Frequently Asked Questions

Many people believe that Hypnotherapy is something that is 'done' to them; that they explain their issue to the therapist who simply hypnotises the problem away, as if by magic. ​ Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a combination of psychotherapy & hypnotherapy.  The difference between this process and “stand-alone” hypnotherapy is that SFH can bring about long lasting results by focusing on now, the future & not a negative past.  By combining the latest neuroscience & brain research with psychotherapies such as Solution Brief Therapy, NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) & CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), SFH is an amazing tool which helps clients achieve their goals, change their mindset, find solutions & move forward.   ​ SFH is a collaborative process where change happens when you want it to and because you are prepared to take the necessary steps & engage in a process that can allow it to happen. ​ An Initial Consultation, necessary before the start of any treatment, is designed to determine your goals, review your symptoms, answer questions from both sides, and get to know each other.  The subsequent Hypnotherapy sessions include a combination of psychotherapy & hypnosis. ​ For anyone willing to make steps to change the way they think & react, then Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be very successful.

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to resolve a number of psychological issues.  When someone is experiencing a hypnotic trance it is easier to access their subconscious mind which is more open to making positive changes.    The process is very natural, in fact each of us experience a trance every single day.  For example, when you are watching the television or you are reading a book, you often don’t realise how time has passed or your thoughts have drifted elsewhere.  In this instance you have entered a self-induced hypnotic trance.  In this self-induced trance state you are very relaxed but intensely focused ensuring the mind is open to suggestion.   Any suggestions from a professional hypnotherapist help change negative thought patterns (rather than control the mind) ensuring that clients remain in control, acting only on the information they choose to be useful and appropriate. A study in 2009 showed that Alpha and Theta waves are generated when we are in a trance state.  Alpha waves are produced when we wake up and subsequently nicely relaxed or when we meditate. Theta waves are produced when we are in a light sleep state.  The study showed that when clients, on an EEG machine, were in a hypnotic trance they switched to Theta/Alpha waves subsequently becoming very relaxed.  This then enabled them to picture solutions, ideas and change. Equally, & unfortunately, the subconscious can also be the source of many issues.  I am qualified to help you to resolve those issues.

Solution focused hypnotherapy is suitable for people who feel anxious, overwhelmed, stuck in their thinking or not quite themselves. It can help with a wide range of issues linked to how the brain responds to stress, including anxiety, overthinking, sleep problems, low confidence, panic attacks, fears and phobias. Many people come for help with things like “how to manage anxiety”, “how to stop overthinking” or “why can’t I sleep”, often before they’ve even considered hypnotherapy. Rather than focusing on the problem in depth, sessions help you understand how your brain is currently working and what can be done to move things forward. Each session combines solution focused psychotherapy, coaching and hypnotherapy. You’ll be supported to focus on what’s already working, set realistic goals and take small, manageable steps towards the changes you want. This helps build confidence and creates steady progress over time. The hypnotherapy part of the session supports relaxation and helps reinforce more helpful patterns of thinking. This approach is suitable for adults and young people who are ready to make changes themselves, even if they’re not quite sure where to start.

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention that you've likely experienced many times already without realising it. You might notice it when you’ve driven somewhere familiar and can’t quite remember the journey, or when you’ve read a page in a book and had to go back because your mind drifted. It can also happen when you’re absorbed in a film, a meeting or your own thoughts. In hypnotherapy, this same state is used in a calm and purposeful way. You remain aware of what’s happening around you and can hear everything that is being said. You’re always in control and can come out of the state at any time. People often describe feeling very relaxed, sometimes heavy or light, or simply calm and settled. There’s no one “right” way to experience it — everyone is slightly different. In this focused state, the brain is able to process information differently, which helps reinforce more helpful patterns of thinking alongside the psychotherapy and coaching work done in the session. Many people searching for “what does hypnosis feel like for anxiety” or “is hypnotherapy relaxing” are reassured to find that it simply feels like a natural, calm state — not anything unusual or out of their control.

Psychotherapy is often described as a talking therapy. It involves working together to help you understand what’s been happening and find ways to move forward. There are many different types of psychotherapy, but they all aim to support people with things like anxiety, stress, overthinking and feeling overwhelmed. The approach I use is solution focused brief psychotherapy. This is a forward-looking approach that helps you understand how your mind is working now and what can be done to help things improve. Rather than analysing problems in depth, the focus is on building solutions and helping things feel more manageable. In sessions, we: acknowledge where you are right now look at where you would like to be focus on the small, practical steps that can help you get there This helps the brain begin to shift away from unhelpful patterns such as overthinking or constantly expecting the worst, and towards more balanced and realistic thinking. When combined with coaching and hypnotherapy, this approach supports both understanding and change, helping you move forward in a calm and manageable way.

