Hypnotherapists in Stoke-on-Trent, ENG

Photo of Ronan Carolan - The MindWell Clinic, UKCP Trainee, Counsellor
The MindWell Clinic
Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
Stoke-on-Trent ST1
I combine hypnotherapy with psychotherapeutic techniques to first of all help my clients feel a greater sense of calmness and relaxation.
Hi I'm Ronan and at the MindWell clinic in Macclesfield, Cheshire, I work with people who want to feel happier and healthier in themselves. I am a solution-focused, clinical hypnotherapist, combining hypnosis with a range of psychotherapeutic techniques, to help clients manage and overcome, a range of challenges and issues, e.g. anxiety & depression, confidence & self-esteem Issues, work-based stress & burnout as well as sleep problems, trauma and adopting healthier lifestyles. The initial 15 min consultation is free of charge, just drop me a text or an email and we can arrange a call or zoom at a time that works for you.
I combine hypnotherapy with psychotherapeutic techniques to first of all help my clients feel a greater sense of calmness and relaxation.
Hi I'm Ronan and at the MindWell clinic in Macclesfield, Cheshire, I work with people who want to feel happier and healthier in themselves. I am a solution-focused, clinical hypnotherapist, combining hypnosis with a range of psychotherapeutic techniques, to help clients manage and overcome, a range of challenges and issues, e.g. anxiety & depression, confidence & self-esteem Issues, work-based stress & burnout as well as sleep problems, trauma and adopting healthier lifestyles. The initial 15 min consultation is free of charge, just drop me a text or an email and we can arrange a call or zoom at a time that works for you.
01625 926622 View 01625 926622
Photo of Karen Harrison - The Therapy Quarters, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
The Therapy Quarters
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Stoke-on-Trent ST4
Karen has managed a private practice offering counselling, EMDR Therapy, and Clinical Supervision to clients and practitioners internationally. Karen’s work over more than 25 years has been within charitable, public and private sectors alongside working with trainee practitioners from Universities throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. Karen has experience working with Police and Emergency Blue Light services, Specialist Domestic Abuse services, NHS and care staff, as well as lecturing for a number of years and providing training to external agencies and organisations.
Karen has managed a private practice offering counselling, EMDR Therapy, and Clinical Supervision to clients and practitioners internationally. Karen’s work over more than 25 years has been within charitable, public and private sectors alongside working with trainee practitioners from Universities throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. Karen has experience working with Police and Emergency Blue Light services, Specialist Domestic Abuse services, NHS and care staff, as well as lecturing for a number of years and providing training to external agencies and organisations.
01782 493360 View 01782 493360
Photo of Adela R Moldovan, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Adela R Moldovan
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Stoke-on-Trent ST4
My clinical experience encompasses many years working in a mental health setting and private practice dealing with a broad range of symptoms including, but not limited to, chronic trauma, loss or abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, marital difficulties, child-parent conflicts, self-harm, bi-polar disorder, addiction and border-line states – to name just some of the presenting issues.
My clinical experience encompasses many years working in a mental health setting and private practice dealing with a broad range of symptoms including, but not limited to, chronic trauma, loss or abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, marital difficulties, child-parent conflicts, self-harm, bi-polar disorder, addiction and border-line states – to name just some of the presenting issues.
01782 493877 View 01782 493877
Photo of Nada Elizabeth Isteed - Counselling with nada, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Counselling with nada
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Stoke-on-Trent ST11
Waitlist for new clients
Hello and welcome thank you for reading my profile page. If you are struggling to cope following a bereavement, feeling stuck in grief, feeling alone, depressed. anxious or not wanting to talk to close family friends for fear of upsetting them, I can help. Also if you are feeling guilty or angry even that you are to blame; not sleeping, eating problems, self medicating to cope or just not able to accept life without your loved one, then counselling has been shown to help
Hello and welcome thank you for reading my profile page. If you are struggling to cope following a bereavement, feeling stuck in grief, feeling alone, depressed. anxious or not wanting to talk to close family friends for fear of upsetting them, I can help. Also if you are feeling guilty or angry even that you are to blame; not sleeping, eating problems, self medicating to cope or just not able to accept life without your loved one, then counselling has been shown to help
07380 328553 View 07380 328553
Photo of Sarah louise Jackson, BACP, Counsellor
Sarah louise Jackson
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Stoke-on-Trent ST1
01270 696672 View 01270 696672

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Maxine Bryce, DCounsPsych, Psychotherapist
Maxine Bryce
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych
Verified Verified
Newcastle ST5
Living with anxiety can be overwhelming. If you wake up every day from anxiety dreams and then feel anxious all day, you might be feeling exhausted and frustrated. I can help. For more than 20 years I’ve been helping people recover from Stress and Overwhelm, Anxiety and Panic - Self-Doubt - Fear of Failure - Lack of Trust - Low Self Confidence - Guilt & Shame - Trauma - PTSD, and Burnout. In our sessions, you'll gain insights to navigate and transform your anxiety, leading to greater control, confidence, and vitality. I'm dedicated to guiding your healing journey and equipping you with tools for confidence and purpose.
