What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Someone experiencing panic and anxiety is feeling the effects of the 'fight or flight' response. The fight or flight response is our bodies natural response to a perceived danger. When it is activated, hormones are released into the body to enable us to either deal with or escape from the dangerous situation.

The effects of the fight or flight response include an increase in our heart rate to pump blood faster to the lungs, muscles and brain. We breath more rapidly to increase our oxygen levels, our muscles tense ready for action and many functions not necessary for fighting or escaping, such as digestion or reproduction, slow or stop.

It is important to realise that what we think about can actually activate the fight or flight response. Our minds and bodies can't tell the difference between the thoughts about a situation and the situation itself. Therefore by simply thinking, worrying or 'what if'-ing about something you are actually activating the fight or flight response in exactly the same way as if you were actually experiencing it in reality.

Many people develop panic disorder following a major life stress or a build up of stress. Major life stress can include a death of a loved one, moving home, loss of employment, relationship problems, financial problems, a physical illness, birth of a child etc.

Common examples of anxiety are public speaking anxiety, performance anxiety, social anxiety, blushing, interview anxiety, exam nerves, health anxiety, fear of flying, financial and economic worries and driving anxiety.

When you are ready to make the inner changes you need, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

There are several different anxiety disorders and people may experience symptoms of more than one at the same time.

Generalised Anxiety Disorder is persistence and excessive anxiety or worry about events or activities which may or may not happen.

Panic Disorder is the fear of having a spontaneous panic attack. The intensity of the attack can be extremely severe and many people feel they are having a heart attack and/or are going to die or are going insane.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is the experience of obsessive, unwanted thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours. This can include repetitive behaviours such as cleaning, checking, counting, repeating words silently, or hand washing.

Social Anxiety is the experience of fear, anxiety or panic in social situations. People may fear embarrassing themselves or making a fool of themselves in some way.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the experience, or witness of, or confrontation with an event or events that involved actual or threatened death, or serious injury, or threat of physical injury of self or others. The major feature of PTSD is the reliving of the event through dreams, nightmares or flashbacks.

Somatoform Disorder is a fear of having a serious, yet undiagnosed health condition. Often accompanied by obsessive checking of the body. Visits to the doctor and other specialists only provide temporary reassurance before doubts creep back in. More commonly referred to as Hypochondria.

Specific Phobias are an excessive fear about a specific thing (animals, heights, flying, blood etc.) The object or situation is avoided or provokes extreme anxiety.

People with an anxiety disorder can also experience a number of different symptoms as a result of their disorder. It is very important for you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor so that a full medical assessment can be made. Do not self diagnose.

Please consider joining the email mailing list to be kept up to date with upcoming events.

When you are ready to make the inner changes you need, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

Symptoms of anxiety may include:

PLEASE NOTE: If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms then get them checked out by a doctor right away. Panic attacks and anxiety can mimic a number of physical conditions, and it is important for you to discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Do not self diagnose.

When you are ready to make the inner changes you need, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

Panic Attacks

A panic attack may be experienced with any of the anxiety disorders and is a sudden rush of intense and uncomfortable physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, nausea, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, inability to concentrate, and confusion. Which is coupled with negative thoughts about the situation (e.g. making a scene, looking foolish, having a heart attack, not being able to breathe etc.).

Symptoms of panic attacks can include palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking, sensations of shortness of breath or smothering, feeling of choking, chest pain or discomfort, nausea or abdominal distress, dizziness or light-headedness, derealisation or depersonalisation, fear of losing control or going 'crazy', fear of dying, paresthesia, and chills or hot flushes.

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The Treatment

The treatment available at both the Manchester and Harley Street practice is highly individualised to your unique requirements, so the exact form of treatment and number of sessions will vary from person to person. However for specific anxieties, you could be feeling considerably better in as little as 6 to 8 sessions. For more deep rooted, chronic or complex anxieties, longer term therapy may be be required.

The overall aim of this process is to help you to experience a deep permanent change in how you think and feel. So that you no longer feel anxious, which then allows you to feel comfortable and at ease, and even enjoy situations which used to cause you anxiety and fear. During the process we will address whatever issues need to be dealt with to enable you to overcome your anxiety. The treatment process itself is relaxed, sensitive, respectful and non-judgemental.

The approach is integrative, and treatment combines elements of Contemporary Psychotherapy, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Self Relations Psychotherapy, Counselling, CBT, Gestalt, Hypnotherapy, mindfullness and life coaching which are individually recognised as highly successful ways of changing peoples behaviours and perceptions and I'm sure you can imagine the amazing benefits of combining these powerful techniques, allowing you to quickly and easily change the thoughts and behaviours you currently have so you just find yourself changing in beneficial ways.

