Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to induce a state of deep relaxation, heightened suggestibility, and focused attention. It works by accessing the subconscious mind — where habits, beliefs, and emotional patterns are stored — to facilitate positive, lasting changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.

Most people describe the hypnotic state as deeply relaxing — similar to that pleasant state between waking and sleep, or the absorption you feel while watching a film or driving a familiar road. You remain aware throughout; it is simply a focused, receptive state of mind.

Hypnosis works with your unconscious mind, which is naturally protective of your interests. Contrary to popular myths, you are always in control and able to exit the trance state instantly. During a session you cannot be made to do or think anything that conflicts with your own will or values.

Most people can experience a hypnotic state to some degree. Those who tend to get absorbed in books, films, or daydreaming often respond particularly well. The depth of trance needed for effective therapeutic work is very accessible — a light, comfortable state is all that is required.

Serious psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or severe dissociative disorders require specialised psychiatric care and are referred accordingly. Drug addiction and clinical depression require medical and psychiatric treatment — hypnotherapy can be a powerful complementary support but does not replace that care.

No. Clinical hypnotherapy is a structured, evidence-informed therapeutic process conducted in a private, professional setting. Stage hypnosis selects highly responsive performers for entertainment purposes. The two have little in common beyond the use of the word “hypnosis”.

Hypnotherapy helps all anxiety-based conditions including addictions (alcohol, smoking, drugs, food, gambling, gaming, internet), phobias, insomnia, depression, chronic pain, and performance concerns. It is useful in resolving everyday worries, traumas, and emotional problems. The deep relaxation of the hypnotic state allows problems to be addressed at their cause.

Many clients notice a meaningful shift after their very first session. The full benefit accumulates across a personalised programme of sessions. Because hypnotherapy works at the subconscious level — where patterns are actually stored — it often produces change more rapidly than approaches that rely solely on conscious reasoning.

Yes. Hypnotherapy is highly effective for anxiety and related conditions because it directly addresses the subconscious patterns driving anxious responses — rather than simply managing symptoms consciously. Combined with strategic psychotherapy and NLP, the results are typically faster and more durable than traditional talk therapy.

Yes — and it is one of the most evidence-supported applications of hypnotherapy. Many clients stop smoking after one to three sessions, as the emotional and habitual associations that sustain the behaviour are addressed directly at the subconscious level.

Yes. Hypnotherapy addresses the emotional eating patterns, subconscious reward associations, and self-image beliefs that drive unhelpful relationships with food. Rather than adding external rules, it shifts the internal patterns that make lasting change difficult through willpower alone.

Yes. Hypnotherapy complements counselling, medical treatment, psychological therapy, and other support modalities very effectively. If you are currently under medical or psychological care, please discuss your intention to begin hypnotherapy with your treating professional.