Photo of Daniel Fryer, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Daniel Fryer
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1
I use a highly effective form of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) known as rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) as well as clinical hypnotherapy (either separately or combined) to help you with a variety of issues including all forms of anxiety, as well as work stress, life stress, anger management, insomnia, IBS, confidence issues and more.
Hello there, I'm a mental health and wellbeing consultant and have been in practicefor nearly 20 years now. I've worked in a variety of settings, including private practice (in both London and Bristol), the NHS, occupational health, private healthcare and The Priory Hospital. I also develop workshops, webinars and live presentations and am the author of two pop psych self-help titles. I bring wit, wisdom and experience into the room. If you need help with your anxiety and stress, including work stress, life stress and burnout, if you want help with your confidence, or in overcoming a life challenge, I can help
I use a highly effective form of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) known as rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT) as well as clinical hypnotherapy (either separately or combined) to help you with a variety of issues including all forms of anxiety, as well as work stress, life stress, anger management, insomnia, IBS, confidence issues and more.
Hello there, I'm a mental health and wellbeing consultant and have been in practicefor nearly 20 years now. I've worked in a variety of settings, including private practice (in both London and Bristol), the NHS, occupational health, private healthcare and The Priory Hospital. I also develop workshops, webinars and live presentations and am the author of two pop psych self-help titles. I bring wit, wisdom and experience into the room. If you need help with your anxiety and stress, including work stress, life stress and burnout, if you want help with your confidence, or in overcoming a life challenge, I can help
0117 325 6775 View 0117 325 6775
Photo of David Flavin, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
David Flavin
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1  (Online Only)
I specialise in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) along side other integrative therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness and hypnotherapy. The framework my approach is built on is REBT, yet as each of us are different, I integrate the other therapies to suit each individual. Some clients benefit more from rationalising thoughts and beliefs, while some need help getting over the past, and some need help with moving forward. I work with my clients to address issues, create and reach goals, and to help them make the most of everyday life, without the struggles.
I specialise in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) along side other integrative therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness and hypnotherapy. The framework my approach is built on is REBT, yet as each of us are different, I integrate the other therapies to suit each individual. Some clients benefit more from rationalising thoughts and beliefs, while some need help getting over the past, and some need help with moving forward. I work with my clients to address issues, create and reach goals, and to help them make the most of everyday life, without the struggles.
01823 795083 View 01823 795083
Photo of Lewis James Cooksley, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Lewis James Cooksley
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bristol BS16
I am able to help clients with a wide range of issues including but not limited to anxiety and depression, confidence, self esteem, self worth, and relationship issues. I work on a weekly basis from my home or online. I work with individual adults on a one to one basis. I offer a space free of judgement where you are put at the centre of all that we do. The process is lead by you and I join you alongside your journey, never leading, but following alongside you.
I am able to help clients with a wide range of issues including but not limited to anxiety and depression, confidence, self esteem, self worth, and relationship issues. I work on a weekly basis from my home or online. I work with individual adults on a one to one basis. I offer a space free of judgement where you are put at the centre of all that we do. The process is lead by you and I join you alongside your journey, never leading, but following alongside you.
01454 802788 View 01454 802788
Photo of Luke Brownlee-Williams, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Luke Brownlee-Williams
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Counselling is a place to explore our thoughts, feelings and emotions. A chance to explore our life direction. An opportunity to pause and understand where we are and what is happening in our lives right now. It is a place to explore past and present events or traumas and a space to speak out loud thoughts that had previously been unspeakable.
Counselling is a place to explore our thoughts, feelings and emotions. A chance to explore our life direction. An opportunity to pause and understand where we are and what is happening in our lives right now. It is a place to explore past and present events or traumas and a space to speak out loud thoughts that had previously been unspeakable.
