What is Hypnotherapy?
Let’s remove some of the mystery.
Hypnosis is a state of focused attention.
You naturally experience similar states when you're absorbed in a film, lost in thought, driving a familiar route or so engrossed in something that you temporarily tune out everything else around you.
In a therapeutic setting, we use focused attention, relaxation, imagery, suggestion and psychological techniques intentionally.
The aim is to help you work with thoughts, associations, emotions and learned responses in a different way.
Will I be unconscious?
No.
You can hear me.
You remain aware.
You can move.
You can speak.
Different people experience hypnosis differently, and you don't need to achieve
some dramatic “trance” for the session to be worthwhile.
Will I lose control?
No.
Hypnotherapy is collaborative.
I’m not taking control away from you.
In fact, much of our work is about helping you feel more able to respond intentionally rather than being automatically pulled around by anxious thoughts and reactions.
What does it feel like?
For some people it feels deeply relaxing.
For others it feels like being very focused.
Some notice physical heaviness or lightness.
Some experience vivid imagery.
Some don't.
There isn't one correct way to experience hypnosis.
And I don't expect you to perform relaxation for me.
What if I can't be hypnotised?
This is one of the most common worries.
You don't need to prove that you're “good” at hypnosis.
My job is to guide you, adapt the process and help you feel comfortable enough to engage with what we're doing.
Is hypnotherapy magic?
No.
And I think being clear about that matters.
I love hypnotherapy.
I've experienced its impact personally.
I've seen clients experience meaningful change.
But ethical therapy shouldn’t be sold as a guaranteed miracle.
People respond differently.
Progress can look different.
And hypnotherapy isn't a replacement for appropriate medical or specialist mental-health care when that is what somebody needs.
My role is to use the approach responsibly and honestly - and tell you if I believe another form of support may be more appropriate.
Curious whether this approach might fit what you're experiencing?
Start by telling me a little about what's been happening.