London & online appointments
Social anxiety hypnotherapy in London and online
Do you dread social events, meetings or phone calls, and replay conversations for days afterwards? Do you worry that people are judging you, or avoid situations in case you embarrass yourself? I help people explore the fears, beliefs and subconscious patterns that can contribute to social anxiety, so they can feel calmer, more confident and able to enjoy time with other people.
Hello, I’m Susannah. I am a fully qualified hypnotherapist with 20+ years of experience, offering clinical hypnotherapy in the City of London, near Liverpool Street, and online. I help people with social anxiety feel more relaxed at work, with friends and in new situations. I also support people whose social anxiety shows up as blushing, low confidence or a fear of speaking in groups. Contact me to find out more or book your initial consultation.
Prices and appointmentsYour first appointment includes hypnosis.
What hypnotherapy for social anxiety can help with
Social anxiety can affect almost any part of life, from work and friendships to everyday tasks like shopping or making a phone call. In hypnotherapy for social anxiety, we can work on:
- fear of being judged, criticised or embarrassed
- dreading social events, meetings or phone calls
- worrying for days or weeks before an event
- replaying conversations afterwards
- blushing, sweating or shaking in front of others
- avoiding eye contact or staying on the edge of groups
- avoiding situations that make you anxious
It aims to reduce the anxiety and help you feel more at ease with people.
Social anxiety hypnotherapy alongside other support
NICE recommends individual CBT specifically developed for social anxiety disorder as the initial treatment for adults. Guided self-help and prescribed medication are other options in appropriate circumstances. Hypnotherapy may be considered as additional support for anxiety and confidence, but the evidence specifically for social anxiety is limited.
If social anxiety is having a big impact on your life, or you are feeling low, speak to your GP. They can tell you about NHS talking therapies and other options.
Read NHS information about social anxiety and treatment options.
How hypnotherapy for social anxiety works
We start by exploring how anxiety affects you and identifying practical goals. Hypnotherapy uses focused attention, therapeutic suggestions and mental rehearsal to practise responding to social situations with less pressure.
We can work on anxious predictions and self-criticism, such as expecting every pause or blush to be judged. The aim is to develop a more balanced view and a calmer, more flexible response; outcomes vary from person to person.
Sessions can also help shift your attention away from yourself and onto the people you are with.
Techniques used in hypnotherapy for social anxiety
Hypnotherapy for social anxiety draws on many techniques, tailored to you. Depending on what you need, sessions can include:
- working on the beliefs that keep social anxiety going
- exploring how past embarrassing or painful experiences affect present expectations
- positive suggestion to build calm and confidence
- lowering overall stress, so you feel calmer day to day
- shifting your attention outward, onto other people and the conversation
- building calmer responses to triggers such as meetings, calls or parties
- building a more balanced view of yourself
- self-hypnosis to use before social events
- rehearsing situations such as meetings or dates, where helpful
Each session uses the techniques that suit you and your goals.
Working with a hypnotherapist for social anxiety
Working with a hypnotherapist for social anxiety starts with an initial consultation. In this first session, we talk about the situations you find hardest and how you would like to feel in them.
I also explain the interaction between anxiety, attention and automatic reactions. The first session includes hypnosis, so the work begins straight away.
My approach is solution-focused, so we look at what you want to be able to do and build towards it.
What happens in a social anxiety hypnotherapy session
Each session after the first starts with a short conversation about what has gone well since we last spoke. Most of the session is hypnosis, using the techniques that suit you.
After each session, you receive the personalised recording of that session to listen to before the next one. Listening regularly can help reinforce the changes, and it can be useful before a social event.
Your hypnotherapist: Susannah Saunders
I established City Hypnotherapy Centre in 2003 and have over 20 years of experience as a clinical hypnotherapist. I help people work on anxious expectations, self-consciousness and confidence in social situations, with sessions tailored to their everyday experiences and goals.
- BSc (Hons) in Psychology
- Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD)
- Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (SQHP)
- CNHC registered and a GHR registered member
Fees and appointments
£198
Per session, including VAT.
