Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy: How It Works, Benefits and More…

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines two forms of therapy: talking therapy (to be more specific “Solution Focused Brief Therapy - SFBT”) and hypnosis. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions or behaviours that are holding you back in life.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy believes you already have the necessary resources to find solutions and to make positive changes in your life. Rather than dwelling on the problem, I help you develop your strengths to make your goals a reality.

Hypnotherapy works by inducing a natural shift in conscious awareness known as a trance. In this state, you feel more focused and receptive to positive suggestions that you have chosen beforehand.

Trance / hypnosis removes distractions and critical thinking, allowing your unconscious mind to engage with therapeutic tools effectively.

This heightened focus helps bypass the rational mind's resistance, enabling beneficial changes to take root without the usual doubts or objections.

Hypnotherapy leverages the trance state to promote mental and emotional wellbeing through targeted, positive reinforcement.

I work with clients from my therapy room in Upper Heyford, nr Bicester, Oxfordshire and also online nationally and internationally.

Yes, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is based on the latest research from neuroscience. It’s a modern psychotherapeutic approach that uses practical, structured, and well-researched strategies to help people make significant positive changes in a relatively short period of time.

Depending on your circumstances and what you are looking to achieve, sessions may also involve elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP).

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a brief therapy. Sessions create new neural pathways to change the way your brain processes and interprets information. We call this process neuroplasticity.

Change can happen quickly, not just for what you initially wanted to achieve, but in other areas of life too.

My clients tend to need 6-12 weekly sessions. However, this can vary.

Sessions last between 50 -60 minutes.

Our sessions will begin with non-invasive talking therapy, focusing on envisioning your desired future, exploring solutions, and setting achievable goals.

We’ll prioritise how you want to feel (e.g., calmer instead of anxious) and use forward-thinking strategies.

By visualising these solutions, your mind starts creating new neurological pathways, reshaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Depending on your goals, sessions may include elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This part lasts about 30 minutes.

In the second half, I gently guide you into a deep relaxation state, known as trance or hypnosis. You can sit or recline comfortably. This state is as effective online as face-to-face. In this relaxed state, your mind is highly receptive to positive suggestions, allowing your subconscious to focus on useful solutions.

Hypnosis or trance is a natural shift in our conscious awareness.

Whilst in trance, you’ll feel more focused and your brain will be able to concentrate on positive suggestions (things you will have chosen for yourself beforehand).

Trance removes distraction and critical thinking so your unconscious mind can focus on useful therapeutic tools (without your rational mind saying “yes but…” or “I can think of 10 reasons that won’t work for me”!)

Yes. Trance is a daydream like state where you are fully conscious. Hypnotherapy isn’t about mind control. It allows your brain to relax so you can tap into your inner resources.

Absolutely not, I promise. You might have seen hypnosis used as part of an entertainment show.

This is nothing like that. It’s a legit therapeutic practice, backed by science, and I’ve had to do lots of training and assessments to work as a practitioner.

I provide hypnotherapy services for individuals aged 15 and above, encompassing both adults and adolescents.

For clients under 18, parental involvement is customary during the Discovery Experience/Initial Consultation. Subsequent sessions typically involve only the 15-17 year old.

Before any paid sessions commence, parents are required to sign my terms and conditions, along with a consent form.

Most people can be hypnotized, but the depth and effectiveness of hypnosis can vary from person to person. Factors such as willingness, openness to the process, and the ability to focus and relax play a significant role.

While almost everyone can experience some level of hypnosis, a small percentage of individuals may find it difficult to enter a hypnotic state. However, with practice and the right guidance, many people can improve their susceptibility to hypnosis.

It’s important to have a thorough consultation to assess your suitability and to tailor the approach to your specific needs and comfort level.

Yes, hypnotherapy can be conducted online and offers several benefits.

Online sessions provide the convenience of receiving therapy from the comfort of your own home, saving time and travel costs. This familiar setting can help you feel more relaxed and open, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapy.

