When Anxiety Keeps Acting Like Something Is Wrong
Anxiety can make the mind search constantly for what might go wrong.
You may replay conversations, anticipate problems, avoid situations, feel physically on edge, or know logically that you are safe while another part of you continues reacting as though you are not.
That gap between what you know and what you feel is one reason anxiety can be so frustrating.
What May Be Keeping the Anxiety Active
Anxiety is not always random.
Sometimes the mind is trying to prevent danger, rejection, embarrassment, loss of control, or another experience it has learned to watch for. Sometimes the reaction is connected with an earlier experience. Sometimes it is a habit of anticipating and preparing for the worst.
The important question is not only “How do I calm down?” but also “What keeps telling my system that it needs to stay on alert?”
How We Work With It
We begin with how anxiety shows up for you: what starts it, what happens in your body, what your mind does next, and what you find yourself trying to avoid or control.
During hypnosis, I guide the process and follow what comes up. We may work with feelings, beliefs, memories, expectations, or an inner conflict that is keeping the reaction active.
Relaxation may be part of the work, but the goal is not simply to make you relaxed for the duration of the session.
The goal is to change what is keeping the anxiety response necessary or automatic.
Worry, Overthinking, and Panic
For one person, anxiety looks like constant mental rehearsal. For another, it is physical tension or panic. Someone else may avoid situations, seek reassurance, or become extremely controlling because uncertainty feels unsafe.
The form is different, but the useful question is the same: what is the pattern doing, and what keeps it going?
Questions or Scheduling
Sessions are available in Albuquerque and online through Zoom.