Hypnotherapists in Bedford, ENG

Photo of Diane Margaret Barton-Bates, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Diane Margaret Barton-Bates
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bedford MK42
You have made the first step by recognising that you need some help and for seeking this help now and that is a really positive decision, one that I know would have not been an easy one to make. Counselling is an effective tool to hep support with many difficult issues in your life and can help give a different point of view and think about things in a different way. Talking about your issues is good for your health and wellbeing.
You have made the first step by recognising that you need some help and for seeking this help now and that is a really positive decision, one that I know would have not been an easy one to make. Counselling is an effective tool to hep support with many difficult issues in your life and can help give a different point of view and think about things in a different way. Talking about your issues is good for your health and wellbeing.
020 4538 1635 View 020 4538 1635
Photo of Po Chan, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Po Chan
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Bedford MK45
In an ideal world, everyone should have someone, they can talk to. But the world isn't ideal and talking to someone you know may be difficult, or even problematic. So I can help. There’s a Chinese proverb that I like - ‘reading ten thousand scrolls, rather walk ten thousand miles.’ When we search for answers, our first point is the internet or books but what we can’t grasp from written literature, is the life experiences of interactions and 'light bulb' moments. My journeys have covered more than ten thousand miles. I have encountered and experienced many difficulties myself and I want to help you to overcome yours and feel better.
In an ideal world, everyone should have someone, they can talk to. But the world isn't ideal and talking to someone you know may be difficult, or even problematic. So I can help. There’s a Chinese proverb that I like - ‘reading ten thousand scrolls, rather walk ten thousand miles.’ When we search for answers, our first point is the internet or books but what we can’t grasp from written literature, is the life experiences of interactions and 'light bulb' moments. My journeys have covered more than ten thousand miles. I have encountered and experienced many difficulties myself and I want to help you to overcome yours and feel better.
01234 608756 View 01234 608756
Photo of Karen Johnson, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Karen Johnson
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bedford MK40
Do you wake up anxious, stressed and dread the beginning of each new day? Are you feeling overwhelmed from taking care of everyone else’s needs and feel guilty if you take time for yourself? Do you often feel that everyone else’s problems are greater than yours and don’t speak out about your own difficulties but will happily listen and support friends when they need help? Perhaps you feel that your work / life balance is out of control but just don't know where to start? Working together I will help you create healthier habits, feel better about yourself and learn techniques to feel more in control to begin enjoying life again.
Do you wake up anxious, stressed and dread the beginning of each new day? Are you feeling overwhelmed from taking care of everyone else’s needs and feel guilty if you take time for yourself? Do you often feel that everyone else’s problems are greater than yours and don’t speak out about your own difficulties but will happily listen and support friends when they need help? Perhaps you feel that your work / life balance is out of control but just don't know where to start? Working together I will help you create healthier habits, feel better about yourself and learn techniques to feel more in control to begin enjoying life again.
01788 229475 View 01788 229475
Photo of Sam Lewis - Healing Hope Therapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Healing Hope Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bedford MK45
Hello and welcome to a little about me in your search to find the right counsellor. I am a qualified Counsellor and Hypnotherapist working with both adults and young people (12+) in Central Milton Keynes. You may be here for one reason or several, but what ever brings you I will provide a space that is accepting, warm and open for you to decide how much you want to share and when. The counselling path needs to be one that is done at your pace, in a way that is comfortable for you. I can use a number of different tools to help you work through difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self esteem difficulties, loss and trauma.
Hello and welcome to a little about me in your search to find the right counsellor. I am a qualified Counsellor and Hypnotherapist working with both adults and young people (12+) in Central Milton Keynes. You may be here for one reason or several, but what ever brings you I will provide a space that is accepting, warm and open for you to decide how much you want to share and when. The counselling path needs to be one that is done at your pace, in a way that is comfortable for you. I can use a number of different tools to help you work through difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self esteem difficulties, loss and trauma.