Additionally, it offers greater flexibility in scheduling appointments to suit your lifestyle. Online hypnotherapy maintains the same standards of safety and professionalism as face-to-face sessions, allowing you to achieve similar therapeutic outcomes.

It is a versatile option that makes hypnotherapy more accessible to a wider range of adults.

Yes, hypnotherapy is safe when conducted by a trained and qualified practitioner like myself. It is a natural and gentle process that induces deep relaxation, allowing positive suggestions to take effect.

During hypnotherapy, you remain aware and in control, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will.

I adhere to professional standards and ethical guidelines to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the process. It is always best to have a thorough consultation to ensure hypnotherapy is appropriate, which is why I offer a 45 minute free consultation.

There are however, certain conditions where hypnotherapy may not be suitable. It is not recommended for individuals with severe mental health disorders such as psychosis or schizophrenia, as it may exacerbate symptoms. Hypnotherapy is also not advisable for those with certain neurological conditions. Additionally, individuals with epilepsy should consult their doctor before undergoing hypnotherapy.

I promise that doesn’t happen. You aren’t in a deep trance, it’s more like a deep state of relaxation.

You will be aware of everything that’s happening. You remain in control throughout the hypnosis. And I promise you will feel safe and secure in our sessions.

Yes, there is free off-street parking on my drive, so nice and easy. You will be sent full directions and instructions when you book an in-person hypnotherapy session.

The Free Discovery Session is a no cost, no obligation opportunity for us to connect and have an open conversation.

During this session, we discuss your goals, what you'd like to achieve, and any questions you might have. It's a way for you to determine if I'm the right therapist for you, and for me to ensure that hypnotherapy aligns with your needs.

I don't charge for this session because it's not a hypnotherapy session; it's a collaborative conversation aimed at helping you make an informed decision. Although I do expect the courtesy of 24 hours notice if you decide to cancel or reschedule.

My approach is rooted in inclusivity, support, and respect for your unique journey.

This decision is not a critique of professionals who charge for initial consultations, but rather reflects my commitment to making the process as accessible as possible.

While I am dedicated to providing effective and supportive hypnotherapy sessions, I do not offer a money-back guarantee. This is due to the unique nature of therapy and the collaborative effort required between the therapist (me) and the client (you).

As with any therapy, outcomes can be influenced by various factors, including the individual's commitment to the process, their openness to change, and the complexity of their personal circumstances. Results can therefore vary between clients and are sometimes not immediate.

Success in therapy often involves gradual progress and personal investment, which can vary from person to person.

Absolutely. This can give you more flexibility around appointments, allowing you to stay on track.

Yes, some of my clients choose to embark on an ongoing hypnotherapy journey once we’ve finished our initial sessions.

These “top up” sessions elevate the results of your initial treatment and nurture a perpetually positive mindset and act as a useful ongoing way to maintain strong and resilient emotional health.

It’s like giving your mind a monthly spa retreat to supercharge your personal growth or having a regular PT session but for your mind.

No, altering the past is beyond our reach.

However, we possess the power to reshape your approach towards present circumstances and those yet to come.

Our focus with Solution Focused Hypnotherapy lies in discussing your current position and gradual strategies for progress.

Oh, if only it were that simple! While hypnotherapy is incredibly effective for various issues, we're not quite at the "snap your fingers and voilà" level yet.

If I could fix everything in one session, trust me, I’d be sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere as a millionaire!

But here's the thing – real change often takes a bit of time and effort. My sessions are designed to help you on your journey, providing powerful tools and insights to help you achieve your goals.

So, no instant millionaire magic here, but I promise to give you my best to help you get where you want to be.

Access to hypnotherapy through the NHS is highly limited, and although you can explore this option with your healthcare provider, it is not widely accessible. The majority of practitioners predominantly operate in private settings.

Sessions can be done in-person at my comfortable and private therapy room in Upper Heyford (nr Bicester) Oxfordshire OX25. Conveniently located for individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire.