Increasingly, hypnosis is proving to be a lifeline for those experiencing emotional or mental difficulties when other treatments fail. Essentially, hypnotherapy can help re-program the mind with different thoughts, feelings, behaviours and beliefs.

Hypnotherapy is extremely beneficial for anyone trying to break negative, or unhelpful patterns, of thought or behaviour. It is time to end the emotional and mental difficulties too many of us continue to carry.

Recent research from The Nurse Practitioner Journal indicated that mindfulness and hypnotherapy provided a promising approach to the very common problem of anxiety in adolescents as well as in the general population. As stated by Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, a growing body of evidence supports the implementation of mind-body therapy and hypnosis as a low-risk and cost-effective strategy in the management of anxious teenagers and individuals.

With anxiety affecting one-third of the population and escalating in our teenagers, we fear without effective treatment this will continue to grow. Our busy lives, increasing expectations, social and developmental challenges (common during the adolescent years), anxiety is excessive, persistent, and can be disruptive to our lives.

Currently recommended treatments for anxiety is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and/or antidepressant medications. These have important limitations. They are expensive, take considerable time to effect change and in the case of antidepressants, can have serious side effects. Studies suggest that most people with mental health disorders, especially anxiety disorders, do not receive any form of mental health care.

Hypnotherapy can help promote self-control, reframing and emotional well-being. There are no negative side effects and is natural and safe. Hypnosis incorporates imagery and relaxation techniques to help control stress responses. The review identified three studies of hypnosis techniques to reduce stress, including stress in adolescents. These included room sessions either individually or in a group and on-line hypnosis intervention to reduce anxiety. Both showed very positive outcomes. The hypnosis can also be combined with yoga and mindfulness techniques.

Anxiety is not secluded for the adult population as we continue to see children also affected. We also know that many children and teens learn their coping strategies from their parents. Where one parent experiences anxiety, there is an increased risk their child will also display these issues. Hence, the importance of each parent dealing with, and lowering, their anxiety may greatly benefit their children.

Professor Stephen Redford, a specialist who has carried out long-term studies into brain activity and hypnosis agrees that hypnosis can help unlock a new way of living. “It’s about learning what the brain is capable of. The mind is a funny place, and, for some people, the difference between being able to do something or not, or even living well or not, can come solely down to a single thought…Hypnosis can certainly be helpful for many.”

We have a saying ‘What the mind believes, the body responds to’. Hypnotherapy is a natural process in which your mind is more receptive to positive suggestions. Hypnotherapy aids the minds ability to rapidly integrate new skills and strategies to change thoughts, responses, attitudes and behaviours. The benefits of hypnosis are exceptional. It is a fast and inexpensive way to deal with, manage and improve so many of life’s obstacles and challenges. Now with more modern ways to access professional hypnotherapy sessions, we no longer need to struggle. You can obtain benefits quickly to improve your life because you are worth it.