Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy: How It Works, Benefits and More…

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines two forms of therapy: talking therapy (to be more specific “Solution Focused Brief Therapy - SFBT”) and hypnosis. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions or behaviours that are holding you back in life.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy believes you already have the necessary resources to find solutions and to make positive changes in your life. Rather than dwelling on the problem, I help you develop your strengths to make your goals a reality.

Hypnotherapy works by inducing a natural shift in conscious awareness known as a trance. In this state, you feel more focused and receptive to positive suggestions that you have chosen beforehand.

Trance / hypnosis removes distractions and critical thinking, allowing your unconscious mind to engage with therapeutic tools effectively.

This heightened focus helps bypass the rational mind's resistance, enabling beneficial changes to take root without the usual doubts or objections.

Hypnotherapy leverages the trance state to promote mental and emotional wellbeing through targeted, positive reinforcement.

I work with clients from my therapy room in Upper Heyford, nr Bicester, Oxfordshire and also online nationally and internationally.

Yes, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is based on the latest research from neuroscience. It’s a modern psychotherapeutic approach that uses practical, structured, and well-researched strategies to help people make significant positive changes in a relatively short period of time.

Depending on your circumstances and what you are looking to achieve, sessions may also involve elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP).

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is classed as a brief therapeutic approach. It works by supporting the brain to create new, more helpful patterns through a process known as neuroplasticity.

Many clients notice improvements early on in the process—not just in the area they initially sought support with, but often in other aspects of life too.

The number of sessions varies depending on your individual goals and circumstances. While some people may benefit from just a few sessions, others may prefer to attend over a longer period. As a general guide, most of my clients attend between 6–12 sessions.

We’ll review progress together as we go, and you’re always in control of how long you continue for.

Sessions last between 50 -60 minutes.

Our sessions will begin with non-invasive talking therapy, focusing on envisioning your desired future, exploring solutions, and setting achievable goals.

We’ll prioritise how you want to feel (e.g., calmer instead of anxious) and use forward-thinking strategies.

By visualising these solutions, your mind starts creating new neurological pathways, reshaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.

Depending on your goals, sessions may include elements of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), or Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). This part lasts about 30 minutes.

In the second half, I gently guide you into a deep relaxation state, known as trance or hypnosis. You can sit or recline comfortably. This state is as effective online as face-to-face. In this relaxed state, your mind is highly receptive to positive suggestions, allowing your subconscious to focus on useful solutions.

Hypnosis or trance is a natural shift in our conscious awareness.

Whilst in trance, you’ll feel more focused and your brain will be able to concentrate on positive suggestions (things you will have chosen for yourself beforehand).

Trance removes distraction and critical thinking so your unconscious mind can focus on useful therapeutic tools (without your rational mind saying “yes but…” or “I can think of 10 reasons that won’t work for me”!)

Yes. Trance is a daydream like state where you are fully conscious. Hypnotherapy isn’t about mind control. It allows your brain to relax so you can tap into your inner resources.

Absolutely not, I promise. You might have seen hypnosis used as part of an entertainment show.

This is nothing like that. It’s a legit therapeutic practice, backed by science, and I’ve had to do lots of training and assessments to work as a practitioner.

I provide hypnotherapy services for individuals aged 16 and above, encompassing both adults and adolescents.

For clients under 18, parental involvement is customary during the Discovery Experience/Initial Consultation. Subsequent sessions typically involve only the 16-17 year old.

Before any paid sessions commence, parents are required to sign my terms and conditions, along with a consent form.

Most people can experience some level of hypnosis, although the depth and response can vary from person to person. Factors such as comfort, openness to the process, the ability to focus, and a willingness to engage all play a role.

Hypnosis isn’t something that’s done to you—it’s a natural, collaborative state that we guide into together. Some people find they enter that relaxed, focused state easily, while for others it may take a little more time—and that’s completely okay.

We’ll always begin with a thorough consultation to understand what you’d like support with and to make sure that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is appropriate for you. I’ll explain how the process works and tailor the approach to your needs.

Yes, hypnotherapy can be conducted online and offers several benefits.

Online sessions provide the convenience of receiving therapy from the comfort of your own home, saving time and travel costs. This familiar setting can help you feel more relaxed and open, enhancing the effectiveness of the therapy.

Additionally, it offers greater flexibility in scheduling appointments to suit your lifestyle. Online hypnotherapy maintains the same standards of safety and professionalism as face-to-face sessions, allowing you to achieve similar therapeutic outcomes.

It is a versatile option that makes hypnotherapy more accessible to a wider range of adults.

