Hypnotherapists in Harpenden, ENG

Photo of Renata Karlinskaite, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Renata Karlinskaite
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Helping You to Build Healthy Self-esteem, Feel Free From Past Constraints, and Make Positive Changes! Offering online video and phone counselling, self-esteem psychotherapy and hypnotherapy sessions. As a Counsellor, I use an integrative approach to counselling, which means I go according to the client's needs and keep the therapy client centred. Alongside counselling and self-esteem coaching, I offer hypnotherapy as an effective way for reaching out the subconscious mind and targeting a specific problem. You can find more info on my website www.renatatherapies.org
Helping You to Build Healthy Self-esteem, Feel Free From Past Constraints, and Make Positive Changes! Offering online video and phone counselling, self-esteem psychotherapy and hypnotherapy sessions. As a Counsellor, I use an integrative approach to counselling, which means I go according to the client's needs and keep the therapy client centred. Alongside counselling and self-esteem coaching, I offer hypnotherapy as an effective way for reaching out the subconscious mind and targeting a specific problem. You can find more info on my website www.renatatherapies.org
01582 377841 View 01582 377841
Photo of Stephanie Day, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Stephanie Day
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Though you may feel apprehensive about seeking therapy I am here to put you at ease and offer a free consultation to discuss your needs. I will help you achieve a deep understanding of your difficulties and why you may feel stuck. The way we frame our experiences and the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world are the cause of self-disturbance. I will show you how to overcome this so you can achieve a complete, transformative and permanent change. We will literally rewire your brain by creating new neural pathways, and you'll become your own therapist, equipped with the knowledge to live life with freedom and happiness.
Though you may feel apprehensive about seeking therapy I am here to put you at ease and offer a free consultation to discuss your needs. I will help you achieve a deep understanding of your difficulties and why you may feel stuck. The way we frame our experiences and the beliefs we hold about ourselves and the world are the cause of self-disturbance. I will show you how to overcome this so you can achieve a complete, transformative and permanent change. We will literally rewire your brain by creating new neural pathways, and you'll become your own therapist, equipped with the knowledge to live life with freedom and happiness.
01582 377237 View 01582 377237
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6806 View 020 4538 6806
Photo of Dr Margaret Jordan, AFBPSsS, Psychologist
Dr Margaret Jordan
Psychologist, AFBPSsS
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
I work with most presenting issues in children & adults. I specialise in brain-based therapies that I integrate with talking therapies. My specialist area is psychological trauma and emotional regulation found in most issues. I have 38 years experience in the NHS, Private & Voluntary sectors with children, couples & adults.
I work with most presenting issues in children & adults. I specialise in brain-based therapies that I integrate with talking therapies. My specialist area is psychological trauma and emotional regulation found in most issues. I have 38 years experience in the NHS, Private & Voluntary sectors with children, couples & adults.
020 4538 5340 View 020 4538 5340
Photo of Sharon Twydell, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sharon Twydell
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5
Life is so tough at the moment! Are you feeling completely overwhelmed with things you feel you 'should' be doing?- Feeling anxious or not good enough? Trying so desperately hard to look ok but inside feeling you are really not? We can work together to figure out how you would like your life to look. How you are going to get there and why this feeling is happening now? We can keep this totally in the present or look back at your past to see if there are recurring patterns or issues that might be making you feel this way. I can help you unpick all of this at your own pace in confidence.
Life is so tough at the moment! Are you feeling completely overwhelmed with things you feel you 'should' be doing?- Feeling anxious or not good enough? Trying so desperately hard to look ok but inside feeling you are really not? We can work together to figure out how you would like your life to look. How you are going to get there and why this feeling is happening now? We can keep this totally in the present or look back at your past to see if there are recurring patterns or issues that might be making you feel this way. I can help you unpick all of this at your own pace in confidence.
01727 648477 View 01727 648477
Photo of Lucy S Adamson, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Lucy S Adamson
Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Harpenden AL5  (Online Only)
I have experience in dealing with young people as well as being grounded in working with older adults and their issues. Young adult suffering from low mood or anxiety, adolescents struggling with school based issues, eating disorders, social anxieties and traumas of family life are suited to my practice. It can be difficult reaching out for help but if you can connect correctly with another individual it can help build confidence and rebuild your life. Many people struggle with unresolved pain or illness. I offer techniques to cope with these issues. Often psychological barriers prevent our healing successfully.
I have experience in dealing with young people as well as being grounded in working with older adults and their issues. Young adult suffering from low mood or anxiety, adolescents struggling with school based issues, eating disorders, social anxieties and traumas of family life are suited to my practice. It can be difficult reaching out for help but if you can connect correctly with another individual it can help build confidence and rebuild your life. Many people struggle with unresolved pain or illness. I offer techniques to cope with these issues. Often psychological barriers prevent our healing successfully.
01582 380576 View 01582 380576
Photo of Laura Goodall, MBACP, Counsellor
Laura Goodall
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Harpenden AL5
Talking to someone who really hears and understands you can be the first step of the journey towards positive change. Maybe you're feeling low and don't know why? Maybe you are trying to overcome big life events and everything has changed around you and you need some support? Perhaps you just don't know why you can't sleep, or why your tears surprise you and you want to know more? The good news is that Gestalt counselling can help.
