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Stress Awareness Month (hypnotherapy for stress)

Online Hypnotherapy for Cancer, Cognitive hypnotherapy in Colchester and online

Under pressure: why modern life keeps us stressed and how hypnotherapy can help

It creeps in quietly, often disguised as productivity. It tells us to keep going, to push through, to reply to that one last email at midnight. It’s there in the clenched jaw, the shallow breathing, the mind that won’t switch off. Stress is no longer a fleeting response to challenge – it has become, for many, a constant companion.

April is Stress Awareness Month, a campaign that began in 1992 and remains as urgent as ever. In an age of burnout, economic uncertainty, digital overwhelm, and post-pandemic recovery, stress has gone mainstream. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point in the past year that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

So what are we actually talking about when we talk about stress?

The biology of being overwhelmed

Stress, in its original form, is not the villain. It’s a vital survival mechanism – the body’s way of preparing to face danger. Adrenaline surges, cortisol rises, and our system is primed for action. This fight-or-flight response was useful on the savannah. But in the modern world, the threats are less about sabre-toothed tigers and more about deadlines, social media, bills, or not being able to find childcare before your 9am meeting.

The trouble begins when stress becomes chronic. Our nervous system, wired for short bursts of action, is not built for prolonged activation. Over time, high cortisol levels are linked to anxiety, depression, digestive issues, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular problems, and a weakened immune response. In short, the body keeps the score.

Stress can also distort our cognitive function. It shrinks the brain’s prefrontal cortex – the part responsible for planning, decision-making, and self-regulation – while strengthening the amygdala, the fear centre. That means we become more reactive, less rational, and stuck in survival mode.

Why modern stress feels different

In many ways, today’s stressors are uniquely insidious. They are often invisible, ongoing, and socially normalised. We wear busyness as a badge of honour. Our phones blur the boundaries between work and rest. We rarely fully switch off.

And stress isn’t evenly distributed. Financial insecurity, housing instability, caregiving responsibilities, and workplace discrimination all intensify the burden. The cost-of-living crisis in the UK has made mental wellbeing harder to access just as people need it more. The “pull yourself together” culture still looms large, making it difficult for many to seek help.

As public awareness grows, so does the need for practical, accessible solutions. This is where hypnotherapy – often misunderstood and underused – deserves a second look.

Hypnotherapy for stress: beyond stage tricks and swinging watches

Despite popular misconceptions, modern hypnotherapy has little to do with clucking like a chicken on stage. At its core, hypnotherapy is a guided process that helps individuals enter a deeply relaxed state – known as a trance – where the mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestion and emotional processing.

Crucially, trance is not a loss of control. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Most people remain fully aware of what’s being said and retain complete control throughout the session. The process simply quietens the critical, analytical mind to allow deeper mental and emotional shifts.

From a neuroscientific perspective, hypnosis engages the brain’s default mode network, a region associated with daydreaming, reflection, and imagination. This relaxed, inward-focused state helps recalibrate the nervous system, regulate emotions, and access inner resources that can feel unavailable during times of stress.

What does hypnotherapy for stress look like in practice?

A hypnotherapy session for stress might involve several techniques:

  • Progressive relaxation to calm the body and signal safety to the nervous system

  • Breathwork and guided imagery to bring the mind into a parasympathetic state (rest and digest)

  • Suggestion therapy to plant new, empowering beliefs around coping, confidence, and calm

  • Regression or parts work (where appropriate) to resolve unresolved triggers beneath the stress

Sessions are typically tailored to the individual – there is no one-size-fits-all script. Some clients need help with sleep, others with racing thoughts or emotional overwhelm. For many, it’s a combination of all three.

Over time, hypnotherapy can help rewire stress responses. Instead of reacting with tension or panic, clients learn to respond with clarity, calm, and choice.

The evidence

While hypnotherapy is still underrepresented in mainstream mental health services, research into its effectiveness is growing. Studies have shown that hypnosis can significantly reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and lower stress-related symptoms. A 2019 meta-analysis published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that hypnosis produces medium-to-large effects for anxiety reduction, often outperforming control treatments.

There’s also increasing interest in how hypnotherapy supports self-regulation – the ability to soothe oneself during times of distress. In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, this skill is invaluable.

