Hypnotherapy for misophonia
Do certain everyday sounds fill you with rage or disgust? Do you tense up, feel your heart pound or need to leave the room when someone is chewing, sniffing or clicking a pen? I help people explore the stress, anxiety and negative thinking that can make misophonia harder to live with, so they can feel calmer, cope better with trigger sounds and be more at ease around 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 professionals manage misophonia at work, from sharing an open-plan office to sitting through meetings. I also support people whose misophonia is affecting family life and relationships. Contact me to find out more or book your initial consultation.
What is misophonia?
Misophonia is a strong emotional reaction to particular everyday sounds. The word comes from the Greek for ‘hatred of sound’. Many people live with it for years before they come across the name.
People with misophonia usually have normal hearing. The reaction is to the type of sound, so someone breathing softly nearby can be harder to bear than a loud noise. Most people recognise that their reaction feels out of proportion, which adds to the frustration.
Types of misophonia and common trigger sounds
Trigger sounds usually fall into a few groups.
- Mouth sounds: chewing, crunching, slurping, swallowing, lip smacking
- Nose and throat sounds: breathing, sniffing, snoring, coughing, throat clearing
- Repetitive sounds: pen clicking, tapping, typing, footsteps, a ticking clock
- Household sounds: rustling packets, cutlery scraping a plate, a dog licking or drinking
Some people also react to things they see, such as a jiggling leg or someone twirling their hair. This is known as misokinesia, and it often goes alongside misophonia.
How hypnotherapy for misophonia works
Hypnotherapy combines focused attention, relaxation and therapeutic suggestions to work with automatic responses, alongside the stress and anxious anticipation that can make trigger sounds harder to manage.
In hypnosis, I use suggestions tailored to you. We might work on the tension you feel when you see someone open a packet of crisps, the urge to listen for a colleague’s pen clicking, or the thought that you will not be able to cope with a family meal. The aim is to help you feel calmer and have more choice in how you respond.
Mental rehearsal with misophonia hypnosis
In hypnosis, we can rehearse a situation you find difficult, such as a meal at home or a meeting at work. I help you imagine yourself feeling more settled, with suggestions for releasing tension and bringing your attention back to what you are doing. We adapt the imagery to you and work at a pace that feels manageable.
Working with a hypnotherapist for misophonia
Working with a hypnotherapist for misophonia starts with an initial consultation. We talk about how misophonia is affecting you and what you would like to change. I also explain how stress and the subconscious mind shape your reactions to sound, which many people find helpful in itself.
The first session also includes hypnosis, so the work begins straight away. My approach is solution-focused, so sessions concentrate on what you want and the progress you are making.
What happens in a misophonia hypnotherapy session
Each session after the first starts with a conversation about what has gone well and what you would like to work on next. Focusing on progress helps the subconscious build on positive change.
The rest of the session is hypnosis, using suggestions and imagery tailored to how you want to respond to sound. After each session, you receive the personalised recording of that session to listen to before the next one. Listening regularly helps reinforce new, calmer responses at a subconscious level.
Your hypnotherapist: Susannah Saunders
I established City Hypnotherapy Centre in 2003. I offer clinical hypnotherapy in London and online.
- BSc (Hons) Psychology
- Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD)
- Senior Qualification in Hypnotherapy Practice (SQHP)
- CNHC registered and 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.
30 minutes · Guided by Susannah
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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Misokinesia: when movements are triggers
Misokinesia is a strong reaction to seeing repetitive movements, such as a jiggling leg or someone fidgeting with a pen. Some people experience it alongside misophonia. If both affect you, we can discuss the situations you find difficult and include them in your sessions.
What triggers a misophonia reaction
How strongly you react depends a lot on who is making the sound and where you are. Reactions are usually strongest with people close to you, such as a partner or parent, and milder with strangers.
Tiredness and stress tend to lower tolerance. So do silent rooms, where nothing masks the sound, and places that are difficult to leave, such as a meeting or a train carriage.
Over time, the subconscious starts to anticipate trigger sounds, and the expectation alone can set off a reaction. Seeing someone open a packet of crisps, for example, can bring on the tension before any sound is made. People often end up listening out for the next trigger, which keeps them on edge.
Symptoms of misophonia
The reaction comes from the subconscious, usually within seconds, and can feel overwhelming. Common symptoms include:
- irritation that quickly turns to anger
- disgust
- anxiety or panic
- a racing heart and feeling hot or sweaty
- tight muscles, often in the jaw or shoulders
- an urge to leave the room or make the sound stop
- feeling trapped in meetings or on public transport
Afterwards, many people feel guilty or ashamed about how strongly they reacted, especially when the sound came from someone they love.
How misophonia affects people
Because trigger sounds are so ordinary, they are difficult to escape. People with misophonia may eat apart from their family or wear headphones for much of the day. Some turn down invitations, or even leave jobs, to get away from a particular sound.
