Anxiety Trauma Therapy West Midlands

Anxiety Trauma Therapy West Midlands Helping people overcome Anxiety, Trauma and Depression.Taking back control of their lives with integrated therapy. Who is affected?

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life – for example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings o

f anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including:
panic disorder
phobias – such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event. People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. As soon as one anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue. GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to person, but can include:
feeling restless or worried
having trouble concentrating or sleeping
dizziness or heart palpitations
The exact cause of GAD isn't fully understood, although it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role. Research has suggested that these may include:
overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotions and behaviour
an imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline, which are involved in the control and regulation of mood
the genes you inherit from your parents – you're estimated to be five times more likely to develop GAD if you have a close relative with the condition
having a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying
having a painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis
having a history of drug or alcohol misuse
However, many people develop GAD for no apparent reason. GAD is a common condition, estimated to affect up to 5% of the UK population. Slightly more women are affected than men, and the condition is more common in people from the ages of 35 to 59. GAD can have a significant effect on your daily life, but several different treatments are available that can ease your symptoms. These include:
psychological therapy – such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
medication – such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
There are also many things you can do yourself to help reduce your anxiety, such as:
going on a self-help course
exercising regularly
stopping smoking
cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink
Read how stopping smoking can improve your anxiety. With treatment, many people are able to control their anxiety levels. However, some treatments may need to be continued for a long time and there may be periods when your symptoms worsen
I Help people overcome Anxiety, Trauma and Depression , allowing you to take back control of your life with integrated therapy. Call Stuart for a no obligation consultation to discuss how your concerns - 07825 599340
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
www.stuartdowning.co.uk

Helping people overcome Anxiety, Trauma and Depression.Taking back control of their lives with integrated therapy.

19/02/2025

A jealous family
Member is more
Dangerous than a
hateful enemy.

Insomnia and Sleep Issues Lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, feeling wired but exhausted? If that sounds fami...
10/02/2025

Insomnia and Sleep Issues
Lying awake at night, staring at the ceiling, feeling wired but exhausted?
If that sounds familiar , there’s a good chance your cortisol levels are out of control.
And here’s the deal: high cortisol is more than just a bad night’s sleep—it’s a serious roadblock to your health, energy, and your ability to hit the flow state.
Cortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system.
It’s meant to help you handle stress, but when it sticks around too long—especially at night—it can wreak havoc on your sleep.
Studies show that elevated evening cortisol is one of the biggest culprits behind tossing and turning, disrupted sleep cycles, and that feeling of being “tired but wired”.
When your cortisol levels are too high in the evening, your body stays in a state of alertness, making it nearly impossible to relax and fall asleep.
And poor sleep doesn’t just affect your mood—it drags down your entire health, energy, and performance.
The Cost of High Cortisol:
1. Disrupted Sleep
High cortisol messes with your body’s natural circadian rhythm, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. You wake up feeling drained, no matter how long you’ve been in bed.
2. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Cortisol is linked to heightened stress responses. If your cortisol stays high, your body is constantly in “fight-or-flight” mode, which leads to more stress, anxiety, and mental fog during the day.
3. Blocked Flow State
Cortisol doesn’t just affect your sleep—it blocks your ability to enter the flow state. The flow state is where you’re fully focused and performing at your best, but high cortisol keeps your brain stuck in overdrive, making it impossible to focus deeply or think creatively.
Now, imagine what happens when you cut evening cortisol by 25%.
You’re not just lowering your stress—you’re giving your body the green light to relax, sleep deeply, and wake up energized.
Lowering cortisol improves your sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and opens the door for you to finally access the flow state.
When cortisol comes down:
1. Deep, Restorative Sleep
Lower cortisol allows your body to enter its natural rest-and-recover mode, improving sleep quality and helping you wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day.
2. Reduced Anxiety, More Clarity
When your cortisol levels are balanced, you’ll notice less anxiety, better mental clarity, and an increased sense of calm. This sets you up for a more productive, focused day.
3. More Consistent Flow State
With cortisol in check, your mind and body can work together, making it easier to slip into the flow state—where creativity, focus, and high performance come effortlessly.
You don’t have to spend another night staring at the ceiling, trapped in a cycle of poor sleep and high stress.
Lowering your evening cortisol naturally is possible, and it’s the key to better sleep, more energy, and consistent access to the flow state.
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 to discuss your insomnia issue in more detail
Email - stuart .co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/.../hypnotherapy-for...
Client reviews - https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/reviews

Stuart Downing is a trusted hypnotherapist helping clients overcome their issues across the UK and worldwide. Read his reviews here.