A quieter mind in a noisy world

In many ways, stress is a reasonable response to an unreasonable world. But that doesn’t mean we are powerless.

Hypnotherapy doesn’t promise to eliminate external pressures – the job, the bills, the news cycle – but it can change how you respond to them. It gives people a space to slow down, breathe, and remember that calm is still available.

As Stress Awareness Month invites us to take stock of our mental health, perhaps it’s time to stop pushing through and start tuning in. Whether through hypnotherapy or other forms of support, one thing is clear: we can’t afford to treat stress as the price of a busy life. We need tools that help us live better – not just cope.

For hypnotherapy for stress contact info@victoriawardhypnotherapy.com

Victoria Ward Hypnotherapy and Coaching in Colchester, Essex, and Online

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Hypnosis for exam anxiety in Colchester

Exam stress - hypnotherapy

Hypnosis for exam anxiety in Colchester

Exam anxiety can be more than just a case of nerves. For many students and professionals, it can feel like an overwhelming sense of panic, making it difficult to focus, recall information, or perform to their full potential. Whether you’re preparing for GCSEs, A-levels, university exams, or professional qualifications, the pressure to succeed can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being.

If you find yourself experiencing stress, self-doubt, or even physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, or a racing heart before an exam, you are not alone. Exam anxiety is common, but that doesn’t mean you have to struggle through it. Hypnotherapy offers a natural, effective solution to help you stay calm, focused, and confident when it matters most.

Understanding exam anxiety

Exam anxiety goes beyond typical stress. While a little pressure can help with motivation, excessive worry can have the opposite effect, making it harder to concentrate and remember what you’ve studied. Some common symptoms of exam anxiety include:

  • Racing thoughts and negative self-talk
  • Fear of failure, even when well-prepared
  • Difficulty concentrating while revising or during the exam
  • Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to perform
  • Sleep problems, including insomnia or frequent waking
  • Physical symptoms such as nausea, headaches, shaking, or sweating
  • Mental blocks and memory lapses under stress

If any of these sound familiar, hypnosis can help you regain control of your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to approach exams with a sense of calm confidence.

How hypnosis helps with exam anxiety

Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious mind, where deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs about exams and performance may be stored. Through guided relaxation and positive suggestion, hypnotherapy can help to:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety – Hypnosis induces a state of deep relaxation, helping to lower cortisol levels and reduce physical and mental tension.
  • Boost confidence – Positive affirmations and mental rehearsal can reprogram negative beliefs about your abilities, replacing self-doubt with self-assurance.
  • Improve focus and concentration – Hypnosis helps quiet the mind, making it easier to stay present and engaged during revision and exams.
  • Enhance memory and recall – Many people find that hypnotherapy helps them retain and retrieve information more effectively, reducing the risk of mental blocks.
  • Overcome fear of failure – By shifting your mindset, hypnotherapy can help you detach from perfectionism and fear-based thinking, allowing you to perform without unnecessary pressure.

Rather than simply masking anxiety, hypnosis addresses the root cause of your stress, helping you develop long-term resilience and confidence in exam situations.

What to expect from a hypnosis session for exam anxiety

Many people feel nervous about hypnosis, often wondering if they will lose control or be made to do things against their will. In reality, hypnotherapy is a safe and natural process where you remain fully aware and in control at all times.

During a session, your hypnotherapist will guide you into a deeply relaxed state, similar to a daydream or meditation. This allows the subconscious mind to become more receptive to positive suggestions, helping to change unhelpful thought patterns and rewire your response to exam-related stress.

A typical hypnotherapy session for exam anxiety may include:

  • Relaxation techniques – Helping to lower stress levels and create a calm, focused mindset.
  • Positive affirmations – Replacing negative self-talk with empowering beliefs about your abilities.
  • Visualisation exercises – Mentally rehearsing a calm and successful exam experience.
  • Anchoring techniques – Teaching you how to trigger a relaxed state whenever you need it.
  • Cognitive reframing – Changing the way you perceive exams, transforming them from stressful experiences into manageable challenges.

Many clients notice improvements after just a few sessions, with benefits extending beyond exams into other areas of life, such as interviews, presentations, and everyday confidence.