0117 325 5294 View 0117 325 5294
Photo of Duncan E. Stafford, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Duncan E. Stafford
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Welcome. During the 23 years I've been in therapy practice I've come think of my way of working with individuals or couples as creating a unique space that is facilitating for recovery or growth. I draw on a wide range of techniques and approaches to fulfil this way of working (including the use of CBT tools). Psychotherapy and counselling with me is a confidential and non-judgemental process. I won’t tell you what to do but we will talk about whatever you need to talk about and we will work on ways of developing a useful route through your issues, however difficult. (My practice is neurodiverse informed and kink friendly).
Welcome. During the 23 years I've been in therapy practice I've come think of my way of working with individuals or couples as creating a unique space that is facilitating for recovery or growth. I draw on a wide range of techniques and approaches to fulfil this way of working (including the use of CBT tools). Psychotherapy and counselling with me is a confidential and non-judgemental process. I won’t tell you what to do but we will talk about whatever you need to talk about and we will work on ways of developing a useful route through your issues, however difficult. (My practice is neurodiverse informed and kink friendly).
0117 325 3080 View 0117 325 3080
Photo of Dr Bishnu Upadhaya, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Bishnu Upadhaya
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Not Verified Not Verified
Bristol BS7  (Online Only)
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
An enthusiastic, skilled and well-motivated Psychological, Neuropsychological, Integrated Medicine and healthcare consultant with more than 19 years’ experiences, promoting the welfare of patients, families, and vulnerable people. Experienced in providing specialist Neuropsychological, Psychological, Herbal Medicine, Naturopathic and Homeopathic Medicine Assessments, Consultation and Treatments of direct and referred clients based upon the appropriate use, interpretation and integration of complex data from a psychological and holistic approach and treatment and tasting.
0843 289 1426 View 0843 289 1426
Photo of RT Counselling / Next Chapter Therapies, Counsellor in Bristol, England
RT Counselling / Next Chapter Therapies
Counsellor, PsychD, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bristol BS1
Therapy offers an important step in discovering the world around us and finding our place in it. For some people, coming to therapy is a big step. It can take courage to identify a need to heal, recover or progress. My approach aims to ensure that you feel safe in the knowledge that you can trust the therapeutic process. Maintaining the core values of empathy, unconditional positive regard for you as well as congruence (being authentic), I also use other modes of therapy.
Therapy offers an important step in discovering the world around us and finding our place in it. For some people, coming to therapy is a big step. It can take courage to identify a need to heal, recover or progress. My approach aims to ensure that you feel safe in the knowledge that you can trust the therapeutic process. Maintaining the core values of empathy, unconditional positive regard for you as well as congruence (being authentic), I also use other modes of therapy.
01453 707401 View 01453 707401
Photo of Dr Philip Murphy, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Dr Philip Murphy
Counsellor, PhD, AFBPSsS
Verified Verified
Bristol BS1
Dr Philip Murphy (B.Sc., Ph.D., Dip.Clin.Psy., C.Psychol., A.F.B.Ps.S) - Consultant Clinical Psychologist. During my 34 year career I have developed experience in many therapeutic approaches. Using this experience, we can work together to help you understand and overcome the social and emotional difficulties in your life. Embarking on personal therapy can sometimes seem daunting, But generally my clients settle comfortably into our pleasant relaxed setting, and usually find it surprisingly easy to share their thoughts.
Dr Philip Murphy (B.Sc., Ph.D., Dip.Clin.Psy., C.Psychol., A.F.B.Ps.S) - Consultant Clinical Psychologist. During my 34 year career I have developed experience in many therapeutic approaches. Using this experience, we can work together to help you understand and overcome the social and emotional difficulties in your life. Embarking on personal therapy can sometimes seem daunting, But generally my clients settle comfortably into our pleasant relaxed setting, and usually find it surprisingly easy to share their thoughts.
