Trying something new can bring up a lot of mixed feelings. One part of you might be curious… and another part might already be listing all the reasons to back out.

That’s completely normal.

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because hypnotherapy has caught your attention in some way. Maybe you’ve heard good things. Maybe you’ve tried other approaches and you’re open to something different. Or maybe you’re just quietly wondering whether this could actually help.

At the same time, you probably have questions. Lots of them.

So let me gently walk you through what really happens in a hypnotherapy session. No mystical language. No exaggerated promises. Just an honest explanation of the process, from someone who once sat exactly where you are now—and who can genuinely say they wouldn’t be here today without hypnotherapy.

First Things First: What Hypnotherapy Isn’t.

Before we get into the details, it’s helpful to clear up a few common worries.

You won’t be unconscious. You won’t lose control. I can’t make you do or say anything you don’t want to do. And no—there’s no clucking like a chicken involved.

(Stage hypnosis is entertainment. This is therapy. Very different things.)

You’ll be aware the entire time. You can open your eyes whenever you like. You can move, speak, or stop at any point. In fact, you’re often more present during a hypnotherapy session than you are when you’ve been scrolling on your phone for an hour without realising it.

A helpful way to think about it is guided relaxation with a purpose. Or a focused conversation with your subconscious mind.

What a Session Looks Like

Each session lasts around 55 minutes and has two clear parts. They work together, but they feel quite different.

Part One: Solution Focused Therapy (The Planning Stage)

This is the talking part—and it’s a real conversation.

We don’t spend the whole time analysing what’s wrong, digging endlessly into the past, or reliving everything that hasn’t worked. We may touch on those things briefly, just enough to understand what’s going on. But the real focus is on something much more useful:

What do you want instead?

It sounds simple, but many people realise they’ve spent years describing their problem without ever getting clear on what life would look like without it.

I once worked with a client (let’s call her Sarah) who came to see me about anxiety. She could describe her anxiety in incredible detail—the tight chest, the racing thoughts, the avoidance.

When I asked her what she wanted instead, she paused.

“I just don’t want to feel anxious,” she said.

“That makes sense,” I replied. “But what do you want to feel?”

That question changed everything. Because we can’t move toward “not anxious”—that isn't a destination. But we can move toward calm. Confidence. Feeling present. Feeling capable.

So in this first part, we get clear and specific. We explore things like:

• What does life look like when this issue is no longer a problem?
• How will you know things are improving?
• What will you be doing differently?
• Who else might notice the change?
• What’s already worked for you before, even in small ways?

I’m trained in solution focused therapy, which means I’m always looking for your strengths. The resources you already have. The moments—past or present—where you’ve coped better than you think you have.

Together, we’re building a clear picture of where you’re heading.

This part usually takes around 20 minutes, sometimes a little longer. It’s relaxed and conversational. Because sessions are online, you’ll be in your own space, sitting comfortably, just talking things through.

And here’s something that often surprises people: this part alone can already start to shift things. Gaining clarity, remembering times you’ve handled challenges well—it often brings a sense of relief before the hypnotherapy even begins.

Part Two: The Hypnotherapy (The Installation Stage)

Once we’ve done the planning, we move into the hypnotherapy itself.

This is where you get to properly relax.

I’ll guide you into a calm, comfortable state—eyes closed if you want to, simply listening to my voice. Your body will feel heavy and settled. Your mind will be calm but still aware.

Some people worry they won’t “go deep enough.” The truth is, there’s no such thing. If you’re relaxed and listening, you’re exactly where you need to be. Some people feel almost asleep. Others feel very alert but deeply calm. Both work perfectly well.

While you’re in this relaxed state, two things are happening.

First, we work with the goals we talked about earlier. That clear picture we built—of you handling situations differently, feeling the way you want to feel, responding with more ease—gets woven into the session. This helps your subconscious mind begin to accept these changes as normal and achievable, not just wishful thinking.

Your conscious mind is great at analysing and overthinking. Your subconscious mind is the part that runs habits, patterns, and automatic responses. Hypnotherapy allows us to speak directly to that deeper part of the mind, where change can feel more natural and less like a struggle.

Second, I introduce supportive suggestions and new ways of responding, tailored specifically to you. This might include:

• New responses to old triggers
• Healthier, kinder self-talk
• Simple physical cues for calm or confidence
• Mental rehearsal of upcoming situations
• Strengthening your connection to your own inner resources

For example, I worked with a client (let’s call him James) who struggled with confidence at work. He was capable and intelligent, but his mind would go blank whenever he spoke in meetings.

During his session, we didn’t just tell his subconscious to “be confident.” We practiced it. We mentally rehearsed meetings where he felt grounded and clear. We connected him to times in his life where he already communicated well—like patiently teaching his nephew how to fix a bike.

