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Anxiety affects millions across the UK, often manifesting as persistent worry, panic attacks, or a sense of being overwhelmed. While conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication remain widely used, hypnotherapy has emerged as a compelling alternative—one that’s gaining traction for its effectiveness and gentle approach. But how successful is hypnotherapy in treating anxiety, really?
A landmark meta-analysis conducted by Alfred A. Barrios in 1970 compared the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches. His findings were striking: hypnotherapy showed a 93% success rate after just six sessions, compared to 72% for behavioural therapy (after 22 sessions) and 38% for psychoanalysis (after 600 sessions) (Barrios, 1970). While these figures are often cited in support of hypnotherapy, it’s important to note that they reflect general therapeutic outcomes—not anxiety-specific results.
More recent studies have focused directly on anxiety. According to research summarised by Focused Hypnosis, hypnosis has proven particularly effective for phobia-related anxiety, such as fear of flying or public speaking. Clients often report significant improvements after just a few sessions, with many experiencing reduced panic symptoms, improved confidence, and better emotional regulation.
Hypnotherapy works by guiding clients into a relaxed, focused state where the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions. This allows individuals to reframe limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and build new coping strategies. Unlike talk therapies that rely heavily on conscious analysis, hypnotherapy taps into deeper layers of thought and emotion—often producing faster and more lasting results.
In cases of anxiety, this can be particularly powerful. Many anxious responses are rooted in subconscious associations—such as linking public speaking with danger or social situations with rejection. Hypnotherapy helps to gently rewrite these associations, creating space for calm, confidence, and clarity.
It’s worth noting that hypnotherapy is most effective when tailored to the individual and, in some cases, used alongside other therapies. For example, combining hypnosis with CBT has been shown to halve the number of sessions needed and double the impact of treatment (Levelle, 2023). This integrative approach respects the complexity of anxiety and supports long-term healing.
As a practising hypnotherapist, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations. Clients who once struggled with daily panic attacks, interview nerves, or social anxiety have found relief and renewed confidence through hypnotherapy. While success rates vary depending on the individual, the consistent theme is empowerment—helping clients reconnect with their inner calm and take back control.
Barrios, A. A. (1970). Hypnosis as a therapeutic tool: A meta-analytic review. Hypnotherapy Now. Available at: https://hypnotherapy-now.co.uk/news/research/hypnosis-better-success-rate-type-therapy
Levelle, S. (2023). I Tried Hypnotherapy for Anxiety—Here's What Happened. The Healthy. Available at: https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/anxiety/hypnotherapy-for-anxiety
Focused Hypnosis. (2025). What Are Anxiety Hypnotherapy Success Rates? Available at: https://sheffield-hypnosis.co.uk/anxiety-hypnotherapy-success-rates
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Anxiety affects millions across the UK, often manifesting as persistent worry, panic attacks, or a sense of being overwhelmed. While conventional treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication remain widely used, hypnotherapy has emerged as a compelling alternative—one that’s gaining traction for its effectiveness and gentle approach. But how successful is hypnotherapy in treating anxiety, really?
A landmark meta-analysis conducted by Alfred A. Barrios in 1970 compared the effectiveness of various therapeutic approaches. His findings were striking: hypnotherapy showed a 93% success rate after just six sessions, compared to 72% for behavioural therapy (after 22 sessions) and 38% for psychoanalysis (after 600 sessions) (Barrios, 1970). While these figures are often cited in support of hypnotherapy, it’s important to note that they reflect general therapeutic outcomes—not anxiety-specific results.
More recent studies have focused directly on anxiety. According to research summarised by Focused Hypnosis, hypnosis has proven particularly effective for phobia-related anxiety, such as fear of flying or public speaking. Clients often report significant improvements after just a few sessions, with many experiencing reduced panic symptoms, improved confidence, and better emotional regulation.
Hypnotherapy works by guiding clients into a relaxed, focused state where the subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions. This allows individuals to reframe limiting beliefs, release emotional blocks, and build new coping strategies. Unlike talk therapies that rely heavily on conscious analysis, hypnotherapy taps into deeper layers of thought and emotion—often producing faster and more lasting results.
In cases of anxiety, this can be particularly powerful. Many anxious responses are rooted in subconscious associations—such as linking public speaking with danger or social situations with rejection. Hypnotherapy helps to gently rewrite these associations, creating space for calm, confidence, and clarity.
It’s worth noting that hypnotherapy is most effective when tailored to the individual and, in some cases, used alongside other therapies. For example, combining hypnosis with CBT has been shown to halve the number of sessions needed and double the impact of treatment (Levelle, 2023). This integrative approach respects the complexity of anxiety and supports long-term healing.
As a practising hypnotherapist, I’ve witnessed remarkable transformations. Clients who once struggled with daily panic attacks, interview nerves, or social anxiety have found relief and renewed confidence through hypnotherapy. While success rates vary depending on the individual, the consistent theme is empowerment—helping clients reconnect with their inner calm and take back control.