Examples of just a few of the commonly dealt with issues:

• Changing limiting beliefs and building powerful empowering beliefs.
• Changing your perceptions of others, and what you think they think of you.
• Change what you feel about yourself and your abilities.
• Building your self-esteem, self-worth and self confidence.
• Disassembling of the negative feedback loops, and self reinforcing and self sustaining aspects of the anxiety.
• Emotional state management.
• Learning to relax/ground/centre yourself so you can stay more in the moment.
• Positively changing your perceptions of past events and future worries.

I am a professional and experienced Solution-Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Licensed NLP Master Practitioner and Advanced Hypnotherapist. I was trained by some of the best trainers in the United Kingdom. I combine all my skills and experience to produce a treatment that is tailored to meet your personal needs. So that I can help you to change in the most effortless ways possible.

Don't see exactly what you are looking for? Then do please get in touch to discuss your requirements. My extensive training and years of experience has given me the flexibility and knowledge to help you deal with many psychological issues.

All treatment is carried out in a completely confidential, highly constructive, relaxed, supportive and non-judgemental environment.

Each session lasts 1 hour, and sessions are usually held weekly.
(See the consultation fees page for session prices and discounts.)

When you are committed to making the inner changes you need to control your anxiety, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

If you can't travel to me then I am available worldwide for online psychotherapy, counselling and coaching via Skype.

Please consider joining the email mailing list to be kept up to date with upcoming events.

Just how much is your health and well-being worth to you?

Consultation Fees

Session fees are paid at the time of booking.
You may pay by cash, cheque, Debit Card, credit card or online.

Cost when paying per session:

See the consultation fees page for session prices and discounts.

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Booking is easy

NOTE: Before booking it is very important that you get your symptoms diagnosed by a medical practitioner or doctor, as many of the symptoms of anxiety may also be symptoms of more serious conditions.

I recommend booking an Initial Consultation/Assessment Session first. This gives us the chance to begin to explore your issues and your requirements further, give you honest answers to any questions you might have, give you a realistic estimate of the number of sessions you may require and begin the process of change.

I practice from a consulting room in my home located in Chorlton in South Manchester, close to junction 7 & 8 of the M60 and the end of the M56. I also practice from a clinic on Harley Street in London.

When you are committed to making the inner changes you need, simply phone me on 0161 881 4333 or to make an appointment now.

If you can't travel to me then I am available worldwide for online therapy and coaching via Skype.

Please consider joining the email mailing list to be kept up to date with upcoming events.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Corporate Work

My services can also be combined and tailored to your group or corporate needs, and range from EAP (Employee Assistance Programme - one to one therapy, counselling or coaching sessions) through to bespoke group training, workshops, and outdoor activities and retreats.

Nigel Magowan
BSc(Hons) UKCP(CIT) MCCP DABCH MCAHyp GHR SQHP MHA AMPM
Solution-Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Licensed NLP Master Practitioner, Ecotherapist, Accredited Supervisor and Advanced Hypnotherapist

About Nigel Magowan

Nigel Magowan is a professional and experienced Solution-Focused Integrative Psychotherapist, Life Coach, a Licensed NLP Master Practitioner, an Advanced Hypnotherapist and Ecotherapist. Nigel has trained with some of the best trainers. He combines all his training, skills and experience to produce a treatment that is tailored to your exact needs. He uses an integrative solution focused approach to his work which can bring about results in a much shorter time. He is an Approved Anxiety UK Therapist. He has also received additional specialist training in working with addictions, treating IBS, anger management, controlling pain, stress management techniques, and ecotherapy. Nigel is also a fully trained GHR accredited supervisor and offers supervision to complementary therapists.

Nigel holds a recent enhanced CRB certificate.

Since 2002 he has had his own busy full-time Psychotherapy, Counselling, Life Coaching, NLP and Hypnotherapy practice in Chorlton, South Manchester, and Harley Street, London. Within easy traveling distance of Altrincham, Ashton, Bolton, Buxton, Didsbury, Fallowfield, Gatley, Glossop, Hyde, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Manchester City Centre, Oldham, Preston, Rochdale, Sale, Stretford, Whalley Range, Wilmslow, Withington and other towns in Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and the Greater Manchester and the North West area.

He specialises in helping people with anxiety, panic attacks, stress management, addictions, anger, IBS, depression, pain control, confidence and self esteem, insomnia, public speaking and performance anxiety, fears, phobias, eating disorders, and study and sport performance enhancement.

He is a a UKCP Candidate in Training; a full member of the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy; a senior member of the General Hypnotherapy Register, a full member of the Hypnotherapy Association; an Approved Anxiety UK Therapist; a Professional Member of the Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming (ANLP); the NHS Directory of Complementary & Alternative Practitioners; the UK Register of IBS Therapists;

He practices according to the Community for Contemporary Psychotherapy, General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, ANLP and Hypnotherapy Associations code of ethics, and has full Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Qualifications and Training

Continuing Professional Development
Current and on-going training and supervision, keeping my skills fresh and at the cutting edge

Please take some time to browse the other pages on this website:

What is Hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

What is NLP?

