Understanding Anxiety: A Primitive Response in a Modern World

Anxiety is something that many of us experience, yet few truly understand. It can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and even debilitating. But did you know that anxiety is actually an ancient survival mechanism? While our modern lives have evolved, our brains still respond to stress in the same way they did thousands of years ago. Fortunately, there are ways to take back control—and Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is one of the most effective approaches.

The Origins of Anxiety: Your Primitive Mind at Work

Anxiety isn’t something that just appeared in modern times. It’s rooted deep within our primitive brain, specifically in the amygdala, which is responsible for detecting danger and triggering our fight, flight, or freeze response. Thousands of years ago, this response was crucial—it kept our ancestors safe from predators and other threats.

The problem? Our brains haven’t evolved as fast as our world has. Today, instead of being chased by wild animals, we’re bombarded with work pressures, social expectations, and the general chaos of modern life. Our primitive brain doesn’t differentiate between a real, life-threatening danger and a stressful email—it reacts the same way. The result? Constant worry, racing thoughts, and an overactive stress response, leading to chronic anxiety.

How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Helps

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a powerful tool that helps retrain the brain, shifting it from fear-driven reactions to a calm and rational state. Unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses on the past, SFH is forward-thinking—it helps clients develop new, positive thought patterns and behaviours that reduce anxiety over time.

Here’s how it works:

Accessing the subconscious: Hypnosis helps quiet the primitive mind, allowing us to introduce positive suggestions and reframe anxious thought patterns.

Rewiring negative thought loops: By focusing on solutions rather than problems, clients start to develop a more optimistic outlook.

Reducing the fight-or-flight response: Regular hypnotherapy sessions help calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety symptoms.

Teaching practical tools: Clients learn simple yet effective techniques, such as controlled breathing and visualisation, to regain control when anxiety strikes.

Empowering Clients with Anxiety-Management Tools

One of the most rewarding parts of my work is teaching clients how to manage their anxiety independently. Through tailored sessions, I equip them with practical tools they can use in everyday life. From relaxation techniques to mindset shifts, these strategies help break the cycle of worry and allow clients to feel more in control.

I’ve worked with countless individuals who have struggled with anxiety, and time after time, they report feeling calmer, more focused, and more confident after hypnotherapy. Anxiety no longer has to dictate your life—there is a way forward.

If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of anxiety, know that there is hope. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy provides a safe, effective, and scientifically backed approach to reducing anxiety and creating lasting change. Your brain is incredibly adaptable—once you understand how it works, you can start training it to work for you, not against you.

Ready to start your journey to a calmer mind? Get in touch today to learn more about how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you reclaim your peace and confidence.

 

How To Improve Your Self Talk For Better Mental Health

What is Self-talk?

Self-talk refers to the internal dialogue we have with ourselves, which can greatly impact our mental state and overall well-being. If your self-talk is negative or self-critical, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

Strategies to help you manage and improve Your Self- Talk

Identify negative self-talk: The first step to improving your self-talk is to identify any negative thoughts or self-critical statements you make to yourself. Start paying attention to your internal dialogue and write down any negative thoughts you notice.

Challenge negative thoughts: Once you’ve identified negative self-talk, challenge those thoughts by questioning their validity. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support those thoughts or if they are based on assumptions or past experiences.

Replace negative thoughts with positive ones: After challenging negative thoughts, replace them with positive and empowering ones. For example, instead of saying “I can’t do this,” try saying “I’m capable of figuring this out.”

Use affirmations: Affirmations are positive statements that you can repeat to yourself to boost your self-confidence and self-esteem. Choose affirmations that resonate with you and repeat them to yourself regularly.

Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, just as you would treat a friend. Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses and be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes.

Surround yourself with positive influences: Surround yourself with positive people and messages that reinforce positive self-talk. Limit exposure to negative influences, such as social media or news outlets that can fuel negative self-talk.

Helpful Reminders:

* Thoughts are not facts.
* Recognise when a thought pattern is no longer serving you.
* Do something that you enjoy to distract yourself.
* Remember we can’t control our thoughts, but we can control how much impact they have on us.

Seek Professional Support: If you are still struggling with managing your internal dialogue and it is affecting your mental health seek professional help from a registered therapist.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy:

As a clinical Hypnotherapist, I use Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy which works by helping you to identify and change negative thought patterns and replace them with positive, empowering ones. Hypnotherapy uses trance and deep relaxation techniques to access the subconscious mind and introduce new, positive suggestions.

Through hypnotherapy, you can learn to identify and challenge negative self-talk patterns and replace them with positive affirmations. I guide my clients to focus on their strengths and abilities and to visualise their desired outcome.  I will also ask the right questions that will help you to find solutions that help you to move forward.

If you would like to book an appointment, please contact me on 07795556301.