BWRT
What is BWRT, and how could it help with fear and anxiety?
When fear, panic or anxiety take over, your body can react before you've had a chance to think. You might know you're safe and still feel the dread, the racing heart, the urge to avoid. It can start to feel as though the problem is running you.
If you want something practical and gentle that doesn't ask you to keep going back over painful experiences, BWRT may be worth a look.
What is BWRT?
BWRT (BrainWorking Recursive Therapy®) was developed by UK psychotherapist Terence Watts. It focuses on the automatic emotional reactions that kick in before conscious thought, and on helping the brain practise a different response in those moments.
Unlike many talking therapies, you don't need to relive distressing memories or share details you'd rather keep private. In most cases we focus on how the problem feels for you now, and how you'd prefer to respond instead.
Why does panic feel so automatic?
Research by neuroscientist Benjamin Libet suggested the brain starts preparing responses before we're consciously aware of them. His work is still debated, but it's one of the ideas behind BWRT, and it fits what many people describe: "I know I'm safe, but my body doesn't."
BWRT is designed to work at that fast, automatic level, rather than through reasoning alone.
What makes it different?
• Practical and focused: it centres on where you want to get to, not on revisiting the past.
• You choose what to share: you don't have to explain every detail of difficult experiences.
• Often brief: some people notice a change within a small number of sessions, but everyone is different and I can't promise a particular result.
• Calm and structured: the process is designed to feel manageable.
Who might it help?
• Emetophobia (fear of vomiting).
• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Panic attacks
• Social anxiety
• Phobias and fears
• Health anxiety
• Unwanted habits and compulsive behaviours
• Problematic coping patterns, including addictions
Can BWRT help with emetophobia?
Emetophobia can take over quietly: avoided foods, travel and social events, constant scanning for signs of illness, a fear of being trapped. BWRT aims to reduce the automatic fear response that keeps this going, so you can feel calmer and more able to take part in life again.
Is it a replacement for medical or other care?
No. BWRT can sit alongside other support. If you're under a doctor or psychologist, or on medication, keep working with them, and let them know what you're trying.
Where can I learn more?
What's the first step?
A free, no-obligation consultation. We'll talk about what's happening, how BWRT works and whether it feels right, and you can ask me anything. Email me or call 0409 254 500.
Sessions run online by FaceTime, WhatsApp, Messenger or Zoom, so you can get support wherever you are. All you need is a phone, tablet or computer and a good internet connection.