Approximately 50 minutes. Your first appointment includes hypnosis as well as the consultation.
Choose an appointment at City Hypnotherapy Centre near Liverpool Street, London, or online by Zoom.
Try my free hypnosis audio
Try my free 30-minute guided relaxation audio and get a feel for my voice and approach.
Over 60 Five-Star Google Reviews
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I have been on quite the journey with Susannah. For so many years so many aspects of my life seemed to be causing me anxiety and anger, making me too exhausted to complete simple, everyday tasks, that seemed straightforward to other people. I couldn’t imagine things would improve without months of therapy at least. Working with Susannah however made me understand that it was my perception of my life rather than the events of my life that needed addressing, and this made finding solutions so much more manageable. Right from the first session things started to improve, and as it turned out, in total I needed only five sessions.
Susannah has a gift for explaining complex functions of the brain in a super-accessible way, so that I now both understand what was going wrong and have developed strategies to support me in preventing the build-up of stress and anxiety in the future. I cannot think of an area of my life that has not been positively impacted by my time with Susannah and cannot recommend her highly enough.
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I can’t even tell you exactly what has changed since my 3 hypnotherapy sessions, only that something in me has shifted, I feel better, more content, positive and lighter and I’m making better choices.
After the first session it felt like something in my brain moved, for the better. I was really sceptical going in to this, especially as the sessions were online, but it worked.
Would definitely recommend Susannah, the sessions aren’t cheap but was worth every penny to me.
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3 months down and I’ve not touched a vape
Or even thought about it.
I will be honest, I was sceptical about hypno previously but it’s been such a great experience.
My life has changed so positively since that session.
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What is social anxiety (social phobia)?
Social anxiety, also called social phobia or social anxiety disorder, is a long-lasting fear of social situations. It goes beyond feeling nervous now and then, and can make everyday situations feel overwhelming.
At its centre is a fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected by other people. For many people, it starts in the teenage years. Social phobia is another name for social anxiety disorder; a professional assessment can help distinguish it from other difficulties.
Social anxiety or shyness?
Shyness is a common personality trait, and it often eases as people get to know each other. Social anxiety is more intense and lasts longer, and it can stop you doing things you want or need to do.
You do not need to become an extrovert to feel more comfortable. Sessions focus on the fear and restrictions you would like to change, while respecting your personality and preferences.
Signs and symptoms of social anxiety
Common signs of social anxiety include:
- worrying about everyday activities, such as meeting new people or speaking on the phone
- fear of saying or doing something embarrassing
- finding it hard to eat, write or work while others are watching
- avoiding eye contact
- blushing, sweating, trembling or feeling sick
- your mind going blank when you need to speak
- a racing heart or panic attacks in social situations
- low self-esteem and a fear of criticism
Any of these can be a reason to seek support.
If going red is a particular worry, read about blushing and fear of blushing.
Situations that can trigger social anxiety
Common situations include:
- meetings, presentations and speaking up at work
- parties, weddings and work socials
- small talk and meeting new people
- phone and video calls
- eating or drinking in front of others
- dating
- being introduced or the centre of attention
- talking to people in authority
- shopping, ordering food or asking for help
For some people, it is one or two specific situations. For others, it affects most of daily life.
The social anxiety cycle: before, during and after
Social anxiety often follows a pattern. Before an event, you may worry for days, imagining everything that could go wrong.
During the event, your attention turns inward. You monitor how you look and sound, which makes it harder to follow the conversation.
Afterwards, you may replay what you said and focus on anything that felt awkward. This keeps the anxiety going and makes the next event feel even harder.
Safety behaviours that keep social anxiety going
Many people with social anxiety use safety behaviours to get through social situations. These might include rehearsing what to say, avoiding eye contact, staying near the door or keeping busy with your phone. Some people drink alcohol to feel more relaxed.
These behaviours can bring short-term relief but make it harder to discover whether your feared outcome would actually happen. We can explore them together and practise manageable alternatives, rather than asking you to give them all up at once.
Hypnotherapy for social anxiety at work
Work brings many of the situations people with social anxiety find hardest. Meetings, presentations, phone calls, video calls with the camera on and office socials can all cause dread.
