Understanding High Functioning Anxiety and How Hypnotherapy and Coaching Can Help
High functioning anxiety is a contradictory condition. On the surface, individuals with this type of anxiety appear to be highly successful, organised, and in control. They often excel in their careers, maintain active social lives, and are seen as reliable, extremely capable and high-achieving. However, beneath their success lies a constant undercurrent of worry, self-doubt, and a relentless fear of failure.
So what is High Functioning Anxiety?
High functioning anxiety is not a formal diagnosis but rather a term which is used to describe individuals who manage to maintain the appearance of a well-functioning life while battling internal anxiety. Unlike other forms of anxiety that might visibly disrupt one’s life, high functioning anxiety is often hidden behind competence and achievement.
Common Symptoms of High Functioning Anxiety
- Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards and being overly critical of oneself.
- Overthinking: Obsessing over minute details and second-guessing decisions, often leading to indecisiveness.
- Procrastination: Delaying tasks out of fear of failure, yet managing to complete them at the last moment.
- People-Pleasing: Struggling to say no and constantly putting others first.
- Restlessness: Finding it difficult to relax and always needing to stay busy.
- Fear of Failure: Constantly worrying about not being good enough despite evident successes.
- Physical Symptoms: Feeling of impending dread, upset stomach, emotional, headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue without an apparent physical cause.
The Impact of High Functioning Anxiety
Living with high functioning anxiety can be mentally draining and exhausting. The constant internal battle to maintain control and perfection can lead to burnout, strained relationships, and a diminished quality of life. Over time, the relentless stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leading to conditions like chronic fatigue, insomnia, and even depression.
How Clinical Hypnotherapy Can Help
Now as we know not all cases of stress can be alleviated with deep breathing and relaxation, so with that in mind clinical hypnotherapy is an amazing therapeutic solution focused modality with its foundations based firmly within Neuroscience. It utilises hypnosis to bring about a deeply relaxed state of heightened awareness during which time our neural pathways can be rewired towards better ways of coping.
Let’s think of our brain like an old computer for a moment which is currently running outdated data round and round in a loop. The first sign of stress and our neurons fire along those well-worn data routes lighting up our stress responses because this is all it knows. By utilising clinical hypnotherapy we can install a new updated “data package” via our own malleable neuroplasticity showing our brain new ways of coping and being in a calm, confident, reassured manner, thus allowing us to gain greater control over our thoughts and behaviours leading a happier less stressed life.
Benefits of Hypnotherapy for High Functioning Anxiety
- Deep Relaxation: Hypnotherapy induces a state of deep relaxation, which can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, including muscle tension and headaches whilst aiding restful sleep.
- Accessing the Subconscious: It allows individuals to access and address the root causes of their anxiety, within the subconscious whilst installing calm relaxation and building coping strategies.
- Reframing Negative Thoughts: Hypnotherapy can help reframe negative thought patterns and beliefs, promoting a more positive and realistic self-image and outlook.
- Building Coping Strategies: It equips individuals with coping strategies to manage anxiety triggers more effectively in their daily lives.
How Coaching Can Help
Coaching, particularly when combined with clinical hypnotherapy, can provide a comprehensive approach to managing high functioning anxiety. Working with individuals to set and achieve personal and professional goals, develop new skills, and build resilience.
Benefits of Coaching for High Functioning Anxiety
- Goal Setting: I help individuals set realistic and achievable goals, breaking down overwhelming tasks into manageable steps.
- Accountability: With regular check-ins I provide accountability and support, helping individuals stay on track and reduce procrastination.
- Skill Development: Coaching focuses on developing skills such as time management, assertiveness, and effective communication, which can alleviate some of the stressors associated with high functioning anxiety.
- Positive Reinforcement: I provide encouragement and positive reinforcement, helping to build self-esteem and confidence.
Combining Hypnotherapy and Coaching
Combining clinical hypnotherapy and coaching can be particularly effective for individuals with high functioning anxiety. While hypnotherapy addresses the underlying emotional and psychological aspects of anxiety, coaching provides practical tools and strategies for managing it in daily life. Together, they offer an outstanding holistic approach that can lead to lasting change.
Steps to Take
- Seek Professional Support: If you suspect you have high functioning anxiety, consider seeking support asap. It is not a sign of weakness and everyone needs support from time to time.
- Develop a Plan: Work with your therapist and coach to develop a personalised plan that addresses both the emotional and practical aspects of your anxiety.
- Commit to the Process: Both hypnotherapy and coaching require commitment and active participation. Regular sessions and practicing learned techniques are essential for success.
- Monitor Progress: Keep track of your progress and celebrate small victories along the way. Adjust your plan as required based on your evolving needs and goals.
This sounds great, so what do I do next?
I currently offer a FREE online confidential 45- minute initial consultation during which time I’ll obtain sufficient information enabling me to understand what’s happening for you now, how it impacts your life, and what outcomes you would like to achieve. There is also time for you to ask any questions you may have. At the conclusion of your initial consultation, I’ll provide a FREE copy of my relaxation audio for you to listen to daily which will help you relax and support the change process. Afterwards I’ll formulate your bespoke treatment plan, which depending on the individual and severity, will cover 6 sessions allowing time to fully reap the positive changes and benefits of our time together.
Once I’ve successfully supported you with reducing your anxiety levels, aiding relaxation, improved your confidence and implemented coping mechanisms, you can choose to undertake my bespoke 1:2:1 coaching programme Illuminate on a one off basis. Or alternatively, my longer term coaching programme Align, Elevate & Flourish helping you address issues surrounding your work life goals or work life balance and any other areas you wish to address. Identifying what your ideal life looks like moving forwards whilst working towards implementing those measures. Please note: my coaching programme keeps you accountable and tasks are set for completion between sessions.
Available Appointments
Appointments are available Monday to Friday 10am – 8pm, either online via Zoom or in person at Ironstone Wellbeing Centre, Ironstone Place, Kettering, Northants, NN14 1FN. Whichever you choose depends entirely on your personal preference and individual circumstances. To arrange your FREE initial consultation, please get in touch to secure your preferred time and date.
Conclusion
High functioning anxiety can be a challenging condition to live with, however it is manageable with the correct support. Clinical hypnotherapy and coaching are both powerful tools to help individuals understand and overcome their anxiety, leading to a more balanced fulfilling life. If you, or someone you know, are struggling with high functioning anxiety, please do get in touch to discuss your therapeutic options, find relief, and reclaim calm control in your life.
Wishing you all a fabulous July,
Much love,
Jane x
Jane Lyall – DSFH, AfSFH (Reg), CNHC (Reg), NCH (Reg)
Clinical Hypnotherapist & Psychotherapist, & Life Coach.
Tel: 07547 935519
Email: jane@silvercloudhypnotherapy.co.uk
Website: WWW.SilverCloudHypnotherapy.Co.Uk
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