Expert Tips for Treating Anxiety and Panic Attacks
A clinical hypnotherapist with experience working with royalty and A-list celebrities has shared techniques for rapidly addressing anxiety and panic attacks.
Chris Meaden's Approach
Chris Meaden, founder of The Meaden Clinic in Kent, specializes in treating PTSD, anxiety, and addictions using fast-working methods that target the root cause. He has helped multi-millionaires, European royalty, former premier league footballers, and celebrities overcome trauma such as rape, sexual assault, and childhood abuse.
"Many people have experienced trauma in their lives that has had a devastating effect," said Mr. Meaden. "Some of my clients have been terrified to leave the house or they are just about surviving in life."
Mr. Meaden emphasizes a flexible approach tailored to individual needs rather than reliving trauma through rigid therapeutic processes.
The Havening Techniques
- Tune into the stress: Focus on the stress or traumatic memory you want to change. Rate its intensity from one to ten.
- Reset your focus: Clear your mind or think of something comforting.
- Gentle touch to release stress: Stroke your forehead and cheeks gently; bring hands down from shoulders to elbows repeatedly.
- Engage your imagination: Imagine walking along a beach while counting steps aloud from one to twenty.
- Change the scene: Picture strolling through a garden while counting steps again from one to twenty.
- Check in: Open eyes and reassess stress level; repeat if necessary until calmer.
"I'm a huge fan of the Havening Techniques as I've seen it have fast-acting results," says Mr. Meaden. "It's like a mental reset you can use anytime."
The Japanese Technique of Jin Shin Jyutsu
This technique involves holding each finger gently for three-to-five minutes while breathing deeply to release negative emotions:
- Thumb: Eases anxiety linked with feeling overwhelmed; also helps digestive issues.
- Index finger: Reduces fear or insecurity; supports kidney health.
- Middle finger:: Releases anger; brings calmness back.
- Ring finger:: Soothes sadness; connected with lung health.
- Pinky finger:: Relieves inner pressure; supports heart health too.