Hypnotherapists in Southend-on-Sea, ENG

Photo of Taner Paul Hassan, MBACP, Counsellor
Taner Paul Hassan
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Southend-on-Sea SS0
UMT Practitioner- Unconscious Mind Therapy & Hypnotherapy.
Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist. I work with Couples, Adults, Teenagers, Professional Athletes & People in the public eye. Assisting in many presenting issues. Specialist Area of Expertise: Sex & Porn Addiction, Substance Misuse & Alcohol, Addiction. It is important that whoever you seek help from you give yourself the chance to work through your issues and become your own scientist. I will never tell you what to do but help guide you and explore your issues together to help you achieve your goals.
UMT Practitioner- Unconscious Mind Therapy & Hypnotherapy.
Integrative Counsellor & Psychotherapist. I work with Couples, Adults, Teenagers, Professional Athletes & People in the public eye. Assisting in many presenting issues. Specialist Area of Expertise: Sex & Porn Addiction, Substance Misuse & Alcohol, Addiction. It is important that whoever you seek help from you give yourself the chance to work through your issues and become your own scientist. I will never tell you what to do but help guide you and explore your issues together to help you achieve your goals.
01206 489711 View 01206 489711
Photo of Sian Elizabeth Hines, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Sian Elizabeth Hines
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Southend-on-Sea SS1
I can help you to reach the potential that you want and deserve to reach by helping you to understand your past, present and future. To help you to work through relationship problems, self esteem issues or letting go of the past. To enable you to see past blocks and obstacles so that you can control, minimise and eliminate any anxieties. To work with the negative emotions that you feel so that you can identify quickly what your emotions are telling you and then challenge them so that they do not control you. To magnify the positives and build on them for complete self confidence.
I can help you to reach the potential that you want and deserve to reach by helping you to understand your past, present and future. To help you to work through relationship problems, self esteem issues or letting go of the past. To enable you to see past blocks and obstacles so that you can control, minimise and eliminate any anxieties. To work with the negative emotions that you feel so that you can identify quickly what your emotions are telling you and then challenge them so that they do not control you. To magnify the positives and build on them for complete self confidence.
01702 967425 View 01702 967425
Photo of Michelle Anne Saunders, MBACP, Counsellor
Michelle Anne Saunders
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Southend-on-Sea SS1
I realise what a daunting task it can be, to admit to yourself that you need support and to reach out to someone. Many people spend a long time thinking they can just snap out of it and beating themselves up when they are not able to, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break. The fact you are here, looking for support is the first step, and often one of the hardest. If you are finding yourself repeating unhelpful patterns of behaviour, finding daily life a struggle, or looking to explore your past, present or future, I can support you as you work through them and step into the life that you want, and deserve.
I realise what a daunting task it can be, to admit to yourself that you need support and to reach out to someone. Many people spend a long time thinking they can just snap out of it and beating themselves up when they are not able to, creating a vicious cycle that is hard to break. The fact you are here, looking for support is the first step, and often one of the hardest. If you are finding yourself repeating unhelpful patterns of behaviour, finding daily life a struggle, or looking to explore your past, present or future, I can support you as you work through them and step into the life that you want, and deserve.
01702 967445 View 01702 967445
Photo of Tanya Lee, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Tanya Lee
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Southend-on-Sea SS0
Are you looking for effective help to deal with trauma, panic and anxiety? Are you fed up with labels and diagnoses that do nothing to resolve the symptoms and pain that you're suffering with? CPTSD, PTSD, GAD and BPD are labels that define your symptoms, but that don't tackle the cause or do anything useful to relieve them. I specialise in helping people with anxiety and PSTD and have helped many people just like you, who have been struggling, sometimes for decades. I won't dredge up unnecessary past experiences - I only work with what is relevant. Also if you prefer, you won't have to speak in detail about your issue.
Are you looking for effective help to deal with trauma, panic and anxiety? Are you fed up with labels and diagnoses that do nothing to resolve the symptoms and pain that you're suffering with? CPTSD, PTSD, GAD and BPD are labels that define your symptoms, but that don't tackle the cause or do anything useful to relieve them. I specialise in helping people with anxiety and PSTD and have helped many people just like you, who have been struggling, sometimes for decades. I won't dredge up unnecessary past experiences - I only work with what is relevant. Also if you prefer, you won't have to speak in detail about your issue.
01702 410074 View 01702 410074

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Debbie Carroll, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Debbie Carroll
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Westcliff-on-Sea SS0
Hypnotherapy achieves outstanding, lasting outcomes very quickly.
