Fear of losing control can turn everyday situations into sources of intense anxiety. That gripping sensation when you’re in a crowded room, driving on a motorway, or simply trying to fall asleep – your mind races with “what if” scenarios that feel overwhelming.

What if you could move through your day with a quiet confidence, trusting your ability to handle whatever comes your way? Hypnotherapy offers a gentle approach to addressing this fear by working with your unconscious mind to develop new patterns of thinking and responding.

Rather than fighting against the fear, hypnotherapy helps you understand and gradually reshape your relationship with control itself.

What Is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses guided relaxation to create a focused, calm state of awareness. In this relaxed state, your mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and new ways of thinking about challenging situations.

Contrary to stage hypnosis portrayals, you remain fully aware and in control throughout the process. You’ll hear everything your therapist says and can choose to accept or reject any suggestions that don’t feel right for you.

During hypnotherapy, your therapist guides you into this relaxed state using gentle voice techniques and imagery. Once relaxed, they might help you explore the roots of your control fears or introduce new, more helpful thought patterns.

The process feels similar to that drowsy state just before sleep, where your mind is calm yet alert. Many people describe it as deeply peaceful – perhaps the most relaxed they’ve felt in years.

How Effective Is Hypnotherapy for Fear of Losing Control?

Fear of losing control often stems from an overactive threat-detection system in your brain. Your amygdala, designed to keep you safe, becomes hypersensitive to potential dangers, triggering fight-or-flight responses even in safe situations.

Hypnotherapy works by accessing the same unconscious processes that maintain these fear patterns. In the relaxed hypnotic state, you can learn to communicate with your nervous system in a new way, gradually teaching it to distinguish between real and imagined threats.

Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis shows that hypnotherapy can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms, with many participants reporting lasting improvements. A study in Psychological Medicine found that hypnotherapy was particularly effective for control-related anxieties when combined with cognitive techniques.

Imagine that tight feeling in your chest beginning to soften, like snow melting on a warm spring day. Picture yourself in situations that once felt overwhelming, now feeling steady and grounded, like a tree with deep roots weathering a gentle breeze.

Sarah, a teacher in her thirties, began noticing she could stay present during staff meetings without her mind spiralling into worst-case scenarios. Over several months, she gradually found herself able to delegate tasks to colleagues – something that had felt impossible before.

Many people also experience panic attacks alongside their control fears, and hypnotherapy can address both simultaneously. The effectiveness varies from person to person, but research consistently shows positive outcomes for anxiety-related conditions.

What Happens in a Session for Fear of Losing Control?

Your first session typically begins with a detailed discussion about your specific control fears. Your therapist wants to understand what losing control means to you and which situations trigger your anxiety most intensely.

You might explore when these fears first developed. Sometimes they’re linked to past experiences, whilst other times they seem to emerge without obvious cause. There’s no pressure to uncover dramatic origins – often the fear simply developed gradually over time.

The hypnotic portion usually starts with progressive relaxation. Your therapist guides you to release tension from different parts of your body, helping your nervous system shift from alert to calm. Your breathing naturally becomes slower and deeper.

Once relaxed, your therapist might use various techniques. They could guide you through visualising yourself handling challenging situations with ease, or help you develop an internal sense of safety and stability.

Some sessions focus on building general resilience and confidence. Others might address specific scenarios – perhaps flying, public speaking, or being in crowded spaces. The work feels collaborative rather than something being done to you.

Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes, and you’ll return to normal awareness feeling refreshed rather than groggy.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Many people worry that hypnotherapy might make them lose control – ironic when seeking help for control fears. In reality, therapeutic hypnosis is about gaining greater control over your responses and reactions.

You won’t be unconscious or unaware during sessions. Most people remember everything that happens and report feeling more alert and focused than usual. You can open your eyes, speak, or end the session at any time.

Another myth suggests hypnotherapy produces instant, dramatic changes. Whilst some people notice improvements quickly, lasting change usually develops gradually over several sessions. Think of it as learning a new skill rather than receiving a magic cure.

You won’t become dependent on hypnotherapy. In fact, many techniques you learn can be practised independently, giving you tools for long-term self-management.

How Many Sessions Are Needed for Fear of Losing Control?

Most people begin noticing subtle shifts within 3-4 sessions, though the timeline varies considerably. Some experience earlier improvements in sleep quality or general tension levels before addressing specific control fears.

A typical course might involve 6-8 sessions, spaced weekly or fortnightly. This allows time for each session’s work to integrate whilst maintaining therapeutic momentum. Your therapist will discuss realistic expectations based on your individual situation.

Factors affecting session numbers include the severity of your fears, how long you’ve experienced them, and your responsiveness to hypnotic techniques. People with additional conditions like generalised anxiety might benefit from a longer treatment course.

Some people choose occasional top-up sessions months later, particularly when facing new challenging situations. Others find the techniques they’ve learned sufficient for ongoing self-management.

Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me?

Hypnotherapy suits people seeking a gentle, non-invasive approach to addressing control fears. It works particularly well if you’re open to exploring your thoughts and feelings in a relaxed, reflective state.

You might find it especially helpful if your control fears are affecting daily activities – avoiding certain situations, experiencing physical anxiety symptoms, or feeling constantly on edge about potential problems.

However, hypnotherapy isn’t suitable for everyone. People with certain mental health conditions, such as psychosis or severe depression, should seek specialist medical support first. Some people simply don’t respond well to hypnotic techniques, and that’s perfectly normal.

The relationship with your therapist matters enormously. During an initial consultation, notice whether you feel comfortable and understood. Trust your instincts about whether this approach feels right for you.

Many people combine hypnotherapy with other approaches, such as counselling or CBT. Sometimes addressing control fears reveals connections to fear of fainting or other specific phobias.

Explore more about hypnotherapy for Anxiety & Phobias.

Is Hypnotherapy as Effective Online?

This session can be conducted online from anywhere in the world—research published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare has demonstrated that online hypnotherapy is equally effective as in-person sessions for anxiety, with the added benefits of convenience and accessibility from your own comfortable environment. 

Many clients find that being in their own space actually helps them relax more deeply. 

If after that initial session you feel hypnotherapy isn’t right for you, there’s no obligation to continue. 

Book your introductory session and discover whether this approach resonates with you.