Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is about helping you feel better and move forward — without digging endlessly into the past. It uses a relaxed, focused state (hypnosis) alongside simple brain-based understanding to help your mind let go of unhelpful patterns and build calmer, more supportive ones instead. You’re always in control, aware, and able to think and speak — it’s not sleep or mind control. Many people describe it as feeling deeply relaxed, clear-headed, and focused. If you’d like to understand how it works in more detail, you can read my in-depth blog on Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.

Yes — hypnosis is a natural state that we all experience, often without realising it. It’s the same kind of focused attention you might feel when you’re absorbed in a book, a film, or a piece of music. Everyone experiences hypnosis slightly differently, and it doesn’t need to be a deep or “trance-like” state to be effective. What matters most is feeling comfortable, open, and willing to engage in the process. Sessions are always tailored to you, so you’ll feel supported, in control, and at ease throughout.

Yes — hypnotherapy is widely considered a safe, gentle approach when delivered by a qualified and experienced therapist. It’s non-invasive and works with natural states of relaxation and focus, rather than doing anything to you. Most people feel calm and relaxed during and after a session. Very occasionally, someone may notice mild effects such as lightheadedness or tiredness, but these are usually brief and pass quickly. Choosing a hypnotherapist who is professionally trained and registered with a recognised body helps ensure high standards, ethical practice, and your wellbeing throughout.

No — you’re always in control during hypnosis. It’s a calm, focused state of relaxation where you remain aware of what’s happening around you. You can hear everything that’s being said, you can speak if you want to, and you’ll never be made to do or say anything that goes against your values or wishes. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, and your comfort, safety, and sense of control are always the priority.

Yes — online hypnotherapy can be just as effective as in-person sessions, and for many people it works just as well, if not better. Being in your own familiar environment often helps you relax more easily, which can make the session feel calmer and more natural. The process itself is exactly the same — you’ll be guided throughout, just as you would be in a therapy room. All you need is a quiet space, a comfortable chair, and a stable internet connection.

I offer sessions both in person and online, so you can choose what feels right for you. Face-to-face sessions take place in calm, welcoming therapy rooms at The Sanctuary Therapy Centre in Hebden Bridge and Soul Wellness Hub in Sowerby Bridge. Both spaces are designed to feel relaxed, private, and supportive — somewhere you can properly switch off and focus on yourself. If you prefer, I also offer online hypnotherapy sessions, which many people find just as effective. Being in your own familiar environment can help you relax more easily, and the sessions are guided in exactly the same way. Whether in person or online, the focus is always the same: creating a calm, supportive space where you feel comfortable, listened to, and able to move forward.

Hypnotherapy works a little differently from traditional talking therapies by gently engaging the subconscious mind. While talk therapy often focuses on conscious discussion and insight, hypnotherapy uses a relaxed, focused state to help the mind learn new, more helpful patterns at a deeper level. This can allow change to feel more natural and, for many people, quicker and longer-lasting. Hypnotherapy can be used on its own or alongside other therapeutic approaches, depending on what feels right for you.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is based on a modern understanding of how the brain works and its natural ability to change and adapt. This ability, known as neuroplasticity, means the brain can form new pathways when we repeatedly practise calmer, more helpful ways of thinking and responding. Rather than analysing problems in depth, this approach focuses on solutions and forward movement, helping the brain learn new patterns that support wellbeing. Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention and relaxation that allows these new patterns to settle more easily. Research has shown hypnosis to be an effective therapeutic tool when used appropriately and ethically.

.Yes, hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy and can greatly support your healing alongside other treatments, enhancing the benefits of any medications you may be taking. I simply request that if you’re also engaged in talk therapy, you schedule hypnotherapy sessions a couple of days afterward rather than before. This helps ensure our progress isn’t disrupted by immediately revisiting past experiences or traumas after a hypnotherapy session.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, because everyone’s brain, experiences, and goals are different. Some clients feel meaningful change surprisingly quickly. Others prefer a steadier approach over more sessions to build confidence and long-term resilience. As a rough guide: • Most issues take 6–12 sessions • Certain phobias can be worked through in as few as four sessions The best place to start is a free initial consultation, where we can explore what feels right for you.

This varies from person to person and depends on what you’re working on. Many people notice positive changes quite quickly, and for some, those changes feel long-lasting. For others, progress happens more gradually as new patterns settle in. You can think of hypnotherapy like planting a seed. The sessions create the right conditions for change, and with time and consistency, those changes begin to grow in a way that feels natural and sustainable. Regular sessions help reinforce progress, and the aim is always to help you build the confidence and tools to manage life’s challenges independently.

• I hold a BA (Hons) in Retail Marketing from Leeds Metropolitan University. • Iam a qualified, accredited clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. • I hold a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH). • Iam a member of the National Council of Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH). I follow a professional code of conduct, and continually update my knowledge and skills. • Iam fully insured through Holistic Services Insurance.