Hypnotherapists in Sudbury, ENG

Photo of Abigail Catherine O'Toole - Abbie O'Toole- Claddagh Counselling &Psychotherapy, MSc, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Abbie O'Toole- Claddagh Counselling &Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Sudbury CO10  (Online Only)
I help clients improve their lives by providing psychotherapy, counselling, hypnotherapy, and reiki to address a wide range of mental health and wellbeing challenges.
Hi, I'm Abbie. I am passionate about making therapy more accessible to all so you can better work through the challenges that life throws at you. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to be content & fulfilled in life, unhampered by issues, past or present. We all need support and a helping hand at times to make this happen. This is why I offer counselling and psychotherapy to adults who are struggling with the challenges that life has thrown at them. My service is a professional, impartial, and totally confidential space for you to heal by expressing & exploring your emotions & find a positive way to move forward in life.
I help clients improve their lives by providing psychotherapy, counselling, hypnotherapy, and reiki to address a wide range of mental health and wellbeing challenges.
Hi, I'm Abbie. I am passionate about making therapy more accessible to all so you can better work through the challenges that life throws at you. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to be content & fulfilled in life, unhampered by issues, past or present. We all need support and a helping hand at times to make this happen. This is why I offer counselling and psychotherapy to adults who are struggling with the challenges that life has thrown at them. My service is a professional, impartial, and totally confidential space for you to heal by expressing & exploring your emotions & find a positive way to move forward in life.
01787 326692 View 01787 326692
Photo of Rachel Anderson, MBACP, Counsellor
Rachel Anderson
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Sudbury CO10
Now offering hypnotherapy based sessions. Life can be extremely challenging and you may feel like you need someone to talk to about your current or past experiences however, finding the right person to speak to can often bring about many questions. I hope that my short introduction and the information that follows, proves helpful in assisting you to make a decision about whether to contact me. I am a qualified counsellor working in Colchester and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such, I abide by their ethical framework.
Now offering hypnotherapy based sessions. Life can be extremely challenging and you may feel like you need someone to talk to about your current or past experiences however, finding the right person to speak to can often bring about many questions. I hope that my short introduction and the information that follows, proves helpful in assisting you to make a decision about whether to contact me. I am a qualified counsellor working in Colchester and I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). As such, I abide by their ethical framework.
01206 237336 View 01206 237336
Photo of Glenda Wood, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Glenda Wood
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sudbury CO10
I offer a safe and confidential environment in which you can explore, understand and work through your problems. I am able to assist you with a wide range of issues such as: stress, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, abuse, self defeating behaviours and addictions, anger, relationship issues, and much more. I work with adolescents and adults of any age and support you without judgement on your counselling journey.
I offer a safe and confidential environment in which you can explore, understand and work through your problems. I am able to assist you with a wide range of issues such as: stress, anxiety, bereavement, trauma, abuse, self defeating behaviours and addictions, anger, relationship issues, and much more. I work with adolescents and adults of any age and support you without judgement on your counselling journey.
07480 533594 View 07480 533594
Photo of Shaman Emrys, MA
Shaman Emrys
MA
Verified Verified
Sudbury CO10
Waitlist for new clients
I have the best job in the world: it’s to help you find the peace you’re looking for. That’s what I’ve been doing, first as a shamanic counsellor then as a psychotherapist, for others just like you, for 46 years. Whether you have a phobia, or are in a dire, life-threatening situation, or anything in between, you’re just a call away from finding yourself warmly welcomed to a totally non-judgemental, safe, comfortable space where you can relax and unload whatever you want in total confidence: then we can get straight to work fixing it.
I have the best job in the world: it’s to help you find the peace you’re looking for. That’s what I’ve been doing, first as a shamanic counsellor then as a psychotherapist, for others just like you, for 46 years. Whether you have a phobia, or are in a dire, life-threatening situation, or anything in between, you’re just a call away from finding yourself warmly welcomed to a totally non-judgemental, safe, comfortable space where you can relax and unload whatever you want in total confidence: then we can get straight to work fixing it.
