Counselling vs Hypnotherapy: Which Approach Works Best for Anxiety?

When anxiety takes over, it can affect your sleep, relationships, and everyday life. At Ready Health Private Medical Clinic, we often get asked: What’s better—counselling or hypnotherapy for anxiety? The truth is, both can be effective—but they work in different ways.

If you're based in Wigan, Chorley, Horwich or Bolton and looking for private anxiety support, here's how to choose the right option for you.

How Counselling Helps with Anxiety

Counselling gives you a safe space to talk through what’s bothering you, understand your thought patterns, and learn coping strategies. It’s ideal for:

• Generalised anxiety
• Social anxiety
• Anxiety linked to past trauma
• Ongoing worry or overthinking

At Ready Health, our counsellors are experienced, kind, and trained to help you untangle your thoughts without judgement.

What’s the Difference?

Counselling is a talking therapy that helps you explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It’s especially useful if your anxiety is linked to past experiences, relationship challenges, or stress at work.

Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation techniques to help you reach a deeply focused state (a bit like a daydream) where your mind is more open to suggestions. It can help reduce anxiety triggers, reframe negative thought patterns, and build confidence.

How Hypnotherapy Works for Anxiety

Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help your mind respond differently to stress. You’re always in control—but your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions.

It’s especially helpful for:

• Health or performance-related anxiety
• Phobias and panic attacks
• Breaking cycles of negative thinking

Many people find hypnotherapy surprisingly fast-acting—some notice changes in just a few sessions.

Which Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all. If you like to talk things through and get to the root of your anxiety, counselling might be best. If your anxiety feels automatic or physical, hypnotherapy could help reset your responses.

Some people benefit from a combination of both—and that’s something we offer at Ready Health too.

Do You Have to Choose One or the Other?

Not at all. In fact, many people benefit from a blended approach. At Ready Health Clinic, we can help you figure out the best starting point and adapt your treatment as you go.

Book a Private Session in Wigan or Chorley

Our team of qualified counsellors and hypnotherapists are here to help—whether you're new to therapy or have tried support before.

If you’re struggling with anxiety and looking for private, personalised care, we’re just a call away