Hypnotherapy for public speaking

Yes. Hypnotherapy works with the beliefs, expectations and automatic fear responses that can make speaking feel threatening. In hypnosis, suggestions, imagery and mental rehearsal can help you develop a calmer, more confident response. We tailor the work to the situations that trouble you.

We can use hypnosis to work on physical tension and the expectation that your voice will shake. Suggestions and imagery can reinforce a feeling of ease while speaking. We also address the fear that other people noticing your nerves would mean you had failed.

Yes. We can work on the fear left by a previous experience and the habit of imagining it happening again. Hypnotic rehearsal can help you experience thinking clearly, trusting what you know and continuing comfortably if you need a moment.

Sessions can address the speaking anxiety and the fear of people noticing physical symptoms. We can work on reducing tension and staying engaged with your audience instead of constantly checking your body.

Yes. We can work on repeated worrying, imagining things going wrong and spending more time preparing than you need to. We can also plan manageable practice so the event does not take over every evening.

We can work on self-criticism and the habit of picking apart a conversation or talk. The aim is to review what was useful, learn from it and then be able to leave it alone.

We can work on the emotional response to that experience and the conclusions you took from it, such as “I always let myself down”. Hypnosis can help you approach future speaking situations with a different expectation, rather than repeatedly reliving the same embarrassment.

You do not need to know the cause before booking. We can start with what happens now, which situations are difficult and what you would like to change.

Yes. Sessions can focus on joining a discussion, expressing an opinion and contributing before you have rehearsed every word. We can agree small steps to practise between appointments.

Yes. Speaking anxiety can affect people who are knowledgeable and experienced in their work. We can focus on team briefings, meetings, speaking about your business or addressing larger groups.

Yes. Introductions can feel especially difficult when you are waiting for your turn. We can rehearse a simple introduction and work on the worry that builds while others are speaking.

We can practise taking time to think, asking for clarification and answering without rushing. We can also work on the fear of not having an immediate or perfect answer.

Yes. We can work on the lead-up, starting your contribution, responding to questions and managing your attention while people watch. Tell me about the format and date when you enquire.

Yes. We can work on the nerves before the wedding and rehearse giving your speech. Practical preparation can include pace, pauses and notes that are easy to use on the day.

Yes. Sessions can address introductions, contributing to discussions and speaking while you can see yourself on screen. Online appointments also give us a useful setting for practising parts of a call.

Tell me the date when you get in touch so I can check availability. We can discuss what to focus on in the time available, including the opening, difficult questions and the build-up to the event.

We talk about your speaking concerns, how they affect you and what you want to change. I ask about relevant health information, explain the approach and answer questions. Your first appointment also includes hypnosis.

Look for recognised qualifications and experience with public speaking anxiety. Ask how treatment is tailored and how progress is reviewed. I hold the SQHP and HPD and have practised since 2003. Read more about my training and experience.

Studies have examined hypnosis alongside cognitive behavioural treatment for public speaking anxiety, and broader research has examined hypnosis for anxiety. See the research section above for study links and what each one investigated.

Tell me. We can adjust the pace or try another way of focusing your attention. You do not need to empty your mind or achieve a particular feeling before we can work together.

Not necessarily. We discuss what is relevant to your speaking concerns and the approach that suits you. Let me know if there are things you would prefer not to discuss.

Hypnosis is central to working on automatic reactions and limiting beliefs. Suggestions, imagery and rehearsal are tailored to your speaking concerns. NLP may help with the words and mental pictures associated with fear, while coaching adds practical preparation for the situations you want to handle.

Yes. I provide hypnosis recordings to use between appointments and may suggest speaking exercises. Listen to recordings somewhere safe where you can relax, never while driving or doing anything that needs your full attention.

This depends on your concerns, goals and progress. We discuss a plan and review how you are getting on. If you have an upcoming event, tell me its date before booking.

Some people notice changes early; others need more time and practice. We look at practical progress, such as contributing to a meeting, spending less time worrying or continuing after a stumble.

Yes. You can work on speaking confidence before an event is in your diary. We can use everyday opportunities, such as a meeting or introduction, to practise what we work on.

Yes. In-person appointments take place at City Hypnotherapy Centre, Longcroft House, 2–8 Victoria Avenue, London EC2M 4NS, near Liverpool Street station.

Yes. I offer one-to-one appointments by Zoom. You need a quiet, private room, a reliable internet connection and a phone, tablet or computer.

Current fees and appointment information are on my prices page. Your first appointment includes hypnosis as well as the consultation.

Choose somewhere quiet where you will not be interrupted. Check your device and connection and have a comfortable place to sit. It can help to note the speaking situations you want to work on and any upcoming dates.

Sessions are private. I explain confidentiality and its usual legal and safeguarding limits before we work together. The website Privacy Policy explains how personal information is handled.

Yes. Call, email or use the enquiry form below. Briefly explain what you would like help with, whether you prefer London or online and whether you have a speaking date coming up.