to help my client foster a calmer mental state as they regain control of their life.
If would like to discuss how I can help you overcome Anxiety, please contact me using the form below. I offer a free 30-minute initial consultation.