01874 640087 View 01874 640087

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Jerome Mak, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Dr Jerome Mak
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Stoke Gifford BS34
We encounter various kinds of difficulties and challenges every day. At times, it can be challenging to open up to others, therefore leading to feelings of confusion and a sense of powerlessness. Recently, many individuals from Hong Kong who have relocated to the UK have faced setbacks in their social, professional, or academic pursuits. Such challenges often stem from uncertainties surrounding self-image and self-worth while adapting to a new environment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, exploring yourself through psychological counseling can provide you with more effective means to understand and address these emotions
We encounter various kinds of difficulties and challenges every day. At times, it can be challenging to open up to others, therefore leading to feelings of confusion and a sense of powerlessness. Recently, many individuals from Hong Kong who have relocated to the UK have faced setbacks in their social, professional, or academic pursuits. Such challenges often stem from uncertainties surrounding self-image and self-worth while adapting to a new environment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, exploring yourself through psychological counseling can provide you with more effective means to understand and address these emotions
01446 500899 View 01446 500899

Online Therapists

Photo of Nicholas King Counselling & Psychotherapy (CBT), Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Nicholas King Counselling & Psychotherapy (CBT)
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Pinner HA5
Thank you for reading my profile here on Psychology Today. I am a Counsellor and CBT Psychotherapist working in private practice in Pinner, NW London. I am an Accredited practitioner with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also an NHS trained, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). I am a registered Hypnotherapist with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).
Thank you for reading my profile here on Psychology Today. I am a Counsellor and CBT Psychotherapist working in private practice in Pinner, NW London. I am an Accredited practitioner with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I am also an NHS trained, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) accredited with the British Association for Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP). I am a registered Hypnotherapist with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).
01895 545164 View 01895 545164
Photo of London Counselling & Psychotherapy Services, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
London Counselling & Psychotherapy Services
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W5
Our modern world has become a very tough place for many people. With the Covid-19 pandemic, uncertainty and fear around the Ukraine war, the cost of living crisis and numerous other personal struggles have left many people battling with their mental health and well being. But how has it affected you? Here at West London Counselling, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Services, we have a highly experienced team of therapists who are here to help you through whatever you're struggling with. Your wellbeing and happiness will always be our number one priority.
Our modern world has become a very tough place for many people. With the Covid-19 pandemic, uncertainty and fear around the Ukraine war, the cost of living crisis and numerous other personal struggles have left many people battling with their mental health and well being. But how has it affected you? Here at West London Counselling, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Services, we have a highly experienced team of therapists who are here to help you through whatever you're struggling with. Your wellbeing and happiness will always be our number one priority.
01895 547540 View 01895 547540
Photo of Bryn Higgott, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Bryn Higgott
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Wellingborough NN8
My private practice work involves psychodynamic counselling enabling me to use many different analytic therapies and hypnotherapy.
Everyone has a way of looking at the world, its events, and their place in it that is personal to them. Consequently, there is no one size fits all in therapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life changing experience in the right hands. It focuses on understanding how you see the world and interpret the life you have, and want. Good mental health affects so many aspects of life. For example studies on the interaction between the mind, nervous system and the immune system illustrate that there is a connection between relieving stress and related immune processes.
My private practice work involves psychodynamic counselling enabling me to use many different analytic therapies and hypnotherapy.
Everyone has a way of looking at the world, its events, and their place in it that is personal to them. Consequently, there is no one size fits all in therapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life changing experience in the right hands. It focuses on understanding how you see the world and interpret the life you have, and want. Good mental health affects so many aspects of life. For example studies on the interaction between the mind, nervous system and the immune system illustrate that there is a connection between relieving stress and related immune processes.
01933 829074 View 01933 829074
Photo of Gerry Ritchie, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Gerry Ritchie
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Evesham WR11
I have trained in a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy methods including Emotional Therapeutic Counselling (ETC), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy and Coaching.
