I found the using the xbox controller for trim was actually quite good. RB + right stick if I remember correctly.
Not sure why you’re having issues taking off. Sounds like you were originally pulling up too violently:
Is it a case that I just need to slightly touch the left stick down to take off on the Cessna 172 and not push it all the way down
Never use full elevator (fully pulled down stick) to take off. Definitely be a lot more gentle. I would say this is your problem. It’s not clear if you’ve tried it since creating this post.