If you’re dealing with anxiety, you’ve probably Googled “help for anxiety” and been met with a tidal wave of therapy options. Counselling, CBT, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy… they all sound helpful, but they’re not identical twins.

Each one works differently, and each has its strengths — as well as situations where it might not be the best fit. Let’s break it down so you can make a choice that actually fits you, rather than picking at random and hoping for the best.


Counselling

Best for: Talking things through, gaining perspective, and having a safe, non-judgemental space to explore what’s going on.

Counselling is often the first port of call for people who just need to be heard. Your counsellor will listen, reflect back, and help you explore your thoughts and feelings without pushing a specific “technique” or action plan.

Great if you:

  • Feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.
  • Want someone to walk alongside you while you process life events.
  • Prefer a gentle, client-led approach.

Might not be for you if:

  • You want fast, structured results.
  • You prefer practical tools over open conversation.


CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

Best for: Challenging anxious thinking patterns and breaking the anxiety → behaviour → anxiety cycle.

CBT is structured, practical, and evidence-based. You’ll learn how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviour, then use specific techniques to challenge and change unhelpful patterns. It often includes homework (sorry, no skipping class).

Great if you:

  • Like step-by-step strategies.
  • Want clear goals and measurable progress.
  • Are willing to put in practice outside of sessions.

Might not be for you if:

  • You dislike structure or homework.
  • Your anxiety is rooted in deep emotional trauma you’re not ready to unpack in a structured way.


Psychotherapy

Best for: Going deep into the “why” — exploring the roots of your anxiety and understanding yourself at a deeper level.

Psychotherapy looks beyond symptoms to uncover past experiences, unconscious beliefs, and emotional wounds that might be fuelling your anxiety. It’s more exploratory and often longer-term.

Great if you:

  • Want to understand yourself deeply.
  • Suspect old patterns or unresolved experiences are driving your anxiety.
  • Are comfortable exploring emotions and history in detail.

Might not be for you if:

  • You’re looking for quick relief rather than long-term exploration.
  • You struggle to talk about your past or emotions in depth (at least right now).


Hypnotherapy

Best for: Rewiring unhelpful responses and working directly with the subconscious mind.

Hypnotherapy can help you break patterns of anxiety by bypassing the conscious “chatter” and working with the part of your mind that runs automatic habits and responses. It is also effective at resolving trauma that may be impacting on anxiety. It can be faster than other therapies and powerful, especially when combined with modern therapy approaches.

Great if you:

  • Are open to the idea of hypnosis.
  • Want to change ingrained habits or responses quickly.
  • Struggle with overthinking and want a more subconscious-level approach.

Might not be for you if:

  • You’re uncomfortable with the idea of hypnosis.
  • You want an entirely conscious, talk-based process.


How to Find a Good Therapist

The right therapist matters as much as the right type of therapy. Here’s a quick guide:

  1. Check their qualifications and memberships.
    Look for recognised bodies like BACP (counselling/psychotherapy), BABCP (CBT), or National Council for Hypnotherapy (hypnotherapy).
  2. Read reviews or testimonials.
    A good therapist will have some feedback — even if it’s just word of mouth.
  3. Book an initial chat.
    Many offer free or low-cost consultations. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re assessing you.
  4. Trust your gut.
    You should feel safe, respected, and heard — if you leave feeling dismissed or uneasy, move on.
  5. Don’t be afraid to switch.
    If you're not feeling an improvement after a reasonable amount of time (ask about likely timeframes at your initial chat), it’s not a failure — it’s a sign you need a better fit.


If you’re still unsure where to start, pick the one that feels the least intimidating right now. Anxiety thrives on indecision — so taking any first step is already a win. You can always adjust your approach later.