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.
My Personal Experience with Needle Fear
As someone who used to struggle with needle fear myself, and who now self-administers regular medical injections every three days as part of my prescribed testosterone and HCG treatment, I know what it’s like to face that intense discomfort head-on.
Over time, I’ve learned ways of managing my own reactions — using grounding, breathing, visualisation, and mindset approaches that help me feel calmer and more prepared.
These same tools are often the ones I share with clients who want to explore different ways of approaching needle-related situations.
What Is Needle Phobia or Needle Fear?
In the Happiful article, I explained that needle fear — sometimes referred to as trypanophobia — can have a significant impact on daily life.
Many people describe experiences such as:
anxiety or panic leading up to injections or blood tests
avoidance of medical appointments
physical reactions like dizziness or nausea
distress at the thought of needles, not just the procedure itself
It’s a very real fear — and much more common than many people realise.
How Hypnotherapy Can Support People with Needle Fear
In the article, I explored how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can offer supportive space for people wanting to approach needle-related situations differently.
Hypnotherapy guides people into a relaxed, focused state where they can:
explore calmer imagery
rehearse helpful coping strategies
focus on their strengths
build confidence through positive visualisation
prepare their mind for upcoming challenges at a pace that feels safe
Many people say that approaching these situations from a relaxed state helps them feel more grounded and resourceful, and gives them practical tools they can draw upon when they need them.
These approaches have been useful for me personally too — especially when preparing for my regular injections.
Supporting Needle Fear in Dental Settings
I also work closely with Heyford Smiles, a local dentist, where many individuals experience dental anxiety or worry about injections during dental procedures.
People often find that having a calm, solution-focused space before their appointment helps them feel more settled and supported as they prepare for treatment.
If you’re navigating dental or medical needle fear, Heyford Smiles offer a warm and understanding approach, and together we provide an environment where clients can feel more at ease.
Read the Article or Reach Out
Happiful is a fantastic resource for the public — filled with interviews, personal insights, expert features, and supportive guidance for anyone exploring wellbeing, mindset, and emotional health.
If you’d like to explore Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy with me, I offer a free initial consultation (in-person or online).
It’s simply a chance to talk, ask questions, and see whether the approach feels right for you.
You don't have to navigate needle fear alone — supportive tools and gentle strategies may help you approach these situations with greater ease and confidence.
Disclaimer (Safe + Professional)
This blog is for information only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow guidance from healthcare professionals for medical procedures. Hypnotherapy can be a supportive, complementary approach but does not replace medical care.
Interested in how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy could support you in approaching fears or phobias with more ease?
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.