01359 302635 View 01359 302635
Photo of Tim Peal, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Tim Peal
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Sudbury CO10
Hello, You will find Counselling with me to be a warm and comfortable environment in which you can talk about your life safely. I believe that developing an honest and trusting relationship between counsellor and client is essential. My therapy is based on building an understanding of how your life up to today, has influenced how you feel, think and behave now. We will also look at understanding how the mind and body connection is working for you now and how you can improve that connection.
Hello, You will find Counselling with me to be a warm and comfortable environment in which you can talk about your life safely. I believe that developing an honest and trusting relationship between counsellor and client is essential. My therapy is based on building an understanding of how your life up to today, has influenced how you feel, think and behave now. We will also look at understanding how the mind and body connection is working for you now and how you can improve that connection.
01371 708254 View 01371 708254

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Jacquie Clark, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jacquie Clark
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Halstead CO9
I have had experience of both Counselling and Hypnotherapy as a client, so I know how beneficial they can be.
Hallo I’m Jacquie, If you are feeling a bit ‘stuck’ or struggling to see a way forward, why not come and talk to me? I offer a safe, non judgemental, supportive and effective service where we can work Collaboratively to achieve the best outcome for you. The way I work can best be described by using a driving metaphor; I am the Sat Nav - I can help and advise you on the best route to take, help you negotiate problems and be with you throughout your journey, eventually arriving at where you wish to be. You, however, are the one doing the driving. We can work brilliantly together to make change a reality.
I have had experience of both Counselling and Hypnotherapy as a client, so I know how beneficial they can be.
Hallo I’m Jacquie, If you are feeling a bit ‘stuck’ or struggling to see a way forward, why not come and talk to me? I offer a safe, non judgemental, supportive and effective service where we can work Collaboratively to achieve the best outcome for you. The way I work can best be described by using a driving metaphor; I am the Sat Nav - I can help and advise you on the best route to take, help you negotiate problems and be with you throughout your journey, eventually arriving at where you wish to be. You, however, are the one doing the driving. We can work brilliantly together to make change a reality.
01206 700509 View 01206 700509
Photo of Janet Collins - GLB Counselling (Greater life balance), PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
GLB Counselling (Greater life balance)
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Halstead CO9
My clients come with a wide range of different issues. They need their own space to be able to talk to someone who is independent without being judged. My clients goals are to be able to overcome and hopefully resolve their difficulties so they can lead their best life possible. I think clients would like their therapists to focus on specific goals, to help give them structure, and strategies to help them cope with their problems. My goal as a therapist is to enable the client to make critical decisions regarding alternative courses of action without outside influence.
My clients come with a wide range of different issues. They need their own space to be able to talk to someone who is independent without being judged. My clients goals are to be able to overcome and hopefully resolve their difficulties so they can lead their best life possible. I think clients would like their therapists to focus on specific goals, to help give them structure, and strategies to help them cope with their problems. My goal as a therapist is to enable the client to make critical decisions regarding alternative courses of action without outside influence.
01376 311432 View 01376 311432
Photo of Kirsten Toyne-Anxiety Counsellor, MBACP, Counsellor
Kirsten Toyne-Anxiety Counsellor
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Colchester CO6
Anxiety and stress rob us of our confidence and make life feel too much. You may find yourself struggling or feeling inadequate. You might blame yourself for not coping as well as you think you should. Maybe you doubt yourself or tend to expect the worst. Life might feel hard to enjoy or have lost its pleasure. These are are all un-talked about side effects of anxiety and stress. Prolonged anxiety or stress takes its toll on us both physically and emotionally. We might suffer from: worry, panic, poor sleep, tiredness, muscle tension, trouble concentrating and feel unable to relax.
Anxiety and stress rob us of our confidence and make life feel too much. You may find yourself struggling or feeling inadequate. You might blame yourself for not coping as well as you think you should. Maybe you doubt yourself or tend to expect the worst. Life might feel hard to enjoy or have lost its pleasure. These are are all un-talked about side effects of anxiety and stress. Prolonged anxiety or stress takes its toll on us both physically and emotionally. We might suffer from: worry, panic, poor sleep, tiredness, muscle tension, trouble concentrating and feel unable to relax.