A few sessions later, he messaged me after a presentation:

“I actually enjoyed it.”

Not just survived it. Enjoyed it.

That’s what can happen when new patterns are practiced at the subconscious level.

What It Feels Like.

People often ask what hypnotherapy feels like.

Most describe it as deep, comfortable relaxation. Similar to that drifting state just before sleep, where your body is heavy and your thoughts slow down. You can hear everything. You could move or speak if you wanted to. You just don’t feel the need to—because it feels good to be that relaxed.

Some people remember every word. Others remember more of the feeling than the details. Both are completely normal. Your subconscious mind takes in what it needs either way.

The hypnotherapy part usually lasts around 45–50 minutes. When it’s complete, I’ll guide you back to full alertness. Most people feel refreshed, clear, and often pleasantly energised.

After the Session.

This is something I’m always honest about: the changes continue after the session ends.

Not because you have homework (you don’t). But because your brain needs time to integrate what we’ve done and start running those new patterns automatically.

Some people notice changes immediately. Others notice them gradually over the following days. Both are normal.

What matters most is that change happens when you’re ready for it—and when you have the right support.

The Honest Truth.

Hypnotherapy isn’t magic.

It’s a tool. A powerful one, when you’re open to using it.

It works best when you want change, when you’re willing to engage with the process, and when you’re open to the idea that things really can be different.

I can’t turn you into someone you don’t want to be. But I can help you reconnect with who you already are beneath the anxiety, doubt, or habits that have been holding you back.

The people who get the most from hypnotherapy aren’t always the most convinced—they’re usually just curious. Willing to explore. Open to trying something new.

What Happens Next.

If you’re still reading, something probably resonated.

Maybe you’re thinking, “Okay… this actually sounds manageable.”

Maybe you’re still skeptical, but intrigued.

Maybe you just want to ask a few questions.

All of that is completely fine.

The next step is simple: book a free initial call. There’s no pressure and no obligation—just a conversation. We’ll talk about what you’re dealing with, I’ll answer your questions, and you’ll get a sense of whether this feels like the right fit.

That’s it. No hard sell. Just a chance to explore what’s possible.

You don’t have to stay stuck. You don’t have to keep repeating the same patterns. Change is possible—sometimes it just takes the right approach and the right support.

And you might be surprised by what you’re capable of.

Everything that you discuss within therapy is absolutely confidential from your first contact.

I abide by the ethical framework of the Professional Hypnotherapy Practitioners Association (PHPA) which require me to have regular supervision with an accredited supervisor, therefore, in order to provide you with the best care, I may discuss your case with another practitioner. Identifying details such as name, gender and location are anonymised.

The amount of sessions you will need will depend on your specific needs. I believe in providing the most cost effective and efficient therapy possible. I work in a solution-focused way which means that we will look to find solutions to your issue as quickly as possible rather than spending unnecessary time focused on the problem or the past.  

Some clients like to meet weekly whilst others prefer slightly longer gaps in-between sessions.

There is no pressure to attend multiple sessions and we can discuss your wishes around this at the start of your first session.

Some of the areas I can help you with are:

Chronic pain conditions

Phobias & fears

Nausea and vomiting related to chemotherapy

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Grief (pet or family bereavement)

Sleep disorders

Anxiety/confidence issues

PTSD

Weight loss

Sessions last for at least 55 minutes and are £48 per session.

Smoking cessation is a one-off £60.

There are several ways of paying for your sessions- I accept cash and bank transfer.

No. Hypnotherapy is not the same as the stage hypnosis you may have seen on television. You will not do or say anything that you do not want to.

I abide by the ethical guidelines of the PHPA which mean that I only work in a way that has your best interests at the forefront. Hypnotherapy is not about the therapist controlling you, you have complete control at all times. You are able to move and to talk during your session, and should you need to become alert at any point during the session you would do so quite naturally and easily.

Yes. Children have wonderfully vivid imaginations, and hypnotherapy leverages this innate creativity to make therapeutic change. Hypnotherapy for children sessions often incorporate storytelling, metaphors, and visualisation exercises, which help younger minds connect with the suggestions being offered.

Some people find that hypnotherapy complements traditional therapy, offering an alternative perspective or method of treatment. One of the main benefits of hypnotherapy is its ability to access the subconscious mind. This can lead to breakthroughs that might take longer to achieve with traditional therapy.

Conducting hypnotherapy online is no different than in person and is perfectly safe.

Zoom and Teams are available for online therapy. These are straightforward to set up and I can assist you with this process if required.

You’ll need a camera and a microphone to get started (usually,both are built in to newer laptops). It’s also worth ensuring that you have a private, quiet space in which to conduct the session uninterrupted.

There are a few other considerations that we will talk through before we start, but these are very simple and easy to follow.