Tests & Exam Anxiety
Calm, focused support for exams, tests, and assessments
Tests and exams place people under intense pressure. Even those who are capable, prepared, and knowledgeable can find that anxiety interferes with focus, memory, and performance when it matters most.
I work with exam and test anxiety using clinical hypnotherapy and mindfulness, helping the nervous system settle so you can perform with clarity, confidence, and focus.
I support a wide range of people, including students, professionals, medical trainees, business leaders, and pilots.
How exam anxiety shows up
Test and exam anxiety often feels physical rather than mental. You may experience:
racing thoughts or your mind going blank
difficulty concentrating or recalling information
nausea or stomach discomfort
shaking, sweating, or shallow breathing
poor sleep before exams
fear of failure despite preparation
intense pressure or self-criticism
This can be deeply frustrating, particularly when you’ve put the work in.
Why anxiety interferes with performance
Under pressure, the nervous system may interpret exams as a threat rather than a challenge.
When this happens, the fight-or-flight response activates, releasing adrenaline. While helpful in danger, this response can impair memory, reasoning, and verbal recall — the very skills exams require.
This response is automatic. Trying to “stay calm” through willpower alone often isn’t effective.
How hypnotherapy can help with tests and exams
Hypnotherapy works with subconscious patterns that associate assessment with threat.
In a calm, focused state, hypnotherapy can help to:
reduce performance anxiety
improve focus and concentration
support memory recall
convert nervous energy into calm alertness
strengthen confidence and self-trust
support better sleep and preparation
Rather than forcing confidence, we help the nervous system feel safe enough to perform well.
You remain fully aware and in control throughout sessions.
A practical, performance-focused 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
mental rehearsal and visualisation
confidence-building at a subconscious level
techniques to support preparation and recovery
This approach is supportive, realistic, and tailored to your situation.
Common areas I support
Exam and academic anxiety
Support for GCSEs, A-levels, university exams, postgraduate assessments, and professional qualifications.
Driving test anxiety
For people who feel capable but become overwhelmed on test day. Hypnotherapy can help reduce nerves, improve focus, and support calm, safe driving during the test.
Interviews and professional assessments
Support for interviews, presentations, promotions, and high-stakes evaluations.
Medical exam nerves
I have worked with medical students and doctors preparing for finals, specialty exams, and substantive post interviews, where pressure can be particularly intense.
Airline pilot SIM tests
I have experience supporting pilots through training, recurrent checks, IR, CPL, and simulator assessments, helping reduce anxiety and improve performance under scrutiny.
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 exam and performance anxiety, offering flexibility and continuity.
How many sessions will I need?
Some people notice improvement relatively quickly, especially when working toward a specific assessment. Others prefer ongoing support across a period of preparation.
There is no fixed number of sessions. Progress is reviewed together and paced appropriately.
Considering working together?
If exam or test anxiety is affecting your confidence or results, support is available.
You’re welcome to get in touch for an initial conversation to explore whether this approach feels right for you.