Hypnotherapists in Lincoln, ENG

Photo of Louise Victoira Ellison - Active Listening Therapies, MBACP, Counsellor
Active Listening Therapies
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN6
Through experience, I have found that some clients may require a combination of hypnotherapy and counselling to support their needs.
Hello, my name is Louise. I offer private counselling with the aim of overcoming life challenges and making positive changes to your life. As an integrative therapist I pick the most appropriate counselling model to suit your needs and work with you to discover your path. I have a private practice located in Balderton close to Newark with a ground floor therapy room and off street parking. Your first session will be 1.5 hours allowing us to get to know each other and discuss your challenges, with regular sessions lasting 50 minutes. I look forward to hearing from you.
Through experience, I have found that some clients may require a combination of hypnotherapy and counselling to support their needs.
Hello, my name is Louise. I offer private counselling with the aim of overcoming life challenges and making positive changes to your life. As an integrative therapist I pick the most appropriate counselling model to suit your needs and work with you to discover your path. I have a private practice located in Balderton close to Newark with a ground floor therapy room and off street parking. Your first session will be 1.5 hours allowing us to get to know each other and discuss your challenges, with regular sessions lasting 50 minutes. I look forward to hearing from you.
07480 487618 View 07480 487618
Photo of Linda Creamer - Amethyst Therapy, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Amethyst Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN6
Hi I’m Linda, I have been a therapist since 2004 and therefore have a vast amount of experience working with individuals and couples. I offer a variety of therapy approaches which I tailor make to clients specific needs. I work from my home in a quiet village location in Spalford with ample parking and privacy. I offer Counselling, Psychosexual therapy and Hypnotherapy. Please visit my reviews at ; www.amethysttherapyspalford.freeindex.co.uk
Hi I’m Linda, I have been a therapist since 2004 and therefore have a vast amount of experience working with individuals and couples. I offer a variety of therapy approaches which I tailor make to clients specific needs. I work from my home in a quiet village location in Spalford with ample parking and privacy. I offer Counselling, Psychosexual therapy and Hypnotherapy. Please visit my reviews at ; www.amethysttherapyspalford.freeindex.co.uk
01522 302737 View 01522 302737
Photo of Robert Hewes, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Robert Hewes
Counsellor, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
Award winning BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist. Hi, thank you for choosing to read my profile. My name is Rob Hewes and I provide appropriate therapy or coaching that you need and in a confidential, warm and safe environment. I have now spent nearly 20 years in intense training and development as have experience working with clients in a variety of settings. I am an integrative therapist, drawing skills and experience from various therapeutic approaches. I provide: Psychotherapeutic Counselling. Therapeutic Counselling Supervision. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Clinical Hypnotherapy. NLP Coaching.
Award winning BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist. Hi, thank you for choosing to read my profile. My name is Rob Hewes and I provide appropriate therapy or coaching that you need and in a confidential, warm and safe environment. I have now spent nearly 20 years in intense training and development as have experience working with clients in a variety of settings. I am an integrative therapist, drawing skills and experience from various therapeutic approaches. I provide: Psychotherapeutic Counselling. Therapeutic Counselling Supervision. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Clinical Hypnotherapy. NLP Coaching.
0115 697 1698 View 0115 697 1698
Photo of Maggie Slater, MBACP, Counsellor
Maggie Slater
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
Hello, my name is Maggie, I’m a qualified counsellor, and based in Derbyshire. I specialise in working with children and adolescents, also working with adults, experiencing concerns, such as depression, anxiety, bereavement and stress. I provide a safe and confidential place for you to discuss worries and concerns and find a way to move forward. Whilst working with children/adolescents, I like to work with family, incorporating this in the sessions, by one or both parents attending some of the counselling sessions, if this is appropriate. I believe working all together can and does improve the building of a healthy relationship.
Hello, my name is Maggie, I’m a qualified counsellor, and based in Derbyshire. I specialise in working with children and adolescents, also working with adults, experiencing concerns, such as depression, anxiety, bereavement and stress. I provide a safe and confidential place for you to discuss worries and concerns and find a way to move forward. Whilst working with children/adolescents, I like to work with family, incorporating this in the sessions, by one or both parents attending some of the counselling sessions, if this is appropriate. I believe working all together can and does improve the building of a healthy relationship.
