What if anxiety isn’t a lifelong label but a learned pattern your body can release? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with hypnotherapist and autistic advocate Lawrence Bartley, who describes the moment his anxiety “melted” during a short hypnosis training—and why that shift felt more physical than psychological. We unpack why autistic anxiety often runs louder: relentless sensory input, misunderstandings around social cues, and childhood moments the nervous system codes as threat. Instead of managing symptoms forever, Lawrence walks us through how processing repressed fear, shame, and grief can remove the fuel anxiety depends on.

We get practical about method and myths. Hypnosis isn’t mind control; it’s a state of focused attention where you remain in charge. Lawrence outlines a session that honors sensory needs: light somatic work to engage the body, then a gentle trance where suggestions speak the language of the unconscious—sight, sound, and felt sensation. He contrasts this with talk-only approaches that may validate but not always release. The test is in the body: easier breath, softened stomach, warmth in the shoulders, and the absence of that familiar pressure. We also address the big worry—does the relief last? Lawrence explains how processed emotions don’t return, while acknowledging that people may carry multiple anxieties needing separate work.

For immediate help, Lawrence shares a simple tool from NLP: notice how your anxiety moves in your body and then mentally reverse and reshape that motion using vivid sensory cues. Because emotions are sensory, changing the sensory code changes the feeling. Along the way, we challenge the belief that autistic anxiety is inevitable, replacing it with a grounded path to safety and self-trust. If the idea of calm as a learnable state resonates, come listen, try the technique, and consider new support that meets your nervous system where it lives.

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This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. Views expressed are the guest’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, or brand mentioned. Third-party media remains the property of its respective owners and is used under fair use for informational purposes. By listening, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer.