Hypnotherapists in Rye, ENG

Photo of Emma Davis, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Emma Davis
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Rye TN31
With over two decades of experience as an integrative therapist, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of fertility, reproductive health, pregnancy, psychosexual challenges, and relationship issues. In 2003, I established a groundbreaking clinic in London that specialised in these fields using a variety of modalities. My therapeutic style is rooted in empathy, holism, rational emotional behavioural therapy (CBT model) and a person-centred approach. I draw upon a diverse range of techniques to delve into the underlying roots of any issue. I am also certified hypnotherapist.
With over two decades of experience as an integrative therapist, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of fertility, reproductive health, pregnancy, psychosexual challenges, and relationship issues. In 2003, I established a groundbreaking clinic in London that specialised in these fields using a variety of modalities. My therapeutic style is rooted in empathy, holism, rational emotional behavioural therapy (CBT model) and a person-centred approach. I draw upon a diverse range of techniques to delve into the underlying roots of any issue. I am also certified hypnotherapist.
020 3984 7639 View 020 3984 7639

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Lisa Adams-Davey, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Lisa Adams-Davey
Psychotherapist, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Saint Leonards-on-sea TN37
At the core of my method is the integration of psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, and I offer Psychotherapy and Analysis, Hypnotherapy, and Creative / Expressive Arts as therapeutic interventions, which are underpinned with a Jungian, psychoanalytic framework (e.
I work in private clinical practice at Trust Therapy, East Sussex, and I am a Clinical Supervisor with CRUSE Bereavement Support (Hastings and Rother). I have specialised in Bereavement as a Therapist for the NHS with St Michael's Hospice (St Leonards on sea), and I have experience in working with trauma, abuse, severe and enduring mental health, and Neurodiversity within my private clinic and at various organisations, including Butterflies Children’s Therapy, CRUSE Bereavement Support, JHD Counselling, Sensoft, and Place2B Children’s Mental Health Services.
At the core of my method is the integration of psychodynamic and humanistic approaches, and I offer Psychotherapy and Analysis, Hypnotherapy, and Creative / Expressive Arts as therapeutic interventions, which are underpinned with a Jungian, psychoanalytic framework (e.
I work in private clinical practice at Trust Therapy, East Sussex, and I am a Clinical Supervisor with CRUSE Bereavement Support (Hastings and Rother). I have specialised in Bereavement as a Therapist for the NHS with St Michael's Hospice (St Leonards on sea), and I have experience in working with trauma, abuse, severe and enduring mental health, and Neurodiversity within my private clinic and at various organisations, including Butterflies Children’s Therapy, CRUSE Bereavement Support, JHD Counselling, Sensoft, and Place2B Children’s Mental Health Services.
01424 400396 View 01424 400396
Photo of Susan ( Suki ) Heath, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Susan ( Suki ) Heath
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Saint Leonards-on-sea TN38
Jungian psychotherapy, sometimes known as depth psychology, is a form of deep reflection. It isn't problem centred but it does help to resolve deep rooted problems. The things that affect our waking life may be hidden from consciousness and experienced as a bewildering array of symptoms that appear to have no obvious cause. To complicate matters, these symptoms may be emotional, psychological or physical. Jung viewed symptoms not as problems to be fixed, but as signposts pointing to the need for change. I work on the basis that our minds and bodies have a natural drive towards healing.
Jungian psychotherapy, sometimes known as depth psychology, is a form of deep reflection. It isn't problem centred but it does help to resolve deep rooted problems. The things that affect our waking life may be hidden from consciousness and experienced as a bewildering array of symptoms that appear to have no obvious cause. To complicate matters, these symptoms may be emotional, psychological or physical. Jung viewed symptoms not as problems to be fixed, but as signposts pointing to the need for change. I work on the basis that our minds and bodies have a natural drive towards healing.
01279 594649 View 01279 594649
Photo of Louise Elizabeth Ayling, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Louise Elizabeth Ayling
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Hastings TN34
Are you struggling to resolve current issues that are creating difficulties in your life and not sure where to turn? I offer a supportive and compassionate safe space for you to talk through and explore your feelings, helping you to find your way to healing and making the positive changes that you seek. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, narcissistic abuse, addiction issues, bereavement and loss, low self esteem, infertility, Long Covid, please contact me so that I can offer you a calming, comforting and confidential Initial Consultation Session to discuss the problems you are facing.
