Does Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Really Work for Panic Attacks?

Long hours of work, bad relationships, continuous efforts towards successful career, restrictive conditions, and various other factors may lead to anxiety, depression, fatigue, exhaustion, and panic attacks. Since medications are often claimed to come with a long list of possible side-effects, the best way is to look for treatments that don’t involve the use of medications. Hypnosis, also called hypnotherapy, is a great way to deal with panic attacks, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. Even though it is growing in popularity, a lot of people are still not aware of this extremely beneficial treatment.

So, let’s take a look at what hypnosis means, what a hypnosis session looks like, and whether hypnosis for panic attacks works.

Meaning of Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a technique in which a person is assisted in an altered state of consciousness, often referred to as trance. In this state, a person is deeply relaxed, keenly focused, and extremely open to suggestibility. Thus, it acts as a getaway to solve a variety of health issues including panic attacks, stress, addiction, grief, sleep disorders, and smoking cessation.

Session of Hypnosis

During a typical session of hypnotherapy, the professional, usually called hypnotist, guides the client into a very relaxed state. Once the client starts feeling calm (yet alert), the hypnotist brings attention to the behaviors he/she wants to change. Then, the hypnotist offers words of encouragement and/or provides suggestions.

After the episode of offering affirmations and suggestions, the client is brought back to the normal state by the hypnotist. In the end, the client is asked to discuss his/her experience including reactions, progress, and insights. While the sessions vary in duration, they often last for about one to one and a half hours.

Hypnosis for Panic Attacks

Many people wonder how hypnosis for panic attacks work. The fact is that research has shown that hypnotherapy can help relieve fear, stress, and anxiety. When a person with panic disorder is under a hypnotic state, he/she may be guided to coping with specific symptoms and overcoming the limiting behaviors.

For instance, once a person gets relaxed during the session, the hypnotist may ask the person to focus on the panic attacks. Thereafter, the person becomes aware of his/her physical sensations, emotions, and cognitions associated with the attacks such as shaking, fear, or chest pain. Then, the hypnosis professional guides him by offering calming suggestions like "You will safe despite your comfort" or "You can control your panic attacks." The hypnotist may also advise ways to cope with these feelings like "Take deep breaths whenever you panic. It will make you feel calmer".

Due to its high effectiveness, this therapy is also used for treating people with agoraphobia - a common condition of panic disorder. This condition usually involves a fear of panic attacks when faced with restrictive circumstances such as crowds, driving, etc. But, through hypnotherapy, a person can learn how to stay calm or relaxed while facing fears. To deal with this phobia, hypnotists often ask their clients to focus on getting past their phobias and suggest different ways to remain relaxed in environments that trigger their phobia.

So, yes, hypnosis for panic attacks actually works and it is a great way to increase self-esteem, overcome negative thoughts, and manage troublesome symptoms.