Hi, I'm Gerry. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, anger, shame, guilt, stress, addiction or just feeling that life is too much to cope with then I’m here to help. I am an integrative counsellor with a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy qualifications and experience. I am also BDSM/Kink aware and have experience of working with clients from this community without assuming that their Kink is a pathology. I work in partnership with my clients to find the best way to deal with the problem. Above all, the focus is on you, the client, and what you need to help you feel better.
I have trained in a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy methods including Emotional Therapeutic Counselling (ETC), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy and Coaching.
Hi, I'm Gerry. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, bereavement, anger, shame, guilt, stress, addiction or just feeling that life is too much to cope with then I’m here to help. I am an integrative counsellor with a broad range of counselling and psychotherapy qualifications and experience. I am also BDSM/Kink aware and have experience of working with clients from this community without assuming that their Kink is a pathology. I work in partnership with my clients to find the best way to deal with the problem. Above all, the focus is on you, the client, and what you need to help you feel better.
01242 395274 View 01242 395274
Photo of Jonathan Livingstone, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Jonathan Livingstone
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Stourbridge DY8
For individuals, therapies include REP to identify and resolve the biographical origins of problems; EMDR for PTSD; energy kinesiology; and hypnotherapy.
I have 25 years’ experience as a solution-focused therapist, psychologist and coach: helping couples to communicate effectively and let go of resentments; and helping individuals to overcome trauma, anxiety, childhood abuse, OCD, ADHD and other problems. I will help you to clarify your goals; identify what it is within you that is blocking achievement of your goals; find out where this comes from in your biography; and help you to process the experience to permanently resolve your problem. This person-centred therapy enables you fully to overcome your problem, not simply to understand or manage it, enabling swift transformation.
For individuals, therapies include REP to identify and resolve the biographical origins of problems; EMDR for PTSD; energy kinesiology; and hypnotherapy.
I have 25 years’ experience as a solution-focused therapist, psychologist and coach: helping couples to communicate effectively and let go of resentments; and helping individuals to overcome trauma, anxiety, childhood abuse, OCD, ADHD and other problems. I will help you to clarify your goals; identify what it is within you that is blocking achievement of your goals; find out where this comes from in your biography; and help you to process the experience to permanently resolve your problem. This person-centred therapy enables you fully to overcome your problem, not simply to understand or manage it, enabling swift transformation.
01562 543351 View 01562 543351
Photo of Dean John Gaylard, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Dean John Gaylard
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Frome BA11  (Online Only)
My approach is sensitive, compassionate and intuitive, drawing on my experience in Reiki and Hypnotherapy and often focusing on how we can foster self acceptance through nurturing care and understanding.
Hello! Are you struggling with low self esteem, anxiety or depression and struggling to recognise your own worth? If so I’d love to offer you a space where you can begin to share your experiences without fear of judgment, expectation or pressure to be anything other than your natural self. My goal is to help you feel as safe, supported and comfortable as possible in our sessions, so we can begin to explore the origins of any difficulties you may be experiencing and find ways to empower and support you moving forwards.
My approach is sensitive, compassionate and intuitive, drawing on my experience in Reiki and Hypnotherapy and often focusing on how we can foster self acceptance through nurturing care and understanding.
Hello! Are you struggling with low self esteem, anxiety or depression and struggling to recognise your own worth? If so I’d love to offer you a space where you can begin to share your experiences without fear of judgment, expectation or pressure to be anything other than your natural self. My goal is to help you feel as safe, supported and comfortable as possible in our sessions, so we can begin to explore the origins of any difficulties you may be experiencing and find ways to empower and support you moving forwards.
01373 485158 View 01373 485158
Photo of Stephen Elting, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Stephen Elting
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP10
I am qualified and registered as a Psychotherapist and NLP Practitioner, providing counselling, hypnotherapy and personal effectiveness coaching.
