In short: For most anxiety problems, UK guidance recommends cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and related talking therapies as the main psychological treatments, with self-help as a first step for milder symptoms. Counselling can help people talk through stress, life events and feelings. Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy: some people find it helpful for relaxation, but the evidence for anxiety is limited and it is not a NICE-recommended treatment for anxiety disorders.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, compares counselling, CBT and hypnotherapy so you can make an informed choice if you are looking for anxiety support in Wigan, Chorley, Horwich or Bolton.

What is anxiety and when does it need treatment?

Feeling anxious at times is normal. Anxiety may need support when it is hard to control, lasts for weeks or months, or affects your sleep, work, relationships or daily life. Common anxiety problems include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety, health anxiety and phobias.

How does counselling help with anxiety?

Counselling is a talking therapy where a trained counsellor listens and helps you explore your thoughts and feelings in a confidential space. It can be particularly useful when anxiety is linked to life events such as bereavement, relationship difficulties or work stress. Counselling tends to be less structured than CBT and focuses on understanding and coping.

What is CBT and why is it recommended?

CBT is a structured, time-limited talking therapy that helps you notice links between thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviour, and practise new ways of responding. NICE recommends CBT (and, for GAD, applied relaxation) as the main psychological treatments for anxiety disorders, and the NHS describes CBT as the main talking therapy for GAD.

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention, during which a therapist offers suggestions aimed at changing how you respond to certain thoughts or situations. You remain aware and in control. Some people use it alongside other support to help with relaxation or specific fears.

Points to be aware of:

Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy and has not been tested in the same way as standard treatments.
On the NHS it is mainly offered for irritable bowel syndrome that has not responded to other treatment.
Hypnotherapists do not have to be registered by law. The NHS suggests choosing a practitioner on a register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority.
It may not be suitable if you have epilepsy, psychosis or schizophrenia, so tell your therapist about your health and medicines.

Counselling vs CBT vs hypnotherapy: how do they compare?

	Counselling	CBT	Hypnotherapy
Approach	Talking and exploring feelings	Structured skills to change thinking and behaviour	Relaxation and suggestion
Recommended in UK guidance for anxiety disorders	Not as a main treatment	Yes	No
May suit	Anxiety linked to life events, wanting space to talk	GAD, panic, social anxiety, health anxiety, phobias	People wanting a complementary relaxation approach
Homework between sessions	Sometimes	Usually	Sometimes (for example recorded relaxation)

Which should I choose for anxiety?

There is no single right answer, but these points may help:

If you have a diagnosed or suspected anxiety disorder, CBT has the strongest evidence.
If your anxiety is closely tied to a loss or life change and you want to talk it through, counselling may suit you.
If you are interested in hypnotherapy, it is best seen as something to use alongside, not instead of, evidence-based treatment.
Medicines such as SSRIs can also be considered for some anxiety disorders after a discussion with a prescriber.

Adults in England can also refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP.

When should I get urgent help?

If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental health support, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or contact Samaritans on 116 123.

Frequently asked questions

Is hypnotherapy or counselling better for anxiety?

Neither is a first-choice treatment for anxiety disorders in UK guidance. CBT is recommended. Counselling can help with anxiety linked to life events; hypnotherapy has limited evidence.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies. CBT for anxiety is often delivered over a set number of weekly sessions agreed with your therapist at the start.

Can I have more than one type of therapy?

Some people combine approaches. Discuss this with your therapist so your care is coordinated.

Do I need a GP referral for private therapy?

Usually not, but tell your GP if you have other health conditions or take medicines.

Key takeaways

CBT is the main recommended talking therapy for anxiety disorders.
Counselling can help you work through stress and life events.
Hypnotherapy is complementary, with limited evidence for anxiety.
Check your therapist's qualifications and professional registration.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Looking for anxiety support near Wigan or Chorley? Ready Health in Standish offers CBT, talking therapy and counselling and hypnotherapy. An initial appointment can help you decide which approach suits you.