Hypnotherapy is a gentle, evidence-based approach that helps you create positive change by working with your subconscious mind. It can help you break negative cycles, shift deep-rooted patterns, and gain clarity and confidence.

You're always in control during hypnotherapy. It’s not stage hypnosis or mind control—just a deep, meditative state where your mind becomes more open to positive suggestions. There are no swinging watches, just relaxation and science-backed techniques. It is not like what the media portrays it to be and it is not stage hypnosis, which makes use of other techniques and illusions.

Our brain operates at different frequencies depending on our state—busy and alert (Beta), relaxed (Alpha), deeply relaxed or meditative (Theta), and asleep (Delta).

Hypnotherapy uses deep relaxation to bring your brain into Alpha or Theta states, allowing direct communication with your subconscious. In this state, helpful suggestions can take root, leading to real behavioural and emotional change.

Each time you act differently because of these suggestions, you reinforce new neural pathways—essentially rewiring your brain.

Your subconscious drives up to 90% of your behaviour. It stores all past experiences and patterns—even those you don’t consciously remember.

For example, early rejection (like not being picked for a team) can create unconscious fears of rejection in adulthood. Hypnotherapy works by identifying and gently reprogramming these patterns so you can respond differently and break free from limiting beliefs.

Hypnotherapy is safe for most people, but there are a few exceptions:

It’s not suitable for those with epilepsy or psychosis

You cannot get “stuck” in hypnosis—even online

Some people may experience emotional release (e.g., tears, laughter), which is normal

You may feel tingling, deep relaxation, or time distortion—all normal however, not everyone experiences this.

You’ll complete a consultation form so I can tailor your session safely and effectively.

Hypnotherapy is highly adaptable and works best if you’re open to change. You don’t need to "believe" in it—but a willingness to relax and engage helps.

It’s far more personalised and effective than a meditation app because it’s designed around your unique needs.

Meditation takes practice and brain training, hypnotherapy is guided, so please do not worry if you struggle to meditate and your mind wonders- this is exactly what hypnotherapy is for.

There are some similarities and being in hypnosis feels like being in a meditative state, you are always aware and in control.

Like mindfulness, hypnotherapy helps train your mind to stay present and reduce overthinking. Studies show regular meditation reduces activity in the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN)—the part linked to negative thought loops and anxiety.

Hypnosis, like meditation, can lower stress, enhance neuroplasticity, and even influence your immune system and pain response, as shown in studies on breathing techniques (e.g., Wim Hof).

Hypnosis has ancient roots—in Egyptian temple healing, shamanic rituals, and Buddhist meditation. It was later developed in modern medicine by figures like Mesmer, Freud, Milton Erickson, and Dave Elman. It was used as anesthetic before modern medicine was developed.

Today, it's a scientifically recognised therapeutic tool, blending ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience and trials within the NHS are underway.

From the Royal Family to Celebrities- Hypnotherapy has been used worldwide with proven results.

Anxiety is persistent worry or fear.

Anxiety increases amygdala activity and hyperarousal, while low mood can reduce serotonin signalling and impair prefrontal cortex regulation. This creates a cycle of negative thoughts and heightened stress.

Around 8% of UK adults experience anxiety disorders, and about 5% experience depression at any given time (NHS Digital, 2022).

Hypnosis strengthens prefrontal control over emotional centres, shifts attention away from rumination, and promotes relaxation. Suggestions during hypnosis can also increase motivation, positivity, and emotional resilience.

Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep is incredibly common and can affect mood, energy, and overall health. Sleep problems include insomnia, frequent waking, and restless or non-restorative sleep.

Sleep is regulated by the hypothalamus, brainstem, and pineal gland, while the prefrontal cortex and limbic system manage emotional arousal. Stress, anxiety, and racing thoughts increase cortisol and sympathetic nervous system activity, making it difficult for the brain to switch into restorative sleep cycles.

Around 1 in 3 adults in the UK report poor sleep at least a few nights a week, with 10–15% experiencing chronic insomnia (Sleep Council UK, 2022).

Hypnosis helps calm the nervous system, reduce mental chatter, and shift the brain into a relaxed, sleep-ready state. Guided suggestions and mental rehearsal can retrain the brain to associate bedtime with relaxation, supporting faster sleep onset and deeper, more restorative sleep.

Difficulty controlling weight often stems from emotional eating, habits, and lifestyle patterns rather than willpower alone.

Reward centres (nucleus accumbens) respond strongly to food cues, while the prefrontal cortex may struggle to regulate impulses. Stress and low mood can exacerbate overeating.

Over 60% of UK adults are overweight or obese (NHS, 2022).