Talking to someone who really hears and understands you can be the first step of the journey towards positive change. Maybe you're feeling low and don't know why? Maybe you are trying to overcome big life events and everything has changed around you and you need some support? Perhaps you just don't know why you can't sleep, or why your tears surprise you and you want to know more? The good news is that Gestalt counselling can help.
01462 417263 View 01462 417263

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Fan Flaherty, Psychotherapist
Fan Flaherty
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Stevenage SG1
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 Vicky Betts - The Sadie Centre
The Sadie Centre
Verified Verified
Hitchin SG4
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 Jacqui Webb, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jacqui Webb
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kings Langley WD4
As a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist who also works with hypnotherapy and Brainspotting, I will respond to your individual needs, working in a way that feels right for you.
Have you experienced distress and upset or loss ? Unresolved issues that trouble you ? Do you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, PTS or depression ? Do you want to feel differently about the life you live or the person that you are. Perhaps you want to change aspects of you life for it to be more rewarding. Maybe you know that things are unlikely to change. Do you require a safe space where you can be heard, a place to share your thoughts and be understood. A place where being you is good enough. If you are 16 years old or heading into your 99th year, wanting to explore your world then it would be a privilege to support you.
As a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist who also works with hypnotherapy and Brainspotting, I will respond to your individual needs, working in a way that feels right for you.
Have you experienced distress and upset or loss ? Unresolved issues that trouble you ? Do you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, PTS or depression ? Do you want to feel differently about the life you live or the person that you are. Perhaps you want to change aspects of you life for it to be more rewarding. Maybe you know that things are unlikely to change. Do you require a safe space where you can be heard, a place to share your thoughts and be understood. A place where being you is good enough. If you are 16 years old or heading into your 99th year, wanting to explore your world then it would be a privilege to support you.
01442 617073 View 01442 617073
Photo of Lyn O'Callaghan, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Lyn O'Callaghan
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Luton LU3
I use Person-Centered therapy techniques, as well as incorporate other approaches, such as hypnotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, and journaling, to ensure a truly tailored experience for my client.
As an Integrative Counsellor, I tailor therapy to each client, as well as talking therapy, I draw from a diverse toolbox of techniques, such as CBT, EMDR and hypnosis. Having completed training specific to trauma and trauma-informed approaches, I am confident in my skills to scaffold clients while they learn ways to overcome obstacles, develop coping skills, and enhance their overall well-being. Through collaboration with my clients, they are able to explore concerns, build resilience and cultivate positive lasting change.
I use Person-Centered therapy techniques, as well as incorporate other approaches, such as hypnotherapy, CBT, mindfulness, and journaling, to ensure a truly tailored experience for my client.
As an Integrative Counsellor, I tailor therapy to each client, as well as talking therapy, I draw from a diverse toolbox of techniques, such as CBT, EMDR and hypnosis. Having completed training specific to trauma and trauma-informed approaches, I am confident in my skills to scaffold clients while they learn ways to overcome obstacles, develop coping skills, and enhance their overall well-being. Through collaboration with my clients, they are able to explore concerns, build resilience and cultivate positive lasting change.
01582 297259 View 01582 297259
Photo of Gemma Bailey, GMBPsS, Psychologist
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 - Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Dr Belynder Walia - Serene Lifestyles
Psychotherapist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP1  (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 Sarah Hammond, UKCP Trainee, Psychotherapist
Sarah Hammond
Psychotherapist, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Welwyn Garden City AL7  (Online Only)
These include: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Person-centred, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-focused, Polyvagal and Somatic (Body) therapies, NLP, and Focusing.
I’m Sarah. I’m a registered Integrative Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist. I integrate Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy to help with issues including Anxiety, Depression, Relationship problems, Low Self-esteem, Overwhelming emotions, Compulsive Disorders, Eating disorders, Panic attacks, Phobias, Addictive behaviours and more. Taking a healing-oriented approach means that therapy we do together targets symptoms and neurological pathways in the brain by focusing on the core emotions, body sensations and nervous system responses that are connected to them.
These include: Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Person-centred, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-focused, Polyvagal and Somatic (Body) therapies, NLP, and Focusing.
I’m Sarah. I’m a registered Integrative Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist. I integrate Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy to help with issues including Anxiety, Depression, Relationship problems, Low Self-esteem, Overwhelming emotions, Compulsive Disorders, Eating disorders, Panic attacks, Phobias, Addictive behaviours and more. Taking a healing-oriented approach means that therapy we do together targets symptoms and neurological pathways in the brain by focusing on the core emotions, body sensations and nervous system responses that are connected to them.
01438 906539 View 01438 906539
Photo of Po Chan, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Po Chan
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Luton LU1
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 Rafal Jan Komorowski, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Rafal Jan Komorowski
Psychologist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Luton LU1  (Online Only)
I am a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology. I graduated Master of Sciences (MSC), (mgr) from the Institute of Psychology at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. I also completed a psychotherapy course at PCI College in Dublin. I am a certified CBT Psychotherapist with a Professional Certificate CBT Therapy. I also completed a professional course in Neurolinguistic Therapy at the Institute of Neurolinguistics in Warsaw. I participated in many additional courses and workshops to improve my interests and professional qualifications. I am currently in the HCPC registration process. I am member of The BPS and The PTP.