Living with anxiety can be overwhelming. If you wake up every day from anxiety dreams and then feel anxious all day, you might be feeling exhausted and frustrated. I can help. For more than 20 years I’ve been helping people recover from Stress and Overwhelm, Anxiety and Panic - Self-Doubt - Fear of Failure - Lack of Trust - Low Self Confidence - Guilt & Shame - Trauma - PTSD, and Burnout. In our sessions, you'll gain insights to navigate and transform your anxiety, leading to greater control, confidence, and vitality. I'm dedicated to guiding your healing journey and equipping you with tools for confidence and purpose.
01782 493962 View 01782 493962
Photo of Dr Denise Honeyborne - Dr Denise Honeyborne, Psytribe Psychologists LLP, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Denise Honeyborne, Psytribe Psychologists LLP
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
Alsager ST7
Offering the experience of a caring and compassionate therapeutic relationship to help create safety and space for healing and growth.Clients include young people and adults who experience distress and suffering through relational, emotional, physical and sexual wounding and abuse.
Offering the experience of a caring and compassionate therapeutic relationship to help create safety and space for healing and growth.Clients include young people and adults who experience distress and suffering through relational, emotional, physical and sexual wounding and abuse.
01625 380996 View 01625 380996

Online Therapists

Photo of Adriana Pavelescu, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Adriana Pavelescu
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Rugby CV22
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy : CBT Treatment: People involved in RTA, Loneliness, Couple therapy, Divorce, Abuse, Anxiety, Panic attack, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Trauma, Passive aggressive behavior, Behavior problems, Postnatal depression, Self-harming, Separation anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Panic Attack, etc.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy& Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy : CBT Treatment: People involved in RTA, Loneliness, Couple therapy, Divorce, Abuse, Anxiety, Panic attack, Depression, Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, Trauma, Passive aggressive behavior, Behavior problems, Postnatal depression, Self-harming, Separation anxiety, PTSD, Phobias, Panic Attack, etc.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist(HCPC Registered) &hypnotherapist, owner of Psychotherapy& Hypnotherapy. My passion is assisting traumatized and distressed patients in their healing. I am experienced in providing psychological therapy and hypnotherapy to individuals, couples and families with a wide range of distressing feelings, including childhood trauma, anxiety disorder, panic attack, depression, stress, anger, confidence building, self esteem, phobia's, insomnia. I also offer CBT treatment session for RTA accident and Psychological Medical Report For Court. I use modalities such as CBT, Solution Focused Therapy
01788 229228 View 01788 229228
Photo of Danielle Hutchings, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Danielle Hutchings
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG8
Using a blend of counselling approaches, coaching and hypnotherapy I have helped people successfully with confidence building, stress reduction, bereavement, relationship and family issues, relieving anxiety, low self esteem, low mood/depression, unwanted habits, fears, phobias, panic and issues associated with trauma in the past.
********Specialist in Anxiety and Stress!******** Hi my name is Danielle Hutchings and i am a Passionate and dedicated Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist, I can help you to take control of your life and focus on who and where you want to be. I am an accredited registrant with the National Counselling Society NCS and National Hypnotherapy society MHS. I have experience with a wide range of issues and offer counselling to adults and young people. I believe that everyone should be able to talk freely about their feelings without fear of judgement. I specialise in Anxiety and Stress, so don't suffer anymore get in touch.
