FAQs

Hypnotherapy is a way of working with focused attention, imagination, and expectation to help change unhelpful patterns of thought, feeling, and behaviour.

In this context, hypnosis is used to support practical cognitive and behavioural strategies, rather than explore past experiences. If useful, you can read more in Making Sense of Hypnotherapy.

Yes – you remain fully in control throughout. Hypnosis cannot make you do anything against your will or values. The work is always collaborative and guided by your goals. You can speak, pause, or stop at any point, and nothing happens ‘to’ you. Hypnotherapy relies on your active participation, not surrendering control.

People often describe hypnosis as a state of focused attention – similar to becoming absorbed in a book, a film, or a daydream. You are usually aware of what’s happening and able to think, reflect, and engage in conversation throughout. Experiences vary, but hypnosis doesn’t involve losing consciousness or being asleep.

Most people can engage with hypnosis to some degree, especially when it’s approached as a skill rather than something that ‘happens’ to you. There is no pressure to perform or ‘go deep’. The work adapts to you, and if a particular technique isn’t helpful, we simply use a different approach.

When practiced responsibly and ethically, hypnotherapy is considered safe. Sessions are collaborative, paced carefully, and guided by informed consent. Nothing is done without your understanding and agreement, and you remain actively involved throughout the process.

No single approach works for everyone, and hypnotherapy is no different – it is not a quick fix. It can be helpful for many people, particularly those interested in understanding and changing patterns of thinking, attention, and response. Part of the work is exploring whether this approach feels like a good fit for you.

This varies depending on what you are bringing and how you’d like to work. Some people find a small number of sessions is enough to make meaningful changes, while others prefer to work more gradually. This is something we review together rather than fixing in advance.

Yes. Research and clinical experience suggest that hypnotherapy can be effective when delivered online. Because the work relies on attention, imagination, and communication – rather than physical presence – many people find online sessions just as engaging and sometimes even more comfortable.

You will need a stable internet connection, a private and comfortable space, and a device with camera and microphone. It helps to choose a setting where you won’t be interrupted and where you feel able to focus for the session.

I work with adults experiencing things like:

• Anxiety and worry
• Overthinking
• Stress and emotional overwhelm
• Confidence and self-doubt
• Difficulty switching off / sleep-related mental overactivity
• Assertiveness and boundaries
• Habits you’d like to change
• Phobias and specific fears
• Stopping smoking (smoking cessation)

If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, you’re welcome to get in touch.

Yes. Like all ethical practitioners, I work within a defined scope of practice. This is not a judgement about the seriousness or importance of any difficulty – it is about ensuring that people receive the right kind of support for their needs.

At present, I don’t work with:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma
• Psychosis, schizophrenia, or related conditions
• Bipolar disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Substance or alcohol addiction
• Clinical depression
• Active self-harm or suicidal ideation

I also don’t offer support for:

• Couples therapy
• Working with children or young people

Staying within my scope allows me to offer focused, responsible, and effective support. If you are unsure whether what you’re dealing with would be appropriate, you are welcome to get in touch and ask.