Shyness is something a lot of people are familiar with. It often stems from worrying about what other people think – a lack of self-belief. It’s a behaviour that we learn, and often it is endorsed by others who use the phrase “she is painfully shy” around us – so we then really do identify with it.

What is shyness?

Shy people often feel worried, tense or awkward in certain situations – unfamiliar surroundings or people. It can affect our ability to speak up or have an opinion due to a fear of being rejected or perhaps laughed at. 

In this month’s Breathe Magazine, David Daniels (author of From Shy to Facebook Live! and Silencing the Shyness!) talks about the British reserve being real, with 57% of British people identifying as shy – but, in our extrovert-worshipping world, shyness is seen as taboo.

What if we could reframe the perception of shyness and embrace the qualities of being shy? You don’t need to overcome signs of shyness – quieter people have much to offer, and shyness and sensitivity are not negative qualities. Being quiet doesn’t mean you have nothing to say, and if you are shy, you are more likely to be listening, observing and thinking. The loudest people are often struggling with confidence too.

How hypnotherapy can help your causes of shyness

Shyness can be complex as it may not affect you all day, every day, but just at certain times and in certain situations.

Hypnotherapy can help you to understand why it is you feel the way you do and increase your confidence levels so that you have coping skills and can manage situations that are more challenging.

In my practice, I will often suggest an authentic approach. Embrace how you are feeling and be honest when you are in a social situation. When you say the words out loud – “I’m feeling nervous about this” or “I don’t know many people here” you will find genuine, empathetic responses. 

Be kind to yourself and think about all the things you are good at – in spite of being shy. Shy people are good listeners, are understanding and supportive and generate good ideas – all hugely positive traits.

I can help you, through hypnosis, to shift your focus and to re-frame the way you think about a personality trait that actually has a lot going for it! So if you would like to embrace and celebrate your shyness, then do get in touch with me for an online appointment.