Can Hypnotherapy Help Me with My Fear of Needles? My Personal Story and Expert Insights Featured in Happiful Magazine.

Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I’m a Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire. 

Can Hypnotherapy Help Me with My Fear of Needles? My Personal Story and Expert Insights Featured in Happiful Magazine

I was recently asked to contribute to Happiful magazine’s ‘Ask an Expert’ section with a question many people ask: ‘Can hypnotherapy help me with my fear of needles’?

This is a question I know all too well, both professionally and personally. As a hypnotherapist, I’ve helped many clients overcome their needle phobias, but I also have personal experience with this fear.

I know about needle fear

As someone who now has to medically administer frequent injections every three days as part of my testosterone and HCG treatment (TRT) through Balance My Hormones, I’ve gone from being terrified of needles to managing this fear effectively.

What is needle phobia/fear?

In the Happiful article, I discussed how a fear of needles—clinically known as trypanophobia—can deeply affect a person’s daily life, causing anxiety, avoidance, and even panic attacks when facing medical procedures. It’s a fear that goes beyond simply fearing pain; it’s often about the intense distress that the very thought of needles can cause.

How does hypnotherapy help with needle phobia/fear?

In the Happiful article, I shared how hypnotherapy works to address needle phobia. Hypnotherapy can help individuals by guiding them into a relaxed state, where they can change their subconscious responses to their fear.

Techniques such as visualisation, relaxation, and positive suggestion are used to reframe the fear and anxiety around needles, replacing negative thoughts with empowering ones. Over time, hypnotherapy helps desensitise the fear, allowing individuals to face situations involving needles with calm and confidence.

My own experience with needle phobia has given me a deep understanding of how transformative hypnotherapy can be. The tools I use to manage my fear are the same ones I recommend to my clients. Whether it’s grounding exercises, breathing techniques, or using positive imagery, these methods have completely changed how I approach my injections. It’s a reminder that overcoming fear is possible when we have the right mindset and tools.

I work with dentists too

I also work closely with a local dentist, Heyford Smiles, where I help people who experience dental phobia—many of whom fear needles during dental procedures. I use similar hypnotherapy techniques to help patients manage their anxiety and feel more comfortable during treatments. If you’re dealing with a dental needle phobia, I highly recommend visiting Heyford Smiles to see how we can support your journey.

Check out Happiful or get in touch with me

So, whether you’re dealing with a needle phobia, anxiety, or simply looking for inspiration, I highly recommend checking out Happiful. The magazine is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking guidance on improving their mental health and wellbeing. It’s filled with expert advice, personal stories, and practical tips on overcoming challenges like phobias, anxiety, and stress.

If you would like to explore how hypnotherapy can help, I offer a free initial consultation, either in person or online. I’d love to help you take the first step towards overcoming your fear and improving your overall wellbeing.


Want to find out more about how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can support with fears / phobias.

The next step is booking a FREE 45 Minute Initial Consultation / Hypnotherapy Discovery Session (no half-measures here).

In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).


The first step to setting yourself free and living the life you want.

My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire. 

I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviours for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!

a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.

I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).

Hypnotherapy sessions can be done either in my garden therapy room in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire (Near Bicester). Ideally situated, it also serves individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire and I also work online nationwide via Zoom. 

Previous
Previous

Say Hello 👋 to a new you in 2025 with Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

Next
Next

Overcome Phobia and Fear with Hypnotherapy: Effective Treatment for Anxiety and Fear Management