Are you struggling to resolve current issues that are creating difficulties in your life and not sure where to turn? I offer a supportive and compassionate safe space for you to talk through and explore your feelings, helping you to find your way to healing and making the positive changes that you seek. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, narcissistic abuse, addiction issues, bereavement and loss, low self esteem, infertility, Long Covid, please contact me so that I can offer you a calming, comforting and confidential Initial Consultation Session to discuss the problems you are facing.
01785 907063 View 01785 907063
Photo of Debbie Evans, Counsellor in Rye, England
Debbie Evans
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Tenterden TN30  (Online Only)
Are you feeling tired and struggling with every day life? Do you find that even the simplest of tasks are making you anxious? Have you thought about counselling but don't know where to start or what it is all about? Maybe you have experienced bereavement and are struggling with your emotions and find that people just tell you to pull yourself together. Sometimes just talking to a professional who will listen to you without judgment and help you work through these difficult times can really help. You can be assured of confidentiality, empathy, honesty and understanding without judgment
Are you feeling tired and struggling with every day life? Do you find that even the simplest of tasks are making you anxious? Have you thought about counselling but don't know where to start or what it is all about? Maybe you have experienced bereavement and are struggling with your emotions and find that people just tell you to pull yourself together. Sometimes just talking to a professional who will listen to you without judgment and help you work through these difficult times can really help. You can be assured of confidentiality, empathy, honesty and understanding without judgment
01622 477012 View 01622 477012

Online Therapists

Photo of Dr Sandra Boccard-Binet, Psychologist in Rye, England
Dr Sandra Boccard-Binet
Psychologist, PhD, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Didcot OX11
I am a Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society (MBPsS) & the National Hypnotherapy Society. In my practice I use a pluralistic approach to understand and support my clients throughout their difficulties, in a friendly and empathetic way. My previous research in Neurosciences at the University of Oxford was fascinating and gratifying, but my desire to help people led me to this more fulfilling vocation. Sessions last 50 minutes and can be held face-to-face or online, in English or French.
I am a Psychologist registered with the British Psychological Society (MBPsS) & the National Hypnotherapy Society. In my practice I use a pluralistic approach to understand and support my clients throughout their difficulties, in a friendly and empathetic way. My previous research in Neurosciences at the University of Oxford was fascinating and gratifying, but my desire to help people led me to this more fulfilling vocation. Sessions last 50 minutes and can be held face-to-face or online, in English or French.
01235 617889 View 01235 617889
Photo of Gillian Harrison, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Gillian Harrison
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Amersham HP7
Hi, my name is Gilli Harrison - I am an experienced qualified Counsellor offering 1-1 and Couples Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Holistic and Reiki Therapy. I am also a Counselling Supervisor and offer 1-1 and Group Supervision. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) - Federation of Holistic Therapist (FHT) - UK Reiki Federation (UKRF). My counselling approach is, working with the mind, body, and soul.
Hi, my name is Gilli Harrison - I am an experienced qualified Counsellor offering 1-1 and Couples Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Holistic and Reiki Therapy. I am also a Counselling Supervisor and offer 1-1 and Group Supervision. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) - General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) - Federation of Holistic Therapist (FHT) - UK Reiki Federation (UKRF). My counselling approach is, working with the mind, body, and soul.
020 4538 5747 View 020 4538 5747
Photo of Kazia Tyszka, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Kazia Tyszka
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
East Grinstead RH19
Hypnotherapy is a practical and natural technique which effectively and quickly prepares your unconscious for therapy.
I support you as an individual. I value your unique differences, abilities, needs, preferences, beliefs, interests, ethnicity and cultural background. I also feel that therapy should empower you to make informed choices that are right for you. I believe that we all have within us the ability to make positive change, and to reach our potential, even when life is at its most difficult. Setting off on a therapeutic journey creates a stronger sense of self and the increased confidence to embrace true personal growth. Mind, body and spirit are nurtured; improving emotional wellbeing and bringing lasting change.
Hypnotherapy is a practical and natural technique which effectively and quickly prepares your unconscious for therapy.
I support you as an individual. I value your unique differences, abilities, needs, preferences, beliefs, interests, ethnicity and cultural background. I also feel that therapy should empower you to make informed choices that are right for you. I believe that we all have within us the ability to make positive change, and to reach our potential, even when life is at its most difficult. Setting off on a therapeutic journey creates a stronger sense of self and the increased confidence to embrace true personal growth. Mind, body and spirit are nurtured; improving emotional wellbeing and bringing lasting change.
01342 645407 View 01342 645407
Photo of The Sadie Centre in Rye, England
The Sadie Centre
Verified Verified
Letchworth Garden City SG6
We are able to offer: Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Integrative and Solution-Focussed Counselling, Hypnotherapy; CBT and Creative Arts Therapy.
