Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you see clients?

I work with clients online. Sessions are held over Zoom.

How much will it cost?

My fees can be viewed here.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses a combination of hypnosis and conversation-based therapy to explore and resolve challenges and issues. The process of hypnosis uncovers experiences at the level of the unconscious mind and brings memories and feelings into the conscious so they can be explored, deconstructed, and healed with the support of a therapist.

What is integrative therapy?

Integrative therapy is an approach that incorporates and combines elements from different theoretical orientations and therapeutic techniques. It recognises that no single therapy approach is sufficient for addressing the complexity of human experience and psychological issues. Instead, integrative therapy draws from various theories and practices to create a tailored and comprehensive treatment approach for each individual.

What is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is an approach that focuses on the body and how emotions appear within the body. It cultivates an awareness of bodily sensations while exploring thoughts, emotions, and memories to support recovery and change.

What issues do you help with?

I have experience helping my clients with:

• Managing stress and overcoming anxiety

• Treating forms of depression, including major depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

• Resolving sleep problems, including insomnia, nightmares, and sleep anxiety

• Exploring and resolving relationship issues and difficulties

• Improving emotional regulation and resolving issues, including anger and jealousy

• Overcoming low self-confidence and low self-esteem

• Resolving attachment issues, including anxious, avoidant, and disorganised patterns of relating to others — these are sometimes called ‘commitment issues’ or ‘abandonment issues’

• Overcoming feelings of isolation or loneliness

• Processing and integrating psychedelic experiences and non-ordinary states of consciousness

• Resolving sexual issues, including sexual shame, vaginismus, and vulvodynia

• Healing after complex life experiences and processing responses to trauma

What can I expect from the consultation?

The consultation is an opportunity for you to share what you are seeking help with, and I can answer questions you may have about working together. I charge a nominal fee for a 20-minute consultation on Zoom to reduce no-shows and respect our shared time.

Learn more about what to expect from your consultation and book your consultation here.

How does hypnotherapy work?

During a hypnotherapy session, hypnosis creates a period of focused attention and relaxation. While in this relaxed state, an individual can become more self-aware of their thoughts and emotions. Through this increased awareness, the root causes of challenges can be identified and addressed appropriately with the help and support of a qualified therapist. Unhelpful patterns are consciously and unconsciously replaced by more positive and worthwhile ways of being and living.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural and safe state of focused attention and relaxation. It is a self-improvement process that facilitates access to a person’s internal resources to assist them in solving problems, increasing motivation, changing perspectives, or altering behaviour patterns to create positive change. Hypnosis is well-recognised as a mind-body intervention that dates from ancient times.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), hypnosis is ‘a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion’.

What will hypnosis feel like?

If you have ever listened deeply to a guided meditation or rested with your eyes closed after a yoga class, you have entered a state of relaxation that is similar to a hypnotic state. You will likely feel deeply relaxed and calm during and after the session. Some states of hypnosis are gentle, and others will feel like a deeper state of relaxation.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

If you are open to the process, it will be possible for you to be hypnotised. It is common to be sceptical, and this can be discussed in our session.

Is hypnosis safe?

Yes, hypnosis is a natural and safe state. During a hypnotherapy session, hypnosis creates a period of focused attention and relaxation.

Is hypnosis mind control?

No, hypnosis is not mind control. While in the hypnotic state, clients remain in control of their feelings and behaviours. At any point in the session, you can open your eyes.

Can you recommend any podcasts about hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been the topic of a few recent and popular podcasts. They’ve helped dispel the myths and share the science behind hypnosis. You can get the highlights and watch or listen to my favourites here:

• Transform Your Life — David Spiegel and the Science of Hypnosis on the Huberman Lab Podcast

• Unlocking the Power of Hypnosis — A Fascinating Journey with Dr. David Spiegel on the Rich Roll Podcast

Does online hypnotherapy work?

Yes, online hypnotherapy sessions are effective. It’s important for you to be in a comfortable location where you can recline. You may wish to wear headphones during the session for the best experience.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. On average, I see clients between 6 and 24 sessions. I have also worked with some clients for years because therapy continues to help them in different areas of their lives.

Short-term therapy may be the right approach if you are looking for support in a period of distress or difficulty. Medium or long-term therapy is more explorative and can help you understand your life, your relationships, and the patterns you’ve experienced.

Is hypnotherapy suitable for everyone?

Hypnotherapy is not suitable for anyone who has ever had a medical practitioner or mental health professional diagnose them with any of the following, as these are contra-indicated for hypnotherapy: Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorder, Psychotic Episodes, Schizophrenia, or any other psychiatric condition, nor those who have previously taken steps to serious self-harm or suicide.

Ready to begin therapy?

Book a consultation or contact me.

References

Elkins, G.R., Barabasz, A.F., Council, J.R. and Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing Research and Practice: The Revised APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(4), pp.378–385. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2015.1011465.

Geagea, D., Ogez, D., Kimble, R. and Tyack, Z. (2023). Redefining hypnosis: A narrative review of theories to move towards an integrative model. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, pp.101826–101826. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101826.

Williamson, A. (2019). What is hypnosis and how might it work? Palliative Care: Research and Treatment, [online] 12(1), p.117822421982658. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1178224219826581.

Wolf, T.G., Faerber, K.A., Rummel, C., Halsband, U. and Campus, G. (2022). Functional Changes in Brain Activity Using Hypnosis: A Systematic Review. Brain Sciences, 12(1), p.108. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010108.