01908 103670 View 01908 103670
Photo of Volker Patent, PhD, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Volker Patent
Psychotherapist, PhD, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Bedford MK44
01767 667256 View 01767 667256

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Fan Flaherty, Psychotherapist
Fan Flaherty
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Biggleswade SG18
I’m an experienced anxiety and trauma therapist with additional qualifications and training in hypnotherapy, mindfulness and polyvagal theory (nervous system regulation).
Trauma Therapist & Hypnotherapist. Do you have a history of trauma? Are you suffering from overwhelming and confusing emotional and/or physical symptoms? Maybe you are dealing with panic attacks and a nagging sense that ‘something is wrong’ or perhaps you’re getting angry for no reason and pushing everyone away. You may also be overthinking everything, doubting yourself, not knowing who you are anymore. Trauma can show up in many different ways, all of them exhausting and debilitating. Sometimes we know what the cause is but often comes from a deeper, less obvious place so we may need support and guidance to process and heal.
I’m an experienced anxiety and trauma therapist with additional qualifications and training in hypnotherapy, mindfulness and polyvagal theory (nervous system regulation).
Trauma Therapist & Hypnotherapist. Do you have a history of trauma? Are you suffering from overwhelming and confusing emotional and/or physical symptoms? Maybe you are dealing with panic attacks and a nagging sense that ‘something is wrong’ or perhaps you’re getting angry for no reason and pushing everyone away. You may also be overthinking everything, doubting yourself, not knowing who you are anymore. Trauma can show up in many different ways, all of them exhausting and debilitating. Sometimes we know what the cause is but often comes from a deeper, less obvious place so we may need support and guidance to process and heal.
01763 290921 View 01763 290921
Photo of Petra Waker, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Petra Waker
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Biggleswade SG18
Hi, life has been trying for most of us in the last few years and we can find ourselves facing situations, that in the past we dealt with reasonable ease but now can seem difficult to resolve. Are you struggling with bereavement, loss, relationship issues, worries, repetitive thoughts? Or do you just need a safe place to be and reflect; being able to talk things through with someone impartial and non judgemental, to listen to you, to find a solution to the issue you want to resolve.
Hi, life has been trying for most of us in the last few years and we can find ourselves facing situations, that in the past we dealt with reasonable ease but now can seem difficult to resolve. Are you struggling with bereavement, loss, relationship issues, worries, repetitive thoughts? Or do you just need a safe place to be and reflect; being able to talk things through with someone impartial and non judgemental, to listen to you, to find a solution to the issue you want to resolve.
01767 660764 View 01767 660764

Online Therapists

Photo of Vicky Betts - The Sadie Centre
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 Guy Snape - Guy Snape Counselling, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Guy Snape Counselling
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Cambridge CB4
Please note that hypnotherapy sessions are priced at £80.
Feeling down? Stressed, anxious or depressed? I can help. We all have our "stuff" - pressure of work, relationship difficulties, painful memories or trauma, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, phobias: modern life can feel overwhelming. Just like our physical health, everyone has times when their mental wellbeing is not at its best.
Please note that hypnotherapy sessions are priced at £80.
Feeling down? Stressed, anxious or depressed? I can help. We all have our "stuff" - pressure of work, relationship difficulties, painful memories or trauma, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty sleeping, phobias: modern life can feel overwhelming. Just like our physical health, everyone has times when their mental wellbeing is not at its best.
01223 981326 View 01223 981326
Photo of Deborah Jane Winyard - Deborah Winyard Hypnotherapy
Deborah Winyard Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Reading RG6
I specialise in using Hypnotherapy and EMDR to help clients feel better and able to move forward with their lives.
Hi, I’m Debbie. I don’t yet know why you need my help. Maybe you suffer from anxiety, lack of confidence, self-doubt, a debilitating phobia, panic attacks, PTSD or Trauma. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it but just know you want to feel different and better. More whole? Be more part of life rather than an observer? Less lonely? No longer held back? Perhaps you've tried many times to make permanent changes and haven't yet succeeded.
