Support for CFS, ME and Long Covid
Living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), ME, or Long Covid can be profoundly challenging. Many people describe feeling trapped in a body that no longer works as it once did, navigating exhaustion, brain fog, pain, and a nervous system that feels permanently stuck on high alert.
These conditions are not “all in your head”. They are real, complex, and often poorly understood. Alongside physical symptoms, many people experience fear, frustration, grief, and a loss of trust in their body. Hypnotherapy does not claim to cure CFS, ME, or Long Covid, but it can offer gentle, supportive help for managing symptoms, reducing nervous system overload, and improving quality of life.
A nervous-system-informed approach
CFS, ME, and Long Covid are increasingly understood as conditions involving nervous system dysregulation. When the body has been under prolonged stress, infection, or trauma, the nervous system can remain stuck in a state of threat. This can amplify symptoms such as fatigue, pain, dizziness, sleep disturbance, and post-exertional malaise.
Hypnotherapy works by helping the nervous system move out of survival mode and into a state of greater safety and regulation. Sessions are slow, respectful, and paced carefully, with a strong emphasis on listening to your body rather than pushing through symptoms.
This is not about positive thinking or forcing change. It is about creating the conditions in which the body can soften and settle.
How hypnotherapy can help
People living with CFS, ME, or Long Covid may use hypnotherapy to support:
Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
Pain and physical discomfort
Brain fog and concentration difficulties
Sleep problems and unrefreshing sleep
Anxiety related to symptoms and flare-ups
Fear of relapse or post-exertional crashes
Loss of confidence and trust in the body
Emotional overwhelm, grief, or frustration
The stress of ongoing uncertainty and recovery
Hypnotherapy can also help reduce the cycle of fear and hyper-vigilance that often develops around symptoms, where the nervous system becomes constantly alert to bodily sensations.
How hypnotherapy can help
People living with CFS, ME, or Long Covid may use hypnotherapy to support:
Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
Pain and physical discomfort
Brain fog and concentration difficulties
Sleep problems and unrefreshing sleep
Anxiety related to symptoms and flare-ups
Fear of relapse or post-exertional crashes
Loss of confidence and trust in the body
Emotional overwhelm, grief, or frustration
The stress of ongoing uncertainty and recovery
Hypnotherapy can also help reduce the cycle of fear and hyper-vigilance that often develops around symptoms, where the nervous system becomes constantly alert to bodily sensations.
What sessions are like
Sessions are adapted to your energy levels, symptoms, and capacity on the day. There is no pressure to “do” anything or to talk continuously. Many people find sessions deeply restful.
Depending on your needs, sessions may include:
Gentle relaxation to calm the nervous system
Imagery and language designed to support safety
Working with symptoms rather than fighting them
Helping the mind step out of constant monitoring and worry
Supporting acceptance without resignation
For many people with CFS, ME, or Long Covid, online sessions are preferable to avoid the physical cost of travel. You remain fully aware and in control throughout.
Important note
Hypnotherapy is offered as a supportive approach, not a replacement for medical care. It works best alongside appropriate medical guidance and self-management strategies. Progress is often gradual, and sessions are always paced according to what feels manageable for you.
Is this right for you?
You may find this approach helpful if:
You feel stuck in a cycle of symptoms and stress
Your nervous system feels constantly “on edge”
You want a gentle, non-pushing form of support
You are looking to improve quality of life rather than force recovery
If you would like to explore whether hypnotherapy could support you, you are welcome to get in touch for a free initial consultation. This is a chance to talk things through and see whether the approach feels right for you.