Barrios, A. A. (1970). Hypnosis as a therapeutic tool: A meta-analytic review. Hypnotherapy Now. Available at: https://hypnotherapy-now.co.uk/news/research/hypnosis-better-success-rate-type-therapy
Levelle, S. (2023). I Tried Hypnotherapy for Anxiety—Here's What Happened. The Healthy. Available at: https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/anxiety/hypnotherapy-for-anxiety
Focused Hypnosis. (2025). What Are Anxiety Hypnotherapy Success Rates? Available at: https://sheffield-hypnosis.co.uk/anxiety-hypnotherapy-success-rates
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As a practising hypnotherapist in the UK, I often find that clients are curious—not just about how hypnotherapy works, but where it came from. The truth is, hypnotherapy has a rich and fascinating history, shaped by science, psychology, and a fair bit of scepticism. Understanding its roots helps us appreciate how far it’s come—and why it continues to be a powerful tool for emotional healing and personal transformation.
The story begins in the 18th century with Franz Anton Mesmer, an Austrian physician who believed in a mysterious force he called “animal magnetism.” Mesmer claimed that this invisible energy flowed through all living things and could be manipulated to heal physical and emotional ailments. His dramatic sessions—often involving magnets, hand gestures, and trance-like states—captivated the public and laid the groundwork for what we now recognise as hypnotic induction.
Though Mesmer’s theories were eventually discredited by scientific panels (including one led by Benjamin Franklin), his methods sparked interest in altered states of consciousness. The term “mesmerism” became synonymous with trance work, and the idea that the mind could influence the body began to take root.
In the mid-19th century, Scottish surgeon James Braid observed mesmerism in action and sought to demystify it. He coined the term “hypnosis” from the Greek word “hypnos,” meaning sleep—though he later realised that hypnosis was not sleep at all, but a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility.
Braid’s work marked a turning point. He approached hypnosis with scientific rigour, using it to manage pain during surgery and to treat psychosomatic conditions. His emphasis on suggestion and concentration helped shift hypnosis from theatrical spectacle to therapeutic technique.
In the late 19th century, hypnosis gained traction in Europe’s medical circles. French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot used it to study hysteria, while his student Pierre Janet explored its psychological effects. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, also experimented with hypnosis before developing his own method of free association.
Freud eventually abandoned hypnosis, believing that deeper insights could be reached through talk therapy. However, his early use of trance states to access the unconscious mind laid the foundation for modern hypnotherapy’s emphasis on inner exploration and emotional release.
Throughout the 20th century, hypnosis continued to evolve. In the UK, it was often associated with stage performers and entertainment, which unfortunately led to misconceptions and stigma. Yet behind the scenes, clinicians were quietly refining its use in psychotherapy, dentistry, and medicine.
Milton H. Erickson, an American psychiatrist, revolutionised hypnotherapy by introducing indirect suggestion and storytelling. His approach—known as Ericksonian hypnosis—focused on the client’s unique language and experiences, making therapy more personalised and empowering. Erickson’s influence can still be felt in solution-focused hypnotherapy and other modern modalities.
In Britain, hypnotherapy began to gain professional recognition in the latter half of the 20th century. The British Society of Medical and Dental Hypnosis was founded in 1952, followed by the British Hypnotherapy Association and other regulatory bodies. These organisations helped establish ethical standards, training requirements, and research initiatives.
Today, hypnotherapy is used to support clients with anxiety, phobias, chronic pain, smoking cessation, weight management, and more. It’s increasingly integrated into NHS services, particularly for IBS and childbirth (hypnobirthing). While not yet universally accepted across all medical fields, its evidence base continues to grow.
One of the most exciting developments in recent decades is the rise of solution focused hypnotherapy—a gentle, forward-looking approach that combines hypnosis with principles from solution focused brief therapy and neuroscience.
Rather than delving into past trauma, solution focused hypnotherapy helps clients identify their strengths, visualise positive outcomes, and rewire limiting beliefs. It’s particularly effective for those who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their inner resources.
As a practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this method empowers clients to regain control, build resilience, and rediscover joy. It’s not about “fixing” people—it’s about helping them reconnect with who they truly are.
Despite its long history, hypnotherapy still faces myths and misunderstandings. Some worry about losing control, being “made to do” things, or revealing secrets. In reality, hypnosis is a collaborative process. Clients remain aware, in control, and able to reject any suggestion that doesn’t align with their values.
What makes hypnotherapy so powerful is its ability to bypass the critical mind and speak directly to the subconscious—the part of us that stores habits, emotions, and beliefs. By accessing this deeper layer, we can create lasting change that feels natural and aligned.
As we move further into the 21st century, hypnotherapy is adapting to new technologies and cultural shifts. Online sessions, guided recordings, and AI-assisted tools are making hypnosis more accessible than ever. At the same time, practitioners are deepening their understanding of trauma, neurodiversity, and inclusivity—ensuring that hypnotherapy remains safe, ethical, and client-centred.
In the UK, we’re fortunate to have a vibrant community of hypnotherapists who are passionate about growth, collaboration, and evidence-based practice. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety or simply curious about your inner world, hypnotherapy offers a gentle yet profound way to reconnect with yourself.
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