25/01/2025

Anxiety , Stress , over thinking and worry
Worry and intrusive thoughts can start to take over life and create feeling of
fear in everyday life . Often a consistent anxious state and panic can present .
Call Stuart 07825 599340 to discuss your issues around anxiety and how therapy can rapidly help you cope and resolve the underlying issues
Online Zoom appointments
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/.../hypnotherapy-for...
What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Stuart Downing is an expert life coach offering life and business coaching in London, across the UK, internationally, and online coaching.

17/08/2023
Hypnotherapy successfully treating IBS symptoms Online appointments available Call Stuart - 07825 599340 Email stuart@st...
05/04/2023

Hypnotherapy successfully treating IBS symptoms
Online appointments available
Call Stuart - 07825 599340
Email stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk

Hypnotherapist Antonios explains what IBS is and how hypnotherapy can help.

11/06/2022

Exam anxiety is the experience of feeling an intense moment of fear or panic before and/or during an exam or assessment.
Do you feel like your mind freezes during exams? Do you find yourself thinking “I really can’t do this”? Does your heart race fast or do you find it hard to breathe during exams? Fear of failure ?
Most people feel anxious when taking an exam, but research shows that some people are more likely to suffer from exam anxiety than others
Exam stress comes under the grouping of a performance anxiety. Exam stress gets in the way because nobody can think clearly whilst those fight-or-flight hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) are coursing through the body.

There are two types of anxiety:

Low anxiety: students who experience low anxiety may feel a little nervous about an upcoming exam but are still able to focus their attention on their studies or the questions asked during the assessment. Usually low anxiety students are not struck with intrusive thoughts or feel debilitated by the exam.

High anxiety: students who experience high anxiety show an immediate anxiety reaction when exposed to the feared test situation. They attempt to avoid the situation by not showing up to the exam, or may endure it but with extreme fear. High anxiety can tip some into a sense of panic: “I just really can’t do this!”

Students with either high or low anxiety can respond to tests in different ways. But research shows that managing anxiety effectively can actually help with exam performance.

The challenge is to recognise when your anxiety has increased past an optimal level so that it starts to impact your ability to complete the exam - this is a high level of anxiety.

Some physical responses of high anxiety include a speeding heart, damp hands, shortness or rapid breath, and feeling queasy.

The physical response is usually experienced in high levels of anxiety when the “fight or flight” response is triggered. This is how our bodies respond to a perceived threat – and while uncomfortable, it is not harmful.

Impact of high anxiety on performance
Research has shown that people who experience high levels of anxiety in exams can also see their performance decline in evaluation situations.

These people tend to perceive exams as threatening and respond with intense emotional responses, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand.

Assessment situations also evoke worry responses that interfere with effective performance on cognitive and intellectual tasks. This then impacts on the person’s chance of performing their best on the exam.

Exam anxiety may also interfere with your ability to show your academic and cognitive capabilities.

Zoom online appointments available
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 to discuss your exam anxiety issues and how hypnotherapy and integrative techniques can help you overcome this fear
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-anxiety-disorders
What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

08/06/2022

Anxiety , over thinking and worry
Worry and intrusive thoughts can start to take over life and create feeling of
fear in everyday life . Often a consistent anxious state and panic can present .
Call Stuart 07825 599340 to discuss your issues around anxiety and how therapy can rapidly help you cope and resolve the underlying issues
Online Zoom appointments
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-anxiety-disorders
What our clients say - https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

03/06/2022

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.
Although panic attacks themselves aren't life-threatening, they can be frightening and significantly affect your quality of life.

Panic attacks typically begin suddenly, without warning. They can strike at any time — when you're driving a car, out shopping , sound asleep or in the middle of a business meeting. You may have occasional panic attacks, or they may occur frequently.

Panic attacks have many variations, but symptoms usually peak within minutes. You may feel fatigued and worn out after a panic attack subsides.

