What is test anxiety?
It is anxiety that blocks memory during a test.
What are the symptoms of test anxiety?
- Lightheadedness or headache
- Nausea or indigestion
- Sweating
- Shallow breathing or hyperventilating
- Forgetting information you knew earlier
- Difficulty focusing
- Experiencing a wave of panic
Doubting yourself &changing answers from right to wrong
If I know the material, why am I anxious? Most often a belief formed in childhood generates an emotional reaction that prevents your brain from retrieving the material. You may be well prepared and able to recall material from the textbook or lectures in a relaxed atmosphere, yet when you walk into the exam room your emotions trigger a physical response that is mentally crippling.Is test anxiety serious?
Test anxiety prevents people from succeeding in areas where they are capable. Failing a bar exam means not being able to be licensed. Failing required classes in college means not graduating. Yes, it is very serious.
Can it be overcome?Yes. There are many steps that can be taken, and the most successful is hypnotherapy. The cause of the anxiety may be discovered under hypnosis and the negative belief can be reprogrammed with a positive one.
Do you only treat adults taking bar exams and college students?
No, I work with people of all ages - not just for test anxiety, but to overcome nervousness about an audition, an interview or to gain confidence about public speaking.