I specialise in using Hypnotherapy and EMDR to help clients feel better and able to move forward with their lives.
Hi, I’m Debbie. I don’t yet know why you need my help. Maybe you suffer from anxiety, lack of confidence, self-doubt, a debilitating phobia, panic attacks, PTSD or Trauma. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it but just know you want to feel different and better. More whole? Be more part of life rather than an observer? Less lonely? No longer held back? Perhaps you've tried many times to make permanent changes and haven't yet succeeded.
0118 214 8586 View 0118 214 8586
Photo of Bobby Jon Hook - Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Cotswold Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Cheltenham GL50
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a great therapy to help you move on with your life by focusing on what you actually want rather than the problems or difficulties that led you to seek help in the first place.
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
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a great therapy to help you move on with your life by focusing on what you actually want rather than the problems or difficulties that led you to seek help in the first place.
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 Lynda P Gooby, MBACP, Counsellor
Lynda P Gooby
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chelmsford CM3
Hypnotherapy is the application of visualisation and relaxation techniques combined with psychotherapeutic treatment strategies.
I am a fully accredited,qualified integrative counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist providing time-limited and longer term therapy for adults, children and couples. I have an integrative training which enables me to draw upon a range of approaches including transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy and person centred, to help clients explore what brings them to therapy. I work with a range of issues including: Anxiety Bereavement & loss Childhood trauma Coping with illness & long term health conditions Depression Domestic abuse Loss of direction in life Low self-esteem Phobias Redundancy Relationship difficulties.
Hypnotherapy is the application of visualisation and relaxation techniques combined with psychotherapeutic treatment strategies.
I am a fully accredited,qualified integrative counsellor and clinical hypnotherapist providing time-limited and longer term therapy for adults, children and couples. I have an integrative training which enables me to draw upon a range of approaches including transactional analysis, cognitive behavioural therapy and person centred, to help clients explore what brings them to therapy. I work with a range of issues including: Anxiety Bereavement & loss Childhood trauma Coping with illness & long term health conditions Depression Domestic abuse Loss of direction in life Low self-esteem Phobias Redundancy Relationship difficulties.
01245 673770 View 01245 673770
Photo of Melanie Norris, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Melanie Norris
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Orpington BR6
With Hypnotherapy the results show more quickly, usually between 8 -12 sessions.
As an individual or within a relationship, sometimes life can feel really difficult. Whether it's a temporary phase, distress in overcoming a difficult experience or unresolved problems from the past, we have all, at some point in our lives and relationships, experienced difficulty in understanding and making sense of our lives. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, angry or frustrated and questioning our ability or our confidence to cope. Counselling has many benefits and over time can help you make sense of feelings and difficulties leading to greater self awareness.
With Hypnotherapy the results show more quickly, usually between 8 -12 sessions.
As an individual or within a relationship, sometimes life can feel really difficult. Whether it's a temporary phase, distress in overcoming a difficult experience or unresolved problems from the past, we have all, at some point in our lives and relationships, experienced difficulty in understanding and making sense of our lives. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, angry or frustrated and questioning our ability or our confidence to cope. Counselling has many benefits and over time can help you make sense of feelings and difficulties leading to greater self awareness.
01689 667420 View 01689 667420
Photo of Jenny Hunter-Phillips, MA
Jenny Hunter-Phillips
MA
Verified Verified
Petersfield GU31
Sometimes, people choose hypnotherapy because another form of therapy hasn't worked for them and sometimes they're just curious about its possibilities.
When things are challenging, asking for help can be one of the hardest yet bravest things you can do. I'm Jenny and my role is to make the process as easy as possible for you, by offering a warm and supportive environment from which you can explore the challenges that you are facing, the symptoms that you are struggling with, and the causes of these issues. Anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, depression, habits or fears do not define you; they can be temporary problems that you can learn to solve, with the right support in place. My approach to therapy allows you to find a way forward as quickly as possible.
Sometimes, people choose hypnotherapy because another form of therapy hasn't worked for them and sometimes they're just curious about its possibilities.
