The annual Academy Awards or Oscars ceremony is an interesting event as even the seasoned actors appear nervous as they sit waiting for the winner’s name to be announced, knowing they then have 45 seconds to make an acceptance speech.
Sometime the nerves are palpable, hands clenched, eyes darting from side to side and the forced grin fixed. Inside there could be an accelerated heartbeat, butterflies in the stomach and a growing anxiety. Not only for the fact that their name might not be read out but the fact that an audience of 3,000-plus will hang on every word in that all important acceptance speech. And it is not like a movie where another take can cover any possible error or omission.
The fear of public speaking affects many of us – from seasoned speakers like politicians and actors to businessmen making a sales pitch and even teachers addressing a packed classroom.
At that moment of having to speak, the unconscious mind creates an early warning system to protect us. This early warning system is constantly looking for similar circumstances and when recognised, the unconscious tries to warn and protect us through the use of our autonomic nervous system – what is known as the fight-or-flight response.
For many this is a new and frightening experience but there are also people with years of confident public speaking behind them who suddenly have the fear and anxiety overtake them. This usually happens when the individual is extremely stressed and that stress peaks at the critical time.
One sure way to combat this fear or to prevent it happening is to spend time with a hypnotherapist. The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) has around 1800 therapists on its register and is the largest body in the UK representing the profession.
At the first session, the hypnotherapist can help assess the anxiety, identifying the root of stress or anxiety whether it is a situation, a physical issue, a past experience or a relationship.
After that, a goal will be set with the client saying how they wish to feel, would like to be, and the things they would chose to do if free of anxiety.
The therapist will then work with the client to reach these goals using a range of different techniques. Every therapist may use slightly different techniques, but will be working towards the same goal.
Clients will find that hypnotherapy unlocks the potential they have to break free of negative thought patterns and to react more positively and more confidently to situations in their lives that may have previously made them anxious.
If you think you can benefit from hypnotherapy, use the NCH’s directory by typing in your postcode to locate your nearest therapist. It is that easy.
