An estimated 8 million people¹ in the UK suffer from anxiety disorders at any given time, and this troubling statistic is largely due to stress in the workplace. Therefore, understanding how the brain works is fundamental to gaining insight into the causes of anxiety and what can be done to resolve it.

For those who are not comfortable using conventional therapy to treat anxiety, hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment. While many people associate the word 'hypnosis' with stage magicians and mind control, it is essentially just a state of deep relaxation. A qualified hypnotherapist can make it easier for you to experience suggestions, but it does not force you to do anything against your will.

Hypnosis works by bringing together the two minds, our 'intellectual mind' and our 'primitive mind'.

What Are the Two Minds?

The 'intellectual mind' refers to the conscious mind, the part that interacts with the world and helps people to innovate and forecast positive outcomes. This mind is the one that should be operated from primarily as it is solution-oriented and rational.

The 'primitive mind' however, refers to instinct, left over from our ancestors' need to survive against various threats. This part of the brain holds the 'Fight or Flight' instinct and depression areas and is generally more negative as it is most likely to take over in a crisis or emergency. Depression, anxiety and anger are all part of the primitive mind.

What Causes Anxiety and How Do We Resolve It?

Anxiety is caused by negative thinking. This does not necessarily stem from life events but rather the thought patterns surrounding the events. Every negative thought that humans have is accumulated and stored in our primitive brain to stop us repeating similar behaviour.

Entering a hypnotic t rance is a natural state which brings the two minds togeth er to focus on the same thing. In this state, the subconscious mind can be accessed and thoughts that are driving current behavioural patterns can be modified.

Hypnotherapy can offer an alternative to other forms of support for anxiety and is an effective way to treat a number of issues, including stress, PTSD, insomnia, weight loss, and aid in quitting smoking.

Author: Shirley Carruthers - Content Creator at ParkerSteel

References:
1.) Mentalhealth-uk.org