At work, an open-plan office or a colleague eating at their desk can make concentrating a struggle. At home, a partner or family member can become linked with the reaction, which puts a strain on relationships. Misophonia can also be hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced it.
Living on alert for sounds is tiring. Over time it can contribute to anxiety and low mood.
Misophonia at work
Workplaces are full of trigger sounds, from crunching snacks and keyboards to pen clicking and sniffing in meetings. Headsets on video calls can bring mouth sounds uncomfortably close.
Many people with misophonia find it hard to raise the problem with colleagues or managers, worried they will seem unreasonable. Some move desks, work late to avoid busy periods or turn down office-based roles. The effort of coping all day can leave little energy for the work itself.
What causes misophonia?
The cause of misophonia is still being researched. It often begins in childhood or adolescence, and the sounds that trigger a reaction differ from person to person. Brain-imaging studies have found differences in how sounds and emotions are processed, but they do not yet explain every person’s experience.
Misophonia can occur alongside other difficulties, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, OCD or tinnitus. You do not need to have any of these to experience misophonia.
Misophonia, hyperacusis and tinnitus
Misophonia is sometimes confused with hyperacusis, where everyday sounds feel uncomfortably loud or even painful. Misophonia is about the emotional reaction to particular sounds, whatever their volume.
Some people experience misophonia alongside hyperacusis or tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears. If you notice changes in your hearing or sounds in your ears, see your GP, who may refer you to an audiologist.
Misophonia and the subconscious mind
A reaction can happen so quickly that you feel angry or tense before you have had time to think. You may also find yourself listening out for a sound you dread, making it difficult to relax even before it starts.
In hypnotherapy, we can work with these automatic reactions and the thoughts that accompany them. The aim is to help you feel calmer and less preoccupied by trigger sounds.
How stress makes misophonia worse
Many people notice that sounds are harder to cope with when they are tired or under pressure. After a stressful day, a sound you managed yesterday can feel unbearable today. Working on sleep and stress can give you more capacity to deal with difficult situations.
What hypnosis for misophonia feels like
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, often accompanied by relaxation. I use therapeutic suggestions and imagery tailored to the sounds and situations you want help with.
Misophonia hypnotherapy for managers, directors and CEOs
Since 2003, I have worked with professionals at every stage of their career. People I help with misophonia include:
- managers in open-plan offices and back-to-back meetings
- directors and partners who spend long hours in meetings and boardrooms
- CEOs and founders who travel and dine with clients
- professionals returning to shared offices after working from home
- graduates starting out in busy, shared workplaces
Misophonia can be hard to admit at work, especially in a senior role. Everything we discuss is confidential.
Everyday ways to manage misophonia
Alongside hypnotherapy, a few practical steps can make trigger sounds easier to manage:
- background sound, such as music or a fan, to soften trigger sounds
- noise-cancelling headphones for times you need to focus
- explaining misophonia to the people close to you
- agreeing a signal with family or colleagues when you need a break
- regular exercise and good sleep, to keep overall stress down
- short breaks away from trigger sounds, taken before tension builds
Is hypnotherapy for misophonia right for you?
Hypnotherapy for misophonia can suit anyone whose reactions to sound are affecting their work, relationships or wellbeing. It tends to work best when you are ready to make changes and listen to the personalised recording between sessions.
Misophonia often occurs alongside anxiety or OCD. If these are severe, or you have concerns about your hearing, speak to your GP as well. Hypnotherapy can be used alongside other support.
Choosing a hypnotherapist for misophonia
When choosing a hypnotherapist for misophonia, look for recognised qualifications and experience of working with anxiety and stress responses. An initial consultation is a good chance to ask questions and see how the approach works.
I hold the SQHP and HPD qualifications and have over 20 years of experience as a clinical hypnotherapist.
The benefits of hypnotherapy for misophonia
Feeling calmer around trigger sounds makes ordinary situations easier. Sitting through a family meal, concentrating at work, travelling by train or spending an evening with your partner can all become more comfortable. You may also find you reach for your headphones less often and spend less time planning your day around sounds.
Lower stress levels can bring better sleep and a steadier mood. Relationships can benefit too, as the guilt and tension around misophonia ease.
If you would like help with misophonia, contact me to find out more or book your initial consultation.
Research on misophonia and hypnosis
A systematic review of treatments for misophonia found that research is developing, with much of the evidence coming from small studies and case reports.
A randomised trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for misophonia found benefits for participants. It studied CBT, rather than hypnosis.
A review of hypnosis for anxiety found positive results across anxiety studies. It is broader anxiety research, not a trial of hypnosis for misophonia.
Misophonia hypnotherapy FAQs
Understanding misophonia
What is misophonia?
Misophonia is a strong emotional reaction to particular sounds, such as chewing or sniffing. The reaction can include anger, disgust, anxiety and an urge to escape.
Why do chewing sounds make me angry?