01522 440482 View 01522 440482
Photo of Martin James Smith, PhD, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Martin James Smith
Psychotherapist, PhD, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
I have been in private practice for over 20 years specialising in anxiety issues as well as helping people with depression, sleep and stress related issues. My approach is a solution focused one which looks at how to help you move on quickly and effectively. I utilise a range of techniques with the focus on looking at things that work for you and help you feel better as quickly and effectively as possible.
I have been in private practice for over 20 years specialising in anxiety issues as well as helping people with depression, sleep and stress related issues. My approach is a solution focused one which looks at how to help you move on quickly and effectively. I utilise a range of techniques with the focus on looking at things that work for you and help you feel better as quickly and effectively as possible.
0115 697 1197 View 0115 697 1197
Photo of Freya Lucy Elizabeth Cowin - Private ReFLECtion Therapy Ltd , FMBPsS, Psychologist
Private ReFLECtion Therapy Ltd
Psychologist, FMBPsS
Verified Verified
Lincoln LN1
The ideal client is ready to make positive change in their lives. If you are finding yourself feeling hopeless, lost, or numb please know that there is something out there that can help you. We are dynamic individuals and this is why I use an Integrative Psychotherapeutic approach, this gives you the best possible chance of being successful. So if you're tired of feeling exhausted, fatigued, burnout, low, helpless, or lost, reach out to me for a free initial 20-minute conversation. We will have a chat about a collaboration which could help you finding peace, becoming more functional and living a healthier and happier life.
The ideal client is ready to make positive change in their lives. If you are finding yourself feeling hopeless, lost, or numb please know that there is something out there that can help you. We are dynamic individuals and this is why I use an Integrative Psychotherapeutic approach, this gives you the best possible chance of being successful. So if you're tired of feeling exhausted, fatigued, burnout, low, helpless, or lost, reach out to me for a free initial 20-minute conversation. We will have a chat about a collaboration which could help you finding peace, becoming more functional and living a healthier and happier life.
01777 809408 View 01777 809408

Online Therapists

Photo of Teri Spinks, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Teri Spinks
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Sheffield S11
I have 10 yrs experience using energy psychology, I use this alongside standard counselling mixed with mindfulness and therapeutic hypnotherapy techniques if needed.
Hello, I'm Teri. I offer a relaxed counselling style with no judgement. I'm flexible in my approach so I can work with you in a way that suits you. I can also give you immediate tools to help with anxiety, stress and overwhelm, low mood and also teach you relaxation techniques if needed. I work to educate you too, so you know why this is happening and how to look out for the signs in the future. But sometimes we just need to download with no fix. I love what I do and even the most difficult issues can still be helped with compassion, sensitivity and a little bit of humour thrown in.
I have 10 yrs experience using energy psychology, I use this alongside standard counselling mixed with mindfulness and therapeutic hypnotherapy techniques if needed.
Hello, I'm Teri. I offer a relaxed counselling style with no judgement. I'm flexible in my approach so I can work with you in a way that suits you. I can also give you immediate tools to help with anxiety, stress and overwhelm, low mood and also teach you relaxation techniques if needed. I work to educate you too, so you know why this is happening and how to look out for the signs in the future. But sometimes we just need to download with no fix. I love what I do and even the most difficult issues can still be helped with compassion, sensitivity and a little bit of humour thrown in.
0114 697 9484 View 0114 697 9484
Photo of Nicola Biggs - Aylesbury Therapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Aylesbury Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP20
We offer talking therapies, hypnotherapy, breath workshops, meditation sessions & other specialist workshops.
Aylesbury Therapy are fully qualified Counsellors & Psychotherapists with a wealth of experience over a varied range of styles & approaches. We offer a private tailored service to all our clients. Our team cover a number of specialty areas & all our appointments are offered in person. We work with children, teens, adults, couples & families. Our service is open 7 days a week by appointment only. In additions we also run a low cost service with 50 minute sessions for just £25. These sessions are for over 16 year old's only and the therapists are trainees in their final stages of qualification. Get in touch to apply for this service.