Some people stay silent in meetings, avoid networking or turn down promotions because of it. Hypnotherapy for social anxiety at work aims to help you feel calmer and more confident, so you can contribute and take opportunities. If presentations are your main worry, see my page on hypnotherapy for public speaking.
Hypnosis for social anxiety in friendships and dating
Social anxiety can make it hard to make friends, join in group conversations or meet a partner. You might cancel plans at the last minute, or leave early because the anxiety feels too much.
Dating can bring up fears of rejection and of saying the wrong thing. Hypnosis for social anxiety aims to help you feel more relaxed and present, so you can enjoy getting to know people.
How social anxiety affects daily life
Living with social anxiety can be exhausting. Even small tasks, such as ordering a coffee, answering the door or asking for help in a shop, can take a lot of effort.
Over time, avoiding situations can lead to loneliness, missed opportunities and low mood. Many people also feel frustrated, knowing they are capable of more than their anxiety allows.
Who social anxiety hypnotherapy can help
Hypnotherapy may be worth considering for people who want to work on anxiety and confidence in social situations, including:
- people who dread meetings, presentations or speaking up at work
- those who find parties, weddings or work socials overwhelming
- people who avoid phone or video calls
- students and people starting a new job
- people returning to the office after working from home
- those who blush, sweat or shake around others
- people who drink alcohol to cope in social situations
- anyone who feels shy or lacks confidence with new people
We discuss your needs, goals and existing support to decide whether hypnotherapy is appropriate. When social anxiety substantially affects daily life, evidence-based treatment such as specialist CBT should also be considered.
The beliefs behind social anxiety
Social anxiety is often driven by negative beliefs about yourself and how others see you. Common ones include ‘people think I’m boring’, ‘I’ll say something stupid’ and ‘everyone can see I’m nervous’.
These expectations may develop through experiences such as being teased, criticised or left out, although there is not always a single cause. Once familiar, they can feel automatic and convincing. Therapy offers space to examine them and try more balanced ways of responding.
You can also read about confidence and self-esteem and hypnotherapy for anxiety.
Social anxiety, hypnosis and the subconscious mind
Social situations can activate the body’s threat response even when there is no immediate physical danger. A racing heart or shaky voice can then feel like more evidence that something is going wrong.
When I talk about the subconscious, I mean automatic expectations and reactions that happen without a deliberate decision. Hypnosis uses focused attention, imagery and therapeutic suggestions to work on these patterns; it does not give the therapist control of your mind.
What social anxiety hypnosis feels like
Hypnosis involves focused attention and often feels relaxing, although experiences vary. You remain able to speak, move and stop the session. You do not need to feel deeply relaxed for us to begin working together.
Social anxiety hypnosis is a clinical process, very different from stage hypnosis. Sessions are one to one and non-judgemental, and you are never asked to perform or be the centre of attention. Most people find them very relaxing.
Is hypnotherapy for social anxiety right for you?
Hypnotherapy may suit you if you want to work on anxious expectations, self-consciousness and confidence. We discuss your health, current support and goals before deciding on an approach. Listening to the personalised recording between sessions provides an opportunity to practise.
You do not need a formal diagnosis. If anxiety around people is limiting your life, hypnotherapy may help.
Choosing a hypnotherapist for social anxiety
When choosing a hypnotherapist for social anxiety, look for recognised qualifications and experience of working with anxiety and confidence. It also helps to feel comfortable with the person you choose, which is especially important when meeting new people feels hard. An initial consultation is a good chance to ask questions.
I hold the SQHP and HPD qualifications and have been practising as a clinical hypnotherapist since 2003.
The benefits of hypnotherapy for social anxiety
Hypnotherapy aims to help you feel calmer and more like yourself around other people. Goals we can work towards include:
- feeling calmer before and during social situations
- less worry about being judged
- speaking up more easily at work
- enjoying conversations without replaying them afterwards
- making eye contact with more confidence
- saying yes to invitations and new opportunities
- feeling more comfortable on calls, at events and on dates
- stronger self-esteem and confidence
If you would like help with social anxiety, contact me to find out more or book your initial consultation.
