As a certified therapist and hypnotherapist, I am often asked what hypnotherapy is and what it involves, so I have put together a little post to clear up some common myths and provide a clearer understanding.

Any questions, please ask; I'd love to hear from you - you´ll find my contact details at the bottom of the page.

Common misconceptions:

• Is hypnosis just like stage hypnosis where people do things for entertainment?  

Thankfully absolutely not!  In a therapeutic setting you have all the control - the focus is on helping you feel safe, relaxed, and ready to make positive changes in your life and work towards achieving your goals.

• Does hypnosis work instantly, like magic? 

Whilst hypnotherapy is now proven to be the most effective form of therapy, it is also known for getting fast results, often for long standing and deeply embedded issues.  However, it still requires the client being committed to their own growth and sometimes a few sessions to see successful lasting results.  Rapid insights don’t always equate to instant results.

• Is hypnotherapy just like any other talking therapy? 

Talking therapy works mainly with the conscious mind through discussion and reflection. Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, where your emotional responses, habits, behaviours, and deeply held beliefs are stored, which is why many people experience change much more quickly with hypnotherapy, saving you time and money. Modern hypnotherapy has become the most dramatically effective short-term therapy developed to date!

• Is hypnotherapy as effective online?

Research shows that both methods are equally safe, supportive and effective - it's all about what helps you feel most at ease.  Whilst some people enjoy one-to-one therapy, others prefer the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and privacy of working together online from the familiar surroundings of their own home.   

Whether you choose to visit in person or meet me online, you'll always receive the same level of professional, personalised support and my care, focus and guidance. I'm here to help you create real, lasting change in whatever way works best for you. 

• What does hypnosis actually feel like?

Everyone experiences hypnosis slightly differently, but most people describe it as feeling deeply relaxed yet surprisingly alert. You may feel calm, focused, light, heavy, or simply very comfortable. 

There is no “right” way to feel — if you’re listening and engaged, you’re doing it perfectly and whatever you notice is exactly what’s meant to happen for you.

• Can only certain types of people can experience hypnosis? 

Most people can experience and gain incredible results if they are open and willing to participate in the process and approach it as a collaboration.

• Will hypnotherapy work for me?

Most people gain incredible results from hypnotherapy, especially if they are open to the process and genuinely motivated for change. You don’t need to believe in hypnosis or know how it works for it to be effective — you simply need to be willing to engage, and you’ll see that your subconscious mind already understands how to respond.

Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, where habits, emotional patterns, and beliefs are stored, which is why it can be so effective.  If you can follow guidance and imagine, you can experience hypnosis.

• Is hypnosis is only useful for a few specific issues like quitting smoking or weight loss:  

In reality, it can be applied to a wide variety of emotional, mental and behavioural challenges such as depression and low mood, unwanted habits and behaviour, insomnia, anxiety and stress, low confidence and self esteem, fears and phobias, addictions (nicotine, alcohol, drugs, shopping, social media, gambling etc), panic attacks, imposter syndrome, self sabotage, motivation and procrastination, OCD, perfectionism, relationship issues, fear of public speaking, stress and overwhelm, stress related health Issues such as IBS, pain relief, migraines, skin conditions, for grief, emotional blocks, money mindset blocks and even for improving communication, public speaking, performance, mindset, clarity...  amongst many other things!

• Is it a one size fits all approach?

It is in fact extremely personalized and tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals.  Every client is different — some experience big shifts in just one session, while others benefit from having a few. We will always discuss what feels best for you.

• How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the issue, your goals, and the approach used: RTT goes to the root cause to explore feelings and beliefs around events that you’ve experienced in the past.  Whilst it can be a fairly rapid outcome involving typically 1-3 sessions, the individual sessions themselves can be up to 2 hours long. Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy involves a series of short sessions (around 50-60 mins) focusing on progress and future change rather than analysing problems of the past. This will always be discussed with you clearly so you know what feels right for you.

• Will I maybe lose control under hypnosis? 

Quite the contrary - Hypnosis is about YOU gaining control of your own mind, and learning to collaborate with it to achieve the change you desire! Throughout the session you will remain completely aware, in control of what is happening and will only accept suggestions if you feel it's in your best interests to do so.   Hypnosis is simply a natural, gentle state of focused awareness against your will.  Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process that you actively participate in; it is done with you, not to you. 

• Is hypnotherapy safe for trauma?

When practiced ethically and professionally, hypnotherapy can be a safe, gentle, and effective approach for trauma-related work. Your pace, boundaries, and emotional safety are always the priorities.

•  What if I get stuck in hypnosis?

It is not possible to get stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a temporary and natural state (like daydreaming) that your mind moves in and out of naturally every day. Even if a session were interrupted, you would return to full awareness on your own.

• Is hypnotherapy safe for everyone? 

Hypnotherapy is safe for most people, but it isn’t recommended for certain conditions like epilepsy or some severe mental health disorders. I always check suitability beforehand to make sure it’s right for you