Who can benefit from hypnosis for exam stress?

Hypnotherapy is suitable for students of all ages, from school and university learners to adults taking professional exams. It is particularly helpful for those who:

  • Struggle with test-day nerves or performance anxiety
  • Experience mental blocks during exams
  • Find it difficult to retain and recall information under pressure
  • Have a history of underperforming despite being well-prepared
  • Feel overwhelmed by perfectionism or fear of failure
  • Have difficulty staying calm and focused during revision

Hypnotherapy can be tailored to your specific needs, helping you develop strategies that work for you. Whether you need to reduce anxiety, build self-belief, or improve concentration, hypnosis can provide the tools to support your success.

The benefits of hypnosis over other anxiety treatments

While techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and relaxation exercises can be helpful, hypnosis offers a unique advantage – it works directly with the subconscious mind, where anxiety patterns are deeply ingrained.

Unlike medication, hypnosis is completely natural and free from side effects. It doesn’t just suppress symptoms; it helps rewire the way you respond to stressful situations, creating lasting change. Hypnotherapy is also a practical solution for those who struggle with traditional talking therapies, as it allows change to happen more naturally and intuitively.

How many hypnotherapy sessions are needed?

The number of sessions required varies depending on individual needs. Some people experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while others may benefit from a short course of treatment.

I will assess your situation and tailor a plan to help you achieve the best results. Sessions can be booked at flexible times, making it easy to fit hypnotherapy around your study schedule.

Book a hypnosis session for exam anxiety in Colchester

If exam anxiety is affecting your performance and well-being, hypnotherapy could be the solution you need. By reducing stress, increasing confidence, and improving focus, hypnosis helps you feel calm and prepared for your exams.

I offer professional hypnotherapy sessions for exam anxiety in Colchester, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re facing school exams, university assessments, or professional qualifications, we can help you feel more in control.

Take the first step towards stress-free exams. Book a consultation today and discover how hypnosis can help you perform at your best.

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Believe it or not. How your beliefs affect your happiness.

Ripples of belief

*This article was first published on the Huffington Post

Believe it or not: How your beliefs affect your happiness.

Belief:
a) An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof
b) Something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion
c) A religious conviction
d) Trust, faith, or confidence in (someone or something)
Oxford English Dictionary

Do you ever stop to question what you believe? Do you ever ask yourself why you believe it, or where that belief came from in the first place? Have you ever considered that it may be your beliefs that are causing you to feel anxious, unwell or unsatisfied?

I’m not really talking about those big lifestyle beliefs such as religion or politics (although, you had to learn to believe in those somewhere too), but all those other things you believe about yourself that by believing them affect the way you experience your life. Such as:

“I’m no good at meeting new people.”
“I’m too fat for anyone to love.”
“This is as good as it gets.”
“I’m disgusting.”

If you’re reading this and thinking that you only believe good things about yourself, then that is excellent. However, you’re definitely in the minority. And, if you’re honest with yourself, there are times when that little voice in your head gets a teensie bit critical, right?

One of the main reasons driving my clients’ decisions to seek out coaching and cognitive hypnotherapy is because they believe something that’s causing them to suffer. Often, they don’t even realise that’s the case, or they may rationally know it’s not true, but still the unconscious sticks to it anyway.

And the problem is, people operate from what they believe to be true, not what is true.

We suffer when we believe something about ourselves that by believing it causes us to limit our experience of life.

Getting in your own way

Consider the beliefs I quoted above (all real things my clients have said to me):

The woman who believes she’s no good at meeting new people turns down opportunities to meet new people and instead stays at home, thinking ‘what’s the point I’ll only make a fool of myself’. She never gives herself the chance to prove herself wrong, for fear of proving herself right. Her world becomes very small.

The man who believes he’s too fat to be loved, never opens himself up to love because he’s afraid of proving himself right. But guess what, if you never open yourself up to love, you’re never going to let it into your life. Something that he believes to be true produces a behaviour that causes him to suffer. His world remains smaller than it could be.

The man who believes that this is as good as it gets, doesn’t bother to ask for a pay rise or apply for a new position. He doesn’t want to rock the boat in case he loses something – something that he’s not really passionate about anyway. Who is more likely to get the job, the man who applies or the man who doesn’t because he doesn’t think he’s good enough?

