Hypnotherapy is a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis. The psychotherapy is extremely beneficial in itself and its effects are enhanced by the application of hypnosis, which enables the subconscious mind to make beneficial changes.

There are many different kinds of psychotherapy, all of which aim to help people deal with stress or emotional problems. Often referred to as a ‘talking therapy’, psychotherapy involves talking together to help clients overcome their difficulties.

Hypnosis – commonly referred to as ‘trance’ – is simply a state of focused attention, when your conscious and unconscious mind are both focusing on the same thing. It’s not unlike guided daydreaming. In this relaxed state, your mind is more responsive to beneficial suggestions. In a therapeutic setting, the suggestions are designed to help you change unhelpful thought patterns.

Absolutely – trance is a very natural and safe state. In fact, we all naturally go in and out of trance states every day – perhaps when we are reading a good book, listening to music, going for a run, watching television or even cooking. Have you ever had the experience of driving along a familiar route and not really remembering details of the journey when you arrive?  That’s trance.

Absolutely not. Trance used during hypnotherapy is very different from the type of things we might see on the television or stage. Trance is not mind-control! When we are in a trance state we are still in control, and we process and decide whether information or suggestions are useful to us or not. Nobody can make you do anything in trance that you do not want to do or that would go against your normal code of conduct.

No. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy does not involve analysing painful memories from the past. If you have experienced unpleasant events, we acknowledge they happened, look at where you are now, then focus on helping you to make the changes necessary for you to get to where you want to be.

In essence, anyone can, whether young or old.  It not only helps those who want to make changes in their life but is also used by many people who simply enjoy deep relaxation.

I adhere to the National Council for Hypnotherapy code of conduct, which protects the client’s confidentiality and personal information.  Exceptions may exist when a client is at serious risk of endangering themselves or others, when there is evidence of child abuse or when a serious criminal offence has been committed.