Panic attacks typically include some of these signs or symptoms:

Sense of impending doom or danger
Fear of loss of control or death
Rapid, pounding heart rate
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Shortness of breath or tightness in your throat
Chills
Hot flashes
Nausea
Abdominal cramping
Chest pain
Headache
Dizziness, light headedness or faintness
Numbness or tingling sensation
Feeling of unreality or detachment
One of the worst things about panic attacks is the intense fear that you'll have another one. You may fear having panic attacks so much that you avoid certain situations where they may occur.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing panic attacks or panic disorder include:

Family history of panic attacks or panic disorder
Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one
A traumatic event, such as s*xual assault or a serious accident
Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby
Smoking or excessive caffeine intake
History of childhood physical or s*xual abuse

Left untreated, panic attacks and panic disorder can affect almost every area of your life. You may be so afraid of having more panic attacks that you live in a constant state of fear, ruining your quality of life.

Complications that panic attacks may cause or be linked to include:

Development of specific phobias, such as fear of driving or leaving your home
Frequent medical care for health concerns and other medical conditions
Avoidance of social situations
Problems at work or school
Depression, anxiety disorders and other psychiatric disorders
Increased risk of su***de or suicidal thoughts
Alcohol or other substance misuse
Financial problems
For some people, panic disorder may include agoraphobia — avoiding places or situations that cause you anxiety because you fear being unable to escape or get help if you have a panic attack. Or you may become reliant on others to be with you in order to leave your home.

Online Zoom appointments

Call Stuart - 07825 599340 to discuss how hypnotherapy can release you from the prison of stress,anxiety and panic attacks
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.co.uk/hypnotherapy-services/hypnotherapy-for-anxiety-disorders
https://stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews
Stuart Downing DMH DHyp CPNLP EMDR Dip MNACP

Professional Hypnotherapist - Life Coach & NLP Master practitioner

www.stuartdowning.co.uk

www.harleystreetaddictionspecialist.co.uk

www.hypnotherapy4freedom.com

01/05/2022

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Often a pattern of ongoing instability in moods, behaviour, self-image, ,anger (splitting) and abandonment can all be prevalent in BPD.
Specialised therapy for BPD - Call Stuart -07825 599340 for a free telephone conversation to discuss how BPD therapy will help you take back control .
Zoom online appointments available
stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk

https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/hypnotherapy-services/borderline-personality-disorder
https://www.borderlinepersonalitydisorderbirmingham.co.uk

See what our clients say =https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

Poor body image can affect intimacy and libido Communicating our feelings and desires, removing limiting beliefs and emb...
21/04/2022

Poor body image can affect intimacy and libido
Communicating our feelings and desires, removing limiting beliefs
and embarrassing emotions can all contribute to a healthy relationship.
Anxiety...blame.. shame. .jealousy can all interfere with our need for
fulfilment ,security and relationship happiness .
Increased desire.... arousal .....increased satisfaction can all contribute to loving, secure happy relationships and feelings of high self esteem .
Zoom appointments available
Call Stuart - 07825 599340 for a free in confidence telephone consultation
Email - stuart@stuartdowning.co.uk
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/.../hypnotherapy-for...
What our clients say - https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews
https://youtu.be/giMOxVmuaVI

S*x Therapy can help you if you're experiencing difficulties in your love life and can help you to improve physical intimacy. If s*xual problems are preventi...