Using a blend of counselling approaches, coaching and hypnotherapy I have helped people successfully with confidence building, stress reduction, bereavement, relationship and family issues, relieving anxiety, low self esteem, low mood/depression, unwanted habits, fears, phobias, panic and issues associated with trauma in the past.
********Specialist in Anxiety and Stress!******** Hi my name is Danielle Hutchings and i am a Passionate and dedicated Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist, I can help you to take control of your life and focus on who and where you want to be. I am an accredited registrant with the National Counselling Society NCS and National Hypnotherapy society MHS. I have experience with a wide range of issues and offer counselling to adults and young people. I believe that everyone should be able to talk freely about their feelings without fear of judgement. I specialise in Anxiety and Stress, so don't suffer anymore get in touch.
0115 697 1947 View 0115 697 1947
Photo of Alison Bamforth - Motivate the Mind, MBACP, Counsellor
Motivate the Mind
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Preston PR4
My therapy can involve different talking methods or even play/art based methods for younger children, and may also include hypnotherapy (if suitable) in order to meet need.
I am a professional therapist that's trained to work with children, adults and couples. If you or your child are experiencing difficulties with their well-being, relationships or mental health etc., then hopefully I will be be able to support you/them. I am adaptive in my practice and work on a client led basis, using lots of different therapy types in order to support personal growth.
My therapy can involve different talking methods or even play/art based methods for younger children, and may also include hypnotherapy (if suitable) in order to meet need.
I am a professional therapist that's trained to work with children, adults and couples. If you or your child are experiencing difficulties with their well-being, relationships or mental health etc., then hopefully I will be be able to support you/them. I am adaptive in my practice and work on a client led basis, using lots of different therapy types in order to support personal growth.
01772 503097 View 01772 503097
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 Becky Burdon, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Becky Burdon
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Holmfirth HD9
Are you facing stress and anxiety? Do you have a problem that's been holding you back in life? Are you ready for a change? It's very common to face these and other barriers in life. I can help! I am passionate about living life to the full and helping other people to do the same. Let me help you make the changes you need using the powerful combination of counselling, hypnotherapy, NLP and mindfulness techniques. I tailor treatment to the individual, therefore my approach is different with each client, depending on what's needed.
Are you facing stress and anxiety? Do you have a problem that's been holding you back in life? Are you ready for a change? It's very common to face these and other barriers in life. I can help! I am passionate about living life to the full and helping other people to do the same. Let me help you make the changes you need using the powerful combination of counselling, hypnotherapy, NLP and mindfulness techniques. I tailor treatment to the individual, therefore my approach is different with each client, depending on what's needed.
01524 969513 View 01524 969513
Photo of Amanda Cunliffe, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Amanda Cunliffe
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Southport PR9
Perhaps something has shifted in your thoughts/feelings/behaviour that’s uncomfortable, or maybe you’ve decided to explore a long-standing issue. I help my clients achieve their therapeutic goals either by discussing their current or past issues through counselling/psychotherapy or some clients also opt to have hypnotherapy with me too (you can read about that on my website). I offer empathy, confidentiality, safety and opportunity to explore their feelings in a therapeutic relationship. I'm not here to pass judgement or advise but instead I'm here to help you navigate the highs and lows.
Perhaps something has shifted in your thoughts/feelings/behaviour that’s uncomfortable, or maybe you’ve decided to explore a long-standing issue. I help my clients achieve their therapeutic goals either by discussing their current or past issues through counselling/psychotherapy or some clients also opt to have hypnotherapy with me too (you can read about that on my website). I offer empathy, confidentiality, safety and opportunity to explore their feelings in a therapeutic relationship. I'm not here to pass judgement or advise but instead I'm here to help you navigate the highs and lows.
01704 331518 View 01704 331518
Photo of Steven Price, MBACP, Counsellor
Steven Price
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Liverpool L2
I work mainly from a Cognitive Behavioural Approach and also have trained and gained experience utilising hypnotherapy, person centred, transactional analysis, solution focused and NLP approaches. Initial experience working in the field of domestic abuse included working with complex co-existing issues. I have also gained experience with dependency issues and duel diagnosis. I volunteered with the Liverpool Hearing Voices Group for three years, this has allowed me to gain invaluable experience working with more challenging Mental Health and Emotional issues.
