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In the wake of society reopening post-Covid, I had the privilege of working with a young university student who reached out to me in the throes of newfound anxiety. This marked a pivotal moment in her life as she grappled with emotions she had never experienced before, hindering her ability to resume university life and socialise with friends.
Introduction
Our work together began with a candid conversation during which she expressed a deep-seated desire to return to her former self, bewildered by the sudden onset of anxiety that had gripped her. We spent a while talking on the phone, and the young student told me she just wanted to get back to how she used to be and she didn’t understand where all this anxiety had come from, it scared her. She now found herself confined to her house, unable to venture beyond the front gate due to overwhelming fear.
We arranged a first appointment. To support her to travel the few streets to my practice we agreed that I would be on the phone with her as she felt this would help her to make the journey in the taxi just for those few minutes. I met her at the door and we went into the building together. She was nervous, but also pleased with herself that she had made it out of the house, into the taxi and to meet me that day. Stepping into the building together marked a small triumph, a testament to her resilience in the face of anxiety.
Hypnotherapy and Mindfulness Techniques
During our sessions, she articulated her yearning to rediscover her former self, and we embraced hypnotherapy with enthusiasm. Concurrently, I introduced mindfulness techniques to empower her to navigate and control anxious thoughts and feelings.
Progressive Steps
The impact of our work was evident after the first session, as she reported feeling calmer and, remarkably, spent quality time with her family that evening. Subsequent sessions saw her progress from taxi rides to walking independently to our appointments, accompanied by newfound plans and goals.
As part of her toolkit for self-discovery, I provided a relaxation MP3, which she incorporated into her nightly routine. This, coupled with conscious breathing techniques, contributed to improved sleep quality, a crucial aspect of her overall well-being.
Triumphant Moments
After our fourth session, a significant moment unfolded when I unexpectedly received a phone call from a now-confident and enthusiastic young woman traveling on a bus. She was on her way to town for a nail appointment. I asked her where she was, expressing my concern for her well-being. She informed me that she was on the bus heading to town to get her nails done but had forgotten her purse and had to go back for it. The remarkable part was that she handled the situation without any anxiety. She seemed thrilled about this accomplishment.
This mundane task yet extraordinary achievement was a source of immense pride for both of us. Witnessing her triumphant return to normalcy was a humbling privilege that underscored the transformative power of collaborative therapeutic work.
Empowerment and Independence
In our final session, she shared her excitement about returning to university, confidently asserting that she felt equipped to face the challenges ahead. It was a poignant moment as she declared her newfound independence and the belief that she no longer required regular sessions. As we celebrate her achievements, we recognised the importance of addressing mental health challenges with empathy, understanding, and effective therapeutic strategies.
In conclusion, our collaborative effort has not only helped this young student overcome her anxiety but has also empowered her to embrace life's challenges with renewed confidence.
Through hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and support, the young university student not only conquered her anxiety but also rediscovered her strength and independence. As she excitedly prepared to resume her studies, I am grateful to have played a part in this remarkable process.
If you have anxiety, stress or panic that you would like to resolve, please get in touch to discuss how we can work together on a way forward.
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