FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Hypnotherapy and Sleep therapy

What happens in an initial consultation?

The first part of the initial consultation consists of information gathering. We establish how you want me to help you and what you want to achieve. I also gather Information about any conditions and symptoms. After that, I will explain to you how the brain works, how this is relevant to your situation and how I can help you with solution focused hypnotherapy. I will use this session to design a treatment plan for you that will help you achieve your goals.



Is what happens in a hypnotherapy session confidential?

The right to privacy and confidentiality of a client’s sessions are a cornerstone of the therapeutic alliance. Online sessions are not recorded and any notes that I make during or after the session are kept securely. I follow GDPR protocols. In order to safeguard you and the people around you, if you were to disclose that you were going to carry out harm to yourself or someone else, then under my “Duty of Care” I am obligated by law to inform the relevant authorities. This is to support you to live well, and I would always aim to discuss this with you prior to contacting anyone.



How does online hypnotherapy work?

Online therapy can help you access therapy at a location that is convenient to you. Sessions work in the same way as face to face sessions. You will only need a computer or tablet with a camera/ microphone and an internet connection. I will send you a secure video link for the session that no one else can access. In my experience, online hypnotherapy is as effective as face to face.



What is solution focused hypnotherapy?

Solution focused hypnotherapy is a talking therapy which mixes psychotherapy and hypnosis to help clients make progress towards their goals. Each session is well structured and consists of talking about what is going well, how the brain works defining small steps towards goals and trance. Trance is when you are in a state of relaxation and I use visualisations with positive suggestions to help you. In solution focused hypnotherapy, we look forward and help you to find solutions that are right for you rather than dig into the past.



How many sessions do I need?

Solution focused hypnotherapy works very quickly compared to a lot of talking therapies. Most clients need 8-12 sessions. Tackling specific fears and phobias may need fewer.



Where do you work?

I practise hypnotherapy in Harley Street, London and Whitstable, Kent at my clinics but I also work as an online hypnotherapist so location is not an issue. I help clients in the UK and in other countries. I work with organisations in a variety of places. Get in touch if you are not sure if I can help you where you are.



What issues can you help with?

I cover reducing anxiety/stress, insomnia, workplace performance, sports performance, exam anxiety and stop smoking in addition to depression as well as fears and phobias.



What is trance?

Trance is of course very ordinary in many ways. We go into trance many times a day, when we are driving, watching television; we do it all the time. In hypnotherapy, it is a focused state of awareness that can be used to achieve specific goals. Trance is when two minds come together and focus on the same thing and when we are in that state we have access to the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is open to developing solutions when it is in trance and this is why we use it.

Trance is very safe and you cannot be harmed if it is interrupted. In trance, you are in control and will only take up suggestions that your subconscious mind agrees with. I cannot make you do anything that you do not want to do or that goes against your values.



What is Solution Focused Sleep Therapy?

Solution focused sleep therapy combines the powerful elements of CBTi and solution focused hypnotherapy to create positive behavioural change and the best state of mind to help with insomnia and other sleep related disorders. The first step is a thorough assessment to find out which combination of elements of CBTi and hypnotherapy will help you best. Subsequent sessions will involve talking therapy and hypnosis tailor made for your situation. Most people need around 8 sessions. I offer sleep therapy in Kent, Harley Street- London and Online.



What is CBTi?

CBTi stands for cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. It is recommended by NICE as the first line treatment for insomnia. There are several elements that are used in CBTi. For example:

  • Helping to create the right environment for good sleep
  • Helping to establish a good routine for sleep
  • Helping to change behaviours that are not helpful for sleep
  • Helping to relax and reduce anxiety for a good night’s sleep

The combination of techniques from CBTi and clinical hypnotherapy are used in solution focused sleep therapy.