One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What exactly is hypnotherapy?”
For many people, their only experience of hypnosis comes from television or stage shows. They imagine someone losing control, clucking like a chicken, or being made to do something against their will. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. I want to reassure you from the very beginning that hypnotherapy is a safe, gentle and empowering experience. You remain in control at all times. My role is simply to guide you into a state where your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive change.
Your Mind Already Knows How to Enter Hypnosis
One of the biggest surprises for many of my clients is discovering that they already experience hypnosis every single day. Have you ever driven somewhere and suddenly realised you don’t remember part of the journey? Yet you arrived safely. Perhaps you’ve become completely absorbed in a book or found yourself staring out of the window, lost in thought. These are all natural trance states.
Hypnotherapy simply uses this natural ability intentionally. Rather than allowing your mind to drift aimlessly, we gently guide it towards creating healthier beliefs, behaviours and emotional responses.
Looking Beyond the Symptoms
I believe healing is about so much more than addressing a single problem. When someone comes to see me with anxiety, low confidence, a fear of flying, poor sleep or another challenge, we often discover that the issue they’re experiencing today isn’t actually where everything began. We often say the issue is never the issue. The behaviour is never the issue, it is merely a symptom of the issue.
Together, we gently explore what your subconscious mind has been trying to protect you from.
Sometimes we discover the root cause very quickly. Other times, your subconscious does the work quietly in the background without you needing to relive difficult memories or explain every detail of your past. I never need to know your story unlike talk therap
This is one of the reasons I love hypnotherapy so much. You don’t always need to tell your story in order to change it.
Many clients leave a session saying something like:
“Now I understand why I’ve always been afraid of driving.”
or
“I never realised that was where my anxiety started.”
Those moments of understanding often bring tremendous relief because the subconscious has finally been given permission to let go. They are ‘Aha” moments which just make sense.
My Holistic Approach
My approach is slightly different because I don’t see people as simply a list of symptoms. We are whole human beings. Our thoughts affect our emotions. Our emotions affect our body. Our body influences how we experience life. Everything is connected.
That is why I combine hypnotherapy with my background in Reiki, Reflexology, massage therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), NLP (neurolinguistic Programing, wellness coaching and other holistic therapies whenever it feels appropriate.
Some clients begin with Reiki or Reflexology because they’re nervous about hypnotherapy. As trust develops and they begin experiencing positive changes, they naturally become curious about working more deeply with the subconscious mind.
There is never any pressure.
Every healing journey is unique.
You Don’t Have to Be Deeply Relaxed
Another common misconception is that hypnosis only works if you’re completely asleep or deeply relaxed. In reality, that’s simply not true. Look how street or stage hypnotists work. Their subjects are often standing up. While many people experience profound relaxation during a session, the therapeutic change often begins through conversation before we ever enter a formal trance. Conversational hypnosis is something we naturally use every day. Sometimes significant shifts happen while we’re simply talking.
Other times we move into a beautiful state of deep relaxation where your subconscious mind becomes wonderfully open to healthier, more empowering suggestions.
Both approaches are equally valuable.
Can Everyone Be Hypnotised?
People often tell me,
“I don’t think I can be hypnotised.”
Interestingly, these are often the people who enter hypnosis most easily once they allow themselves to trust the process.
The truth is very simple. If you genuinely want to experience hypnosis, your mind already knows how. If you don’t want to, then naturally your mind won’t allow it. You cannot be made to accept suggestions that go against your values or your wishes. You remain aware throughout the session and you are always in control.
The Clients I Help Most
Although every client is unique, many people come to me because they are living with anxiety. Anxiety can affect every area of life. It may show up at work. It may affect driving, public speaking or flying. t can disturb your sleep or leave you constantly worrying about what might happen next.
I also support children, teenagers and adults with fears, phobias, confidence, smoking cessation, weight management and emotional wellbeing.
Regardless of the reason you come to see me, my aim is always the same. To help you reconnect with the calm, capable and confident person who already exists within you.
What Happens During Your First Session?
Before we even meet, I send you a recorded audio explaining what hypnosis is and, more importantly, what it isn’t. You’ll also receive a consultation form so I can begin understanding what you’d like to change. During your first session we’ll spend time talking together. I often use simple diagrams to explain how the conscious and subconscious mind work because understanding your own mind can be incredibly empowering. Many people suddenly realise,
“I’m not broken.” “My subconscious has simply been trying to protect me.”
That understanding alone can create enormous relief. From there, I’ll guide you into a comfortable hypnotic state using techniques that are tailored specifically to you. Every session is different because every person is different.
Why I Love This Work
My own journey into holistic healing began many years ago after receiving my first Reiki treatment while on holiday. The experience stayed with me long after I returned home. It sparked a curiosity that eventually led me to train in Reiki, Reflexology, massage therapies, Emotional Freedom Technique, NLP, wellness coaching and finally hypnotherapy.
Since then I’ve continued studying because I believe learning never stops. Every course, every client and every experience has deepened my understanding of how incredibly powerful the subconscious mind really is. Helping people reconnect with themselves, release old patterns and discover they are capable of so much more is an absolute privilege.
You Already Have Everything You Need
One of the phrases I often say during my sessions is:
You have everything you need inside of you.
I truly believe that. Sometimes life layers fears, stress and limiting beliefs over our natural confidence and resilience. Hypnotherapy doesn’t give you something you don’t already possess. It helps you uncover what has always been there.
If you’ve been wondering whether hypnotherapy might help you, I’d love to have a conversation with you. I offer an in-depth telephone consultation where we can discuss your goals, answer any questions and explore whether this feels like the right path for you.
Sometimes one conversation is all it takes to begin a completely new chapter.
Disclaimer: Hypnotherapy and holistic therapies are complementary approaches and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Individual results vary. If you are experiencing severe mental health concerns or are in crisis, please seek support from your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional.