For someone with misophonia, chewing can trigger an immediate, intense reaction. The reaction is involuntary; it is not simply a matter of being impatient.
What sounds can trigger misophonia?
Common triggers include chewing, slurping, sniffing, breathing, pen clicking, tapping and rustling. Your own triggers may be different.
Is misophonia the same as sensitive hearing?
Misophonia involves strong reactions to particular sounds. Hyperacusis involves a reduced tolerance to sound, often because it seems uncomfortably loud or painful.
Can misophonia cause physical symptoms?
Yes. You might notice a racing heart, tight muscles, heat or sweating, alongside anger, disgust or anxiety.
Can misophonia affect concentration?
Yes. Listening for a trigger or trying to cope with a sound can make it difficult to concentrate on work, a conversation or a meal.
What is misokinesia?
Misokinesia is a strong negative reaction to seeing repetitive movements, such as a shaking leg or someone fidgeting.
Can stress make misophonia worse?
Many people notice that their tolerance is lower when they are stressed, tired or sleeping badly.
Hypnotherapy for misophonia
Can hypnotherapy help with misophonia?
Hypnotherapy can focus on stress, anticipation and your reactions to trigger sounds. Research on hypnosis specifically for misophonia remains limited, so we will discuss your goals and the approach together.
How does hypnosis for misophonia work?
I use focused attention, relaxation, suggestions and imagery tailored to your triggers, aiming to reduce tension and help you practise calmer responses.
Can a hypnotherapist help with anger at chewing sounds?
We can work on the tension and automatic reactions that arise around chewing, as well as the anticipation before meals.
Can misophonia hypnotherapy help with anxiety before a meal?
We can address worrying about the sounds you expect and use hypnosis to rehearse feeling more settled at the table.
Can hypnosis help with pen clicking or typing at work?
Sessions can focus on the sounds and situations you encounter at work, including your anticipation of them and the stress they cause.
Can hypnotherapy help with misokinesia?
If repetitive movements are difficult for you, tell me. We can discuss your reactions and include them when planning your sessions.
Will I have to listen to trigger sounds during hypnosis?
Your sessions are tailored to you. We can discuss what feels manageable; you do not have to bring recordings of trigger sounds to your first appointment.
Can hypnotherapy help if I have had misophonia for years?
You can seek support whether the problem is recent or long-standing. We will discuss your experience and what you would like to change.
Sessions and research
What happens at the first misophonia hypnotherapy appointment?
We discuss your triggers, how they affect you and what you want to achieve. The first appointment includes hypnosis as well as the consultation.
What happens in a misophonia hypnosis session?
We talk about how things have been and what you want to work on, followed by hypnosis using suggestions and imagery suited to your goals.
Will I receive a recording between sessions?
Yes. You receive a personalised recording of your session to listen to between appointments.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your circumstances, goals and progress. We can discuss this at your appointment and review it as we work together.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis involves focused attention and is often relaxing. I guide you through suggestions and imagery chosen for the things you want to change.
Is there research on hypnotherapy for misophonia?
Research into treatment for misophonia is still developing. Studies of CBT for misophonia and hypnosis for anxiety provide useful context, but they are not the same as trials of hypnosis for misophonia.
Can I have hypnotherapy alongside CBT?
You can discuss the other support you are receiving with me so that I can take it into account when planning your sessions.
Should I see a GP about sound sensitivity?
A GP or audiologist can help if sounds feel painfully loud, your hearing changes, or you have ringing or buzzing in your ears.
Work, home and appointments
Can misophonia hypnotherapy help at work?
We can focus on the situations you find difficult, such as eating sounds in an open-plan office, meetings or video calls.
Can hypnosis help with sounds made by my partner?
Sessions can focus on your response to the sounds and the tension or anticipation around shared meals and time together.
Can I have misophonia hypnotherapy online?
Yes. I offer one-to-one sessions online by Zoom as well as appointments in London.
Where is your London hypnotherapy practice?
City Hypnotherapy Centre is at Longcroft House, 2–8 Victoria Avenue, London EC2M 4NS, near Liverpool Street station.
How much does misophonia hypnotherapy cost?
Sessions cost £198 per session, including VAT. Appointments are approximately 50 minutes.
How do I choose a hypnotherapist for misophonia?
Look for recognised qualifications and experience with stress and anxiety, and ask how the practitioner would approach your particular triggers.
Are my hypnotherapy sessions confidential?
Yes. You can discuss confidentiality and any questions about the sessions when you get in touch.
How do I book a misophonia hypnotherapy appointment?
Contact me through the enquiry page or call 07973 896907. You can choose London or online appointments.
Related treatments
Anxiety hypnotherapy · Stress hypnotherapy · Tinnitus hypnotherapy
Enquire about misophonia hypnotherapy
Appointments are available at City Hypnotherapy Centre, Longcroft House, 2–8 Victoria Avenue, London EC2M 4NS, near Liverpool Street, and online by Zoom.
