FAQ’s

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern therapeutic approach that combines elements of talking therapy with hypnosis and is informed by the latest research in neuroscience.

Unlike many traditional forms of therapy, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy focuses on the future rather than dwelling on problems from the past. Together, we explore how you would like to feel, what you would like to achieve, and the practical steps that can help you move towards your goals.

If you’d like to see what this can look like in real life, you can read my blog, Looking Back at My ‘Pull-Free Vision’ From 2009, where I reflect on how my own understanding of positive change has evolved

This positive, forward-looking approach recognises and builds on your existing strengths, skills, and resources. During each session, you will identify small, manageable changes that can make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing and help create the future you want.

The combination of solution-focused conversation and relaxation through hypnosis helps reduce stress and anxiety, promotes positive thinking, and supports lasting change. As you become more aware of what helps you stay balanced and resilient, you will feel better equipped to manage life's challenges with confidence.

Throughout the process, you will also learn about how the brain works, helping you understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours more clearly. This knowledge can empower you to make positive changes and maintain your wellbeing long after therapy has ended.

This therapy is grounded in neuroscience and helps you understand why you feel the way you do. Many people experience anxiety, stress or depression without fully understanding the reasons behind their symptoms. We explain how the brain responds to stress and how negative thinking patterns can become linked to our natural survival mechanisms.

You are not broken. Your brain is simply doing what it has evolved to do.

There are understandable reasons why you think, feel and react the way you do. Understanding how your brain works can be incredibly empowering. By learning more about how the brain functions, the focus shifts from "What's wrong with me?" to "How can I retrain my brain?"

This knowledge helps you regain a sense of control, build resilience and restore your inner balance.

At the beginning of each session, we'll spend some time talking about the positive things that have happened since we last met. These don't have to be big achievements – often it's the small changes that matter most. By paying attention to what's gone well, you begin to train your brain to notice more of the positives in everyday life, helping to build confidence, motivation and resilience.

We also use a simple scaling system to help you recognise the progress you're making. This can be a helpful way of seeing how far you've come and identifying the things that are helping you move forward.

Together, we'll explore how you would like life to be and what changes you would like to see. We'll then identify small, realistic steps that can help you move towards that future, at a pace that feels comfortable and achievable for you.

The focus is always on your strengths, your resources and what's possible, helping you create the positive changes you want in your life.

In my blog, What If Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Wasn't the Last Thing You Tried?, I share some of my own experience of therapy, why the Solution Focused approach felt so different to me, and what I mean when I say we don't have to give the problem the whole hour.

Hypnosis is a natural state that we all experience every day. Have you ever driven a familiar route and realised you can't remember every detail of the journey? Or become so absorbed in a good book or film that you lose track of time and barely notice what's happening around you?

These are examples of focused attention, where your mind becomes fully engaged in what you're doing. However, you remain aware and able to respond if something unexpected happens.

Hypnosis is very similar. It is a relaxed and focused state where you remain in control at all times. You can hear my voice throughout the session and can choose to come out of hypnosis whenever you wish. Many people find it to be a deeply calming and enjoyable experience.

Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state of focused attention. During this time, your mind has an opportunity to absorb and process the positive thoughts, ideas and goals we have discussed during the session.

When we're feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed, it's easy to become stuck in unhelpful patterns of thinking. Hypnosis helps to quieten the busy, analytical part of the mind, allowing you to relax and become more receptive to new perspectives and possibilities.

Throughout the session, we focus on your strengths, resources and preferred future. In this relaxed state, positive ideas can feel easier to accept, helping you build confidence, resilience and a more positive outlook over time.

Simply put, no.

Hypnosis cannot make you do anything that goes against your values, beliefs or wishes. Even when deeply relaxed, you remain aware of what is happening and are always in control.

Stage hypnosis can sometimes give the impression that people are being controlled. In reality, stage volunteers choose to take part and are usually highly responsive to suggestion and willing to engage with the experience. They are not being made to do anything against their will.

Therapeutic hypnosis is very different. It is a collaborative process that works with your goals and preferences. You remain aware, in control and able to respond throughout the session.

Many people are surprised to discover that hypnosis feels completely natural – like being deeply relaxed and focused, rather than being asleep or out of control.