The Centre’s counselling service is large and diversified: our counsellors work with adults, children, teens, and couples. We also run a low-cost scheme designed for people in difficult financial circumstances, on a low wage, or in receipt of benefits. Our team can help with issues such as: abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bereavement, relationships, addiction, anger, eating disorders and self-harm.
We are able to offer: Psychodynamic, Person-Centred, Integrative and Solution-Focussed Counselling, Hypnotherapy; CBT and Creative Arts Therapy.
The Centre’s counselling service is large and diversified: our counsellors work with adults, children, teens, and couples. We also run a low-cost scheme designed for people in difficult financial circumstances, on a low wage, or in receipt of benefits. Our team can help with issues such as: abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bereavement, relationships, addiction, anger, eating disorders and self-harm.
01462 411135 View 01462 411135
Photo of Kirstie Flood, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Kirstie Flood
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hassocks BN6
I trained at Masters Level in integrated psychotherapy including hypnotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, NLP, person-centered and also trauma interventions including poly vagal therapies.
Hello, I’m Kirstie. I’m a UKCP registered psychotherapist working in-person in West Sussex. I offer an integrated therapeutic approach using clinical hypnotherapy as one of a range of psychotherapy interventions, to help you make the changes you need to move on with your life. The treatment you receive will be as unique as you are, to help bring about deep and therefore lasting change. Therapy is collabrative, we will work together in helping you make the changes you want to make in your life.
I trained at Masters Level in integrated psychotherapy including hypnotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, NLP, person-centered and also trauma interventions including poly vagal therapies.
Hello, I’m Kirstie. I’m a UKCP registered psychotherapist working in-person in West Sussex. I offer an integrated therapeutic approach using clinical hypnotherapy as one of a range of psychotherapy interventions, to help you make the changes you need to move on with your life. The treatment you receive will be as unique as you are, to help bring about deep and therefore lasting change. Therapy is collabrative, we will work together in helping you make the changes you want to make in your life.
01444 220289 View 01444 220289
Photo of Tiffany Fuller (DipCBH) Therapist & Coach in Rye, England
Tiffany Fuller (DipCBH) Therapist & Coach
MSc
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London N4
I provide cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) integrating CBT, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and coaching.
Hello! I'm Tiffany, a CBT hypnotherapist and coach. Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming, so I offer a complimentary 15mins consultation, obligation-free. I specialise in helping individuals address and manage issues they are facing such as anxiety, stress, sleep, confidence, and self-esteem. My approach focuses on creating a supportive and encouraging environment, where you'll learn and develop tools, skills, and strategies such as self-hypnosis, mindfulness, and psychoeducation to help you overcome the hurdles holding you back. Gaining clarity and a better understanding of yourself in the process.
I provide cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) integrating CBT, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and coaching.
Hello! I'm Tiffany, a CBT hypnotherapist and coach. Finding the right therapist can be overwhelming, so I offer a complimentary 15mins consultation, obligation-free. I specialise in helping individuals address and manage issues they are facing such as anxiety, stress, sleep, confidence, and self-esteem. My approach focuses on creating a supportive and encouraging environment, where you'll learn and develop tools, skills, and strategies such as self-hypnosis, mindfulness, and psychoeducation to help you overcome the hurdles holding you back. Gaining clarity and a better understanding of yourself in the process.
View
Photo of Sonalle Coaching & Creative Therapies, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Sonalle Coaching & Creative Therapies
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
London W1G  (Online Only)
It incorporates Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Human Givens Psychotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, IFS, DBT, CBT, Bodynamic, Neuro-Linguistic Programming & Hypnotherapy.
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression, stress or trauma? Or do you feel that something is missing, or just isn't quite right? Do you want a fast & effective embodied solution from your home/office without a lifetime of therapy? Then email me... Online sessions only. For a limited time only, I am offering new clients a free 15 min clarity telephone call to see how it feels to work together.
It incorporates Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Human Givens Psychotherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, IFS, DBT, CBT, Bodynamic, Neuro-Linguistic Programming & Hypnotherapy.
Are you suffering from anxiety, depression, stress or trauma? Or do you feel that something is missing, or just isn't quite right? Do you want a fast & effective embodied solution from your home/office without a lifetime of therapy? Then email me... Online sessions only. For a limited time only, I am offering new clients a free 15 min clarity telephone call to see how it feels to work together.
