Exam stress can be overwhelming. The reason I decided to focus on this problem in my hypnosis practice is because of my own past difficulty with exam anxiety when I was in college. My classmates were surprised at my test scores because they new how hard I studied. I wish I knew then what I knew now.
Once the cycle of stress and worry is established it takes on a life of its own. It doesn’t matter what you consciously know, once problem patterns become rooted in the subconscious mind it is very difficult to find relief. This is why hypnosis is such an effective tool that cuts the cycle of worry and shifts expectation to success.
During my three session exam success program clients are trained to access powerfully deep levels of hypnotic relaxation, and are then guided to envision confidence success. Their homework assignment is to listen to sessions daily, training the inner mind to expect what they imagine.
Most clients arrive on their initial office visit with no previous hypnosis experience. Their only knowledge about hypnosis is usually the stage or entertainment variety. In spite of this, most feel a profound disconnect from their worries after the first visit. With repetition, they build a foundation of freedom and relief that lasts.
Another part of my program involves teaching clients how to do self-hypnosis. This technique is especially helpful for students because they can do during the exam to remain focused and confidently calm.
By: Paul Gustafson RN CH