I am a Psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology. I graduated Master of Sciences (MSC), (mgr) from the Institute of Psychology at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. I also completed a psychotherapy course at PCI College in Dublin. I am a certified CBT Psychotherapist with a Professional Certificate CBT Therapy. I also completed a professional course in Neurolinguistic Therapy at the Institute of Neurolinguistics in Warsaw. I participated in many additional courses and workshops to improve my interests and professional qualifications. I am currently in the HCPC registration process. I am member of The BPS and The PTP.
01582 377993 View 01582 377993
Photo of Yvonne Bullen, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Yvonne Bullen
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Kings Langley WD4
Waitlist for new clients
As an experienced Psychotherapist & Supervisor, I work with warmth, sensitivity and compassion, fully accepting and being present to your unique situation. I realise beginning therapy can feel daunting, but finding someone you feel able to talk to and share your thoughts and feelings with, can bring immense relief; offering you a pathway towards being able to cope better and lead a more contented life. Perhaps you're struggling with depression or anxiety related disorders, experiencing relationship difficulties or have memories of past trauma or a difficult childhood which are impacting on your ability to cope with day to day life?
As an experienced Psychotherapist & Supervisor, I work with warmth, sensitivity and compassion, fully accepting and being present to your unique situation. I realise beginning therapy can feel daunting, but finding someone you feel able to talk to and share your thoughts and feelings with, can bring immense relief; offering you a pathway towards being able to cope better and lead a more contented life. Perhaps you're struggling with depression or anxiety related disorders, experiencing relationship difficulties or have memories of past trauma or a difficult childhood which are impacting on your ability to cope with day to day life?
01923 961507 View 01923 961507
Photo of Elaine Jenkins, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Elaine Jenkins
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Luton LU4
Hello, and welcome to my profile. Being an experienced counsellor of 15 years, I can support you to heal and grow. Counselling is not just about the 'problem', but also about your self awareness, your personal self development and strengthening your ability to cope when times are tough. Anxiety, depression, addictions, relationships challenges, low self esteem, intrusive thoughts, overthinking, to name but a few, are all reactions of your own life experiences from a young age. Counselling explores this, and as a professional Integrative Therapist, together, we can work towards healing old wounds. Encouraging life in presence.
Hello, and welcome to my profile. Being an experienced counsellor of 15 years, I can support you to heal and grow. Counselling is not just about the 'problem', but also about your self awareness, your personal self development and strengthening your ability to cope when times are tough. Anxiety, depression, addictions, relationships challenges, low self esteem, intrusive thoughts, overthinking, to name but a few, are all reactions of your own life experiences from a young age. Counselling explores this, and as a professional Integrative Therapist, together, we can work towards healing old wounds. Encouraging life in presence.
07480 488626 View 07480 488626
Photo of Laura Duffy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Laura Duffy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunstable LU6
Hi, my name is Laura and I started my practice in 2014. My passion is helping people who suffer with depression and anxiety, having personal experience with both. I enjoy finding new and creative ways of helping people to find their happiness and be at one with themselves. We are all different and as such all need a different approach, we are not broken and certainly do not need fixing. We can all at some point need someone to talk to about an imbalance in our lives and by using various techniques proven to be effective you will be able to find that balance and achieve the life you want to live not only now but also in the future.
Hi, my name is Laura and I started my practice in 2014. My passion is helping people who suffer with depression and anxiety, having personal experience with both. I enjoy finding new and creative ways of helping people to find their happiness and be at one with themselves. We are all different and as such all need a different approach, we are not broken and certainly do not need fixing. We can all at some point need someone to talk to about an imbalance in our lives and by using various techniques proven to be effective you will be able to find that balance and achieve the life you want to live not only now but also in the future.
01582 369620 View 01582 369620
Photo of Lisa Claire Rodger, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Lisa Claire Rodger
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
St Albans AL3
Are you struggling? We all experience challenges and difficult times in our lives. During these times it can feel as if nobody understands us or knows what we are going through. This can feel isolating and lonely. But you are not alone. As a qualified and experienced therapist, I can provide a safe space where together we can explore what is troubling you and make sense of it - giving you the time and space to reflect on your needs. I can help you to recognise what strengthens you and what weakens you, enabling you to make positive choices to ensure these needs are met in the future.
Are you struggling? We all experience challenges and difficult times in our lives. During these times it can feel as if nobody understands us or knows what we are going through. This can feel isolating and lonely. But you are not alone. As a qualified and experienced therapist, I can provide a safe space where together we can explore what is troubling you and make sense of it - giving you the time and space to reflect on your needs. I can help you to recognise what strengthens you and what weakens you, enabling you to make positive choices to ensure these needs are met in the future.
01727 648574 View 01727 648574

See more therapy options for Harpenden

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.