View
Photo of Jacqueline Samuel, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Jacqueline Samuel
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Borehamwood WD6  (Online Only)
Whether you feel weighted down by depression, or churn with anxiety at the thought of everyday activities; or you are grieving the loss of a loved one or beloved pet, or you are grappling with your sexuality or religion, trauma or a life-stage concern, many clients over the last 20 years found attachment therapy with hypnotherapy enormously effective.
If you find yourself stuck in repetitive patterns, and your relationships, (at home or work) are falling into the "same old, same old" self-defeating groove, attachment-based therapy may help make the difference in your life that you are looking for. Together, in the safe, empathic space of an attachment therapy, we look "under the bonnet" of your life, to help you gain more self-awareness and a stronger sense of self. We will make meaning out of your story and help you get unstuck and find ways to start living in a more personally fulfilling way.
Whether you feel weighted down by depression, or churn with anxiety at the thought of everyday activities; or you are grieving the loss of a loved one or beloved pet, or you are grappling with your sexuality or religion, trauma or a life-stage concern, many clients over the last 20 years found attachment therapy with hypnotherapy enormously effective.
If you find yourself stuck in repetitive patterns, and your relationships, (at home or work) are falling into the "same old, same old" self-defeating groove, attachment-based therapy may help make the difference in your life that you are looking for. Together, in the safe, empathic space of an attachment therapy, we look "under the bonnet" of your life, to help you gain more self-awareness and a stronger sense of self. We will make meaning out of your story and help you get unstuck and find ways to start living in a more personally fulfilling way.
020 3973 9259 View 020 3973 9259
Photo of Mimi Fakhri, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Mimi Fakhri
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Kingston upon Thames KT2
I'm also trained in hypnotherapy, which works really well with CBT, so do let me know if that's of interest to you.
I help people with anxiety, stress and worry (including phobias and insomnia). I understand how debilitating anxiety & worry can be - often physically and mentally draining. It can feel as if anxiety is starting to rule your life. My aim is to help you learn skills to break free from your anxiety and worry, and reclaim your life. I want to work WITH you, rather than doing therapy TO you - after all, you are the expert in you! I'm also passionate about helping you develop the skills to become your own therapist, not reliant on me or tied into long-term therapy.
I'm also trained in hypnotherapy, which works really well with CBT, so do let me know if that's of interest to you.
I help people with anxiety, stress and worry (including phobias and insomnia). I understand how debilitating anxiety & worry can be - often physically and mentally draining. It can feel as if anxiety is starting to rule your life. My aim is to help you learn skills to break free from your anxiety and worry, and reclaim your life. I want to work WITH you, rather than doing therapy TO you - after all, you are the expert in you! I'm also passionate about helping you develop the skills to become your own therapist, not reliant on me or tied into long-term therapy.
020 3835 4539 View 020 3835 4539
Photo of Gemma Bailey, Psychologist in Rye, England
Gemma Bailey
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP1
I have trained practitioners throughout the country who continue to receive training, mentoring and support through People Building and NLP4Kids (for children & young people) using the modalities of NLP, CBT and Hypnotherapy.
I am a therapist and trainer for the People Building and NLP4Kids team. I work with people who have a range of anxiety-related problems such as phobias and persistent negative thoughts. I offer coaching to help people achieve their life goals such as losing weight and stopping smoking.
I have trained practitioners throughout the country who continue to receive training, mentoring and support through People Building and NLP4Kids (for children & young people) using the modalities of NLP, CBT and Hypnotherapy.
I am a therapist and trainer for the People Building and NLP4Kids team. I work with people who have a range of anxiety-related problems such as phobias and persistent negative thoughts. I offer coaching to help people achieve their life goals such as losing weight and stopping smoking.
01628 969885 View 01628 969885
Photo of Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles, Psychotherapist in Rye, England
Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles
Psychotherapist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
London E1  (Online Only)
Services I provide: therapy, hypnotherapy, DBT, CBT, NLP, psychotherapy, self-reflective therapy, Mindfulness Coaching, relational therapy,  and transformational therapy.
I am the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice. I am accepting new clients and offering virtual appointments. I help people feel less anxiety or stress by transforming their mind to build confidence and self-esteem, so they feel amazing in their professional and personal relationships. I am passionate about helping people with their mental and emotional well-being.
Services I provide: therapy, hypnotherapy, DBT, CBT, NLP, psychotherapy, self-reflective therapy, Mindfulness Coaching, relational therapy,  and transformational therapy.
