Hypnotherapy for Confidence

“If I have lost confidence in myself, I have the universe against me.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Introduction
What is Confidence?

Confidence is the belief in one’s abilities, decisions, and capacity to handle life’s challenges. It allows individuals to take risks, embrace opportunities, and navigate uncertainty with resilience. However, when confidence is low, individuals may hesitate to express themselves, fear failure, and struggle with self-doubt, leading to avoidance of new experiences.

Low confidence is not simply the result of negative self-talk—it stems from past experiences that shape how we perceive ourselves and others, creating limiting beliefs and narratives that reinforce fear and hesitation. These experiences may occur in childhood, relationships, parenting, education, or work environments, where a person learns—consciously or unconsciously—that they are not capable, not worthy, or not "enough."

Confidence is also deeply linked to self-worth—the belief that we have inherent value independent of achievements or external validation. When someone’s sense of value is fragile, their confidence becomes dependent on comparison, approval, or avoiding failure, making it unstable.

Low Confidence and Public Speaking

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, often rooted in fear of judgment and vulnerability. The anxiety surrounding speaking in front of others is not just about performance—it is about how we perceive ourselves and our value. Many individuals fear saying the "wrong" thing, being ridiculed, or being exposed as inadequate.

This fear often originates from past experiences of criticism, rejection, or a lack of encouragement when expressing thoughts and ideas. If someone was dismissed, belittled, or taught to question their own voice, they may develop an unconscious fear of visibility.

When individuals develop confidence, they can rewire their nervous system’s response to public speaking, shifting from fear and avoidance to self-trust and ease in communication.

What Are The Common Signs Of Low Confidence? 

Emotional

Low confidence often manifests emotionally as persistent self-doubt and hesitation when making decisions. Individuals may struggle with a fear of failure and criticism, which leads to avoidance of challenges and missed opportunities for growth. Despite external achievements, they often experience a deep sense of inadequacy, questioning their worth and abilities. Social settings can become overwhelming, as anxiety over how others perceive them creates discomfort and self-consciousness. Many people with low confidence also develop an overdependence on external validation, seeking reassurance from others rather than trusting their own judgment.

Behavioural

Work-Related Implications

In professional settings, low confidence can prevent individuals from speaking up in meetings or taking on leadership roles due to fear of appearing incompetent. They may hesitate to apply for promotions or accept new responsibilities, doubting their ability to succeed. Even when they accomplish something significant, they tend to downplay their achievements and struggle to accept recognition, attributing success to luck rather than their own capabilities. Many experience perfectionism or procrastination, believing that if something isn’t done perfectly, it isn’t worth doing. This is often tied to imposter syndrome, where individuals feel like frauds, fearing that they will eventually be "exposed" as undeserving of their accomplishments.

Relationship-Related Implications

In personal relationships, low confidence often leads to people-pleasing tendencies, where individuals prioritize the needs and expectations of others over their own well-being. They may struggle to assert their opinions or set boundaries, leading to passive communication patterns that suppress their true feelings. A fear of rejection or abandonment can cause them to withdraw emotionally or avoid deep connections altogether. Over-apologizing, even when unnecessary, is common, as they fear being a burden or making mistakes. This lack of self-trust can make it difficult to form or maintain secure relationships, leaving them feeling disconnected or unworthy of love and support.

Physical

Low confidence does not just impact thoughts and emotions—it also manifests physically. Many individuals carry tension in the body, particularly in the shoulders, neck, and jaw, as they unconsciously brace themselves against stress. Nervous habits such as fidgeting, nail-biting, or playing with objects may emerge as coping mechanisms in uncomfortable situations. Shallow breathing or breath-holding is also common, especially when experiencing anxiety or self-doubt. Some may experience an increased heart rate or excessive sweating in social or performance situations, as their nervous system perceives these moments as high-risk. The mental strain of constant overanalyzing and second-guessing decisions often leads to chronic fatigue and low energy levels, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

These signs of low confidence can create a cycle of avoidance, hesitation, and self-doubt, reinforcing the belief that one is incapable or unworthy. However, by addressing the underlying causes and shifting internal narratives, individuals can break free from these patterns and build authentic, lasting confidence.

