As a Board Certified Hypnosis Practitioner and co-host of the HypnoPro Accelerator Podcast, I've witnessed a significant shift in the mental health landscape since 2019. In our latest episode, my colleague Whitney Christina and I delved deep into a phenomenon that's becoming increasingly prevalent in our practice: the dramatic rise in social anxiety.

Understanding the Post-Pandemic Anxiety Surge

When I first opened my hypnosis practice just months before the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn't have predicted how profoundly our social fabric would change. Today, in 2025, we're seeing the lasting impact of those changes. Our clients, ranging from Gen Z to Baby Boomers, are experiencing unprecedented levels of social anxiety, often saying the same thing: "I never used to be like this."

The Perfect Storm: Why Social Anxiety is Increasing

During our podcast discussion, Whitney shared a powerful story about a client who would hide in the workplace bathroom for hours, paralyzed by social fear. This extreme response isn't as uncommon as you might think. We've identified several key factors contributing to this rise in social anxiety:

The Pandemic's Lasting Impact

The systematic changes in how we interact - from mask-wearing to social distancing - have created deep-seated patterns of fear and uncertainty. Even now, with multiple infectious diseases circulating, these concerns remain relevant and continue to shape our social behaviors.

The Social Media Effect

While social media keeps us connected, it's also created a disconnect in our ability to handle face-to-face interactions. Young people especially struggle with basic social tasks that previous generations took for granted, like making a phone call or ordering in person.

Existential Concerns

For older generations, the pandemic triggered profound existential questions about mortality and safety. These underlying fears often manifest as social anxiety, creating a complex web of emotional challenges.

How Hypnosis Helps: Success Stories and Solutions

In our practice, we've seen remarkable transformations. Through hypnosis and coaching, clients learn to:

• Recognize and manage fear responses

• Build genuine self-confidence

• Address underlying existential concerns

• Develop practical social skills

• Create new, positive patterns of thinking

One particularly moving success story we discussed involved a client who came in for GI issues but discovered his physical symptoms were connected to social anxiety. Through our work together, he not only resolved his physical discomfort but also found the confidence to join social activities like volleyball and dance classes.

Moving Forward: Hope and Healing

As a former anxiety sufferer myself, I understand the journey from fear to freedom. What makes our work so rewarding is witnessing clients not just overcome their anxiety, but discover a whole new world of possibilities. Through hypnosis, they don't just return to their pre-anxiety state - they often surpass it, finding new levels of confidence and resilience they never thought possible.

Join the Conversation

Want to learn more about how hypnosis can help with social anxiety? Listen to the full episode on our podcast, HypnoPro Accelerator, where Whitney and I dive deeper into this topic and share more insights and success stories.

Ready to transform your relationship with social anxiety? Visit our website or schedule a consultation to learn how hypnosis can help you move from fear to freedom.

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Remember: While we don't diagnose or treat diagnosed disorders, we work collaboratively with healthcare providers to support overall well-being and personal growth.