The cognitive perspective views anxiety in terms of an information-processing system that exaggerates the probability and severity of threat, minimizes personal ability to cope, and fails to recognize aspects of safety.
There are therefore four elements of appraisal that are targeted by cognitive therapy interventions, as a means of modifying the underlying schemas of threat and vulnerability central to anxiety disorders
1. Probability. Over-estimating the probability of some kind of harm actually occurring.
2. Severity. Over-estimating how “catastrophic” or harmful the threat’s perceived consequences would be.
3. Vulnerability. Under-estimating one’s coping ability, that is, experiencing a sense of personal helplessness, weakness and inability to cope.
4. Safety. Under-estimating genuine signs or evidence of safety, which are overlooked or undervalued due to a cognitive bias in favour of threat detection and also belief in the importance of engaging in maladaptive and unnecessary (“false”) safety-seeking behaviours
Cognitive Behavioural hypnotherapy is an evidence-based, integrated approach to anxiety and stress related issues. It aims to correct this bias by decreasing the perceived threat and increasing your perceived ability to cope.
It combines tools from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with hypnosis to give you back control of your thoughts and correcting any cognitive errors.
Sessions are a collaborative approach where you will be given the practical tools you need while using hypnosis to reinforce these and working on stress/anxiety management and relaxation. All sessions are goal orientated and personalized for you.
To arrange a free consultation please email Hayley@hypnotherapywithhayley.com