When things are challenging, asking for help can be one of the hardest yet bravest things you can do. I'm Jenny and my role is to make the process as easy as possible for you, by offering a warm and supportive environment from which you can explore the challenges that you are facing, the symptoms that you are struggling with, and the causes of these issues. Anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, depression, habits or fears do not define you; they can be temporary problems that you can learn to solve, with the right support in place. My approach to therapy allows you to find a way forward as quickly as possible.
01730 771474 View 01730 771474
Photo of Laura Lea Echeverria - The Calming Quarter, PsychD, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
The Calming Quarter
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Derby DE1
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated or sad? Nestled in the heart of the cathedral quarter Derby, you will find a spa for your mind. A place to quieten the mind, relax, unwind and be listened to. Somewhere that you can just be you, understand your thoughts and feelings and develop tools to enable you to deal with life’s challenges. The Calming Quarter offers psychotherapy, counselling and hypnotherapy and a place to listen to your needs without the endless noise of modern day life. Together we will help to achieve your goals. We offer help with anxiety, relationships issues, self esteem, depression, trauma, and grief.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated or sad? Nestled in the heart of the cathedral quarter Derby, you will find a spa for your mind. A place to quieten the mind, relax, unwind and be listened to. Somewhere that you can just be you, understand your thoughts and feelings and develop tools to enable you to deal with life’s challenges. The Calming Quarter offers psychotherapy, counselling and hypnotherapy and a place to listen to your needs without the endless noise of modern day life. Together we will help to achieve your goals. We offer help with anxiety, relationships issues, self esteem, depression, trauma, and grief.
01332 389934 View 01332 389934
Photo of B Mitchel - One -&- One, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
One -&- One
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London E18
Psychotherapeutic services offered include Psychotherapy CBT, NLP, Timeline Hypnotherapy Coaching, EMDR, Therapeutic Shamanism .
‘We all need someone to talk to some of the time’ and across the multi-dimensional layers of personality and global connectedness, to be human means we will be faced with situations and events during our lifetime that we believe a hundred percent, we will have little or no chance of sorting out or finding solutions to. The truism is there are always solutions, some more easily achievable and likeable, others less so. Nonetheless these too are solutions and place ALL at the doorway of all possibility. The wisdom then is to stand in the doorway to commence the healing transformations of finding answers and pathways towards resolution.
Psychotherapeutic services offered include Psychotherapy CBT, NLP, Timeline Hypnotherapy Coaching, EMDR, Therapeutic Shamanism .
‘We all need someone to talk to some of the time’ and across the multi-dimensional layers of personality and global connectedness, to be human means we will be faced with situations and events during our lifetime that we believe a hundred percent, we will have little or no chance of sorting out or finding solutions to. The truism is there are always solutions, some more easily achievable and likeable, others less so. Nonetheless these too are solutions and place ALL at the doorway of all possibility. The wisdom then is to stand in the doorway to commence the healing transformations of finding answers and pathways towards resolution.
020 3984 9227 View 020 3984 9227
Photo of Nick Bullock - London Hypnotherapy - Nick Bullock, Psychotherapist
London Hypnotherapy - Nick Bullock
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
London EC1R
Whether you're seeking in-person hypnotherapy in London or prefer online sessions, Nick offers a tailored approach at his Central London clinic or through his online hypnotherapy service.
Nick is a London-based and online solution-focused hypnotherapist specialising in various mental health concerns, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, IBS symptoms, confidence issues, and weight management. Solution-focused hypnotherapy works on 'how you want to be' (future-focused), instead of 'how you don't want to be' (problem-focused), helping people to rewire the connections in their brain to create new pathways of thinking and behaviour. This helps to adopt a calmer, more measured approach to life, helps reduce and remove any negative, unwanted symptoms, and helps someone live a happier and healthier life.
Whether you're seeking in-person hypnotherapy in London or prefer online sessions, Nick offers a tailored approach at his Central London clinic or through his online hypnotherapy service.