I am a qualified integrative Counsellor. I work from my therapy room in a converted woodshed on a farm in Writtle, my home in Westcliff or online via zoom. My main aim is to provide you with a confidential, warm and safe environment so that you will feel at ease and be able to talk to me about whatever is concerning you. In our 1st session together we will explore your reasons for seeking counselling/therapy and whether we can build a mutual relationship of trust and respect. We can then work towards you developing strategies and coping skills, bringing about effective change to resolve difficulties and enhance your wellbeing.
Hypnotherapy achieves outstanding, lasting outcomes very quickly.
I am a qualified integrative Counsellor. I work from my therapy room in a converted woodshed on a farm in Writtle, my home in Westcliff or online via zoom. My main aim is to provide you with a confidential, warm and safe environment so that you will feel at ease and be able to talk to me about whatever is concerning you. In our 1st session together we will explore your reasons for seeking counselling/therapy and whether we can build a mutual relationship of trust and respect. We can then work towards you developing strategies and coping skills, bringing about effective change to resolve difficulties and enhance your wellbeing.
01277 505549 View 01277 505549
Photo of Karen Tottman-Napier, MBACP, Counsellor
Karen Tottman-Napier
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Basildon SS13
Life can be difficult, and counselling can help explore your thoughts and feelings. I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I have over 18 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families, children, young people and adults up to any age. I completed my placement hours at St Luke's Hospice and also volunteered after I qualified. I feel I use my skills to help you explore your difficult times to help you understand your situation. I offer counselling, short term or long term. I have worked with many different issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and difficulties with relationship issues.
Life can be difficult, and counselling can help explore your thoughts and feelings. I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist. I have over 18 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families, children, young people and adults up to any age. I completed my placement hours at St Luke's Hospice and also volunteered after I qualified. I feel I use my skills to help you explore your difficult times to help you understand your situation. I offer counselling, short term or long term. I have worked with many different issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and difficulties with relationship issues.
01268 214451 View 01268 214451
Lina Kelly
Counsellor, MSc
Verified Verified
Leigh-on-Sea SS9
Welcome! I am Lina Kelly and I work with clients in the UK and globally to help them to get 'unstuck', whether it's your stress levels, career, anxiety, phobias, addiction, low mood, setting goals or something else. I guarantee to help you to get back on track, fast. As a professionally trained Psychologist and experienced NLP practitioner, hypnotherapist and life coach, I have the tools and understanding to help you to create the life you imagine and get a renewed sense of self and to make those changes that you have been thinking of for so long.
Welcome! I am Lina Kelly and I work with clients in the UK and globally to help them to get 'unstuck', whether it's your stress levels, career, anxiety, phobias, addiction, low mood, setting goals or something else. I guarantee to help you to get back on track, fast. As a professionally trained Psychologist and experienced NLP practitioner, hypnotherapist and life coach, I have the tools and understanding to help you to create the life you imagine and get a renewed sense of self and to make those changes that you have been thinking of for so long.
01702 967223 View 01702 967223
Photo of Karen Louise Hardy - Bachelor Of Arts With Honours First Class, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Karen Louise Hardy - Bachelor Of Arts With Honours First Class
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chelmsford CM3
Everyone is an individual who experiences life and the issues it throws, in very different ways. No 'one' sure way fits all - that is my Moto. We are individuals. Whatever anyone is feeling they shouldn't believe that they can "just cope" because everyone else seems to be doing ok. Its all relative! Depression/anxiety/stress/ lack of self worth and esteem are all problems in todays society and many suffer in silence. You don't need to. Often by talking and getting your problems out in the open is the first step to healing. Their voice to be heard and feelings to be listened to. Trust and the therapeutic relationship are key.
Everyone is an individual who experiences life and the issues it throws, in very different ways. No 'one' sure way fits all - that is my Moto. We are individuals. Whatever anyone is feeling they shouldn't believe that they can "just cope" because everyone else seems to be doing ok. Its all relative! Depression/anxiety/stress/ lack of self worth and esteem are all problems in todays society and many suffer in silence. You don't need to. Often by talking and getting your problems out in the open is the first step to healing. Their voice to be heard and feelings to be listened to. Trust and the therapeutic relationship are key.
