How Hypnotherapy Helps Top Sports Stars, And How It Could Help You.

When you think about world-class athletes, you probably picture hours of training, strict diets, and elite coaching. But behind many of the best performances in sport is something less obvious: mental strength. Hypnotherapy is one tool that more and more professionals are using to gain a competitive edge. And if it works for them, it can work for anyone.

Stephen Bunting: Sharpening Focus on the Darts Stage

Darts may look simple to those watching at home, but the reality is that it’s a game of precision under extreme pressure.

Former Lakeside world champion Stephen Bunting has spoken openly about using hypnotherapy to help him refocus and perform at his best.

After struggling to break past a mental block in the Premier League, Bunting turned to hypnotherapy as part of his preparation. The sessions helped him silence the self-doubt that can creep in when you’re under the spotlight and replace it with a calmer, more confident mindset. By mentally rehearsing success and learning to reset his focus between throws, he’s been able to rediscover the form that made him one of the most feared players in the game.

Kyren Wilson: From Nearly-Man to World Champion

Snooker is a sport that rewards composure, and few players know that better than Kyren Wilson.

Before his World Championship win, Wilson had been labelled the “nearly man” – full of talent, but not quite converting it when it mattered.

Hypnotherapy became a key part of his mental preparation. Rather than crumbling under the pressure of the Crucible, Wilson learned how to stay in the moment, quiet the inner critic, and trust his game.

The result? A breakthrough performance and a career-defining title. It’s a perfect example of how working on the mind can unlock the ability you already have, even when the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Jimmy Anderson: Staying Calm at the Top

Even sporting legends need help sometimes.

England’s all-time leading Test wicket-taker, Sir Jimmy Anderson, has credited hypnotherapy for helping him maintain focus and composure during tough spells. Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. One bad over can spiral if you let frustration take over.

Anderson has used hypnotherapy to stay calm, reset quickly, and manage the pressure that comes with leading the bowling attack. It’s a reminder that mental training isn’t just for those who are struggling – it’s a tool that even the most experienced athletes use to stay sharp and enjoy their sport.

Why Hypnotherapy Works for Athletes

So, why do so many sports professionals turn to hypnotherapy? It’s not magic. It’s about helping the mind work with you instead of against you. In a session, I guide clients into a relaxed, focused state where their subconscious mind is open to positive change. This can help athletes:

• Visualise success and improve confidence

• Overcome mental blocks and negative self-talk

• Manage nerves before big matches or events

• Improve focus and concentration

• Stay resilient after setbacks

For athletes like Bunting, Wilson and Anderson, hypnotherapy has been a way to reset, focus, and perform with clarity when it matters most.

It’s Not Just for the Pros

You don’t have to be playing in front of thousands of fans to benefit from this. I work with amateur athletes, runners, golfers and gym-goers who want to get more out of their sport, whether that’s enjoying it more, overcoming fear, or performing better on competition day.

The same techniques that help world champions find their edge can help anyone who wants to push past mental barriers and achieve their best.

Ready to Step Up Your Game?

If anxiety, nerves, or self-doubt are holding you back in your sport, hypnotherapy could give you the mental reset you need. I offer personalised sessions that focus on your specific challenges, whether that’s building pre-match confidence, improving focus under pressure, or simply rediscovering the joy of playing.

If it works for Stephen Bunting, Kyren Wilson, and Sir Jimmy Anderson, there’s no reason it can’t work for you too.

Contact me today for more information.