I work mainly from a Cognitive Behavioural Approach and also have trained and gained experience utilising hypnotherapy, person centred, transactional analysis, solution focused and NLP approaches. Initial experience working in the field of domestic abuse included working with complex co-existing issues. I have also gained experience with dependency issues and duel diagnosis. I volunteered with the Liverpool Hearing Voices Group for three years, this has allowed me to gain invaluable experience working with more challenging Mental Health and Emotional issues.
0151 318 0890 View 0151 318 0890
Photo of Karen Anne Jones - Clover Therapies, BACP, Counsellor
Clover Therapies
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Wigan WN1
Hi, my name is Karen. I gained my qualification in counselling and psychotherapy many years ago in 1997. I was privileged to attend an accredited course at Salford college. I also acquired certificates in sociology, psychology, child psychology, criminology, and hypnotherapy. Alongside the hypnotherapy certificate, I completed workshops in dream therapy, sex therapy, and inner child work. Over the years I have specialised in inner child work, and have witnessed many positive outcomes from using this technique. Since qualifying, I have worked with a diverse range of issues, of which no problem is too big or too small.
Hi, my name is Karen. I gained my qualification in counselling and psychotherapy many years ago in 1997. I was privileged to attend an accredited course at Salford college. I also acquired certificates in sociology, psychology, child psychology, criminology, and hypnotherapy. Alongside the hypnotherapy certificate, I completed workshops in dream therapy, sex therapy, and inner child work. Over the years I have specialised in inner child work, and have witnessed many positive outcomes from using this technique. Since qualifying, I have worked with a diverse range of issues, of which no problem is too big or too small.
01695 660436 View 01695 660436
Photo of Elizabeth Anne Van Rein, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Elizabeth Anne Van Rein
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Oldbury B69
Elizabeth is an advanced accredited Psychotherapist, accredited Master Hypnotherapist and is a senior associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine. She specialises in abuse, trauma, identity disorders, disassociated amnesia, anxiety, stress, phobias, depression and suicidal thoughts.. Elizabeth has a keen interest in the relationship between Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy and our self belief systems and perceptions. She firmly believes that the advantages of counselling and psychotherapy give us a clear insight to the true essence of ourselves, unhindered by the fast pace of the modern environment.
Elizabeth is an advanced accredited Psychotherapist, accredited Master Hypnotherapist and is a senior associate member of the Royal Society of Medicine. She specialises in abuse, trauma, identity disorders, disassociated amnesia, anxiety, stress, phobias, depression and suicidal thoughts.. Elizabeth has a keen interest in the relationship between Neuroscience and Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy and our self belief systems and perceptions. She firmly believes that the advantages of counselling and psychotherapy give us a clear insight to the true essence of ourselves, unhindered by the fast pace of the modern environment.
01554 701498 View 01554 701498
Photo of Vivienne Rawnsley, MBACP, Counsellor
Vivienne Rawnsley
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Halifax HX3
Unlike many Counsellors I have a great number of therapeutic tools to add to your counselling experience Bringing the balanced approach of theory and lived experience I work from a Person-Centred foundation blending Counselling Hypnotherapy Neuro Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy, Transactional Analysis informed Couples Therapy, Trauma Based Therapy.
Experiencing unwanted, anxious feelings that are getting in the way of how you live each day? Unhappy in your closest relationships and looking for more? Questioning your ability to go to work and fulfil the job you're expected to do? Anxious about how you're going to cope with all that's coming your way? Thoughts from things in the past resurface reminding you of things you'd rather forget? Questioning yourself and going over and over what to do, how things could have been different, will life ever be ok again? Life going OK then something happens? Wondering who you can talk to? Who'll have the time to listen? Who can help?
Unlike many Counsellors I have a great number of therapeutic tools to add to your counselling experience Bringing the balanced approach of theory and lived experience I work from a Person-Centred foundation blending Counselling Hypnotherapy Neuro Linguistic Programming, Time Line Therapy, Transactional Analysis informed Couples Therapy, Trauma Based Therapy.
