Anxiety Counselling and Hypnotherapy in Plymouth & Online
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Carolyn Gillan
BSc (Hons), AdvDipIntCouns, HPD, DHP SFBT (Hyp)
Feel calmer, happier and more in control
Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of worry and panic? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay that way.
I offer anxiety counselling in Plymouth and hypnotherapy for anxiety in Plymouth, as well as online therapy if you’d prefer to work together from the comfort of your home. Together, we can help you feel calmer, more in control, and able to enjoy life again.
Sound familiar?
Is your mind reading and just won't keep quiet?
Do you struggle to relax or switch off?
Are you avoiding things you used to enjoy?
Do you feel physical sensations like a tight chest, shaky hands, or an unsettled stomach?
If so, anxiety may have crept up on you — often it does. It’s a stealthy operator that builds slowly until symptoms become impossible to ignore. But with the right help, it’s absolutely possible to break the cycle.
How I can help
As a counsellor and hypnotherapist, I’ve worked with hundreds of people to overcome anxiety and panic. My approach combines evidence-based therapy with tools that calm both mind and body.
Typical sessions may include:
Relaxation techniques to reduce chronic stress
Strategies to manage racing thoughts and worry
Coping tools to handle uncertainty and regain confidence
Gentle, practical steps towards living more freely
I provide face to face counselling and hypnotherapy in Plymouth and online across the UK.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is more than stress — it’s a persistent sense of apprehension or dread that can make everyday situations feel overwhelming. For some, it feels like constant “what if” thinking; for others, it’s physical sensations that appear out of the blue.
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
Restlessness, tension, or a feeling of being “on edge”
Racing heart, nausea, headaches, or dizziness
Problems concentrating or sleeping
Feeling tired, irritable, or on high alert
A sense that something awful might happen
Anxiety often convinces you that you’re in danger when you’re not. Part of our work together is retraining your brain and body to feel safe again.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that can feel terrifying — but they are not dangerous. They’re simply your body’s alarm system firing when it doesn’t need to.
Common symptoms of panic attacks include:
Pounding heart or palpitations
Shortness of breath or choking sensations
Chest pain, dizziness, or trembling
Hot flushes, chills, or sweating
Tingling, numbness, or shaking
Fear of losing control or “going mad”
Panic attacks often make people worry about when the next one will come — a pattern that fuels avoidance and can lead to agoraphobia. With the right support, this cycle can be broken.
Causes of Anxiety and Panic
Everyone’s story is different, but common contributing factors include:
Prolonged stress or pressure
Past trauma or difficult experiences
Personality traits such as perfectionism
Avoiding certain feelings or situations
Beliefs that worrying keeps you or others safe
Whatever has contributed to your anxiety, it can be unlearned. With counselling and hypnotherapy, we can rewire unhelpful patterns and help your mind and body feel calmer.
Self-help Strategies That Support Therapy
Alongside counselling or hypnotherapy, many people find these techniques helpful:
Breathing techniques to calm the nervous system
Progressive muscle relaxation to release tension
Exercise to lower stress hormones
Visualisation to build feelings of safety
Mindful distraction to manage panic symptoms
Why choose anxiety counselling or hypnotherapy in Plymouth?
Safe, non-judgemental support tailored to you
Practical, evidence-based techniques that work
A comfortable therapy space in Plymouth, or the option of online sessions
Flexible, compassionate help from someone experienced in anxiety and OCD
📞 Take the first step
Whether you’re looking for a counsellor in Plymouth to help with anxiety, or want to try hypnotherapy for anxiety and panic, help is available.
Together, we’ll work to reduce anxiety’s hold so you can live more freely and confidently.
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