We offer talking therapies, hypnotherapy, breath workshops, meditation sessions & other specialist workshops.
Aylesbury Therapy are fully qualified Counsellors & Psychotherapists with a wealth of experience over a varied range of styles & approaches. We offer a private tailored service to all our clients. Our team cover a number of specialty areas & all our appointments are offered in person. We work with children, teens, adults, couples & families. Our service is open 7 days a week by appointment only. In additions we also run a low cost service with 50 minute sessions for just £25. These sessions are for over 16 year old's only and the therapists are trainees in their final stages of qualification. Get in touch to apply for this service.
01296 321185 View 01296 321185
Photo of Mac Andrews
Mac Andrews
Verified Verified
Huntingdon PE28
After more than three decades of working with people I have a very big bag of tools - not just hypnotherapy, powerful as that can be.
Life is tough. The world can be a very harsh and unforgiving place indeed. Above all I work with kindness, acceptance and understanding - successful therapy always depends upon a partnership between you and me, both/all of us working purposefully together to solve the issues that are in your way - let's face it, there is simply not enough of those three qualities around these days. It is never a failure to reach out for help - never. It takes courage. So please reach out: I promise to take your hand, keep you safe, and together we'll walk the path to better days.
After more than three decades of working with people I have a very big bag of tools - not just hypnotherapy, powerful as that can be.
Life is tough. The world can be a very harsh and unforgiving place indeed. Above all I work with kindness, acceptance and understanding - successful therapy always depends upon a partnership between you and me, both/all of us working purposefully together to solve the issues that are in your way - let's face it, there is simply not enough of those three qualities around these days. It is never a failure to reach out for help - never. It takes courage. So please reach out: I promise to take your hand, keep you safe, and together we'll walk the path to better days.
01697 927020 View 01697 927020
Photo of Angela Terris, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Angela Terris
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Burton-on-Trent DE13
I offer counselling, CBT, and hypnotherapy sessions for adults.
Leave anxiety, depression, low self-esteem/confidence, stress, and more behind. With guidance, begin to overcome difficulties, find new perspectives, improve self-belief and worth, and start to feel better about yourself, your life and relationships. There’s no doubt that life can be challenging, especially when things happen out of your control or life isn't living up to your expectations. It’s normal to want to reach out for extra support and objective help where you can go from just surviving to thriving. Lets boost your self-esteem and confidence, find happiness in your life, and strengthen your relationships.
I offer counselling, CBT, and hypnotherapy sessions for adults.
Leave anxiety, depression, low self-esteem/confidence, stress, and more behind. With guidance, begin to overcome difficulties, find new perspectives, improve self-belief and worth, and start to feel better about yourself, your life and relationships. There’s no doubt that life can be challenging, especially when things happen out of your control or life isn't living up to your expectations. It’s normal to want to reach out for extra support and objective help where you can go from just surviving to thriving. Lets boost your self-esteem and confidence, find happiness in your life, and strengthen your relationships.
01543 398436 View 01543 398436
Photo of Leih Steggall - Us Psychotherapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Us Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Chester CH2
If relaxation is a struggle, I offer hypnotherapy to help you ease into the therapeutic process.
Hello, I’m Leih. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from those around you? Perhaps you're struggling with depression, navigating the complexities of midlife, or dealing with the painful experience of family estrangement. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—I’m here to help .As a trauma-informed psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, I specialize in helping individuals like you who are seeking understanding, healing, and a path forward. My approach is warm and non-judgmental, creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your emotions and experiences at your own
If relaxation is a struggle, I offer hypnotherapy to help you ease into the therapeutic process.
Hello, I’m Leih. Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from those around you? Perhaps you're struggling with depression, navigating the complexities of midlife, or dealing with the painful experience of family estrangement. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—I’m here to help .As a trauma-informed psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist, I specialize in helping individuals like you who are seeking understanding, healing, and a path forward. My approach is warm and non-judgmental, creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your emotions and experiences at your own
01244 727036 View 01244 727036
Photo of Chalene Long, SNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Chalene Long
Psychotherapist, SNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Higham Ferrers NN10
I offer personalised hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in a compassionate, safe space, tailored to your needs.