We all have troubling problems at times, be they emotional, personal or work-related. Sometimes these problems can feel overwhelming and we become stressed, anxious and unhappy. This can affect our confidence handling relationships, making decisions and generally, our ability to just cope with the pressures that each day brings. Reaching out to an experienced therapist will enable you to talk openly about your concerns and be listened to without being judged. For many people, this is a profound way of bringing about positive and lasting change.
I am qualified and registered as a Psychotherapist and NLP Practitioner, providing counselling, hypnotherapy and personal effectiveness coaching.
We all have troubling problems at times, be they emotional, personal or work-related. Sometimes these problems can feel overwhelming and we become stressed, anxious and unhappy. This can affect our confidence handling relationships, making decisions and generally, our ability to just cope with the pressures that each day brings. Reaching out to an experienced therapist will enable you to talk openly about your concerns and be listened to without being judged. For many people, this is a profound way of bringing about positive and lasting change.
01491 526778 View 01491 526778
Photo of Dr Gareth P Thomas, Psychologist in Bristol, England
Dr Gareth P Thomas
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Aberdare CF44  (Online Only)
I use solution-focused brief therapy primarily with a mixture of solution-focused hypnotherapy.
I can work with all types of conditions, disorders and issues. However, I specialise in working with people who need support with anxiety i.e., PTSD, depression, stress etc. If you need support with your daily life I can help. We can discuss your life, your wants, and where you would like to be in your future life. When we have completed our sessions I will support you 24/7. I have many therapy tools to help if needed. I have 18 years of experience in Psychology and Psychotherapy so you are in safe hands. Let me help you to be the person you want to be and live the best life you can. I will and can improve your Quality of Life.
I use solution-focused brief therapy primarily with a mixture of solution-focused hypnotherapy.
I can work with all types of conditions, disorders and issues. However, I specialise in working with people who need support with anxiety i.e., PTSD, depression, stress etc. If you need support with your daily life I can help. We can discuss your life, your wants, and where you would like to be in your future life. When we have completed our sessions I will support you 24/7. I have many therapy tools to help if needed. I have 18 years of experience in Psychology and Psychotherapy so you are in safe hands. Let me help you to be the person you want to be and live the best life you can. I will and can improve your Quality of Life.
01639 501373 View 01639 501373
Photo of Paul Hughes, Psychotherapist in Bristol, England
Paul Hughes
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
I offer warmth, empathy and a professional skill in combining hypnotherapy with other psychotherapeutic interventions to help people to make the best of themselves.
I see clients from across all ages, ethnicities and with an extremely wide range of issues. I help clients to come to grips with substance abuse, depression, all forms of anxiety and much more besides. I help my clients to summon the strength to put their issues behind them. I help them to find new ways of feeling, thinking and behaving. Whatever their goals might be, I help them to realise that they're strong enough, good enough and able to achieve them. I particularly specialise in working with clients on the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum.
I offer warmth, empathy and a professional skill in combining hypnotherapy with other psychotherapeutic interventions to help people to make the best of themselves.
I see clients from across all ages, ethnicities and with an extremely wide range of issues. I help clients to come to grips with substance abuse, depression, all forms of anxiety and much more besides. I help my clients to summon the strength to put their issues behind them. I help them to find new ways of feeling, thinking and behaving. Whatever their goals might be, I help them to realise that they're strong enough, good enough and able to achieve them. I particularly specialise in working with clients on the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum.
