What is Hypnotherapy? A Complete Guide for Beginners

If you've ever wondered about hypnotherapy but felt unsure what it actually involves, you're not alone. Most people's only reference point is stage hypnosis, watching people cluck like chickens on TV. I promise you, that's not what happens in my therapy room.

So What Actually Is Hypnotherapy?

Put simply, hypnotherapy uses a deeply relaxed state to help you access your subconscious mind, the part of you that drives habits, emotions, and automatic responses. It's where those unhelpful thought patterns live, often formed years ago, running on autopilot without you even realising.

You know that feeling when you're so absorbed in a book that someone has to say your name twice? Or when you drive home and can't quite remember the journey? That's a natural trance state. Hypnotherapy works with this same focused awareness, but with therapeutic intention.

What Actually Happens in a Session?

When you arrive, we'll have a proper chat first. I want to understand what's brought you here, what you've already tried, and what you're hoping to achieve. This isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.

Then I'll guide you into relaxation. You'll be aware of everything: my voice, the room, your own thoughts. Most people describe it as deeply peaceful, like that lovely drowsy feeling before sleep, but you're not actually asleep.

In this state, we can explore what's driving your anxiety, your self-doubt, your relationship with food, whatever you're working on. We can reframe old beliefs that aren't serving you anymore and help your mind adopt new, more helpful patterns.

Afterwards, you'll feel relaxed and clear-headed. Many clients say it's the most peaceful they've felt in months.

What Can It Help With?

I work with clients on all sorts of challenges:

Anxiety: that constant worry, the racing thoughts, the physical tension that won't shift. We work on calming your nervous system and addressing what's underneath the anxiety.

Confidence: often rooted in something someone said to you years ago that you've carried ever since. We can find that moment and change its hold on you.

Emotional eating: it's rarely about the food. We explore what you're really hungry for and break the cycle.

Sleep problems: usually linked to an overactive mind. Hypnotherapy is brilliant for this.

Phobias, performance anxiety, life transitions: the list goes on.

The Question Everyone Asks

"Will I lose control?" No. Absolutely not. You can't be made to do anything you don't want to do. You won't reveal secrets or embarrass yourself. You're aware throughout and could open your eyes and stop at any moment. Most people choose not to because it feels so good.

Is This Right for You?

If you've been struggling with something and nothing else has quite worked, or if you're curious about a different approach, hypnotherapy might be worth exploring.

I offer a free consultation call where we can talk through what you're experiencing and whether hypnotherapy could help. No pressure, no sales pitch, just an honest conversation.

I see clients in person in Sevenoaks, Kent, and online via Zoom for anyone further afield.