Can you be hypnotised for anxiety?

Maddy Shine
Nov 11
3 min read

Feeling anxious can be overwhelming, whether it shows up as racing thoughts, panic, or that tight feeling in your chest that never quite goes away. But if you’ve ever wondered “Can you be hypnotised for anxiety?”, the simple answer is yes.

Hypnotherapy can be one of the most effective, gentle ways to calm your mind and body, even when traditional methods haven’t worked.

As a clinical hypnotherapist in Solihull, London, and beyond, I work with clients across the UK and worldwide to help manage anxiety through face-to-face sessions and personalised hypnotherapy recordings that you can listen to in your own time.

How hypnotherapy helps with anxiety

Anxiety often develops when the mind becomes stuck in a loop of fear, overthinking, and “what if” scenarios. Hypnotherapy helps to break that loop by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state, similar to daydreaming, where your subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestion and change.

During hypnosis for anxiety, we work together to:

Calm physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, tension, or shortness of breath
Reframe unhelpful thoughts or beliefs that fuel worry
Build confidence and emotional resilience
Teach your body how to feel calm and safe again

Many clients say they feel noticeably calmer after their very first session. Over time, these changes become automatic as your mind learns to respond differently to stress triggers.

If you tend to feel more anxious at certain times of year, you may find this article on navigating Christmas anxiety and overindulgence in food especially helpful, as it explores how seasonal habits can influence our emotions.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

Yes, most people can be hypnotised for anxiety. Hypnosis is not about “losing control”; it is about achieving focus and calm. You are always aware and in control throughout the process.

I often describe it as a guided meditation with purpose. Even children and teenagers respond well to hypnotherapy, especially when recordings are tailored specifically to them.

For example, you might find my post Why Are Children Experiencing Stress and Anxiety More These Days? helpful for understanding the pressures younger minds face today. I’ve also written about Easing Back-to-School Anxiety: The Power of Clinical Hypnotherapy and September Bedwetting Rise: Anxiety’s Impact on Children, both of which explore how hypnotherapy can help children process change with calm and confidence.

And for parents of teenagers, A Ray of Hope for Teenagers Battling Anxiety shares how hypnotherapy can rebuild self-belief and emotional stability during adolescence.

What to expect from hypnotherapy for anxiety

Every client’s experience is unique, but a typical anxiety session or personalised hypnotherapy recording includes:

A calm conversation about your symptoms, triggers, and goals
A guided relaxation to help your body and mind unwind
Targeted hypnotherapy to reduce anxiety and build positive coping mechanisms
Practical techniques you can use between sessions

For those who prefer flexibility, a bespoke anxiety recording can be created and delivered directly to your phone, perfect for listening at home, before bed, or during stressful moments.

If your anxiety is linked to a specific life stage or event, you may find these helpful too:

Success stories

Here’s what some of my clients have shared:

“My experience with Angela was just brilliant. She made me feel at ease and gave me the tools to tackle crippling anxiety that has dominated my life. It’s unbelievable.” – Bryony

“I came to Angela for hypnotherapy to help me overcome and deal with anxiety. Since finishing my sessions, people around me have seen a significant difference in me. I’m much happier now.” – Gracie

Is hypnosis right for you?

If you’ve tried other methods for anxiety and still feel stuck, hypnotherapy can be a powerful next step. It’s gentle, relaxing, and tailored to you. Most people benefit from 3–4 sessions, but even one personalised recording can begin to shift how you respond to anxious thoughts.