01621 730627 View 01621 730627
Photo of Tracey Carlisle - Tracey Carlisle Therapies, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Tracey Carlisle Therapies
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Benfleet SS7
Life can be complicated and challenging leaving us unsure how to deal with it or what to do for the best. I can offer you a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment to explore and support your thoughts and feelings to enable you to move forward. We will work together to build new positive thought patterns replacing old habits with new solution focused outcomes
Life can be complicated and challenging leaving us unsure how to deal with it or what to do for the best. I can offer you a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment to explore and support your thoughts and feelings to enable you to move forward. We will work together to build new positive thought patterns replacing old habits with new solution focused outcomes
01268 269971 View 01268 269971
Photo of Chris Harrad, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Chris Harrad
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Basildon SS13
Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious, maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Therapy I offer represents a safe, accepting, confidential space to look at whatever issues you may be facing right now, and find a way forwards. I can offer a chance to be heard and seen, an opportunity to work through your thoughts and feelings, and a time to develop new skills. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious, maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Therapy I offer represents a safe, accepting, confidential space to look at whatever issues you may be facing right now, and find a way forwards. I can offer a chance to be heard and seen, an opportunity to work through your thoughts and feelings, and a time to develop new skills. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
01245 945727 View 01245 945727
Photo of Samantha Handley, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Samantha Handley
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Benfleet SS7  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Sam. I'm a counsellor and hypnotherapist working in a person centred way. I'm open and honest, and I'm here to help you with whatever you need to bring. Since I first started training as a therapist, I could see it was never going to be as simple as one size fits all. We are all individuals, and even though we have our similarities, we all live our own realities. Because of this I knew it would be important to study a wide range of therapies and techniques to custom a session as much as I could to each person.
Hello, I'm Sam. I'm a counsellor and hypnotherapist working in a person centred way. I'm open and honest, and I'm here to help you with whatever you need to bring. Since I first started training as a therapist, I could see it was never going to be as simple as one size fits all. We are all individuals, and even though we have our similarities, we all live our own realities. Because of this I knew it would be important to study a wide range of therapies and techniques to custom a session as much as I could to each person.
01268 209798 View 01268 209798

Online Therapists

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 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 John Halker - The Grove Clinic, MHGI, Psychotherapist
The Grove Clinic
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
London SE1
John uses brief solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and clinical hypnotherapy, and his daily practice is informed by the Human Givens approach to mental health and wellbeing.
How long would you like to be in the dark, telling me how dark it is? When shall we look for the light? Each of us is born with a powerful set of tools which we use to seek out and satisfy our needs for emotional nourishment. If those needs are being met in healthy, balanced and sustainable ways it is very much easier to maintain good emotional health. However, if that guidance system is not properly programmed, or if it has been damaged in some way, perhaps through trauma or poor skills development, it will be difficult to build a firm foundation for emotional well-being. Really good therapy will address those issues, quickly.
John uses brief solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and clinical hypnotherapy, and his daily practice is informed by the Human Givens approach to mental health and wellbeing.
How long would you like to be in the dark, telling me how dark it is? When shall we look for the light? Each of us is born with a powerful set of tools which we use to seek out and satisfy our needs for emotional nourishment. If those needs are being met in healthy, balanced and sustainable ways it is very much easier to maintain good emotional health. However, if that guidance system is not properly programmed, or if it has been damaged in some way, perhaps through trauma or poor skills development, it will be difficult to build a firm foundation for emotional well-being. Really good therapy will address those issues, quickly.
020 3667 7278 View 020 3667 7278
Photo of Mark Bailey, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Mark Bailey
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W1B
Registered as a Psychotherapist with the UKCP and NLPTCA, I have Post Graduate Training in Contemporary Psychotherapy including Psychopathology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Neurolinguistic therapy, Gestalt, and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
I am a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and have been in Clinical Practice since 2002. I am down to earth, friendly and believe therapy is a collaborative process - my job is to enable clients to find their own individual, specific answers to their problems. I also recognise life can be tough and sometimes overwhelming. No one type of therapy suits everyone so I deliberately integrate a number of approaches into my work to suit each individual's needs. I offer in person and online therapy (using Zoom or Teams).
Registered as a Psychotherapist with the UKCP and NLPTCA, I have Post Graduate Training in Contemporary Psychotherapy including Psychopathology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Neurolinguistic therapy, Gestalt, and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
I am a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and have been in Clinical Practice since 2002. I am down to earth, friendly and believe therapy is a collaborative process - my job is to enable clients to find their own individual, specific answers to their problems. I also recognise life can be tough and sometimes overwhelming. No one type of therapy suits everyone so I deliberately integrate a number of approaches into my work to suit each individual's needs. I offer in person and online therapy (using Zoom or Teams).
020 7078 9450 View 020 7078 9450
Photo of Melanie Brooks
Melanie Brooks
Verified Verified
Maidstone ME14
Solution focused hypnotherapy is an evidence-based, gentle approach which focuses solely on the present and future, allowing you to move forward positively without revisiting the past.