I am a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years of experience. As a senior accredited member of the NCPS and NHS, I offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including hypno-psychotherapy, counselling, and clinical supervision. I am a trauma-informed therapist who uses an integrative approach, drawing on Transactional Analysis, IFS, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-centred strategies and more. My goal is to guide you towards a healthier mind, helping you cultivate self-awareness, overcome past traumas, and embrace a more authentic, fulfilling life.
I offer personalised hypnotherapy and psychotherapy in a compassionate, safe space, tailored to your needs.
I am a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor with over 15 years of experience. As a senior accredited member of the NCPS and NHS, I offer a wide range of therapeutic services, including hypno-psychotherapy, counselling, and clinical supervision. I am a trauma-informed therapist who uses an integrative approach, drawing on Transactional Analysis, IFS, CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Person-centred strategies and more. My goal is to guide you towards a healthier mind, helping you cultivate self-awareness, overcome past traumas, and embrace a more authentic, fulfilling life.
07588 733712 View 07588 733712
Photo of Marie Liddiard - Asense Therapy - Marie Liddiard, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Asense Therapy - Marie Liddiard
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP18
These include, Hypnotherapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and HypnoEMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing.
I can support you with issues which are having a negative impact on your mental health, including, helping you to overcome trauma, manage anxiety and stress or relationship difficulties, change unhelpful or unwanted habits and gain increased confidence and self-esteem. I am motivated by a deep desire to empower you to overcome challenges, find purpose, make positive changes and achieve greater well-being.
These include, Hypnotherapy, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and HypnoEMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing.
I can support you with issues which are having a negative impact on your mental health, including, helping you to overcome trauma, manage anxiety and stress or relationship difficulties, change unhelpful or unwanted habits and gain increased confidence and self-esteem. I am motivated by a deep desire to empower you to overcome challenges, find purpose, make positive changes and achieve greater well-being.
0191 743 2036 View 0191 743 2036
Photo of Fan Flaherty, Psychotherapist
Fan Flaherty
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Royston SG8
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 Susan Worth, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Susan Worth
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bolton BL6
I'm Sue Worth, a therapist since 1998. I offer a relaxing and non-judgmental approach where you can be at ease. My passion is for the motivation, development and success of people of all ages. I find hypnotherapy to be exceptionally good at ridding people of anxieties, phobias, depression and other psychological complaints. I have helped many people with addictions e.g alcoholism, smoking, drug abuse, people with low self confidence/self esteem and weight loss therapy tailored to suit you including Gastric Band Hypnosis. I also have extensive experience in working with young people.
I'm Sue Worth, a therapist since 1998. I offer a relaxing and non-judgmental approach where you can be at ease. My passion is for the motivation, development and success of people of all ages. I find hypnotherapy to be exceptionally good at ridding people of anxieties, phobias, depression and other psychological complaints. I have helped many people with addictions e.g alcoholism, smoking, drug abuse, people with low self confidence/self esteem and weight loss therapy tailored to suit you including Gastric Band Hypnosis. I also have extensive experience in working with young people.
01942 559749 View 01942 559749
Photo of Benedetta Gattari, MBACP, Counsellor
Benedetta Gattari
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Norwich NR7
I combine Counselling, hypnotherapy , mindfulness and somatic Yoga practices.
Hi! I am Benedetta, but everyone calls me Bene. I offer Counselling online and in person in my home office or a walk and talk therapy. Therapy is a powerful and transformative process. In our sessions, you will be supported in exploring your issues, finding your own ways to navigate your specific journey to feeling more in harmony with yourself- mind, body and spirit. You can become empowered in your mental health journey. I believe that we all have the tools within us to overcome life's challenges. My role is not to provide answers, but to help you find your own, developing inner trust and resilience.
I combine Counselling, hypnotherapy , mindfulness and somatic Yoga practices.