Long Term Health

Low confidence, when left unaddressed, can have significant long-term effects on both mental and physical health. The constant stress of self-doubt, fear of failure, and reliance on external validation keeps the body in a heightened state of anxiety, which can lead to chronic stress and burnout. Over time, this persistent stress weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses, inflammation, and stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances. The emotional toll of feeling inadequate or unworthy can contribute to anxiety disorders, depression, and social withdrawal, creating a cycle where individuals further isolate themselves, reinforcing feelings of loneliness and low self-esteem. Many people with low confidence also develop avoidance behaviors, missing out on career opportunities, relationships, and personal growth experiences, which can lead to a sense of unfulfillment and regret later in life. Additionally, some may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as overeating, substance use, or compulsive behaviors, to numb feelings of inadequacy. Addressing low confidence is not just about improving self-perception—it is essential for long-term emotional resilience, physical well-being, and overall quality of life.

What Causes Low Confidence? 

Low confidence stems from past experiences that shape how we perceive ourselves and others, creating limiting beliefs and narratives that reinforce fear and hesitation. These experiences may occur in childhood, relationships, parenting, education, or work environments, where a person learns—consciously or unconsciously—that they are not capable, not worthy, or not "enough."

Benefits
Why Does Hypnotherapy Help With Confidence?

Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool for rebuilding self-worth, self-trust, and confidence because it works beneath the surface, directly with the subconscious mind, where deeply rooted beliefs, behaviors, and patterns reside. While traditional therapy focuses on logical reasoning and conscious reflection, confidence struggles are often emotionally driven, meaning that simply recognizing negative thought patterns does not automatically shift them.

Through hypnosis, individuals can access and reframe limiting self-beliefs, transforming patterns of self-doubt into self-trust. By processing unresolved emotions, releasing past conditioning, and restructuring the way the mind perceives challenges, hypnotherapy helps lay down new neural pathways of self-trust and emotional security. This shift moves individuals out of fear-based thinking and into a state of self-acceptance, personal agency, and intrinsic value—the true foundation confidence.

 

 Approach
How does Integrated Hypnotherapy work? 

 

Blocked by past?

Release

Stuck & looping in present?

Restore

Afraid of future?

Renew

The Process

Free Consultation

An opportunity for you to  share your challenge and desired outcome. I address your questions and explain how hypnotherapy can support you.

BESPOKE PACKAGAES

I recommend a package tailored your requirements   whilst remaining responsive to what may naturally arise throughout the process. 

HypNOTHERAPY

Appointments are one hour starting weekly, followed by longer intervals to observe progress pinpoint areas requiring further attention.

TAILORED SUPPORT 

I provide email support between appointments and a personalised hypnotherapy recording at the end to reinforce progress.

Client Testimonials

  • “It’s like therapy on speed. It has changed the way I view absolutely everything in my life.”

    —R

    Feeling Worthless

  • "Lucy managed to untangle the disoriented pangs of emotions within me. She set out to make sense of my madness and very fluidly, enabled me to start breaking down the barriers in my mind that had accumulated through years of unconscious conditioning.”

    —M

    Anxiety

  • "It feels like a deep cleanse - like dirt washing off in the shower.An un-numbing, a softening."

    —F

    Complex Trauma

  • “You made me realise some things that have blocked me for my entire existence.”

    —Caterina Occhio

    Founder of SeeMe, Sustainability Advisor, Board Member WFTO organisation

  • “A unique mix of professionalism and gentleness. Lucy helped me overcome a major trauma in finding a friend who had hung himself. She somehow helped me confront the experience and distance me from it going into the future. I am so grateful.”

    —M

    Trauma

  • “A beautiful way. Immediate results without a shred of judgement.”

    —A

    Unable to Express Creativity

  • "The whole subconsciousness exploration has done for more for me than talk therapy ever could."

    —T

    Depression

  • “It was so beautiful to journey through my subconscious. The work has brought me back home to me.”

    —Jeanne De Kroon

    Founder of Zazi Vintage

  • “Lucy’'s listening skills, flexibility and presence means that each session has felt tailored to exactly what I needed at the time. She has supported me in rebuilding my sense of self."

    —N

    Self Hatred

 FAQs

  • Deep, therapeutic transformation
    Hypnotherapy is therapy conducted in a hypnotic state, a natural and heightened form of relaxed, focused attention. This state allows the mind to bypass the critical, analytical filter of the conscious brain, accessing deeper emotional and sensory experiences stored in the unconscious. In this state, cognitive flexibility is enhanced, making it possible to explore, reframe, and resolve issues without judgment or resistance. Hypnotherapy creates a safe environment to unlock patterns and beliefs that may have been formed as protective responses to past experiences.

