Your Questions, Answered

Hypnotherapy combines talking therapy with clinical hypnosis — a deeply relaxed, focused state of mind that allows us to work at a deeper level than conscious thought alone. In this relaxed state, the mind is more open to positive suggestion and new ways of thinking, making it easier to shift unhelpful patterns and build new ones. It is safe, evidence-based and recognised by the NHS as a complementary therapy.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a forward-looking approach that focuses on where you want to get to rather than analysing the past. It draws on neuroscience, solution focused brief therapy (SFBT), CBT and clinical hypnosis. Rather than dwelling on problems, we focus on solutions — using your brain's natural ability to build new, more helpful neural pathways. It is particularly effective for anxiety, depression, phobias and low mood.

• Initial consultation: £65

• Ongoing sessions: £80

• Block of 6 sessions: £450 (must be taken within 6 months of payment, non-refundable)

Access to Work funding may be available for ADHD coaching — find out more here.

Hypnosis is the relaxed, trance-like state itself — a natural state of focused attention that we all experience in daily life, such as when absorbed in a film or daydreaming. Hypnotherapy combines that state with talking therapy, using the relaxed mind to explore solutions, shift unhelpful beliefs and create lasting change at both a conscious and subconscious level.

Completely different. Stage hypnosis is entertainment. Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic tool used by trained professionals in a safe, ethical and collaborative way. You remain in control at all times — you cannot be made to do anything against your will, and you are always fully aware of your surroundings. Think of it as a guided relaxation with a therapeutic purpose, similar to yoga nidra or a mindfulness practice, but more focused.

Not at all. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been used therapeutically for well over a century. Hypnotherapy has been approved by the British Medical Association since 1892 and is recognised by the NHS. There is a substantial body of research supporting its effectiveness for anxiety, phobias, depression, IBS, pain management and cancer care, among other conditions. My practice also contributes to an ongoing nationwide study into the effectiveness of solution focused hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy works primarily by combining talking therapy with hypnosis to create change relatively quickly, often without needing to explore the past in depth. Psychotherapy is a broader term for longer-term talking therapies that explore patterns, relationships and the roots of distress more deeply. I am trained in both — I am a clinical hypnotherapist and am currently completing a postgraduate MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy at Metanoia Institute. This means I can bring both approaches to our work together, depending on what you need.

Item descriptionMost people describe hypnosis as an extremely relaxing, pleasant experience — similar to the feeling just before you drift off to sleep, or the calm of being deeply absorbed in something. You remain aware of your surroundings and in control throughout. Some people experience a sense of heaviness or warmth; others feel very light. There is no single "right" way to feel — everyone's experience is slightly different.

EEG studies show that during hypnosis the brain shifts away from active beta waves — associated with analytical thinking and alertness — towards alpha and theta waves, associated with relaxation, creativity and deep calm. This shift allows the conscious mind to quieten, making it easier to access the subconscious where many automatic thoughts, habits and responses are held. This is why hypnotherapy can create change more quickly than some talking therapies alone.

Almost everyone can experience hypnosis to some degree. The depth varies from person to person and even session to session, but for therapeutic purposes, a light trance state is all that is needed. In fact, research suggests that highly imaginative and intelligent people tend to be very good hypnotic subjects. The two key factors are the skill of the therapist and your own willingness and openness to the process — if you are feeling resistant or anxious about it, we can take things gently at your pace.

Yes, in most cases. Hypnosis is not sleep — you are in a relaxed but aware state. Most people can recall the content of their hypnosis session clearly afterwards, much as you would remember a vivid daydream. Occasionally you may drift into a deeper state of relaxation where some details feel hazy, but this is completely normal and doesn't affect the effectiveness of the session.

If you have tried hypnosis before and felt it didn't work, this is almost always due to the technique or rapport with the therapist rather than anything to do with you. A well-trained hypnotherapist can work with virtually anyone. We always start gently, and I will guide you at a pace that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to reach any particular depth — even a light state of relaxation is therapeutic and effective.

Yes. Clinical hypnotherapy is a safe, gentle and non-invasive therapy. You cannot be made to do anything against your will or values. You remain in control throughout and can open your eyes and end the session at any point simply by choosing to.

The first session is an initial consultation — there is no hypnosis. It is a chance for us to get to know each other, for me to understand what is going on for you and explain how I work, and for you to decide whether working together feels right. There is no pressure or obligation.

Sessions last around 50-60 minutes. After a brief settling-in period, we spend the first part of the session in talking therapy — reviewing the week, noticing changes and shifts, and identifying where you want to move forward. The second part of the session is hypnosis — a guided relaxation during which the work we have done together has a chance to settle at a deeper level. Every session is tailored to you and your goals.

This varies depending on the individual and the issue. Most clients begin to notice meaningful change within 4-6 sessions. Specific phobias can sometimes shift more quickly; more complex or long-standing presentations may benefit from more sessions. We will discuss this at your initial consultation and review it as we go.

Weekly sessions tend to work best, particularly at the start of therapy, as this maintains momentum and allows change to build steadily. As you progress and begin to feel better, we may space sessions out. You are always in control of the pace.

No. Solution focused hypnotherapy is forward-focused — we concentrate on where you want to get to rather than analysing what has gone wrong. Some clients find it helpful to share background context, but there is no requirement to revisit painful memories or difficult experiences.

You don't need to do anything special. Come as you are, wear something comfortable, and bring an open mind. If you are having sessions online, find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed, have a blanket to hand for the hypnosis portion if you like, and headphones can help you feel more immersed.

I work with adults only (18+).

Yes — I work with clients online across the UK via Zoom and have done so successfully for many years. Online sessions are just as effective as in-person sessions for the majority of clients. You will need a quiet, comfortable space where you won't be disturbed and a reliable internet connection. I'll send you a meeting link in advance.

I ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice may be charged at the full session rate. I understand that emergencies happen and will always try to be flexible where possible.

Yes. Everything discussed in our sessions is held in the strictest confidence in line with the professional codes of conduct of the NCH, AfSFH and CNHC. The only exceptions are the standard legal and ethical limits that apply to all therapists — for example, if there were serious concerns about your safety or the safety of others. I also work with a clinical supervisor, with whom I may discuss sessions in anonymised form to ensure the quality of your care.