Understanding Anxiety

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Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger, but when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can significantly impact daily life. Common symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like muscle tension or rapid heartbeat. Anxiety can stem from various factors, including genetics, past experiences, and environmental stressors.

Anxiety can manifest in different ways, with common forms including:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, excessive worry about multiple areas of life.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations or being judged by others.
• Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks characterised by sudden, intense fear.
• Phobias: Extreme fears of specific objects, situations, or activities.

Research supports various therapeutic approaches for managing anxiety, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A structured approach that helps reframe unhelpful thinking patterns and develop coping skills.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Proven effective, particularly for anxiety stemming from trauma, EMDR helps reprocess distressing memories and reduce their impact.
• Clinical Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy can aid relaxation and target underlying beliefs, making it a valuable tool for reducing anxiety-related responses.

Managing anxiety is a journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a qualified therapist can provide tools to navigate stress, challenge anxious thoughts, and regain control. I offer tailored therapy options, including integrative psychotherapy and clinical hypnotherapy, to support clients in Trafford, Greater Manchester, and online.

If you’re ready to explore ways to overcome anxiety and reclaim peace of mind, I’m here to help. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting change.