Research on hypnosis and social anxiety
It is important to distinguish evidence about anxiety in general from evidence about social anxiety disorder specifically.
What hypnosis research tells us
A 2019 meta-analysis of hypnosis for anxiety found benefits across 17 trials, with stronger results when hypnosis was combined with other psychological approaches. These findings do not establish a specific success rate for social anxiety or show that hypnosis is equivalent to specialist CBT.
Research specifically testing hypnotherapy for social anxiety is limited. My work focuses on anxious expectations, stress and confidence, with progress reviewed against the situations that matter to you.
Recommended treatments for social anxiety
NICE recommends individual CBT developed for social anxiety disorder as the initial treatment for adults. This addresses factors such as self-focused attention, safety behaviours and avoidance.
The NHS overview of social anxiety explains CBT, guided self-help and medication options. If anxiety substantially restricts your life, your GP can help you explore these choices. Hypnotherapy can be discussed as additional support where suitable.
Social anxiety hypnotherapy: frequently asked questions
Answers about social phobia, hypnosis, treatment choices and appointments in the City of London or online.
Understanding social anxiety
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is a strong fear of being judged, embarrassed or rejected in social situations. You might dread meeting people, hold back in conversations or spend hours going over what you said afterwards. It can affect work, friendships, dating and ordinary tasks such as making a phone call.
What is the difference between social anxiety and shyness?
Shyness can mean needing time to feel comfortable with people. Social anxiety involves fear and distress that can stop you doing things you want or need to do. You can be outgoing with close friends and still experience social anxiety at work, with strangers or when attention is on you.
Can social anxiety cause blushing, sweating or a shaky voice?
Yes. Anxiety can bring on blushing, sweating, trembling, a racing heart, a dry mouth or a shaky voice. Worrying that someone will notice can then increase the anxiety. Treatment can address both the fear of these sensations and the situations that set them off.
Why do I replay conversations after seeing people?
If you are worried about being judged, you might keep checking your memory for something you said wrong. This can turn an ordinary conversation into hours of self-criticism. In sessions, we address the expectation of criticism and rehearse finishing a conversation without spending the evening reviewing it.
Can I have social anxiety even if I seem confident?
Yes. Other people might see someone who chats, works and socialises confidently, while you are preparing every sentence or feeling exhausted afterwards. You do not have to avoid every social occasion for the anxiety to be worth addressing.
Why does my mind go blank in conversations?
Anxiety can draw your attention towards monitoring yourself: how you sound, what your face is doing or whether you seem interesting. This can make it harder to follow a conversation. In sessions, we can practise bringing attention back to the other person and allowing ordinary pauses.
Is social anxiety the same as public speaking anxiety?
They overlap, but they are not identical. Social anxiety can affect one-to-one conversations, eating with others, dating and everyday interactions. Public speaking anxiety centres on speaking to an audience. If presentations are your main difficulty, see my public speaking hypnotherapy page.
Can social anxiety begin after criticism or an embarrassing experience?
Yes. Being mocked, criticised or humiliated can influence what you expect from later social situations. Social anxiety can also develop without one clear starting point. We can address what you now expect to happen, without needing to identify a single event that explains everything.
How hypnotherapy for social anxiety works
Can hypnotherapy help with social anxiety?
Hypnotherapy may help some people work on anxious expectations, self-criticism and confidence. We use focused attention, therapeutic suggestions and mental rehearsal to practise social situations. Evidence specifically for social anxiety is limited; individual CBT developed for social anxiety is the treatment NICE recommends first for adults.
How does social anxiety hypnosis work with the subconscious?
By subconscious, I mean the thoughts and reactions that happen automatically, before you have deliberately chosen them. In hypnosis, we can work on beliefs such as “I will embarrass myself” or “People will think I am boring”, and rehearse social situations with less tension and greater confidence.
What techniques are used in social anxiety hypnotherapy?
Sessions can combine clinical hypnosis, therapeutic suggestions, imagery, NLP and coaching. For example, we might change the harsh way you speak to yourself, rehearse introducing yourself to someone, or practise responding calmly when attention turns towards you. The techniques are chosen around the situations you find difficult.
