Hypnotherapy for Anxiety?

[98elise]

My daughter (15) started getting full blown anxiety attacks about 6 months ago. as part of that we've found out she really has trouble communicating with anyone outside her comfort zone. She can't even speak to a shop assistant or waitress. This is more of a full time anxiety in her life rather then an attack.

We're on the waiting list to see a mental health specialist through the school, however I was wondering if anyone has tried hypnotherapy. On Radio 2 this morning one of Chris Evans team had a snake phobia and today was able to touch a snake (after a week of treatment). The therapist was telling him to think of deep blue, so it seemed to be about calming thoughts to keep the anxiety down.

Have you or anyone you know tried this approach, and how long does it take?

[98elise]

Thanks for the replies. I think I may give it a go as the we've been on the waiting list for ages.

I think the main thing is to get her over her general anxiety first. She does a lot of performing arts so has the confidence to be on stage singing dancing and acting, so it was really odd when she admitted she couldn't talk to strangers.

[98elise]

Willy Nilly said:

It would probably be a good idea to get to the bottom of what is causing the anxiety and get some coping strategies to help her cope in stressful situations. As she's a teenager, how open is she to talking to you or her mum about it and listening to suggestions for counselling or hypnotherapy? She'll do well to nip this fker in the bud before it ends up holding her back any more.

Which ever you and her choose, she'll probably always be a worrier, but hopefully will learn how to manage it and use it to her advantage, rather than letting it rule her life and stop her doing what she wants to do.

The full blown attacked (breathing problems etc) have been triggered by her O Levels.

The underlying fear of talking to "strangers" just seems to be that's she's never developed the ability to talk to people outside her comfort zone.

We only realise as she got older and would freeze when put on the spot like being asked if she wanted a refill in a restaurant.

[98elise]

Spuffington said:

I've had hypnotherapy for anxiety (general) as well as for fear of heights and claustrophobia (both pretty much linked).

Within a few sessions I was able to calm myself down. After about 8 I have been pretty much fully cured. There's a tiny bit of my brain which sometimes feels like it's trying to trigger something but there's nothing there anxiety wise which responds. Best way I can describe is like pulling the trigger with an empty gun barrel. You expect a response but the issue (the bullet) isn't there anymore.

I saw a fella near the Lee Valley - very happy to recommend if you're close by. I go back every now and again if I have an issue which is getting to me and I'm struggling to process and he pretty much solves it in a session or two.

Thsnks, I wanted to hear that other people had success with hypnotherapy. I think it's worth at least investing is a couple of sessions and we how it goes.

We're in Kent and there are a couple of therapists nearby.