We spoke with Samantha about her journey with Sophrology—how it’s changed her relationship with anxiety, and the sense of calm and confidence it’s helped her rebuild.

I was originally referred by a psychologist a few years ago to help with my anxiety and hypochondria. At the time, I didn’t explore it much. Then earlier this year, I was on the edge of burnout, having heart palpitations and experiencing heightened anxiety again. Interestingly, my cardiologists didn’t refer me to a psychologist—they recommended a Sophrologist. That made me take it seriously.

I didn’t know much about it at first, but the mind-body connection really appealed to me. I’ve always wanted something that helps in the moment, something I can turn to without needing someone else to fix it. Sophrology gives me that. I can go long periods without symptoms, but when anxiety does return, I now have a technique I can use immediately, on my own.

It was also incredibly comforting to talk to someone who truly understands what anxiety is. Sophie, my BeSophro Sophrologist, explained how the body reacts and why, and that explanation alone was such a relief. Knowing that these reactions are normal helped remove the shame and fear. I no longer feel like I’m the only one dealing with this.

I was in a really bad place – panic attacks, insomnia, the works. I thought that chapter of my life was behind me, but it all came rushing back. I didn’t want a psychologist, I just needed someone to help me calm down and get back on track.

I searched online for a French Sophrologist and found BeSophro. As soon as I booked the appointment, I felt reassured. I was lucky, there was a cancellation and I saw Sophie the next day. The clinic is near my home and while it’s more expensive than in France, where it’s covered by insurance, I didn’t care. I just needed help, and I needed to express myself in my mother tongue. That made a big difference.

What I love is how natural it feels. The focus is on the body and present moment. With talk therapy, you often have to unpack your past. That can be helpful, but when you’re in the middle of a panic attack, you need something immediate. With Sophrology, there’s no digging—just grounding.

After my very first session, I felt better. That immediacy is huge. And the more I practice, the more independent I feel. I don’t need to rely on someone else to fix me. I know what to do, and that’s deeply empowering.

I’ve been practising for a few years, but I’ll be honest—I’m not consistent. I get busy and forget. During lockdown, I made more time for it, especially before bed when I struggled to sleep. I use recordings from Sophie or do an online session.

Before a big exam recently, I booked a long session and it helped so much. I was calmer, more focused, and felt supported.

Completely. It’s helped me understand that anxiety doesn’t have to control me. I’ve gone from being terrified of it—to knowing I can manage it. I no longer feel ashamed of my Anxiety Disorder or my past hypochondria.

The hardest part of anxiety is that feeling of losing control. Sophrology gives me tools to calm my mind and body when things spiral. Just knowing that I have those tools, at any time, is life-changing.

Reassurance, above all. Anxiety can feel so isolating—like you’re the only one who gets it. But in Sophrology, I feel completely understood.

Afterwards, I feel calm, centred, and back in control of my body. I even feel love for myself—like I’ve just taken care of myself properly. That feeling lasts, and it gives me hope.

I really like the body scan. It always makes me sleepy, which is a big deal because I struggle with sleep! I also enjoy the breathing, stretching, and visualisation exercises, especially the ones that guide me to a “happy place.” It’s amazing how powerful those simple techniques can be.

The biggest difference with Sophrology is the independence it offers. With other therapies, I felt dependent on someone else to help me. That added to my anxiety, especially if I couldn’t get an appointment quickly. Sophrology is different, once I’ve learned the techniques, I can use them whenever I need.

It’s also less about reliving the past and more about finding peace in the present. That’s what I needed. Someone who really understood how anxiety affects the body and who could offer solutions, not just explanations. That’s what I found with Sophie. Sophrology has honestly changed my life.