Hypnosis strengthens self-control, reshapes reward pathways, and supports behaviour change. Mental rehearsal and suggestions promote healthier eating habits and consistent physical activity.

Nicotine addiction is reinforced by habitual cues and reward circuits in the brain, making quitting challenging.

Nicotine hijacks the brain’s dopamine pathways, strengthening craving responses and habit loops. Stress or environmental triggers often lead to relapse.

Around 13% of UK adults smoke, with vaping increasingly common among younger adults (ONS, 2022).

Hypnosis reduces cue-driven cravings and strengthens motivation circuits, supporting habit change. Post-hypnotic suggestions can create a new identity as a non-smoker and enhance resilience to triggers.

Phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance and distress. The amygdala amplifies threat perception, while avoidance prevents the prefrontal cortex from recalibrating responses.

Around 12% of UK adults report phobias impacting daily life (NHS, 2022).

Hypnosis allows safe, gradual exposure to feared situations and retrains brain pathways to reduce fear responses. Imagery and suggestions help the amygdala learn that the situation is safe.

Pain can be physical or anticipatory—fear of pain often worsens the experience. Chronic pain affects daily life, and procedure anxiety can prevent necessary medical care.

Pain signals pass through the spinal cord to the brain. The amygdala can amplify perception, and the prefrontal cortex modulates how we interpret pain. Stress and fear make the brain’s alarm system overreact.

Around 28 million people in the UK experience chronic pain, and procedure-related anxiety is common in healthcare settings (Pain UK, 2022).

Hypnosis changes the way your brain perceives pain, reduces fear responses, and engages pain-inhibiting pathways. It can lower anticipatory anxiety and increase comfort during procedures.

Low confidence or self-esteem can limit career growth, relationships, and personal satisfaction. Public speaking anxiety is one of the most common social fears.

Performance anxiety activates the amygdala and stress centres, while the prefrontal cortex may struggle to regulate fear responses. Negative self-beliefs reinforce this loop.

Social anxiety affects around 7% of UK adults, and up to 60% report fear of public speaking (NHS, 2022).

Hypnosis can help rewire negative self-perceptions, reduce fear-related arousal, and rehearse confident behaviours in a safe mental space. This retrains the brain to respond with calm and confidence in real-life situations

Habits

Habits are automatic behaviours, often hard to change despite intentions.

Habit loops in the basal ganglia are triggered by cues, while the prefrontal cortex may struggle to override automatic responses.

Most adults report at least one habit they want to change, from nail biting to procrastination.

Hypnosis interrupts automatic loops and strengthens new, desired behaviours. Suggestions and imagery help the brain encode new routines more efficiently.

Mental performance can be as important as physical skill in sports and exercise.

Anxiety or negative self-talk activates stress circuits, reducing focus and coordination, while motivation and reward centres drive effort and persistence.

Sports psychology research suggests that 50–60% of athletes report performance anxiety impacting outcomes.

Hypnosis improves focus, visualisation skills, confidence, and arousal control. It strengthens brain pathways that optimise performance under pressure.

Procrastination, low energy, or lack of focus can prevent achieving personal and professional goals.

Prefrontal cortex circuits for planning and self-control can be weakened by stress and negative thought patterns. Dopamine pathways influence motivation.

Surveys suggest 40% of UK adults report struggling with motivation at work or home (YouGov, 2022).

Hypnosis strengthens goal-directed brain circuits, reduces internal resistance, and enhances focus. Guided imagery and post-hypnotic suggestions make action feel easier and more natural.

Grief- the emotional response to loss, which can include sadness, anger, anxiety, or difficulty functioning.

Emotional pain activates the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex, overlapping with physical pain circuits, making grief feel intense and exhausting.

Millions of adults experience significant grief each year; about 10% develop complicated grief requiring professional support.

Hypnosis helps process emotions safely, strengthens coping circuits, and reduces overwhelming intensity. Imagery and relaxation provide a supportive space for healing.

Intense anger or road rage can damage relationships, safety, and wellbeing.

The amygdala triggers fight responses, while stress hormones can hijack rational decision-making in the prefrontal cortex.

Surveys suggest 1 in 5 UK drivers report regular anger or aggressive driving incidents.

Hypnosis strengthens emotional regulation, slows physiological arousal, and encourages new, calm responses to triggers.

Motion sickness occurs when sensory signals about movement conflict, causing nausea, dizziness, or vomiting.

Sensory mismatch activates the vestibular system and brainstem, triggering nausea and anxiety. Stress and anticipation amplify the response.

Around 25% of adults report moderate to severe travel sickness when in cars, boats, or planes.

Hypnosis reduces anticipatory anxiety, retrains perception of motion signals, and calms the nervous system, decreasing nausea and discomfort.