Hi! I am Benedetta, but everyone calls me Bene. I offer Counselling online and in person in my home office or a walk and talk therapy. Therapy is a powerful and transformative process. In our sessions, you will be supported in exploring your issues, finding your own ways to navigate your specific journey to feeling more in harmony with yourself- mind, body and spirit. You can become empowered in your mental health journey. I believe that we all have the tools within us to overcome life's challenges. My role is not to provide answers, but to help you find your own, developing inner trust and resilience.
01603 361500 View 01603 361500
Photo of Claire Ashby, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Claire Ashby
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B43
I offer specialist Counselling and Hypnotherapy for anxiety, stress, fears and phobias, sleep and confidence.
Lovely to meet you its Claire. Do you experience anxiety, panic or overwhelm? Do you often feel low and depressed? Do you experience panic attacks? Or are you experiencing insomnia or sleep difficulties? We all go through difficult periods in our life and it can be easy to get stuck in cycles of anxiety and depression. I will work with you to break these negative cycles helping you to overcome the anxiety which is holding you back. I am a experienced and skilled Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, working with you towards creating the life you deserve, a life that is rich and vibrant, where anxiety no longer holds you back.
I offer specialist Counselling and Hypnotherapy for anxiety, stress, fears and phobias, sleep and confidence.
Lovely to meet you its Claire. Do you experience anxiety, panic or overwhelm? Do you often feel low and depressed? Do you experience panic attacks? Or are you experiencing insomnia or sleep difficulties? We all go through difficult periods in our life and it can be easy to get stuck in cycles of anxiety and depression. I will work with you to break these negative cycles helping you to overcome the anxiety which is holding you back. I am a experienced and skilled Counsellor and Hypnotherapist, working with you towards creating the life you deserve, a life that is rich and vibrant, where anxiety no longer holds you back.
View
Photo of Bryn Higgott, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist
Bryn Higgott
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Wellingborough NN8
My private practice work involves psychodynamic counselling enabling me to use many different analytic therapies and hypnotherapy.
Everyone has a way of looking at the world, its events, and their place in it that is personal to them. Consequently, there is no one size fits all in therapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life changing experience in the right hands. It focuses on understanding how you see the world and interpret the life you have, and want. Good mental health affects so many aspects of life. For example studies on the interaction between the mind, nervous system and the immune system illustrate that there is a connection between relieving stress and related immune processes.
My private practice work involves psychodynamic counselling enabling me to use many different analytic therapies and hypnotherapy.
Everyone has a way of looking at the world, its events, and their place in it that is personal to them. Consequently, there is no one size fits all in therapeutic approach. Psychotherapy can be a powerful, life changing experience in the right hands. It focuses on understanding how you see the world and interpret the life you have, and want. Good mental health affects so many aspects of life. For example studies on the interaction between the mind, nervous system and the immune system illustrate that there is a connection between relieving stress and related immune processes.
01933 829074 View 01933 829074
Photo of Kam Laing - True Living Therapies
True Living Therapies
Verified Verified
Manchester M2
If you're tired of battling stress, overwhelm, anxiety or if you're frustrated because you can't seem to be as productive or confident as you want, or need, to be then hypnotherapy can work amazingly well for you. Your subconscious is in the driving seat and while it tries to help you feel safe and survive, it can also hinder you too. Often we aren't entirely aware, at a conscious level, why we're struggling or stuck in self-sabotaging behaviour patterns. Hypnotherapy is able to reach your subconscious and work with it to correct course, allowing you to achieve what you want.
If you're tired of battling stress, overwhelm, anxiety or if you're frustrated because you can't seem to be as productive or confident as you want, or need, to be then hypnotherapy can work amazingly well for you. Your subconscious is in the driving seat and while it tries to help you feel safe and survive, it can also hinder you too. Often we aren't entirely aware, at a conscious level, why we're struggling or stuck in self-sabotaging behaviour patterns. Hypnotherapy is able to reach your subconscious and work with it to correct course, allowing you to achieve what you want.
0161 509 4175 View 0161 509 4175
Photo of Renata Karlinskaite, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Renata Karlinskaite
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Dunstable LU5
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

See more therapy options for Lincoln

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.