Find freedom from anxiety and take control of your life... Are you overwhelmed by stress or anxiety? Do you struggle with a fear or phobia? Is your lack of confidence holding you back? Do you dream of freedom to do the things which are important to you? Do you long to be more productive, to get more out of every day? Do you feel stuck in a rut, lacking direction or fulfilment in your day to day life? Are you just desperate to kick a bad habit or to find a way of sticking to your good intentions? Hypnotherapy can help you make the positive and sustainable change you need at a pace that works for you.
Solution focused hypnotherapy is an evidence-based, gentle approach which focuses solely on the present and future, allowing you to move forward positively without revisiting the past.
Find freedom from anxiety and take control of your life... Are you overwhelmed by stress or anxiety? Do you struggle with a fear or phobia? Is your lack of confidence holding you back? Do you dream of freedom to do the things which are important to you? Do you long to be more productive, to get more out of every day? Do you feel stuck in a rut, lacking direction or fulfilment in your day to day life? Are you just desperate to kick a bad habit or to find a way of sticking to your good intentions? Hypnotherapy can help you make the positive and sustainable change you need at a pace that works for you.
01622 233331 View 01622 233331
Photo of Kirstie Flood, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Kirstie Flood
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hassocks BN6
I trained at Masters Level in integrated psychotherapy including hypnotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, NLP, person-centered and also trauma interventions including poly vagal therapies.
Hello, I’m Kirstie. I’m a UKCP registered psychotherapist working in-person in West Sussex. I offer an integrated therapeutic approach using clinical hypnotherapy as one of a range of psychotherapy interventions, to help you make the changes you need to move on with your life. The treatment you receive will be as unique as you are, to help bring about deep and therefore lasting change. Therapy is collabrative, we will work together in helping you make the changes you want to make in your life.
I trained at Masters Level in integrated psychotherapy including hypnotherapy, psychodynamic therapy, NLP, person-centered and also trauma interventions including poly vagal therapies.
Hello, I’m Kirstie. I’m a UKCP registered psychotherapist working in-person in West Sussex. I offer an integrated therapeutic approach using clinical hypnotherapy as one of a range of psychotherapy interventions, to help you make the changes you need to move on with your life. The treatment you receive will be as unique as you are, to help bring about deep and therefore lasting change. Therapy is collabrative, we will work together in helping you make the changes you want to make in your life.
01444 220289 View 01444 220289
Photo of 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 Alma Mary Griffith - Mindserenity, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Mindserenity
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Tadworth KT20
Are you experiencing anxiety right now, social or otherwise? Are you finding it difficult to make decisions or overwhelmed by a problem that you can't seemed to find answers to? You are not alone and sometimes with the support of a counsellor it can help you to find the solutions that you need to move on with your life. Counselling, hypnotherapy and life coaching can help with many types of problems such as: Physical or Psychological abuse, Alcohol or Drug abuse, Self-harming or eating disorders, Relationship or Marriage problems, Bereavement/Grief/Loss Anxiety or Depression
Are you experiencing anxiety right now, social or otherwise? Are you finding it difficult to make decisions or overwhelmed by a problem that you can't seemed to find answers to? You are not alone and sometimes with the support of a counsellor it can help you to find the solutions that you need to move on with your life. Counselling, hypnotherapy and life coaching can help with many types of problems such as: Physical or Psychological abuse, Alcohol or Drug abuse, Self-harming or eating disorders, Relationship or Marriage problems, Bereavement/Grief/Loss Anxiety or Depression
01737 812498 View 01737 812498
Photo of Paul Hughes, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Paul Hughes
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Reading RG1
I offer warmth, empathy and a professional skill in combining hypnotherapy with other psychotherapeutic interventions to help people to make the best of themselves.
I see clients from across all ages, ethnicities and with an extremely wide range of issues. I help clients to come to grips with substance abuse, depression, all forms of anxiety and much more besides. I help my clients to summon the strength to put their issues behind them. I help them to find new ways of feeling, thinking and behaving. Whatever their goals might be, I help them to realise that they're strong enough, good enough and able to achieve them. I particularly specialise in working with clients on the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum.
I offer warmth, empathy and a professional skill in combining hypnotherapy with other psychotherapeutic interventions to help people to make the best of themselves.
I see clients from across all ages, ethnicities and with an extremely wide range of issues. I help clients to come to grips with substance abuse, depression, all forms of anxiety and much more besides. I help my clients to summon the strength to put their issues behind them. I help them to find new ways of feeling, thinking and behaving. Whatever their goals might be, I help them to realise that they're strong enough, good enough and able to achieve them. I particularly specialise in working with clients on the high functioning end of the autistic spectrum.
0118 207 2581 View 0118 207 2581

See more therapy options for Southend-on-Sea

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.