01206 489675 View 01206 489675

Online Therapists

Photo of Jacqui Webb, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Jacqui Webb
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kings Langley WD4
As a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist who also works with hypnotherapy and Brainspotting, I will respond to your individual needs, working in a way that feels right for you.
Have you experienced distress and upset or loss ? Unresolved issues that trouble you ? Do you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, PTS or depression ? Do you want to feel differently about the life you live or the person that you are. Perhaps you want to change aspects of you life for it to be more rewarding. Maybe you know that things are unlikely to change. Do you require a safe space where you can be heard, a place to share your thoughts and be understood. A place where being you is good enough. If you are 16 years old or heading into your 99th year, wanting to explore your world then it would be a privilege to support you.
As a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist who also works with hypnotherapy and Brainspotting, I will respond to your individual needs, working in a way that feels right for you.
Have you experienced distress and upset or loss ? Unresolved issues that trouble you ? Do you suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, PTS or depression ? Do you want to feel differently about the life you live or the person that you are. Perhaps you want to change aspects of you life for it to be more rewarding. Maybe you know that things are unlikely to change. Do you require a safe space where you can be heard, a place to share your thoughts and be understood. A place where being you is good enough. If you are 16 years old or heading into your 99th year, wanting to explore your world then it would be a privilege to support you.
01442 617073 View 01442 617073
Photo of Rebecca Kilpatrick - Soulful Healing with Becca , DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Soulful Healing with Becca
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Bracknell RG42
I am a qualified integrative Child and Adult Counsellor and ADHD Coach As an ex-Detective working in the Child abuse team, I saw how childhood traumas can affect childhood through to adulthood. The lasting effects are life debilitating and can be crippling. I believe in working collaboratively with your mind, body and soul to bring your body back in alignment. Whether that's through talking therapies, or hypnotherapy.
I am a qualified integrative Child and Adult Counsellor and ADHD Coach As an ex-Detective working in the Child abuse team, I saw how childhood traumas can affect childhood through to adulthood. The lasting effects are life debilitating and can be crippling. I believe in working collaboratively with your mind, body and soul to bring your body back in alignment. Whether that's through talking therapies, or hypnotherapy.
01344 951237 View 01344 951237
Photo of Lauretta Wilson, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Lauretta Wilson
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Worcester Park KT4
I effectively combine CBT, NLP, ACT and clinical hypnotherapy to help you get closer to the life you need to live.
I am a counselling psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, adults, couples and families. I use solution focused, positive therapies that get you closer to your goals and values, teaching you tools and techniques to manage your life better and live life as you need to. I work with mental health conditions - anxieties/OCD, depression, phobias, confidence issues, relationship breakdowns, smoking cessation and weight loss, just to name a few!
I effectively combine CBT, NLP, ACT and clinical hypnotherapy to help you get closer to the life you need to live.
I am a counselling psychologist with over 20 years experience working with children, adults, couples and families. I use solution focused, positive therapies that get you closer to your goals and values, teaching you tools and techniques to manage your life better and live life as you need to. I work with mental health conditions - anxieties/OCD, depression, phobias, confidence issues, relationship breakdowns, smoking cessation and weight loss, just to name a few!
01260 545133 View 01260 545133
Photo of Melanie Norris, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Melanie Norris
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Orpington BR6
With Hypnotherapy the results show more quickly, usually between 8 -12 sessions.
As an individual or within a relationship, sometimes life can feel really difficult. Whether it's a temporary phase, distress in overcoming a difficult experience or unresolved problems from the past, we have all, at some point in our lives and relationships, experienced difficulty in understanding and making sense of our lives. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, angry or frustrated and questioning our ability or our confidence to cope. Counselling has many benefits and over time can help you make sense of feelings and difficulties leading to greater self awareness.
With Hypnotherapy the results show more quickly, usually between 8 -12 sessions.
As an individual or within a relationship, sometimes life can feel really difficult. Whether it's a temporary phase, distress in overcoming a difficult experience or unresolved problems from the past, we have all, at some point in our lives and relationships, experienced difficulty in understanding and making sense of our lives. This can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, angry or frustrated and questioning our ability or our confidence to cope. Counselling has many benefits and over time can help you make sense of feelings and difficulties leading to greater self awareness.