Some of the conditions that respond well to psychotherapy and NLP which can be treated at the Manchester office

Questions and Answers about Psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, NLP and stress management

Services available at the Manchester and Harley Street offices

Using psychotherapy, hypnotherapy and NLP for weight loss and weight management

Psychotherapy, Counselling and NLP for Anxiety Disorders

Using Psychotherapy, Counselling and NLP for Stress Management

Using Psychotherapy and NLP to quickly overcome Fears and Phobias

Pain control and pain management using psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, noesitherapy, NLP at our Manchester and Harley Street practice

Manchester based Life Coaching

Prices for psychotherapy, counselling and NLP treatments at the Manchester practice

Location of the psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, NLP and stress management practice in Manchester

Location of the psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, NLP and stress management practice in Harley Street, London

Links to sites related to psychotherapy, hypnosis, hypnotherapy, NLP and Manchester

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Clients come to me from all over the North West of England, see below for a list of areas covered:

Greater Manchester: Chorlton ~ Didsbury ~ Fallowfield ~ Flixton ~ Eccles ~ Irlam ~ Salford ~ Swinton ~ Pendlebury ~ Worsley ~ Walkden ~ Cadishead ~ Bury ~ Bolton ~ Farnworth ~ Little Lever ~ Kearsley ~ Wardley ~ Monton ~ Orrel ~ Barton ~ Boothstown ~ Dumplington ~ Baguley ~ Benchill ~ Burnage ~ Blackley ~ Beswick ~ Clayton ~ Crumpsall ~ Levenshulme ~ Longsight ~ Northenden ~ Rusholme ~ Sharston ~ Withington ~ Woodhouse Park ~ Wythenshawe ~ Westhoughton ~ Blackrod ~ Kearsley ~ Horwich ~ Prestwich ~ Ramsbottom ~ Radcliffe ~ Tottington ~ Whitefield ~ Whalley Range ~ Carrington ~ Victoria Park ~ Old Trafford ~ Cheetham Hill ~ Tamesdie ~ Ashton under Lyme ~ Denton ~ Reddish ~ Stalybridge ~ Hyde ~ Oldham ~ Royton ~ Saddleworth ~ Rochdale ~ Heywood ~ Littleborough ~ Castleton ~ Milnrow ~ Middleton ~ Wardle ~ Wigan ~ Ashton-in-Makerfield ~ Golborne ~ Billinge ~ Winstanley ~ Leigh ~ Standish.

North Trafford: Davyhulme ~ Firswood ~ Flixton ~ Gorse Hill ~ Lostock ~ Old Trafford ~ Stretford ~ Trafford Park ~ Urmston.

South Trafford: Altrincham ~ Ashton-on-Mersey ~ Bowdon ~ Broadheath ~ Brooklands ~ Carrington ~ Dunham Massey ~ Hale ~ Hale Barns ~ Oldfield Brow ~ Partington ~ Sale ~ Sale Moor ~ Timperley ~ Warburton ~ West Timperley.

Stockport: Adswood ~ Bramhall ~ Bredbury ~ Brinnington ~ Cheadle ~ Cheadle Hulme ~ Compstall ~ Davenport ~ Edgeley ~ Gatley ~ Heaton Moor ~ Heaton Norris ~ Heaton Chapel ~ Heaton Mersey ~ Hazel Grove ~ Heald Green ~ Heavily ~ High Lane ~ Marple ~ Offerton ~ Poynton ~ Reddish ~ Romiley.

Cheshire: Alderley Edge ~ Adlington ~ Ashley ~ Bucklow Hill ~ Handforth Dean ~ High Legh ~ Knutsford ~ Mere ~ Mobberley ~ Ollerton ~ Plumley ~ Tatton ~ Pickmere ~ Wilmslow ~ Warburton ~ Woodford ~ Lymm ~ Dunham ~ Massey ~ Chester ~ Crewe ~ Northwich ~ Daresbury ~ Warington ~ Winsford ~ Widnes ~ Wirral ~ Nantwich ~ Sandbach ~ Middlewich ~ Congleton ~ Alsager ~ Macclesfield ~ Prestbury ~ Goostrey ~ Pickmere ~ Mottram St.Andrew ~ Mobberley ~ Chelford ~ Tytherington ~ Bollington ~ Alsager ~ Tarporley ~ Davenham ~ Great Appleton Thorn ~ Budworth ~ Little Budworth ~ Frodsham ~ Holmes Chape ~ High Legh ~ Disley ~ Grappenhall ~ Appleton ~ Croft ~ Thelwall ~ Penketh ~ Glazebury ~ Winwick ~ Culcheth ~ Saint Helens ~ Over Peover ~ Lower Peover ~ Church Lawton ~ Cranage ~ Stockton Heath.

Cumbria ~ Lancashire ~ Merseyside ~ Derbyshire ~ Staffordshire ~ Peak District ~ North Wales ~ North West.

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