Can hypnotherapy help with fear of being judged?
We can work on the expectation that other people are looking for faults, and the belief that one awkward moment will ruin their opinion of you. In hypnosis, you can rehearse speaking without checking every word and allowing ordinary pauses or mistakes. The aim is to reduce the pressure; results vary.
Can social anxiety hypnotherapy help with avoiding people?
Sessions can address the fear that makes avoidance feel necessary. We can agree manageable steps outside sessions, such as staying at a gathering a little longer or starting one conversation. Practising in everyday situations helps you find out how your expectations compare with what happens.
Do I need to remember what caused my social anxiety?
No. You can describe what happens now: the situations you dread, the thoughts that come up and how you respond. That gives us useful starting points for treatment. You do not need to recover forgotten memories or find a hidden cause.
What research is there on hypnosis for social anxiety?
A 2019 meta-analysis of hypnosis for anxiety found benefits across the studies reviewed, particularly when hypnosis was combined with other psychological treatment. It examined anxiety more broadly, rather than establishing a specific success rate for social anxiety. NICE recommends individual CBT developed for social anxiety disorder as the first psychological treatment offered.
Can I have hypnotherapy alongside CBT or prescribed treatment?
Hypnotherapy may be considered alongside other care where appropriate. Tell me about any therapy or medication you are receiving so we can discuss how the approaches fit together. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without advice from your prescriber.
Social situations hypnosis can help you prepare for
Can social anxiety hypnotherapy help with small talk?
We can rehearse starting a conversation, asking a question and responding without trying to find the perfect thing to say. Hypnosis can help reduce the pressure to impress, so you can pay more attention to the person you are talking to.
Can hypnotherapy help with speaking up in meetings?
We can address fear of interrupting, sounding foolish or being challenged. In hypnosis, you can rehearse making a point, answering a question and keeping your voice steady, rather than waiting for certainty and missing your chance to contribute.
Can hypnotherapy help with parties and group conversations?
We can focus on arriving, joining a conversation and staying involved when several people are talking. Treatment can also address the urge to stand at the edge of a group, leave early or rely on someone else to do all the talking.
Can hypnotherapy help with dating anxiety?
We can address worries about being rejected, seeming awkward or having nothing to say. Mental rehearsal can help you approach a date as a conversation with another person, rather than a test you have to pass.
Can hypnotherapy help with eating or drinking in front of others?
We can address the fear that people will notice your hands shaking, watch how you eat or judge you for looking anxious. Sessions focus on reducing the pressure and rehearsing meals or drinks with other people in a calmer way.
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety about phone or video calls?
We can rehearse making the call, beginning the conversation and handling a pause or an unexpected question. For video calls, we can also address the habit of watching your own image and checking how you appear throughout the meeting.
Can hypnotherapy help me stop relying on alcohol to socialise?
We can work on confidence in social situations and what you expect will happen without a drink. This can be part of finding other ways to manage anxiety. If you may be dependent on alcohol or experience withdrawal symptoms, seek medical advice before reducing or stopping; hypnotherapy is not a detox service.
Can social anxiety hypnotherapy help with confidence and self-esteem?
Social anxiety often comes with beliefs that you are less interesting, capable or likeable than other people. We can address that self-criticism alongside the fear of social situations. You can also read about my hypnotherapy for confidence.
Choosing support and feeling comfortable
Is social phobia the same as social anxiety disorder?
Yes. Social phobia is an older term for social anxiety disorder. Both describe a persistent fear of scrutiny or negative judgement in social situations. A formal assessment can help establish whether this or another difficulty best explains what you are experiencing.
What is the best treatment for social anxiety disorder?
For adults, NICE recommends individual CBT specifically developed for social anxiety disorder as the initial treatment. It is tailored to patterns such as avoidance, self-focused attention and safety behaviours. Other options depend on your needs and preferences. Hypnotherapy has a more limited evidence base for this condition and should not be presented as an equivalent substitute.