Experiencing unwanted, anxious feelings that are getting in the way of how you live each day? Unhappy in your closest relationships and looking for more? Questioning your ability to go to work and fulfil the job you're expected to do? Anxious about how you're going to cope with all that's coming your way? Thoughts from things in the past resurface reminding you of things you'd rather forget? Questioning yourself and going over and over what to do, how things could have been different, will life ever be ok again? Life going OK then something happens? Wondering who you can talk to? Who'll have the time to listen? Who can help?
01422 412646 View 01422 412646
Photo of Ruth Tarr, PhD, Psychotherapist
Ruth Tarr
Psychotherapist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
York YO30  (Online Only)
I use a range of psychotherapy techniques - CBT, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation & coaching.
Hi! I'm Ruth, a Psychotherapist, working with clients aged 8 and up, especially families, and I'd like to help you. Are you struggling with feeling anxious, overwhelmed or uncertain about your life? Do you have a child or young person experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, or having emotional moodswings that may be negatively impacting on family life? Perhaps you feel like you don't know how best to support them? Would you like to feel (or like your child to feel) more resilient, calm and balanced? Would you like help getting comfortable with your uncomfortable feelings?
I use a range of psychotherapy techniques - CBT, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, meditation & coaching.
Hi! I'm Ruth, a Psychotherapist, working with clients aged 8 and up, especially families, and I'd like to help you. Are you struggling with feeling anxious, overwhelmed or uncertain about your life? Do you have a child or young person experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, or having emotional moodswings that may be negatively impacting on family life? Perhaps you feel like you don't know how best to support them? Would you like to feel (or like your child to feel) more resilient, calm and balanced? Would you like help getting comfortable with your uncomfortable feelings?
01347 668074 View 01347 668074
Photo of Anne Calleja, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Anne Calleja
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Oxford OX2
I work in a practical solution-focussed approach and offer, therapy, coaching and hypnotherapy.
I utilise a blend of positive psychotherapeutic enquiry and solution focussed approaches, to identify and reframe the cause of limiting beliefs and behaviours. I tailor my approach and work with individuals and couples. Whether you need to overcome a traumatic experience, difficulties in relationships, self esteem, anxiety or coaching to provide skills to transition through life, manage a situation or perform at your best. Building an independent, safe and trusting environment for you to explore issues and challenges in life: both work and/or personal is important for me.
I work in a practical solution-focussed approach and offer, therapy, coaching and hypnotherapy.
I utilise a blend of positive psychotherapeutic enquiry and solution focussed approaches, to identify and reframe the cause of limiting beliefs and behaviours. I tailor my approach and work with individuals and couples. Whether you need to overcome a traumatic experience, difficulties in relationships, self esteem, anxiety or coaching to provide skills to transition through life, manage a situation or perform at your best. Building an independent, safe and trusting environment for you to explore issues and challenges in life: both work and/or personal is important for me.
01865 951780 View 01865 951780
Photo of Sharon Bartlett - Concept Therapies , MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Concept Therapies
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Peterborough PE6
In addition to my counselling and hypnotherapy, I also use NLP and mindfulness as part of my treatment.
Hi, I'm Sharon and I'm a qualified psychotherapist and hypnotist. I have created a very bespoke therapy room in my garden which provides a calming and confidential atmosphere ensuring that clients feel they can be who they are, and share their thoughts, feelings and express themself in whatever way they need to in this safe space. I work in a very person-centred way which means that the approaches I integrate are based on your specific needs. I will endeavour to help you work towards a happier and easier life by working specifically on your self-worth via breaking down (reflecting on) your thoughts, feelings and actions.
In addition to my counselling and hypnotherapy, I also use NLP and mindfulness as part of my treatment.
Hi, I'm Sharon and I'm a qualified psychotherapist and hypnotist. I have created a very bespoke therapy room in my garden which provides a calming and confidential atmosphere ensuring that clients feel they can be who they are, and share their thoughts, feelings and express themself in whatever way they need to in this safe space. I work in a very person-centred way which means that the approaches I integrate are based on your specific needs. I will endeavour to help you work towards a happier and easier life by working specifically on your self-worth via breaking down (reflecting on) your thoughts, feelings and actions.
01778 300490 View 01778 300490

See more therapy options for Stoke-on-Trent

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.