Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy for Anxiety
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
Hypnotherapy can be a helpful approach for people experiencing anxiety. Rather than simply telling yourself to stop worrying or trying to think more positively, hypnotherapy can help you explore and change some of the automatic thoughts, feelings and responses that may be contributing to the anxious cycle.
Every person’s anxiety is different, so I tailor our sessions to you, your experiences and what you would like to change. The aim is to help you feel calmer, more confident and more in control, rather than allowing anxiety to make decisions for you.
Can hypnotherapy help with overthinking?
Yes, overthinking is something I regularly work with. You might replay conversations, analyse situations repeatedly, worry about what could happen or find that your mind simply refuses to switch off.
During hypnotherapy, we can work on helping your mind respond differently to those thoughts. The goal isn’t to stop you thinking — we all need to think! Instead, it’s about helping you recognise which thoughts deserve your attention and allowing the unnecessary ones to pass without becoming caught up in them.
Over time, many people find they can step away from that constant analysing and feel much more present in everyday life.
What if I don’t know what caused my anxiety?
That’s absolutely fine. You do not need to know where your anxiety came from before coming for hypnotherapy.
Some people can pinpoint a particular experience or period in their life when their anxiety began. Others have felt anxious for so long that they can’t remember when it started. Sometimes there appears to be no obvious reason at all.
We work with what you’re experiencing now and what you would like to feel instead. If something relevant emerges during our work together, we can deal with it appropriately, but you don’t need to arrive with all the answers.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis isn’t mind control and you don’t become unconscious.
Most people describe hypnosis as a deeply relaxed, focused state. You’ll usually be able to hear my voice, know where you are and remember the session afterwards.
You remain in control throughout. You can’t be forced to say or do something against your wishes, and if you needed to open your eyes, move, speak or end the hypnosis at any point, you could.
In fact, you may be surprised by just how ordinary hypnosis feels.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need for anxiety?
There isn’t one answer because everyone is different. Your anxiety, experiences, circumstances and goals are unique to you.
Some people notice positive changes quite quickly, while others benefit from working together for longer, particularly when anxiety has been present for many years or is connected with several different issues.
We’ll discuss this together and review your progress as we go. I don’t believe in keeping someone in therapy unnecessarily — the aim is to help you make the changes you came for and feel able to move forward.
Can I have hypnotherapy for anxiety online?
Yes. Hypnotherapy can also be carried out online, allowing you to have your sessions from the comfort of your own home.
For some people with anxiety, this can actually make taking that first step feel easier because there’s no travelling or unfamiliar environment to worry about.
You’ll need somewhere comfortable and private where you won’t be disturbed, together with a reliable internet connection. I’ll explain everything you need before your first online session.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first appointment gives us time to talk about what’s been happening, how anxiety is affecting you and, importantly, how you would like things to be different.
I’ll explain how I work and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions. There’s no judgement and you won’t be expected to discuss anything you don’t feel comfortable sharing.
Your sessions are tailored specifically to you rather than following a one-size-fits-all script or programme.
What if I can’t relax or I’m not good at hypnosis?
You don’t need to be good at hypnosis, and you certainly don’t need to arrive knowing how to meditate or completely clear your mind.
In fact, people with very busy minds often assume they won’t be able to experience hypnosis because they find it difficult to switch off. Having thoughts doesn’t mean hypnosis isn’t working.
I’ll guide you throughout the process. There’s no particular feeling you’re trying to achieve and no test to pass. You can simply allow yourself to experience it in whatever way feels natural to you.
Can hypnotherapy help with panic attacks?
Hypnotherapy may be used as part of an approach to help someone change the fear, thoughts and automatic responses associated with panic.
For some people, the fear of having another panic attack becomes part of the problem itself. They begin watching for sensations in their body, avoiding certain places or worrying about what would happen if they panicked somewhere they couldn’t easily leave.
Our work can focus on helping you feel safer and calmer around those sensations and situations, while changing some of the patterns that may be keeping the cycle going.