01689 667420 View 01689 667420
Photo of Deborah Jane Winyard - Deborah Winyard Hypnotherapy
Deborah Winyard Hypnotherapy
Verified Verified
Reading RG6
I specialise in using Hypnotherapy and EMDR to help clients feel better and able to move forward with their lives.
Hi, I’m Debbie. I don’t yet know why you need my help. Maybe you suffer from anxiety, lack of confidence, self-doubt, a debilitating phobia, panic attacks, PTSD or Trauma. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it but just know you want to feel different and better. More whole? Be more part of life rather than an observer? Less lonely? No longer held back? Perhaps you've tried many times to make permanent changes and haven't yet succeeded.
I specialise in using Hypnotherapy and EMDR to help clients feel better and able to move forward with their lives.
Hi, I’m Debbie. I don’t yet know why you need my help. Maybe you suffer from anxiety, lack of confidence, self-doubt, a debilitating phobia, panic attacks, PTSD or Trauma. Maybe you can't quite put your finger on it but just know you want to feel different and better. More whole? Be more part of life rather than an observer? Less lonely? No longer held back? Perhaps you've tried many times to make permanent changes and haven't yet succeeded.
0118 214 8586 View 0118 214 8586
Photo of Steve Neesam, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Steve Neesam
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Eastbourne BN26
The combination of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can deliver faster results than counselling on its own.
We all experience times in our lives which feel overwhelming. It may be the constant dread that comes with anxiety, the inability to feel and pleasure in life because of depression you feel in the grip of a controlling behaviour. Whatever is dominating your life and draining it of pleasure, you can change things. I am an experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist and hypnotherapist I can help free you from this pain.
The combination of psychotherapy and hypnotherapy can deliver faster results than counselling on its own.
We all experience times in our lives which feel overwhelming. It may be the constant dread that comes with anxiety, the inability to feel and pleasure in life because of depression you feel in the grip of a controlling behaviour. Whatever is dominating your life and draining it of pleasure, you can change things. I am an experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist and hypnotherapist I can help free you from this pain.
01323 700313 View 01323 700313
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
Photo of Kirsty Birnstiel - Kirsty Birnstiel,  RTT Therapist, Hypnotherapist, MBACP, Counsellor
Kirsty Birnstiel, RTT Therapist, Hypnotherapist
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W5
Hello, Are you feeling stuck? Do you suffer with anxiety, depression, procrastination or confidence issues? I am a Marisa Peer trained RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) therapist and I work with adults on a short term basis on all variety of issues. I deal with anything from the problems listed above to fears and phobias, sleep issues, health issues, exam nerves and public speaking to name a few. What is RTT? It is a therapy method that combines all the most effective techniques from NLP, CBT, EMDR, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.
Hello, Are you feeling stuck? Do you suffer with anxiety, depression, procrastination or confidence issues? I am a Marisa Peer trained RTT (Rapid Transformational Therapy) therapist and I work with adults on a short term basis on all variety of issues. I deal with anything from the problems listed above to fears and phobias, sleep issues, health issues, exam nerves and public speaking to name a few. What is RTT? It is a therapy method that combines all the most effective techniques from NLP, CBT, EMDR, psychotherapy and hypnotherapy.
020 3816 0342 View 020 3816 0342
Photo of Denise Creasey, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Denise Creasey
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Braintree CM7
I also also offer hypnotherapy.
I believe life can present situations to us that we don't know how to deal with and talking with a counsellor can be just what is needed. Sometimes things happen out of the blue or are ongoing and its okay with any situation to reach out and ask for help. As your counsellor, I will support you in looking at your thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours that may be holding you back from making the positive changes you want. I can help with a number if issues including anxiety, phobias, empty nest syndrome, weight loss, self-esteem, confidence, bereavement including loss (job, relationships).
I also also offer hypnotherapy.
