Hypnotherapy FAQs
If you have a question that is not answered here, you are welcome to get in touch.
What Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as part of a therapeutic process. Hypnosis involves focused, absorbed attention. I may use suggestions and mental rehearsal to work on situations or responses we have agreed to address.
What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?
I work with adults seeking support with:
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- confidence and self-esteem
- phobias
- fear of flying
- stopping smoking and vaping
- motivation and procrastination
- nail biting
- hair pulling and skin picking
- habits and repetitive behaviours
- sleep and stress-related difficulties.
We consider suitability during the consultation, including whether other support may be needed. If your concern is not listed, you can still ask whether I may be able to help.
What Happens in the First Consultation?
The consultation is free and lasts up to 60 minutes, online or at my Manchester city centre office.
I will usually ask about:
- the problem you want help with
- when it started
- how it affects your life
- what you have already tried
- what you would like to change
- relevant background, health information and other treatment.
This helps us consider whether the support I offer seems suitable. It is also your chance to ask questions. There is no obligation to book further sessions, and you can take time afterwards to decide.
What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session?
We agree what to focus on. Sessions may include discussion, hypnosis, mental rehearsal or practical strategies, depending on what you want help with.
We may also agree on something to practise between appointments. At the next session, we review what happened and whether the approach needs adjusting.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people develop more flexibility in how they respond to thoughts, feelings, urges and physical sensations. It connects this work with what matters to you and the actions you want to take.
I draw on ACT where appropriate. For example, we might practise noticing a self-critical thought while deciding how you want to respond in a difficult situation. We also consider practical circumstances that may need to change.
You can read more on my Acceptance and Commitment Therapy page.
During Hypnosis, Will I Lose Control?
No. You can choose whether to follow a suggestion.
You can speak, move, open your eyes, ask questions or stop at any point. Tell me if anything feels unclear or uncomfortable.
Will I Be Asleep?
No. Hypnosis is different from sleep. You may feel relaxed, focused or absorbed. How clearly you recall the session afterwards can vary.
Can Everyone Be Hypnotised?
People vary in how readily they respond to hypnotic suggestions. We can review your response and adapt the work. If hypnosis does not seem useful for you, we can consider whether another part of the approach would be more suitable.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number depends on what you want help with, your goals and how you respond to the work.
I will discuss an initial plan with you at the consultation. We will review progress as we work and decide together whether further sessions are useful.
Do I Have to Talk About the Past?
Not necessarily. Some background can help us understand the difficulty, but you do not have to disclose everything or relive painful experiences.
If something feels difficult to discuss, you can tell me. We can agree how to approach relevant experiences and what to focus on.
Is Hypnotherapy Confidential?
Yes. Sessions are confidential, with limits relating to legal requirements, safeguarding and serious risk of harm.
I will explain the confidentiality agreement and its limits before we begin working together.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Suitability depends on your health and circumstances. Please tell me about medical or mental health conditions, medicines and other treatment you are receiving.
If you have epilepsy, schizophrenia or a history of psychosis, seek advice from your GP or treating specialist before considering hypnotherapy, as it may be unsuitable.
If your symptoms are new, severe or unexplained, or you are unsure what help you need, speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.
Hypnotherapy does not replace urgent or necessary medical or mental health care. For urgent or crisis support, use the appropriate NHS or emergency services.
Are You CNHC Registered?
Yes. I am registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), a voluntary regulator of complementary healthcare practitioners.
Its register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.
Where Are Sessions Held?
Sessions are available online or at my private Manchester city centre office:
244 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 4BQ
If you are travelling from Oldham, Salford, Rochdale or elsewhere, see my prices and directions page for travel and access information.
Do You Work Online?
Yes. I offer consultations and ongoing sessions through a secure telehealth platform.
How Much Do Sessions Cost?
The initial consultation is free. Please see my hypnotherapy prices in Manchester page for current session fees and practical details.
Do You Work With Adults Only?
Yes. I currently work only with people over the age of 18.
What If I Feel Nervous About Booking?
You can tell me that you feel nervous. A brief message about what you would like help with is enough to begin. I can help you explain the difficulty during the consultation.
Contact me
Please use this form for general enquiries. I will use the details you provide to respond to your enquiry in line with my Privacy Policy. This form is not monitored for urgent or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
How Do I Book?
To arrange your free consultation, use the enquiry form or call me on 07790 506375.
Tell me briefly what you would like help with, and I can ask any initial questions before we arrange a time.