7 ways hypnotherapy helped my ADHD

If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD, are stuck on a never-ending waiting list, or strongly suspect you’re part of the club, then you already know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, overthinking, and like you're somehow underachieving all at once. I know this because I’ve been there too.

Long before training to become a solution-focused hypnotherapist, I was the client. Back then, I had no idea it would ease so many of the things I quietly struggled with. Things I now recognise as signs of ADHD.

Here are some of the most unexpected shifts I experienced. And how hypnotherapy might help you, too.

My thoughts got quieter

Before hypnotherapy

My mind was a non-stop stream-of-consciousness machine, yapping away from the moment I woke up to when I (finally) fell asleep. I didn’t even realise not everyone lived like this. It was all I knew.

What changed

Trance felt like someone whispering soothing words to my frazzled, nervous system. As we worked to reduce my baseline stress levels, my brain no longer needed to race through every possible scenario. Within weeks, the background noise dropped from 11 to something way more manageable.

How it helped

As the chatter got quieter, suddenly, I had all this mental space. Eventually, one of the things I used this newfound headspace for was to retrain as a hypnotherapist.

My social anxiety took a day off

Before hypnotherapy

Social anxiety used to cast a long shadow on my life, and it was only getting worse. I turned down invites, missed holidays, and shrank my world so small that some days, I barely left my room. The RSD was intense.

What changed

As the overwhelm backed off, I was surprised to find myself feeling open to company. One afternoon really stood out: I was sipping coffee in a sunny garden with friends, just… enjoying myself. No overthinking, no second-guessing. In our next session, we turned that moment into an “anchor”: a simple gesture I could use to recall that positive state of mind.

How it helped

Now, whenever the nerves creep in, I press my thumb and middle finger together (my “anchor gesture”) and a surge of confidence and positivity rushes through me. This one tool helped me launch a new career, build a vibrant social life, and feel truly connected to others. Most importantly, it helps me show up as the best therapist I can be.

My low mood lifted

Before hypnotherapy

I’d struggled with depression for most of my adult life. I never felt “good enough”. Things that seemed easy for other people felt hard for me, and because I blamed myself, the feelings of shame felt overwhelming.

What changed

As the negative self-talk loosened its grip, I began to believe I could feel better. I learned I could choose what to focus on. Instead of fixating on my perceived failures, I started celebrating even the smallest wins. My inner critic gave way to something softer. And it made all the difference.

How it helped

I haven’t had a single depressive crash since. Sure, not every day is rainbows and unicorns. But now, I know how to be gentle with myself and how to bounce back in ways I couldn’t before.

I quit drinking

Before hypnotherapy

I wasn’t a frequent drinker, but when I did go out, alcohol was my crutch. One glass to settle my nerves quickly turned into too many, followed by next-day hangxiety that further fuelled my low confidence.

What changed

This was a complete surprise; I never raised the topic in our sessions. It just happened by itself. Without the all-consuming social anxiety, I didn’t need alcohol to be around others. I went sober altogether for several months.

How it helped

These days, I can enjoy the occasional glass of wine on special occasions. But I don’t need it. My sleep’s improved, my anxiety has dropped, and I love waking up feeling fresh to walk the dog on the weekend.

I could finally fall asleep

Before hypnotherapy

I was a chronic night owl. Even when I got to bed, I’d lie awake staring at the ceiling for hours while my brain sprinted laps. Mornings were brutal.

What changed

My therapist gave me a sleep hypnosis recording. I listened every night, sceptical but willing. And to my surprise, it worked! My monkey mind stopped swinging from thoughts and latched onto her soothing voice. I was out cold in minutes.

How it helped

Most nights now, I’m happily in bed by 10 pm and up by 7 am. With better sleep, my days feel easier. It’s like my brain finally got the rest it was begging for.

I learned to love my mind (and myself)

Before hypnotherapy

I was constantly picking myself apart. Every mistake was magnified a million-fold. I held myself to impossible standards and beat myself up when I fell short.

What changed

I learned to reframe those “failings” with compassion: I’m a work in progress, and that’s OK. When I dropped the pressure to be perfect, paradoxically, change came more easily.

How it helped

Bit by bit, I grew into the person I am, not the one I thought I had to be. And she turned out to be more than enough.

Healthy love found me

Before hypnotherapy

I’d been unattached for five years, and I wasn't too happy about it. I was stuck in unhealthy patterns and, truth be told, wasn't in the best place to be a great partner myself.

What changed

I met someone truly amazing. I suspect old me would have overthought every interaction, taken things personally, and sabotaged the connection within weeks. But now I don't sweat the small stuff. I felt grounded and just let things unfold.

How it helped

I thank my lucky stars that we met when we did. It was the beginning of the healthiest, most supportive relationship I’ve ever experienced. And yes, we’re still going strong today.

Everyone’s ADHD journey looks a little different. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I hope my story offers a little spark of hope.

Change is possible. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through life. And sometimes, support can come from the most unexpected places.

Hypnotherapy didn’t "fix" me because I was never broken. What it did was help me understand myself, soften the edges, and build a life that feels like mine. I hope that every ADHDer gets to experience the same sense of ease and quiet, with the everyday joy that comes with it.