Yes, hypnotherapy is considered safe when delivered by a trained, qualified practitioner. It’s a natural, collaborative process that allows the mind to access a calm, focused state—helping you create space for positive change through deep relaxation and solution-focused work.

You remain aware and in control throughout, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will. The process is gentle, and you're always encouraged to engage at a pace that feels right for you.

I adhere to professional standards, ethical guidelines, and insurance requirements to ensure your safety and wellbeing at every stage. We always begin with a thorough Initial Consultation to explore your goals, assess suitability, and discuss any relevant health or medical history.

While hypnotherapy is safe for most people, there are some circumstances where it may not be appropriate. These include:

• Individuals currently experiencing severe mental health conditions (such as psychosis or schizophrenia)

• People in psychological crisis (including suicidal thoughts or self-harm)

• Certain neurological conditions

• Some cardiac conditions, particularly those considered unstable or unmanaged

• Individuals with epilepsy (who should consult their doctor before starting hypnotherapy)

If you are under the care of a medical or mental health professional, written consent may be required before therapy can begin. If hypnotherapy isn’t suitable, I’ll always be open and happy to signpost you to more appropriate support.

Your safety and wellbeing are always the priority.

I promise that doesn’t happen. You aren’t in a deep trance, it’s more like a deep state of relaxation.

You will be aware of everything that’s happening. You remain in control throughout the hypnosis. And I promise you will feel safe and secure in our sessions.

Yes, there is free off-street parking on my drive, so nice and easy. You will be sent full directions and instructions when you book an in-person hypnotherapy session.

While I’m fully committed to offering effective, ethical, and supportive hypnotherapy, I don’t offer a money-back guarantee.

This is because hypnotherapy, like all forms of therapy, is a collaborative process. Positive change depends on a range of individual factors—including your goals, your readiness for change, and your engagement with the process. Every client is unique, and outcomes can vary from person to person.

Some people notice shifts early on, while for others, progress is more gradual and unfolds over time. Therapy isn’t something that’s done to you—it’s something we do together, at your pace.

I’ll always work with care, professionalism, and honesty to support your journey—and review progress with you along the way.

Absolutely. This can give you more flexibility around appointments, allowing you to stay on track.

Yes, some of my clients choose to embark on an ongoing hypnotherapy journey once we’ve finished our initial sessions.

These “top up” sessions elevate the results of your initial treatment and nurture a perpetually positive mindset and act as a useful ongoing way to maintain strong and resilient emotional health.

It’s like giving your mind a monthly spa retreat to supercharge your personal growth or having a regular PT session but for your mind.

No, altering the past is beyond our reach.

However, we possess the power to reshape your approach towards present circumstances and those yet to come.

Our focus with Solution Focused Hypnotherapy lies in discussing your current position and gradual strategies for progress.

Ah, if only it were that simple! While hypnotherapy can be a powerful and effective approach, we’re not quite at the “snap your fingers and voilà” stage just yet.

If I could resolve everything in one session, I’d probably be a millionaire sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere by now!

The truth is, meaningful change tends to unfold over time. It’s a process that involves collaboration, consistency, and a bit of personal commitment. My role is to guide and support you with practical tools, neuroscience-informed insights, and a calm, structured space to begin that change.

There’s no instant magic—but for many people, the process of change becomes easier, more natural, and more sustainable over time.

Access to hypnotherapy via the NHS is currently very limited. While it may occasionally be available in some specialist services, it's not widely offered as a standard treatment.

You’re welcome to explore this option with your GP or healthcare provider, but in most cases, hypnotherapy is accessed privately. The majority of qualified practitioners—myself included—operate in independent practice settings.

Sessions can be done in-person at my comfortable and private therapy room in Upper Heyford (nr Bicester) Oxfordshire OX25. Conveniently located for individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire.

Item descI’m not registered directly with health plan providers, so I don’t process claims myself. However, many clients with workplace health cash plans or employee benefit schemes are able to claim back part of their session fees.

I always provide a full invoice after payment, which includes the information typically required for reimbursement.

It’s important to speak with your plan provider or HR department to check whether hypnotherapy is covered under your policy, and to understand any limits that may apply—these are sometimes capped by therapy type or claim category.

If your provider needs specific details included on your invoice (such as professional memberships or reference numbers), I’m happy to add those—just let me know.

My therapy room is located at my home in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire). It’s a calm, private space in a garden room with flat access and no steps from the driveway. However, please note that the doorway is not currently wide enough for wheelchair access.

If you require full step-free and wheelchair-accessible access, I may be able to secure a suitable local therapy room—please don’t hesitate to ask.

I also offer online sessions, which provide a flexible and fully accessible alternative from the comfort of your own space.

If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions, I’m happy to discuss options and explore reasonable adjustments.