LGBTQIA+ Friendly Hypnotherapy – Exploring Mental Health and Wellbeing Through a Solution-Focused Lens
Navigating life as an LGBTQIA+ person can come with experiences that others may not fully understand — from societal pressure and discrimination to internal conflicts around identity, belonging, or self-worth. These experiences can sometimes influence emotional wellbeing, confidence, and how we relate to ourselves and others.
As someone with lived experience within the LGBTQIA+ community, I offer a welcoming, non-judgemental space where your identity is respected, affirmed, and understood.
Using Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, I support individuals in exploring new ways of thinking, reconnecting with their strengths, and moving toward a more grounded, self-affirming future.
A Supportive Approach Rooted in Your Strengths
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a gentle, collaborative approach that emphasises your existing resources and preferred future, rather than analysing the past.
Many LGBTQIA+ clients find this helpful when exploring:
identity-related stress
unhelpful thinking patterns
confidence or self-esteem
emotional pressure around coming out
the impact of negative messaging or shame
navigating relationships or belonging
personal growth
internalised stigma or self-criticism
SFH combines future-focused conversation with guided relaxation, imagery, and positive focus — offering space for clearer thinking and a more regulated internal state.
Exploring Shame, Fear, and Guilt
For some LGBTQIA+ people, experiences such as stigma, rejection, or cultural messaging can contribute to feelings like shame, fear or guilt.
Within SFH, individuals are invited to explore:
how they want to feel
the beliefs that feel more aligned with who they are
moments where they already cope well
inner strengths that may have been overshadowed
more helpful self-talk or perspectives
Many clients describe this as helping them move toward a gentler and more self-compassionate inner narrative.
Working with Anxiety or Emotional Pressure
It’s not uncommon for LGBTQIA+ individuals to experience periods of emotional pressure — whether connected to coming out, visibility, discrimination, or simply navigating day-to-day life in environments that may not always feel safe or affirming.
In SFH, we explore:
calm, resourceful states
future-focused goals
techniques for grounding and emotional steadiness
ways of recognising moments of strength and resilience
helpful patterns that already exist in your life
Clients often say this helps them feel more centred when approaching situations that previously felt overwhelming.
Exploring the Impact of Difficult Experiences
Some LGBTQIA+ individuals have faced challenging or distressing events, including discrimination, rejection or other experiences that have shaped the way they think or feel.
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy does not revisit the details of past trauma, nor does it diagnose or treat trauma, but it can provide a safe and steady space to:
explore preferred ways of coping
identify supportive strategies
imagine future scenarios that feel safer and more grounded
focus on strengths, not symptoms
reconnect with a sense of internal stability
This work is always taken at your pace and with compassion.
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Many LGBTQIA+ clients arrive wanting to feel more confident in who they are — especially if their self-image has been shaped by societal expectations, cultural pressure, or internalised criticism.
SFH supports this by focusing on:
what is already working
recalling times where confidence has shown up
visualising future situations where you feel grounded and empowered
exploring strengths that may have been overshadowed
building familiarity with positive internal dialogue
Clients often describe this process as helping them reconnect with their authentic self.
Stress, Coping, and Emotional Regulation
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can also support individuals in discovering ways to navigate stress more helpfully.
Techniques may include:
guided relaxation
positive imagery
helpful reframing of thoughts
anchoring useful internal states
exploring small, achievable steps forward
Many people find that having a calm, reflective space helps them approach stressors with a greater sense of clarity and steadiness.
Exploring Patterns Around Habits or Impulses
Some individuals seek support around habit-related behaviours, including those linked to alcohol, sexual behaviour, or other coping strategies.
In SFH, the focus is on:
strengths
goals
future-based motivation
resilience
building new routines
imagining the version of yourself you want to grow into
This is not addiction treatment, but many LGBTQIA+ clients find the approach supportive as part of their broader wellbeing journey.
A Safe, Affirming Therapeutic Space
At HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, my aim is to provide an environment where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel:
seen
understood
respected
celebrated
empowered
Working together, we explore your goals, your resources, and the strengths that have carried you this far — helping you move toward a life that feels more authentic, grounded, and aligned with who you truly are.
Want to find out more about how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy could support you?
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
The first step to setting yourself free and living the life you want.
It's perfectly normal to feel a bit apprehensive when reaching out to a therapist for more information. Taking this step is a powerful choice, and I want you to know that it's absolutely okay to feel that way. I’m here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.
My name is Andy Selway (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviors for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
In a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m a member of the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and National Council for Hypnotherapy.
Hypnotherapy sessions can be done either in my garden therapy room in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire (Near Bicester). Ideally situated, it also serves individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire and I also work online nationwide via Zoom.