Who is the best hypnotherapist for social anxiety in London?
There is no single practitioner who is the best fit for everyone. Check recognised qualifications, professional registration, an honest explanation of the evidence and whether you feel listened to. Rapport matters, especially when meeting someone new feels difficult. You can try my free relaxation audio to hear my voice, or contact me to discuss your needs.
Can I try your voice before booking a session?
Yes. My free 30-minute relaxation recording lets you hear my voice and approach at home. It is a general relaxation audio, rather than a personalised treatment for social anxiety, and it does not predict how you will respond to sessions.
Will I lose control or have to perform during hypnosis?
No. Clinical hypnosis is a collaborative process. You can speak, move or ask to stop, and you do not have to perform for anyone. We discuss what feels comfortable and work at an agreed pace. Hypnosis can feel different for different people.
Do I need a diagnosis before contacting you?
No. You can describe the situations you find difficult without having a diagnosis. If anxiety is severe, significantly restricts daily life or comes with persistent low mood, speak to your GP about assessment and treatment options. We can discuss whether hypnotherapy is suitable alongside that support.
Will social anxiety hypnotherapy change my personality?
The aim is not to make you extroverted or turn you into someone else. We work towards the choices you want, such as speaking when you have something to say, accepting an invitation or feeling less distressed. Being quiet or enjoying time alone does not itself need treatment.
Can social anxiety be cured permanently with hypnosis?
No practitioner can promise a permanent cure or that you will never feel socially anxious again. Progress may mean less avoidance, fewer hours of worry and more freedom to take part despite occasional nerves. We review practical changes over time and discuss other treatment options if the approach is not helping.
Your social anxiety appointments
What happens at the first social anxiety hypnotherapy appointment?
We talk about the situations you find difficult, how anxiety affects you and what you want to be able to do more comfortably. The first appointment includes hypnosis as well as this conversation, so we begin treatment during that session.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need for social anxiety?
The number depends on how widely social anxiety affects your life and how you respond to treatment. We discuss a starting plan and review progress as we go. Useful signs of progress include joining conversations, accepting invitations and spending less time worrying before and after seeing people.
How do I choose a hypnotherapist for social anxiety?
Look for recognised hypnotherapy qualifications, professional registration and experience with social anxiety. Ask how treatment is tailored to your symptoms and how progress is reviewed. I hold the HPD and Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice, and have worked in hypnotherapy since 2003. You can read more about my training and approach on my About page.
Do you offer social anxiety hypnotherapy in London?
Yes. I offer one-to-one appointments at City Hypnotherapy Centre, Longcroft House, 2–8 Victoria Avenue, London EC2M 4NS, near Liverpool Street. Contact me to arrange an appointment.
Can I have social anxiety hypnotherapy online?
Yes. I offer online sessions by Zoom as well as appointments in London. You need a private, quiet space, a reliable internet connection and somewhere comfortable to sit. Online sessions include a conversation and hypnosis.
How much does social anxiety hypnotherapy cost?
Sessions cost £198, including VAT, and last approximately 50 minutes. Your first appointment includes hypnosis as well as the consultation. A personalised session recording is provided for practice between appointments. See full fees and appointment information.
What can I practise between social anxiety hypnotherapy sessions?
You receive a personalised recording of your session to listen to between appointments. We can also agree small steps linked to your goals, such as asking a colleague a question or making a short phone call. Only listen to hypnosis recordings somewhere safe and comfortable, never while driving or operating machinery.
How do I book social anxiety hypnotherapy?
You can send an enquiry or call 07973 896907. If calling feels difficult, an email or enquiry form is a perfectly good way to start. Tell me whether you prefer London or online appointments.
Social anxiety hypnotherapy near Liverpool Street
City Hypnotherapy Centre
Longcroft House, 2–8 Victoria Avenue
London EC2M 4NS
The practice is a short walk from Liverpool Street station. Private one-to-one appointments are also available online by Zoom.
Enquire about social anxiety hypnotherapy
Tell me what you would like help with and whether you prefer an appointment in London or online. If making a phone call feels difficult, you are welcome to email or use the contact form.
