What is public speaking anxiety?

Public speaking anxiety is a very common form of anxiety that affects presenters, performers, and professionals at many stages of their lives.

It often appears as physical and mental tension before or during speaking situations. Common symptoms include:

• tightness in the chest or stomach
• shortness of breath
• heart palpitations
• racing thoughts
• difficulty connecting with the audience

Over time, people may begin to associate speaking in front of others with stress, pressure, or dread, which can reinforce the anxiety pattern.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety refers to discomfort or fear when interacting with others in social situations. People experiencing social anxiety often feel overly self-conscious and may struggle to express themselves freely.

Common experiences include:

• feeling “in your head” during conversations
• excessive self-judgment
• difficulty speaking naturally in groups
• worrying about how others perceive you

These patterns can make everyday interactions feel more stressful than they need to be.

How does hypnosis help with public speaking and social anxiety?

Hypnosis helps retrain the mind’s response to stressful situations by combining focused attention, mental rehearsal, and relaxation techniques.

During the session we explore the beliefs and past experiences that may contribute to the anxiety. New suggestions and imagery are then introduced to support confidence, clarity, and presence when speaking or interacting with others.

Clients are guided to mentally rehearse positive speaking experiences — seeing themselves communicating clearly, feeling calm, and connecting naturally with their audience.

You will also learn self-hypnosis techniques that help trigger a relaxation response — the opposite of the fight-or-flight reaction. This allows your body to calm down, breathing to slow, and your mind to become more focused and composed.

Each session includes a personalized hypnosis audio recording, which you can listen to in the weeks following the session to reinforce the new mental patterns.

Who typically seeks help for public speaking or social anxiety?

Many different types of professionals and individuals experience public speaking or social anxiety. Clients often include:

• executives preparing for important presentations
• founders or entrepreneurs pitching ideas to investors
• professionals speaking at conferences or meetings
• performers, actors, or musicians returning to the stage
• students or academics presenting their work
• individuals who want to feel more comfortable in social or networking situations

In many cases, the person is highly capable in their field, but the pressure of speaking or interacting publicly triggers anxiety patterns that interfere with their natural confidence.

Hypnosis and mental rehearsal techniques can help restore clarity, composure, and a stronger sense of presence in these situations.

How many sessions are needed?

For most public speaking or social anxiety concerns, two hypnosis sessions are recommended to help reinforce the new responses and build lasting confidence.

Both sessions are recorded so you can continue practicing with the hypnosis audio afterward.

Sessions

Sessions are available online via Zoom, as well as in person in Rome and New York City, depending on my travel schedule.

Fee: $475 per hour

Book a consultation

To learn more or schedule a session with hypnotherapist Elena Mosaner, please call 646-450-8167 or submit the contact form.