Questions

Showbiz and the media have created huge misconceptions about hypnotherapy. In essence, hypnotherapy uses dialogue and hypnosis to work on deeply engrained issues that people have struggled to overcome by themselves.

The word “hypnosis” comes from the Greek hypnos, which means sleep. But hypnosis is different from sleep — it is more like daydreaming. It is a state we go into many times a day: driving on a familiar road, almost on autopilot, or out walking and getting absorbed by the scenery around us.

We do it all the time. In this natural state our mind is fully functioning and we’re in control. During this deep state of relaxation, our subconscious mind — where our deepest memories, perceptions and behaviours acquired over the years are stored — becomes more accessible, while our conscious mind is slightly disconnected. It is therefore an ideal state of mind to be in to reprogram entrenched beliefs or patterns which no longer serve us.

Absolutely! Hypnosis requires a joint effort to work. The relationship between a hypnotherapist and their client is akin to the dynamic between a pilot and their co-pilot. You are the pilot, with a clear desire to reach your destination. Your hypnotherapist is your co-pilot, providing guidance along the way.

However, you must still take control of the steering wheel and pedals to navigate your journey. The journey with us is similar. We’ll guide you onto the right path and help shift your mindset. You’ll need to do your homework and exercises to solidify new habits and thoughts. Change occurs because you genuinely desire it and are willing to take the necessary steps. Together we’ll cross the finish line.

During hypnotherapy, a trained practitioner guides the client into a relaxed state. To achieve this, you simply need to sit back and listen to the calming voice of the hypnotherapist and soft background music.

In this state you are more receptive to suggestions, which ultimately helps change behaviours and reduce stress.

Everyone is different in the way they take everything in, and ultimately allow their brain to process what is discussed in the session.

The Committee of Advertising Practice — which sets the rules we follow here — accepts that hypnotherapy can be used to help relieve anxiety and aid sleep, and can help with confidence and eating problems. That’s the honest scope of what we’ll claim.

In practice, people come to us about pressure that won’t switch off, confidence that hasn’t kept up with their career, sleep that’s stopped working, speaking in public, habits they’d like to change, focus, and the relationships around them.

The more committed and willing you are to make changes and to engage in the therapy process, the more you will benefit.

We don’t claim to treat medical conditions, and you’ll notice we don’t name any on this site. That’s deliberate. If what you’re carrying needs medical care, the right first step is your GP — and hypnotherapy alongside proper treatment is a conversation to have with them, not with us.

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind which does not entail loss of self-control or consciousness. You can end a session whenever you want.

Anne is trained at the London College of Clinical Hypnotherapy, holds an HPD, is registered with the CNHC and the NCH, is fully insured and holds an enhanced DBS.

That said: hypnotherapy is not a substitute for medical care, and it isn’t right for everyone or for everything. If you’re being treated for a health condition, tell your doctor you’re considering it.

Not unless you want to or feel it’s necessary. The first part of the hypnotherapy session is a discussion about which part of your life you want to improve. As Solution Focused Hypnotherapy does not address the past in any way, we will focus on the present and on helping you to move forward in life.

The session is made up of two parts. During the first part we will talk about your personal circumstances and issues. We will then use forward-thinking, positive communication therapy to support you in moving forward. The second part of the session is hypnosis. This special focus on your subconscious enables you to consolidate what we’ve discussed in the initial part, finding solutions to your problems and taking on board positive suggestions.

Here you just relax and focus on your desired change, whilst we work together on tweaking how your brain works and we mutually enjoy the session. Remember, hypnotherapy focuses on positive and forward thinking to achieve your preferred future, and not on your past.

The average number of sessions is around 3–5. However, this depends on the individual. We will discuss your personal needs and make a plan during your initial consultation. The recommended frequency of sessions is weekly or fortnightly, and tends to reduce over time.

Please speak to your GP first if you’re dealing with a diagnosed medical or mental health condition, if you’re in crisis, or if something frightens you about how you’re feeling.

Hypnotherapy does not replace medical care, and nothing on this site is medical advice. We would always rather you had the right help than our help. If you’re already under a doctor’s care and want to explore hypnotherapy alongside it, that’s a conversation to have with them.

If you need urgent support in the UK: your GP, NHS 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123, free, any time.

We’ll talk it through on your discovery chat — 15 minutes, free, no obligation.