The lady who told me she believed she was disgusting, had suffered abuse as a child then later physical and psychological violence from the two fathers of her children. She believed, as they had told her many times, that she was disgusting. This belief fuelled an eating disorder that meant she frequently had to be hospitalised.

Soak it all up

Ok, so sometimes believing negative things about ourselves won’t have such extreme consequences, but it will prevent us from really being the happiest we can be.

So how did these beliefs that seem to run the show that is our experience of life come about?

The truth is that as children we have a sponge-like talent for absorbing the information that we receive through our senses. The things that we experience – within our family or the greater culture that surrounds us – are accepted as the norm. Just as we absorb the language we hear around us and it becomes an intrinsic part of our personality (notice how even little children’s unique personalities shine through in the way they speak and the things they say), so do we absorb the messages our parents, teachers and the media give us. The information we unconsciously consume. And you are what you eat, after all.

So really, a lot of what we believe is an accident of birth. An accident of who we grew up with, what teacher we had at school, who our peers were, what channel our parents had the TV tuned to, everything and anything that happened to us just because that it where we were at that point in time. That’s why I can see a client in my clinic who wears size 14 clothes and believes that she is ‘too fat’, when if I was seeing clients in a country where larger bodies are a sign of status, size wouldn’t be affecting their emotional state in the same way.

Our culture does a really good job of telling us from a young age that we are not ‘enough’.

Monkey See, Monkey Do

You see, we are imitators. We see other people doing things and then we copy them. You only have to consider fashion to see the truth in this. This is why in the 80s the glorious mullet happened and why now so many men are sporting hipster beards and man buns. It’s why Kate Middleton can wear a Breton stripe jumper in one photo, and suddenly stripy jumpers sell out everywhere.

We have a natural, evolutionary need to fit in. After all, if we didn’t fit in to our tribe back in caveman days, we risked being booted out to fend for ourselves – which meant an almost certain grisly death at the sharp end of a sabre-toothed tusk. This instinct for unity is hardcoded into us at birth, and then reinforced by our parents and schools. Conformity reaps rewards, disobedience plonks us on the naughty step without any tea. So to make life more comfortable for ourselves, we believe what others around us believe.

We are born into our families and our culture through no choice of our own. As babies, we have no choice about the lessons we are taught, the messages we are fed, the truths or lies we are given often in order to try to make us behave in a more compliant way that makes someone else’s life easier – or under someone else’s belief that it will make our lives easier if we learn to conform early on in life. If you are born into a certain family, then you are more likely – generally speaking – to have the same beliefs as that family.

So beliefs become important to us. It becomes important to confirm our beliefs, which is why challenging them is so difficult. We identify with our beliefs as if they are an intimate part of ourselves, and losing them would be as traumatic as losing a limb. We confuse belief with identity. We believe without questioning.

Until, that is, we learn to question. To overcome the suffering that the critical voice inflicts upon us, we must learn to think for ourselves.

How to Challenge your Unhelpful Beliefs

Write down those things you believe about yourself, that cause you pain or limit your life in some way. Usually this will be phrased as “I…”, or “I am…”

Take the top one. Ask yourself, “Is that true.”

Ask yourself, “Can I absolutely know that this is true?”

When you realise that you can’t absolutely know that it’s true, then you can ask yourself: “Whose belief is this anyway?” Where did that belief come from? Where did you learn it – we all have to learn our beliefs somewhere. Was it really someone else’s belief, perhaps a bully, a teacher, a parent?

Then you can ask yourself, “Who would I be, if I believed… [insert the opposite here].”

And just begin to imagine how your life would be different if you simply chose to believe something else. Imagine what you’d be doing, who you’d be doing it with, where you’d be, what you’d be achieving.

Then see if you can see any reason to keep believing that old belief, or whether the new one would be a lot more fun.

A belief is just that. A belief. A thought that you accept as true, without any real evidence. It’s not true! You just accepted that it was. So challenge those old, outdated beliefs. Hear them, note them down, and investigate whether you can prove them to be true, or if it might just be time to let them go.