Stress & Overwhelm
A gentle, nervous-system-based approach to stress
Stress is a natural response to pressure, change, or demand. In small amounts it can help us focus and cope. But when stress becomes ongoing, relentless, or overwhelming, it can begin to affect both body and mind — often in ways that don’t ease just by “thinking differently”.
I work with people who feel worn down by stress, stretched too thin, or stuck in a constant state of pressure. Many describe feeling tense, irritable, exhausted, or unable to switch off, even when life appears manageable from the outside.
When stress becomes overwhelming
Stress becomes a problem when the nervous system stays switched on for too long.
You might notice:
constant tension or tightness in the body
feeling rushed, pressured, or on edge
difficulty relaxing or resting
irritability or emotional reactivity
racing thoughts or mental overload
sleep difficulties or early waking
a sense of being close to burnout
Over time, unresolved stress can tip into anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional shutdown. The body may remain in a state of alert long after the original pressure has passed.
Stress lives in the body, not just the mind
Many people come to see me after trying to manage stress through insight, problem-solving, or positive thinking — only to find their body hasn’t caught up.
That’s because stress is largely a physiological response, governed by the nervous system rather than conscious thought alone.
Hypnotherapy and mindfulness-based work help by:
supporting the nervous system to settle
reducing habitual fight-or-flight responses
working with subconscious stress patterns
restoring a sense of safety and regulation
Rather than pushing stress away, we work gently with what your body is already communicating.
How hypnotherapy can help with stress & overwhelm
Clinical hypnotherapy offers a calm, focused state in which the nervous system can soften and reset. In this state, the mind becomes more receptive to change — without force or effort.
Hypnotherapy for stress may help you:
feel calmer and more grounded
reduce physical stress symptoms
respond differently to pressure
sleep more deeply and restfully
feel more resilient and less reactive
regain a sense of space and perspective
Sessions are collaborative and tailored to you. You remain fully aware and in control throughout.
A trauma-aware, mindfulness-informed approach
My work combines clinical hypnotherapy and mindfulness, informed by trauma-aware and nervous-system-based practice.
Rather than overriding symptoms or “fixing” you, we:
move at a pace that feels safe
work with the body as well as the mind
prioritise regulation and consent
support lasting change, not short-term coping
This approach is especially helpful for people who feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or emotionally depleted.
How many sessions might I need?
This varies depending on your situation.
Short-term or situational stress may ease in a small number of sessions
Longer-standing or cumulative stress may take more time
Many people notice a sense of relief early on, with deeper shifts happening gradually as the nervous system learns a new baseline.
I offer an initial conversation so you can ask questions and decide whether this approach feels right for you.
Stress, anxiety & overwhelm — what’s the difference?
Stress often relates to external pressure.
Anxiety tends to involve fear or anticipation.
Overwhelm can arise when the system has had too much for too long.
These experiences frequently overlap, and it’s common to move between them. If stress has tipped into panic or persistent anxiety, we can work with that too.
You may also wish to explore:
Working with me
I work with clients:
online worldwide, and
in person in West Sussex, primarily from Chichester
Sessions take place in a calm, supportive environment, whether online or face-to-face.
Would you like to talk it through?
If stress or overwhelm is affecting your wellbeing, you’re welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation.
There’s no pressure to commit — just space to explore what’s been happening and whether hypnotherapy feels like a good fit.
Professional note
Hypnotherapy is not a quick fix or a substitute for medical care where needed. While many people find it helpful, outcomes vary and depend on individual circumstances and engagement with the process.