Hypnotherapy for anxiety

What anxiety can feel like

Anxiety is the body's natural alarm system. In small doses it keeps us alert, but for many people the alarm keeps ringing long after it is needed. You might notice racing thoughts, a tight chest, a churning stomach or a sense that something is about to go wrong, even when you cannot say what.

For some people anxiety is general and always in the background. For others it is linked to particular situations, such as social events, travel, health worries or work. It can also show up as panic attacks, which are sudden waves of fear that often come with a pounding heart and shallow breathing. However it shows up, it is tiring to live with, and it can quietly shrink the things you feel able to do.

How can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?

Hypnotherapy does not aim to remove every trace of anxiety. Some anxiety is a normal part of life. Instead, it helps you practise responding to anxious feelings in a calmer, steadier way, so they have less hold over you.

In a relaxed, focused state, many people find it easier to step back from their worries and look at them with fresh eyes. This makes it a useful setting for rehearsing new responses. Sessions may include:

• learning how to reach a state of deep physical relaxation, and how to return to it on your own
• exploring what tends to trigger your anxiety and how you usually react
• imagining difficult situations while feeling calm and in control, so they start to feel more familiar
• simple breathing and self-hypnosis techniques to use between sessions

Because every person is different, sessions may also draw on NLP, which looks at how you think about a situation, or EFT, a tapping technique some people like to use when anxiety rises.

Hypnotherapy for panic attacks

Panic attacks can be frightening, and the fear of having another one often becomes a problem in its own right. Hypnotherapy can help you understand what happens in your body during a panic attack and practise a calmer response to those early warning signs. Many people find it reassuring simply to have a plan for what to do when panic starts to build.

If your panic attacks are new, frequent or getting worse, please see your GP as well. Hypnotherapy can work alongside medical support.

What happens in your first session?

Your first session starts with a conversation, not with hypnosis. You will talk about how anxiety shows up for you, when it started, what you have already tried and what you would like to feel instead. This gives the work a clear focus from the outset.

When you are ready, you will be guided into a relaxed state, usually sitting comfortably with your eyes closed. You stay aware of everything that is said and can open your eyes at any time. Most people describe the experience as calm and pleasant, and many are surprised by how ordinary it feels. Afterwards there is time to talk about what you noticed and agree on something simple to practise at home.

Sessions last around 60 to 90 minutes. They take place at the clinic in Wallsend or online, which some people with anxiety find easier to begin with.

How does hypnotherapy compare with other anxiety treatments?

The NHS offers talking therapies for anxiety, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and you can refer yourself to your local NHS Talking Therapies service. Some people use hypnotherapy instead of these options, and others use it alongside them or after them. Hypnotherapy tends to place more emphasis on relaxation and imagination, while CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviours through structured exercises. Neither is right for everyone. If you are unsure which to try first, you can talk it through during your free call, and you will get an honest answer.

Anxiety support in Newcastle and online

Sessions are led by Sonya Hudson, a clinical hypnotherapist with more than 20 years of experience. The clinic is in a quiet, private setting in Wallsend and is easy to reach from Newcastle city centre and across North Tyneside. If travelling feels like a hurdle right now, online sessions work in much the same way, from somewhere you already feel comfortable.

Getting started

The first step is a free, no-obligation phone call, where you can describe what has been happening and ask any questions. Send an enquiry or call 0191 580 1548. You might also like to read what happens in a hypnotherapy session before you get in touch.