Not all anxiety is the same.
If you've ever felt stuck in a spiral of overthinking or suddenly flooded with fear for no clear reason, you're not alone—and you're not broken. What you're experiencing are two different types of anxiety, each originating from different parts of the brain.
Understanding the difference between cortex-based anxiety and amygdala-based anxiety is key to knowing how to calm your mind and body—especially when you're looking for natural, drug-free relief through hypnosis or self-regulation tools.
Let’s break it down.
What is Cortex-Based Anxiety?
Cortex-based anxiety starts in the thinking brain—your prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain responsible for logic, planning, decision-making, and yes… overanalyzing.
Common signs of cortex-based anxiety:
· Constant overthinking
· Replaying past conversations (and cringing)
· Imagining worst-case scenarios
· Difficulty making decisions
· Perfectionism or fear of failure
· “What if” thinking
This type of anxiety builds up gradually and feels like you're mentally stuck in a loop. Your thoughts trigger more anxious feelings, which then trigger more thoughts, and around and around you go.
Think of it as mental quicksand. The more you struggle to think your way out, the deeper you sink.
What is Amygdala-Based Anxiety?
Amygdala-based anxiety is instant, primal, and often feels like it came out of nowhere.
It begins in the amygdala, the almond-shaped part of the brain that detects danger and launches your fight-or-flight response. It bypasses conscious thought and goes straight into physical survival mode.
Common signs of amygdala-based anxiety:
· Sudden panic or dread
· Racing heartbeat
· Shallow breathing or chest tightness
· Feeling like you’re dying or going crazy
· Shaky hands or legs
· Nausea or dizziness
This is the type of anxiety behind panic attacks, sudden feelings of doom, or being triggered by something without knowing why.
It’s not coming from your thoughts—it’s coming from your body’s emotional emergency alarm.
Why Does the Distinction Matter?
Knowing the type of anxiety you’re experiencing helps determine the most effective approach to relief. Hypnotherapy can address both, but the techniques I use in my Kelowna clinic and in online sessions vary depending on whether you’re dealing with overthinking or a physiological response.
How Hypnosis Helps with Cortex-Based Anxiety
With cortex-based anxiety, the goal is to quiet the chatter and replace unhelpful thought patterns with empowering beliefs.
In hypnosis, we:
· Slow down the inner dialogue
· Rewire patterns of negative self-talk
· Shift the mind from catastrophizing to calm, rational thinking
· Use visualization and positive suggestions to create new thought loops
· I also teach clients simple self-hypnosis techniques to break the loop in real time and re-center their thoughts.
How Hypnosis Helps with Amygdala-Based Anxiety
With amygdala-based anxiety, we’re targeting the body’s automatic response system. The key is calming the nervous system and retraining it to respond differently to triggers.
In sessions, I use:
· Breathing techniques like 7-11 breathing to deactivate the panic response
· Havening and tactile anchors to ground and soothe the nervous system
· Regression techniques to identify and release the origin of the trigger
· Post-hypnotic suggestions to restore a sense of safety
Even one session can help clients feel significantly more in control and calm, especially when paired with daily use of my self-hypnosis audios.
What If You Have Both Types of Anxiety?
You probably do—and that’s okay!
Many of my clients experience a mix of both. You might find yourself overthinking all day, then having a sudden rush of dread at night when it’s time to sleep. Or you might notice your anxiety is thought-driven in some situations, but body-based in others.
That’s why a personalized hypnotherapy approach is so powerful. We don’t just treat the symptoms—we teach your brain and body how to feel safe again.
Final Thoughts: You Can Rewire Your Response
Anxiety is not a life sentence.
It’s a response pattern—and patterns can be changed.
Whether your anxiety starts in your mind or in your body, hypnosis gives you the tools to access relief quickly and safely—without relying on medication or years of talk therapy.
Ready to Rewire Your Anxiety Response?
I offer private sessions in Kelowna, BC and online worldwide.
Whether you’re looking to stop panic attacks, break the cycle of overthinking, or just feel calm again, I’m here to help.
🧠 Book a free 15 minute consultation call today at www.flourishhypnosis.com
📞 Or call/text: 604-377-3190
Because you deserve to feel better—naturally, gently, and quickly.