Can Hypnotherapy Help with Anxiety or Panic Attacks?
Anxiety and panic attacks affect millions of people across the UK, often disrupting daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. If you’re exploring natural, therapeutic options to regain control, you may be wondering: Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety or panic attacks? The short answer is yes — and the long answer is deeply encouraging.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a form of guided therapy that uses focused attention, relaxation, and suggestion to access the subconscious mind. Unlike stage hypnosis, clinical hypnotherapy is a safe, evidence-based practice used by trained professionals to help clients overcome emotional, behavioural, and psychological challenges.
At London Hypnotics, we use hypnotherapy to help clients reframe limiting beliefs, reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, and build long-term resilience.
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety is a natural stress response, but when it becomes chronic or leads to panic attacks, it can feel debilitating. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent worry or racing thoughts
- Muscle tension and restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, or breathlessness
- Feeling detached, dizzy, or overwhelmed
Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms that mimic serious medical conditions. They can feel terrifying — but they are treatable.
How Hypnotherapy Helps
Hypnotherapy works by calming the nervous system and addressing the subconscious patterns that fuel anxiety. Here’s how it can support your healing:
1. Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns
Hypnosis helps uncover and reframe deep-rooted beliefs that contribute to anxiety — such as “I’m not safe,” “I can’t cope,” or “I’m not good enough.”
2. Reducing Physical Symptoms
Through deep relaxation and breathwork, hypnotherapy lowers cortisol levels, slows the heart rate, and eases muscle tension — helping you feel physically calmer.
3. Building Coping Strategies
You’ll learn tools to manage triggers, reduce avoidance behaviours, and regain control during anxious moments.
4. Resolving Root Causes
Hypnotherapy can gently explore past experiences, traumas, or emotional blocks that may be contributing to your current anxiety or panic responses.
What the Research Says
Scientific studies support the effectiveness of hypnotherapy for anxiety. A 2016 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that hypnosis was significantly more effective than many other psychological interventions in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Another study in Contemporary Hypnosis & Integrative Therapy showed that hypnotherapy reduced panic attack frequency and intensity in patients with panic disorder.
What to Expect in a Session
At London Hypnotics, your first session begins with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, triggers, and goals. You’ll then be guided into a relaxed, focused state where we work together to reprogram anxious responses and build emotional resilience.
Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and may include:
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Positive suggestion therapy
- Regression therapy (if appropriate)
- Future pacing and visualisation
All sessions are confidential, compassionate, and designed to empower you.
Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?
Hypnotherapy is suitable for many forms of anxiety, including:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety
- Health Anxiety
- Performance Anxiety
- Phobias and fears
It can also complement other treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), counselling, or medication.
Hypnotherapy in London: Your Path to Calm
If you’re based in London and seeking a holistic, client-centred approach to anxiety or panic attacks, London Hypnotics offers a safe and supportive space to begin your journey. Whether you’re dealing with daily stress or sudden panic episodes, hypnotherapy could be the turning point you’ve been searching for.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book a free consultation today and discover how hypnotherapy can help you feel calmer, more confident, and in control.
Book Now | Serving Central and Greater London | Online sessions available worldwide.
References
Hammond, D. C. (2010). Hypnosis in the treatment of anxiety- and stress-related disorders. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 53(4), 259–273. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00029157.2010.10401721
Valentine, K. E., Milling, L. S., Clark, L. J., & Moriarty, C. L. (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 67(3), 336–363. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31125299/
Hypnotherapy Directory. (n.d.). How hypnotherapy can help with anxiety: A natural approach. https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/articles/how-hypnotherapy-can-help-with-anxiety-a-natural-approach
Beechwood Therapy. (2023). Can hypnotherapy help with panic attacks? https://www.beechwoodtherapy.co.uk/post/can-hypnotherapy-help-with-panic-attacks
Reveri. (2024). Hypnosis for panic attacks: Calm your mind naturally. https://www.reveri.com/knowledge/hypnosis-for-panic-attacks