17/04/2022

Hypnotherapy for Insomnia / sleep disorders
Many people suffer from insomnia and sleep disorders in Birmingham and the UK. Without proper treatment, insomnia and sleep disorders can result in daytime fatigue, irritability, anxiety, impaired work performance, depression, weight gain, and more. Fortunately, hypnotherapy treatment for insomnia and sleep disorders in Edgbaston, Birmingham has proven successful for many people and allowed them to improve their quality of sleep and restore their natural sleep cycle.
What are sleep disorders?
Sleep disorders are a group of conditions that prevent you from sleeping well and negatively affect your natural sleeping cycle or sleeping pattern. Insomnia is one of the most common forms of sleep disorder where people have difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Sleep problems have become common in many parts of the world and have affected people of all age groups that receive less than 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
Types of sleep disorders and insomnia
There are many different types of sleeping disorders that can result in various types of sleep problems. The most common forms include the following:
● Sleep apnea
● Insomnia
● Narcolepsy
● Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
● Parasomnias
Insomnia can be categorized into different types depending on their characteristics. These include:
● Behavioural insomnia of childhood
● Acute insomnia
● Maintenance insomnia
● Onset insomnia
● Chronic insomnia.
The symptoms of sleep disorders and insomnia
The symptoms of sleep disorder can vary depending on the type of sleep disorder you are suffering from. Some of these include:
● Sleepwalking
● Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
● Unusual breathing patterns
● Strong urge to sleep during the day
● Daytime fatigue
● Changes in the sleep or wake schedule
The symptoms of insomnia include:
● A consistent pattern of broken or interrupted sleeping pattern
● Fatigue and irritability
● Trouble falling asleep at night
● waking up too early without feeling refreshed
What causes sleep disorders and insomnia?
Sleep disorders can be caused due to a number of factors such as chronic pain, respiratory or allergic problems, stress and anxiety, frequent urination, and more. Insomnia can be caused due to psychological issues such as depression or anxiety, too much stress, jet lag, certain medications, health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), diabetes, and more.
How are insomnia and sleep disorders diagnosed?
Sleep disorders and insomnia are diagnosed using multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), Polysomnography (PSG), and Electroencephalogram (EEG). Your doctor will also gather information about your medical history and symptoms to accurately determine the type of sleep disorder.
How are insomnia and sleep disorders treated?
The treatment option for insomnia and sleep disorders is primarily medications and supplements .Hypnotherapy for insomnia is very effective, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, meditation, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) ,natural sleep aids, and more.
Utilising many different therapeutic techniques , we address the root cause and sensitising incident of the sleep disorder, whilst allowing the subconscious mind to reset the restorative sleep part and return to calm
If you or your loved ones need treatment to overcome insomnia and sleep disorders in Edgbaston, Birmingham, book an appointment with us today.
Call Stuart – 0121 403 3163 / 07825 599340 for a free 30 minute confidential consultation.
Zoom online appointments available
What our clients say - https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews
stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.com
https://hypnotherapy4freedom.com/.../hypnotherapy-for...
www.sleepdisordersandinsomniatherapybirmingham.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/SleepDisordersandInsomniaTherapyBirmingham https://twitter.com/SleepDisorders6

Helping people overcome Anxiety, Trauma and Depression.Taking back control of their lives with integ

22/02/2022

A recent Client review from a satisfied client with therapy for her eating disorder .
If you or somebody you care for requires help with eating issues ,
contact Stuart- 07825 599340
Online appointments available .
stuart@hypnotherapy4freedom.com
www.hypnotherapy4freedom.com
https://www.stuartdowning.co.uk/client-reviews

I was struggling with an eating disorder which had been getting gradually worse since I was 11 years old. Stuart helped me to identify the causes of my abnormal eating and through hypnotherapy helped me to change my mindset and relationship with food, giving me coping mechanisms to deal with my emot...

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Anxiety Trauma Therapy West Midlands

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life – for example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. Anxiety is the main symptom of several conditions, including: panic disorder phobias – such as agoraphobia or claustrophobia post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) social anxiety disorder (social phobia) Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is a long-term condition that causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of situations and issues, rather than one specific event. People with GAD feel anxious most days and often struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. As soon as one anxious thought is resolved, another may appear about a different issue. GAD can cause both psychological (mental) and physical symptoms. These vary from person to person, but can include: feeling restless or worried having trouble concentrating or sleeping dizziness or heart palpitations The exact cause of GAD isn't fully understood, although it's likely that a combination of several factors plays a role. Research has suggested that these may include: overactivity in areas of the brain involved in emotions and behaviour an imbalance of the brain chemicals serotonin and noradrenaline, which are involved in the control and regulation of mood the genes you inherit from your parents – you're estimated to be five times more likely to develop GAD if you have a close relative with the condition having a history of stressful or traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, child abuse or bullying having a painful long-term health condition, such as arthritis having a history of drug or alcohol misuse However, many people develop GAD for no apparent reason. Who is affected? GAD is a common condition, estimated to affect up to 5% of the UK population. Slightly more women are affected than men, and the condition is more common in people from the ages of 35 to 59. GAD can have a significant effect on your daily life, but several different treatments are available that can ease your symptoms. These include: psychological therapy – such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) medication – such as a type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) There are also many things you can do yourself to help reduce your anxiety, such as: going on a self-help course exercising regularly stopping smoking cutting down on the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink Read how stopping smoking can improve your anxiety. With treatment, many people are able to control their anxiety levels. However, some treatments may need to be continued for a long time and there may be periods when your symptoms worsen I help people overcome Anxiety, Trauma and Depression , allowing you to take back control of your life with integrated therapy. Call Stuart for a no obligation consultation to discuss how your concerns - 07825 599340 stuart@anxietytraumatherapywestmidlands.co.uk www,anxietytraumatherapywestmidlands.co.uk Helping people overcome Anxiety, Trauma and Depression.Taking back control of their lives with integrated therapy.