0118 207 2581 View 0118 207 2581
Photo of Cotswold Hypnotherapy in Bristol, England
Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Clinical Hypnotherapist DHP, DSFH, AfSFH, NCH, SUP(Hyp) Watch my free consultation video series that explains exactly how hypnotherapy can help you, so you can decide if the therapy is right for you. Please visit my website for more info. Why cope when you can understand. The lesson they didn't teach you in school, how your brain works & how it naturally tries to protect you but in doing so can prove a hindrance rather than a help. I'm a experienced clinical hypnotherapist & registered supervisor. I specialise in helping people with anxiety, weight loss, depression & smoking cessation
Clinical Hypnotherapist DHP, DSFH, AfSFH, NCH, SUP(Hyp) Watch my free consultation video series that explains exactly how hypnotherapy can help you, so you can decide if the therapy is right for you. Please visit my website for more info. Why cope when you can understand. The lesson they didn't teach you in school, how your brain works & how it naturally tries to protect you but in doing so can prove a hindrance rather than a help. I'm a experienced clinical hypnotherapist & registered supervisor. I specialise in helping people with anxiety, weight loss, depression & smoking cessation
01242 395231 View 01242 395231
Photo of Remind MK, Counsellor in Bristol, England
Remind MK
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Milton Keynes MK19
Having experienced my own mental health challenges I was able to find a way through these, using counselling and hypnotherapy.
Confronting your mental health, accepting you need support and reaching out for help is a courageous step. I completely understand that the first step can be daunting and we will work together at a pace that suits you. I will spend as much time as you need explaining how I work and the methods I use. Your initial consultation will be about us getting to know each other, the emotions you’re experiencing; how they make you feel and how they are affecting your life and well-being. We will complete an assessment together which will allow an individually tailored treatment programme to be planned specifically for you.
Having experienced my own mental health challenges I was able to find a way through these, using counselling and hypnotherapy.
Confronting your mental health, accepting you need support and reaching out for help is a courageous step. I completely understand that the first step can be daunting and we will work together at a pace that suits you. I will spend as much time as you need explaining how I work and the methods I use. Your initial consultation will be about us getting to know each other, the emotions you’re experiencing; how they make you feel and how they are affecting your life and well-being. We will complete an assessment together which will allow an individually tailored treatment programme to be planned specifically for you.
01908 103092 View 01908 103092

See more therapy options for Bristol


Hypnotherapy Counsellors

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy works by using guided hypnosis to help you reach a state of focus and concentration through mental imagery and soothing verbal repetition. The state is somewhat like being absorbed in a book, a film, or your own thoughts. You are not under a therapist’s “control,” but they can help you relax and turn your attention inward to discover the resources to achieve behaviour change or better manage psychological concerns. Therapy sessions may involve guiding you through recognising a problem, releasing problematic thoughts about it, and considering and accepting more productive alternatives before returning to normal awareness. Hypnotherapy is typically used by a therapist along with traditional forms of talk therapy. Eventually, your therapist can help you learn hypnotherapy techniques yourself, so you can establish a stronger sense of control on your own in stressful or challenging moments.

Is hypnotherapy the same as hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy, which is sometimes called hypnotic suggestion, is a therapeutic technique in which a therapist uses hypnosis to help patients. It is not the kind of hypnosis portrayed in stage shows, or in movies or on television. You will not be unconscious or asleep during hypnotherapy, you will not lose control of yourself, your thoughts, or your free will, and you will be able to fully recall your experience. And while you will hear your therapist’s suggestions, it is always up to you to decide whether to act on them. Hypnosis by a trained mental-health professional is not a form of mind control, which is impossible to achieve anyway.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

The most common challenge of hypnotherapy is that as many as one in four people cannot be hypnotised. Brain imaging has confirmed differences in patterns of brain connectivity between those who respond to hypnotism and those who do not. Other people who could potentially be hypnotised may not respond to the technique because of their scepticism or resistance to entering a hypnotic state. If a therapist’s “post-hypnotic suggestion” is effective, it’s because they are suggesting something you want to achieve.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Through hypnotherapy, you can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. Like other talk therapy techniques, when hypnotherapy succeeds, it’s a case of mind over matter. Effective hypnotherapy involves self-healing because you access resources you need to change inside of yourself and learn how to tap into them whenever you need. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective therapy for anxiety, phobias, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, and undesirable behaviours like smoking. It can be used to help improve sleep or to address relationship challenges, and to aid with pain management, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and the gastrointestinal side effects of pregnancy or chemotherapy.