Can Hypnotherapy Really Help My Anxiety?

For many people, yes. Hypnotherapy can help you feel calmer and react differently to the situations that set off your anxiety, and many of my patients notice a change after the first session. It is not a quick fix for everyone, and it works best when you want the change yourself.

Why anxiety can feel so stubborn

Most people with anxiety already know that their worry is bigger than the situation deserves. Knowing it rarely helps, because the anxious reaction starts before you have had time to think. Your heart speeds up, your stomach tightens and your thoughts race, and only afterwards does the sensible part of your mind catch up. Anxiety is often a learned response that runs on its own, which is why telling yourself to calm down so often fails.

How hypnotherapy works with anxiety

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused attention. In that state I guide you to picture the moments that usually make you anxious while your body stays calm. Rehearsing a calm response again and again gives your mind a new pattern to follow, so the old reaction can lose some of its strength. Where it suits you, I combine hypnosis with techniques from NLP and CBT.

I do not use one standard script for everyone. At the free consultation we look for what triggers your anxiety, and the session is built around that. A session usually lasts between one and two hours, depending on how your subconscious mind responds.

Kinds of anxiety people bring to hypnotherapy

1. Worry that does not switch off, especially in the evening or at night.
2. Nerves in social situations, such as meetings, parties or meeting new people.
3. Health anxiety, where every new sensation feels like a warning sign.
4. Anxiety about travelling, driving or crowded places.
5. Constant tension and restlessness without an obvious cause.
6. Panic attacks. I treat these as a separate concern, so please mention them at the consultation.

What does the research say?

The research is encouraging. A large review of studies found that, on average, people treated with hypnosis reported less anxiety than people in the comparison groups. Studies differ in size and quality, though, and research describes averages, not what will happen to one person. That is why I talk about what is realistic for you rather than quote a success rate.

What hypnotherapy cannot do

It will not remove every anxious feeling, and it should not. Some anxiety is normal and useful, for example before an exam or when something really is wrong. It also does not replace medical care. If you take medication for anxiety, keep taking it as prescribed and speak to your GP before you change anything.

When to speak to your GP first

1. Your anxiety started suddenly or comes with physical symptoms such as chest pain, which should always be checked by a doctor.
2. You have epilepsy or experience hallucinations of any kind. In my practice I do not recommend hypnotherapy in these cases.
3. You feel unable to cope or have thoughts of harming yourself. Please call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123, or 999 in an emergency.

What it costs

The first session for anxiety is currently £199, and each further session is £100. Before that, we have a free consultation, usually by video, and you decide afterwards whether to go ahead. Sessions take place by video or in person at 165 Borough High Street, London.

If anxiety is holding you back, you can arrange a free consultation from the home page and tell me how you would like to feel instead.

I am Shahin Gurbanov, and helping people feel calm in the situations that used to frighten them is a large part of my work.