  • A natural state of focused awareness
    Hypnosis is a state of relaxed yet focused absorption, where the mind becomes more receptive to changes it might normally resist. It occurs naturally in everyday life, such as when you’re absorbed in a book, daydreaming, or lost in thought. Hypnosis works by shifting the brain from its usual conscious, analytical processing into a state of focused receptivity.

    “Hypnosis is roused, attentive, focal concentration with a relative restriction of conscious awareness. It’s like looking through a telephoto lens—you see in great detail but are less aware of your surroundings.”
    – Dr. David Spiegel, MD

  • A wide range of challenges and goals 

    Hypnotherapy can address mental, emotional, and physical challenges, as well as enhance performance. Common issues include:

    Addiction, abuse, anger, anxiety, burnout, creative blocks, lack of confidence, depression, fear, grief, heartbreak, insomnia, low self-esteem, OCD, pain, performance enhancement, phobias, PTSD, self-sabotage, self-doubt, shame, stress, and trauma.

  • Proven to be more effective than talk therapy
    “    Trauma is not what happens to us, but what happens inside us as a result of what happened to us.” – Gabor Maté

    Trauma imprints itself on the mind and body, fragmenting memories and disrupting emotional regulation. These unprocessed imprints often manifest as hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, insomnia, anger, despair, shame, and a profound sense of loss or lack of control.

    Hypnotherapy bypasses the analytical mind to engage the unconscious, where these fragmented memories are stored. In a relaxed, focused state, clients can safely process their trauma, so that the system can recognise that  danger has passed and regain a sense of control and agency.

    As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains, “Hypnosis can induce a state of relative calm from which patients can observe their traumatic experiences without being overwhelmed by them.” This approach enables deep emotional healing and the release of long-held pain.

  • Relaxed and absorbed
    You may wonder, “What if I don’t go deep enough?” or worry, “What if I get stuck?” Hypnosis doesn’t require a deep trance for change—your unconscious mind is engaged even in lighter states, where transformation naturally occurs. Some people go so deep they lose track of time, while others remain lightly aware. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis—you are always in control. 

    As Dr. David Spiegel explains, “Hypnosis is roused, attentive, focal concentration with a relative restriction of conscious awareness. It’s like looking through a telephoto lens—you see in great detail but are less aware of your surroundings.” This focused state enables effective change at any depth.

  • Brainwave shifts and heightened receptivity
    During hypnosis, brainwaves shift from Beta frequency (normal waking consciousness) to Alpha or Theta states, resembling deep relaxation or a daydream. Three key changes occur:

    1. Reduced Salience Network activity: Decreases distractions and intensifies focus.

    2. Increased connectivity between the Executive Control and Salience Networks: Enhances attention and mind-body regulation.

    3. Increased connectivity to the Default Mode Network: Enables freedom to explore new perspectives and self-perceptions.

  • Equal results, wherever you are
    Hypnotherapy works by engaging the unconscious mind, which is not dependent on physical proximity. Once connected to the unconscious, the environment becomes peripheral, making online sessions as effective as in-person ones.  Hypnosis can be induced through conversation alone, and results rely on the mind’s receptivity, not the setting.

  • A natural process
    When conducted by a trained and certified professional, hypnotherapy is safe and natural. You remain fully in control throughout the process and cannot get "stuck" in hypnosis.

  • The evolution of hypnotherapy
    Hypnotherapy has ancient roots but has evolved into a modern therapeutic practice supported by neuroscience and clinical research. Advances in neuroplasticity validate its role in creating lasting neural changes without medication.

    While psychedelics and plant medicines are gaining attention for their ability to induce altered states of consciousness hypnotherapy presents a compelling, drug-free, and more cost-effective alternative for achieving similar transformative mind states.

    “Hypnosis is a psychological technique used in medicine and psychology as a tool to help bring about positive changes to both the mind and the body” University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  • Deep beneath the surface
    Jung’s iceberg analogy likens the conscious mind to the small, visible tip of an iceberg above the water—representing our analytical, rational awareness and the aspects of ourselves we control. Below the surface lies the vast, submerged unconscious mind, which holds memories, experiences, dreams, and belief systems. This hidden realm influences approximately 95% of our mental processes, often without our direct awareness. It communicates through metaphor, symbolism, imagination, and emotion. Hypnotherapy works at this deeper level, addressing unconscious patterns to create lasting, automatic change.