I am the founder of Serene Lifestyles, an online psychotherapy practice. I am accepting new clients and offering virtual appointments. I help people feel less anxiety or stress by transforming their mind to build confidence and self-esteem, so they feel amazing in their professional and personal relationships. I am passionate about helping people with their mental and emotional well-being.
020 3870 2993 View 020 3870 2993
Photo of Rachel Anderson, Counsellor in Rye, England
Rachel Anderson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bury Saint Edmunds IP29
Now offering hypnotherapy based sessions. Life can be extremely challenging and you may feel like you need someone to talk to about your current or past experiences however, finding the right person to speak to can often bring about many questions. I hope that my short introduction and the information that follows, proves helpful in assisting you to make a decision about whether to contact me. I am a qualified counsellor working in Colchester and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such, I abide by their ethical framework.
Now offering hypnotherapy based sessions. Life can be extremely challenging and you may feel like you need someone to talk to about your current or past experiences however, finding the right person to speak to can often bring about many questions. I hope that my short introduction and the information that follows, proves helpful in assisting you to make a decision about whether to contact me. I am a qualified counsellor working in Colchester and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such, I abide by their ethical framework.
01206 237336 View 01206 237336
Photo of Giovanna Giustino, Psychologist in Rye, England
Giovanna Giustino
Psychologist, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Windsor SL4
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic model, Humanistic models, EMDR, Hypnotherapy).
I am a psychologist practitioner with many years experience in both private practice and mental health organisations such as the NHS and MIND. I have considerable experience working typically, but not exclusively, with anxiety disorders (e.g. panic disorders, post traumatic stress, phobias), self esteem issues, mood disorders, guilt and shame, bereavement, life transitions, anger management, life adjustment, life coaching, emotional regulations.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychodynamic model, Humanistic models, EMDR, Hypnotherapy).
I am a psychologist practitioner with many years experience in both private practice and mental health organisations such as the NHS and MIND. I have considerable experience working typically, but not exclusively, with anxiety disorders (e.g. panic disorders, post traumatic stress, phobias), self esteem issues, mood disorders, guilt and shame, bereavement, life transitions, anger management, life adjustment, life coaching, emotional regulations.
01753 944360 View 01753 944360
Photo of Janet Smith Emotional Wellness Coaching, Counsellor in Rye, England
Janet Smith Emotional Wellness Coaching
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Waterlooville PO7
If you are at a crossroads or struggling with your mental health and know that you need to make a change. I can help. Some of the key areas I work in are:- Depression Loss & Bereavement Stress & Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma/PTSD Emotional Eating/Eating Disorders & Weight Loss, Abuse, Addictions, Work/life balance, Senior Executive Coaching. I combine psychodynamic counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Senior Executive Coaching & Mentoring, Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques to help clients who are experiencing emotional distress and want to make positive change in their life
If you are at a crossroads or struggling with your mental health and know that you need to make a change. I can help. Some of the key areas I work in are:- Depression Loss & Bereavement Stress & Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma/PTSD Emotional Eating/Eating Disorders & Weight Loss, Abuse, Addictions, Work/life balance, Senior Executive Coaching. I combine psychodynamic counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), Senior Executive Coaching & Mentoring, Mindfulness and Relaxation techniques to help clients who are experiencing emotional distress and want to make positive change in their life
023 8235 2065 View 023 8235 2065
Photo of Isabelle Kirsch, Counsellor in Rye, England
Isabelle Kirsch
Counsellor, PsychD
Verified Verified
London SW18  (Online Only)
Working with the subconscious mind, I have powerful techniques which include coaching, NLP, hypnotherapy and mind-body connection.
Taking the first step to solve intimacy issues can often feel intimidating but from our first call I will help you feel as comfortable as I can. . Through positive-oriented therapy, I help you get to the root cause of the problem and guide you to implement practical solutions. I work extensively with clients struggling with sexual issues such as low sexual desire, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus and sex/porn addiction as well as couples looking to fix relationship problems which include communication difficulties, mismatched libido, conflict and betrayal.
Working with the subconscious mind, I have powerful techniques which include coaching, NLP, hypnotherapy and mind-body connection.
Taking the first step to solve intimacy issues can often feel intimidating but from our first call I will help you feel as comfortable as I can. . Through positive-oriented therapy, I help you get to the root cause of the problem and guide you to implement practical solutions. I work extensively with clients struggling with sexual issues such as low sexual desire, anxiety, erectile dysfunction, vaginismus and sex/porn addiction as well as couples looking to fix relationship problems which include communication difficulties, mismatched libido, conflict and betrayal.
View

See more therapy options for Rye

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.