I believe life can present situations to us that we don't know how to deal with and talking with a counsellor can be just what is needed. Sometimes things happen out of the blue or are ongoing and its okay with any situation to reach out and ask for help. As your counsellor, I will support you in looking at your thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours that may be holding you back from making the positive changes you want. I can help with a number if issues including anxiety, phobias, empty nest syndrome, weight loss, self-esteem, confidence, bereavement including loss (job, relationships).
01992 662320 View 01992 662320
Photo of Caroline Ash-Brazier, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Caroline Ash-Brazier
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Surbiton KT5
I draw on a variety of therapeutic tools using Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), NLP, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Masters level qualified psychotherapist, counsellor and clinical CBT hypnotherapist, accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I use an integrative and supportive approach to offering high quality therapy, that is discreet and confidential for children, young people and adults. My private practice has been running since 1999. I deal with a range of simple and complex problems like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self esteem, fears, phobias, eating disorders including ARFID, body image worries, OCD, self harm, relationship issues to exam and revision stress.
I draw on a variety of therapeutic tools using Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), NLP, Mindfulness and EMDR.
Masters level qualified psychotherapist, counsellor and clinical CBT hypnotherapist, accredited by the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society. I use an integrative and supportive approach to offering high quality therapy, that is discreet and confidential for children, young people and adults. My private practice has been running since 1999. I deal with a range of simple and complex problems like anxiety, depression, panic attacks, low self esteem, fears, phobias, eating disorders including ARFID, body image worries, OCD, self harm, relationship issues to exam and revision stress.
020 3667 9128 View 020 3667 9128
Photo of Dr Diwakar Sukul, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Diwakar Sukul
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W1G
Treatment may include Cognitive behavioural therapy, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, hypnotherapy & NLP, Time Line Therapy for trauma release, and Mind-Body Connective Therapy.
As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, I believe in evidence-based psychological therapy. My approach to the treatment is holistic, integrating eastern and western approaches of mind. My sessions involve an in-depth assessment of the causative factors of your emotional problems to offer you a solution-oriented approach. I believe in empowering you and will share several healing techniques to heal yourself. I will discuss the line of treatment after your in-depth assessment. I address a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, Borderline Personality Disorder and relationship challenges
Treatment may include Cognitive behavioural therapy, DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, hypnotherapy & NLP, Time Line Therapy for trauma release, and Mind-Body Connective Therapy.
As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, I believe in evidence-based psychological therapy. My approach to the treatment is holistic, integrating eastern and western approaches of mind. My sessions involve an in-depth assessment of the causative factors of your emotional problems to offer you a solution-oriented approach. I believe in empowering you and will share several healing techniques to heal yourself. I will discuss the line of treatment after your in-depth assessment. I address a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, Borderline Personality Disorder and relationship challenges
020 3917 4612 View 020 3917 4612
Photo of Khursheed Sethna - Inside Out Coaching and Counselling, MSc, Counsellor
Inside Out Coaching and Counselling
Counsellor, MSc
Verified Verified
Whitstable CT5  (Online Only)
Khursheed is a Holistic psychotherapist and Life Coach, certified in NLP and Hypnotherapy. with over 25 years experience working with inner child wounding, anxiety, loss and transitions. Khursheed provides a Safe Space for individual coaching and counseling, using traditional client-centered therapies as well as Somatic, body-centered mindfulness-based alternative therapies, tracking trauma and limiting beliefs. She is the author of "Free Your Spirit Find Your Voice". Khursheed offers a plethora of traditional and somatic approaches, such as NLP and Hypnotherapy. Canfield Certified Life Coach and Trainer. Senior Member of ACCPH.
Khursheed is a Holistic psychotherapist and Life Coach, certified in NLP and Hypnotherapy. with over 25 years experience working with inner child wounding, anxiety, loss and transitions. Khursheed provides a Safe Space for individual coaching and counseling, using traditional client-centered therapies as well as Somatic, body-centered mindfulness-based alternative therapies, tracking trauma and limiting beliefs. She is the author of "Free Your Spirit Find Your Voice". Khursheed offers a plethora of traditional and somatic approaches, such as NLP and Hypnotherapy. Canfield Certified Life Coach and Trainer. Senior Member of ACCPH.
01227 532624 View 01227 532624

See more therapy options for Sudbury

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.