No — you don’t have to talk about your past in detail during hypnotherapy sessions. The approach I use is solution focused psychotherapy, which means sessions are centred around where you are now and where you would like to be, rather than analysing past experiences. If something difficult has happened, we acknowledge it, but we don’t spend time going over it repeatedly. Instead, the focus is on helping you understand how your brain is responding in the present and what can help things begin to change. I find that many clients find it helpful not to talk about the past or revisit trauma in my therapy sessions because they’re worried about reliving difficult experiences. This approach is designed to avoid that, while still supporting meaningful change. If you feel it would be helpful, you can share any past experiences during your initial consultation, particularly if they are still affecting you now. This helps build a clear picture so sessions can be tailored to you. From there, sessions focus on small, manageable steps that help you move forward and feel more in control again.

Most people can experience hypnosis, as it’s a natural state of focused attention that we move in and out of every day. You might notice it when you’re daydreaming, absorbed in a book or lost in your thoughts — this is very similar to the state used in hypnotherapy. In sessions, only a light level of this focused state is needed for the process to be effective. Some people initially wonder “what if I can’t be hypnotised?” — this is very common. At the start, it can sometimes take a little time to relax into the process, especially if your mind is busy or you’re not used to switching off. This doesn’t affect how the sessions work, and most of my clients find it becomes easier and more natural as they continue. The most important part is your willingness to engage with the process and take small steps between sessions. Hypnotherapy works best when it’s part of a structured approach that includes psychotherapy and coaching, not just the trance itself.

No — you cannot get stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention, similar to daydreaming or being absorbed in a book. You can come out of it at any time, just as you would naturally shift your attention in everyday life. You remain aware and in control throughout the session. If a session were to end without guidance, people would either return to full alertness on their own or drift into a light, natural sleep before waking as normal. At the end of each session, I gently guide you back to full awareness, usually by changing my tone of voice and bringing your attention back to the room. Hypnotherapy is safe and hypnosis is a safe and widely used therapeutic technique.

No — hypnotherapy cannot make you do anything against your will. You remain aware and in control throughout the session. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention, not something that allows someone else to take control of your mind. You are always able to accept or ignore suggestions. If something doesn’t feel right or doesn’t fit with you, your mind simply won’t engage with it. I do get asked at the initial consultation if hypnosis make you do things against your will if it’s similar to what they’ve seen on stage or in films. Therapeutic hypnotherapy is very different — it’s a calm, collaborative process designed to support you, not control you. In sessions, I work with you to help you feel relaxed, comfortable and at ease, as this makes it easier for your mind to engage with the process. Stage hypnosis, on the other hand, is a form of entertainment. Performers typically select individuals who are willing to take part and comfortable being in the spotlight, which is quite different from a therapeutic setting. The aim of hypnotherapy is to support you in making changes you already want, in a way that feels natural and manageable.

I'm sorry but I don't offer telephone sessions. All session are available either face to face or on-line only, however if you have any questions relating the sessions then please send me a message or call me on 07572 796946

The number of hypnotherapy sessions needed varies depending on what you would like support with and how you engage with the process. Solution focused hypnotherapy is designed to be a shorter-term, structured approach. As a general guide: many people seeking help for anxiety, stress or overthinking attend around 8–12 sessions a simple phobia may take around 3–4 sessions more complex issues such as OCD or long-standing phobias may take longer Everyone is different, so these are only guidelines. After your initial consultation, I can give you a clearer idea of what to expect based on your situation and what you would like to achieve. The focus is always on making steady, manageable progress rather than trying to rushing change which can results in short term gains.

Yes — hypnotherapy can work just as effectively online as it does in a face-to-face session. The process itself remains exactly the same. You are guided into a calm, focused state while we work through the structured elements of the session, including psychotherapy, coaching and hypnotherapy. Research has shown that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions. For example, studies published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that outcomes were at least equivalent to face-to-face therapy for many people. There are also some practical advantages. Not needing to travel means you can stay in your own familiar environment, which many people find more comfortable — especially after a deeply relaxing session. For some clients, particularly those experiencing anxiety or social discomfort, online sessions can feel easier to engage with, which can support the overall process. Online hypnotherapy is effective & hypnotherapy does work over Zoom” — the key factor is not the location, but how engaged you are with the sessions. All appointments are available both online and in person, so you can choose what feels right for you. Unfortunately I don't offer on-line sessions for any clients under the age of 18.

Hypnotherapy sessions are structured, relaxed and focused on helping you move forward in a practical way. We begin with an initial consultation, which lasts around 50–60 minutes. This gives us time to understand what’s been going on for you and what you would like to achieve. During this session, I explain how the brain responds to stress, anxiety and overthinking, and how the approach works. This helps you make sense of your symptoms and understand what we can do to support change. Ongoing sessions are around 50 minutes and follow a consistent structure: we start by looking at what’s been going well and any progress you’ve noticed we build your understanding of how the brain works and how change happens we agree small, manageable steps to help you move forward the session finishes with hypnotherapy, guiding you into a calm, focused state you’ll also be given access to a relaxation audio to listen to between sessions, which helps support the process. Throughout the process, we track your progress together so you can see how things are changing over time. My sessions are designed to feel calm, supportive and focused on helping you make steady, manageable progress.