Nick is a London-based and online solution-focused hypnotherapist specialising in various mental health concerns, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, insomnia, IBS symptoms, confidence issues, and weight management. Solution-focused hypnotherapy works on 'how you want to be' (future-focused), instead of 'how you don't want to be' (problem-focused), helping people to rewire the connections in their brain to create new pathways of thinking and behaviour. This helps to adopt a calmer, more measured approach to life, helps reduce and remove any negative, unwanted symptoms, and helps someone live a happier and healthier life.
020 3948 3687 View 020 3948 3687
Photo of Elizabeth Anne Van Rein, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Elizabeth Anne Van Rein
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Oldbury B69
Elizabeth is an advanced accredited Psychotherapist, accredited Master Hypnotherapist and is a senior associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine. She specialises in abuse, trauma, identity disorders, disassociated amnesia, anxiety, stress, phobias, depression and suicidal thoughts.. Elizabeth has a keen interest in the relationship between Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy and our self belief systems and perceptions. She firmly believes that the advantages of counselling and psychotherapy give us a clear insight to the true essence of ourselves, unhindered by the fast pace of the modern environment.
Elizabeth is an advanced accredited Psychotherapist, accredited Master Hypnotherapist and is a senior associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine. She specialises in abuse, trauma, identity disorders, disassociated amnesia, anxiety, stress, phobias, depression and suicidal thoughts.. Elizabeth has a keen interest in the relationship between Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy and our self belief systems and perceptions. She firmly believes that the advantages of counselling and psychotherapy give us a clear insight to the true essence of ourselves, unhindered by the fast pace of the modern environment.
01554 701498 View 01554 701498
Photo of Cristina Maria Nemes, MA, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Cristina Maria Nemes
Psychologist, MA, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Northampton NN6  (Online Only)
I have years experience in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy.
I can help you to become the best version of yourself! I am a highly dedicated Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, my techniques are a mix of evidence-based treatments – cognitive therapy with mindfulness - integrating self-esteem, self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and self- development to help clients develop their skills to cope with emotional difficulties and changing irrational thinking. I help clients focus on life goals, their well-being, to see life in a more positive way, and to accept negative events and feelings so that they are more prepared for life with an increased sense of well-being.
I have years experience in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy.
I can help you to become the best version of yourself! I am a highly dedicated Psychotherapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist, my techniques are a mix of evidence-based treatments – cognitive therapy with mindfulness - integrating self-esteem, self-acceptance, emotional resilience, and self- development to help clients develop their skills to cope with emotional difficulties and changing irrational thinking. I help clients focus on life goals, their well-being, to see life in a more positive way, and to accept negative events and feelings so that they are more prepared for life with an increased sense of well-being.
01604 954995 View 01604 954995
Photo of Arezoo (Ozzy) Kharazi - Ozzy K's Coaching and Counselling Services , MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Ozzy K's Coaching and Counselling Services
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Basingstoke RG24
Hi! I'm Arezoo Kharazi, often simply Ozzy. Your friendly guide on a journey to feeling happier and growing stronger. My background includes lots of time working with wonderful people through charities, the NHS, and my own practice. Plus, I'm not just an ICF-certified coach; I'm also a proud member of the British Counselling Society and a registered member of the British National Hypnotherapy Society. Additionally, I am Bupa certified and accepting Bupa clients and referrals. That means you're in caring, qualified hands. So let's start this adventure together and help you shine as your brightest self!
Hi! I'm Arezoo Kharazi, often simply Ozzy. Your friendly guide on a journey to feeling happier and growing stronger. My background includes lots of time working with wonderful people through charities, the NHS, and my own practice. Plus, I'm not just an ICF-certified coach; I'm also a proud member of the British Counselling Society and a registered member of the British National Hypnotherapy Society. Additionally, I am Bupa certified and accepting Bupa clients and referrals. That means you're in caring, qualified hands. So let's start this adventure together and help you shine as your brightest self!
01256 438654 View 01256 438654

See more therapy options for Bedford

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.