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A clinical hypnotherapist who has worked with royalty and A-list celebrities has revealed expert tips for quickly treating anxiety and panic attacks.
Chris Meaden, founder of The Meaden Clinic, in Kent, specializes in treating clients with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and addictions, with rapid techniques that “address the root cause.”
For decades, Meaden, 57, has successfully helped billionaires, members of a European royal family, former top-flight footballers and celebrities who have been victims of rape, sexual assault and childhood trauma.
In addition to treating those suffering from panic attacks and high-functioning anxiety, Mr. Meaden’s clients have been struggling with eating disorders and addictions, such as food, alcohol, drugs or sex.
He said: ‘Many people have experienced trauma in their lives which has had a devastating effect.
‘Some of my clients have been afraid to leave the house, or are simply trying to survive in life, without being aware of how the impact of this is reflecting on their lives, such as dependency and addiction.
‘All my clients have tried other therapies, sometimes going to therapy for years, but it hasn’t worked. My method is designed to help clients see lasting changes without years of therapy.
‘It’s not about reliving a trauma or going through rigid therapeutic processes; It is flexible, focused and adapted to the needs of each person. Clients often find that they feel more balanced and resilient, with the ability to respond to life with clarity and calm.’
Chris Meaden (pictured), founder of The Meaden Clinic, in Kent, specializes in treating clients with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and addictions, with fast-working techniques that ‘address the root cause’.
Mr. Meaden, who is also a master neurolinguistic programmer (NLP) and a certified Havening Techniques practitioner, has worked with hypnotist Paul McKenna and trainer Tony Robbins, and has also developed his own quick technique called “The Meaden Method.” .
Here, Meaden reveals her top tips for treating anxiety and stress at home:
Shelter techniques
Step 1: Tune into stress
Focus on the stress or traumatic memory that you would like to change. Imagine what it looks like in your mind and see how intense it feels. Rate its strength from one to ten to measure the effect of the technique as you practice it.
Step 2: Reset your focus
Clear your mind or think of something comforting.
Step 3: Gentle touch to release stress
For decades, Meaden (pictured), 57, has successfully helped billionaires, members of a European royal family, former top flight footballers and celebrities who have been victims of rape, sexual assault and childhood trauma.
Gently caress your forehead and the cheeks of your face. Bring your hands to the top of your shoulders and, in a gentle downward movement, caress your elbows. Repeat.
Step 4: Engage your imagination
As you continue stroking, imagine yourself walking along a beautiful beach. With each step you take in the sand, count out loud from one to 20.
Step 5: Change the scene
Next, imagine that you are walking through a beautiful garden. With each step on the soft grass, count again from one to twenty, continuing to gently caress the sides of your arms.
Step 6: Register
Open your eyes and rate your stress level again. Notice how much it reduces. If your stress has decreased significantly, great. You just changed your emotional state. If you still feel some stress, repeat the sequence until you feel calmer.
Mr Meaden says: ‘I am a big fan of Havening Techniques as I have seen them produce fast-acting results in a short period of time. This process helps calm stressful emotions and makes you feel more at ease. It’s like a mental reset that you can use at any time.
‘It allows clients to identify and transform their emotional triggers, reducing cravings and promoting relaxation.
‘This allows clients to replace associations linked to their addiction, negative memories, traumatic emotions or anxiety with a sense of calm, creating a solid foundation for long-term recovery.
‘Many of my clients have experienced profound trauma, from childhood or domestic abuse, traumatic loss, medical neglect, to serious accidents, divorce and even infidelity.
‘The thought of revisiting these memories can be unbearable, which is why I often work ‘without content’. It is not necessary to repeat the past in detail; In fact, we can create positive change without going through the trauma again.
‘This approach focuses on addressing root problems while giving clients tools to manage challenges that arise later in life. “It’s about developing lasting resilience.”
Japanese Jin Shin Jyutsu technique
This is how it works:
Each finger is linked to different emotions and by gently holding or squeezing them, you release negative feelings and regain calm. It’s a bit like giving your emotions a soft reset button.
This finger clenching technique can be done anywhere: on the train, while watching TV, or even during a meeting. Simply hold each finger gently for three to five minutes, breathing deeply.
Finger to finger:
Thumb: Are you feeling overwhelmed or worried? Gently squeezing your thumb can help relieve anxiety and provide a feeling of comfort. It’s also linked to digestive issues, so this squeeze might even help soothe an upset stomach.
Index finger: Do you have nervousness? If you’re struggling with fear or a feeling of insecurity, hold down your index finger for a few minutes. It’s also great for supporting kidney health, perfect for when you’re feeling run down.
Middle finger: If you feel anger rising, gently hold your middle finger to help release pent-up frustration and return to center.
Ring finger: When you feel sad, holding your ring finger can help calm your emotions. It is also related to lung health.
Little finger: Are you trying too hard to keep it all together? The little finger serves to relieve inner pressure and nervous energy. Hold it down to feel a little lighter, more relaxed, and also to support your heart health.
Meaden said: “Anxiety and panic attacks can be frightening. Clients have told me of the feeling of an impending heart attack or of not being able to breathe, convinced that something catastrophic is about to happen.
‘In my approach, I work directly with the amygdala, the emotional center of the brain responsible for the fight or flight response, to break down these responses and retrain the brain to respond calmly.
‘If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or unbalanced at home, the ancient Japanese technique of Jin Shin Jyutsu could be your answer, and all you need is your own hands. The simple “finger squeeze” trick is a simple, calming ritual that can help you feel more centered, no matter what your day brings.
The physiological sigh
If you’re dealing with anxiety, try ‘physiological sigh’ for a quick reset. Breathe deeply through your nose, add a second quick inhalation, and exhale slowly through your mouth for a longer time.
This activates the body’s natural relaxation response, reducing anxiety and helping you regain calm and clarity.