Performance Anxiety
Support for performing well when it really matters
There are moments in life when performance matters — exams, presentations, interviews, competitions, or creative work. For many people, it’s not a lack of ability that gets in the way, but anxiety under pressure.
Performance anxiety can affect even highly capable, experienced people. I work with performance anxiety using clinical hypnotherapy and mindfulness, helping the nervous system settle so you can perform with clarity, focus, and confidence.
How performance anxiety shows up
Performance anxiety often feels frustrating because it interferes only when it counts. You may notice:
intense nerves before or during performance
shaking, sweating, or a racing heart
difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
muscle tension or loss of coordination
self-doubt or fear of failure
your mind going blank under pressure
Many people describe feeling confident in practice, but overwhelmed on the day.
Why anxiety interferes with performance
When the nervous system perceives high-stakes situations as threatening, it activates the fight-or-flight response.
Adrenaline prepares the body for danger, not precision. While helpful in emergencies, this response can:
impair memory and recall
reduce fine motor control
narrow attention
increase self-monitoring and doubt
Because this response is automatic, willpower and reassurance alone are often not enough.
How hypnotherapy can help with performance anxiety
Hypnotherapy works at the level where performance patterns are held — the subconscious and nervous system.
In a calm, focused state, hypnotherapy can help to:
reduce the physical stress response
shift unconscious expectations of failure
improve focus and mental clarity
build trust in your abilities
support calm, automatic performance
Rather than forcing confidence, we help your system feel safe enough to perform naturally.
You remain fully aware and in control throughout sessions.
A grounded, practical approach
My work combines clinical hypnotherapy and mindfulness, informed by nervous-system regulation rather than pressure or “positive thinking”.
Sessions may include:
calming physiological stress responses
performance rehearsal and visualisation
working with self-doubt and internal pressure
strengthening focus and presence
This approach supports sustainable performance, not short-term fixes.
Areas I commonly support
People seek support with performance anxiety around:
public speaking and presentations
interviews and assessments
exams and tests
sports performance
musical or theatrical performance
work-related performance
stage fright
wedding or event nerves
Performance anxiety can look different for everyone — sessions are tailored to your context and goals.
Online and in-person sessions
I work with clients:
online worldwide, and
in person in Chichester and West Sussex
Online sessions are particularly effective for performance anxiety and allow flexibility and consistency.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people notice improvements quickly, especially when preparing for a specific event. Others prefer a longer process to address broader performance patterns.
There is no fixed number of sessions. Progress is reviewed together and paced appropriately.
Considering working together?
If performance anxiety is interfering with your ability to show up as you’d like, support is available.
You’re welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation to explore whether this approach feels right for you.