What Is Hypnoanalysis?

Hypnoanalysis is a powerful blend of hypnosis and deep psychological insight. By helping you enter a calm, focused state of mind, it allows you to explore the subconscious patterns that may be affecting your wellbeing—such as anxiety, low confidence, emotional blocks, or repeating life themes.

Many clients describe hypnoanalysis as finally being able to “join the dots” between past experiences and present feelings. With a clearer understanding of where certain beliefs or behaviours began, you can release old patterns and step into a more empowered way of living.

What Is Regression Hypnosis?

Childhood Regression

Regression hypnosis gently guides you back to earlier stages of life—often childhood—where emotional patterns and coping strategies first formed. This is not about replaying the past, but about revisiting the emotions and interpretations created by your younger self.

It can be especially helpful for:

• anxiety that seems to come “from nowhere”

• low self-worth

• perfectionism or people-pleasing

• relationship patterns

• emotional triggers and sensitivities

Healing these younger parts of yourself allows you to move forward with greater freedom, clarity, and emotional stability.

Past-Life Regression

Past-life regression is available for clients who feel connected to spiritual or symbolic exploration. In hypnosis, the mind can produce vivid imagery, metaphors, or story-like experiences that reflect deeper emotional themes.

Many clients find this process meaningful and healing, whether they view it spiritually or psychologically.

What Is Inner Child Healing?

Inner child healing focuses on reconnecting with the younger parts of you that may still hold unmet needs, emotional wounds, or protective behaviours. Within the gentle space of hypnosis, you can meet these parts with compassion and reassurance—often creating profound emotional shifts.

This approach is particularly supportive for those who experienced:

• challenging family dynamics

• emotional neglect

• inconsistent parenting

• recurring relationship patterns

Clients often report feeling lighter, calmer, and more grounded after this work.

Why These Approaches Work

These therapies access subconscious emotional layers that ordinary talk therapy may not reach so directly. In a hypnotic state, your mind becomes more receptive and open to insight, allowing deeper healing and long-lasting change.

Research in areas including attachment theory, parts-based therapy, schema therapy, and clinical hypnosis supports the value of working with early emotional learning and subconscious patterns. Leading institutions such as Harvard also highlight hypnosis as a helpful tool for emotional regulation, stress reduction, and behaviour change.

References & Further Reading

Harvard Health Publishing

• Harvard Health Publishing. Hypnosis Helps Ease Pain and Anxiety.
  https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/hypnosis

• Harvard Health Publishing. The Power of the Mind: How Mental Imagery Can Improve Health.
  https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/mental-imagery

American Psychological Association

• American Psychological Association. Hypnosis: What You Need to Know.
  https://www.apa.org/topics/hypnosis

Core Psychology & Therapy References

• Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development.

• Young, J., Klosko, J., & Weishaar, M. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide.

• Kihlstrom, J. (2013). Neuro-Hypnotism: Prospects for Hypnosis and Neuroscience. In Cortex, 49(2).

• van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. (For trauma, memory, and emotional regulation.)

• Watkins, J. & Watkins, H. (1997). Ego States: Theory and Therapy. (Foundational parts-based work.)

NHS Digital. (2022). Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. [Online]

Health and Safety Executive. (2022). Work-Related Stress Statistics.

Office for National Statistics (ONS). (2022). Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use in England.

Pain UK. (2022). Chronic Pain Prevalence Data.

YouGov. (2022). Motivation and Productivity Survey UK.

Brown, D., & Fromm, E. (2013). Hypnosis and Behavior Modification. Guilford Press.

van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Viking.

LeDoux, J. (2000). Emotion circuits in the brain. Annual Review of Neuroscience, 23, 155–184.

Sapolsky, R. M. (2015). Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers. St. Martin’s Press.

Jensen, M. P., et al. (2017). Brain mechanisms of hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 59(3), 213–235.

 Engström, M, Simon, R (2015) ‘The default mode network as a biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation ’http://www. Frontiers | The default mode network as a biomarker for monitoring the therapeutic effects of meditation (frontiersin.org) (Accessed: 10th February 2024).  

Kox M, van Eijk LT, Zwaag J, van den Wildenberg J, Sweep FC, van der Hoeven JG, Pickkers P (2014) ‘ Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans’. https://Voluntary activation of the sympathetic nervous system and attenuation of the innate immune response in humans - PMC (nih.gov) (Accessed 10th February 2024).

 Jirakittayakorn , N, Wongsawat, Y (2017) ‘Brain Responses to a 6-Hz Binaural Beat: Effects on General Theta Rhythm and Frontal Midline Theta Activity’ https:// Frontiers | Brain Responses to a 6-Hz Binaural Beat: Effects on General Theta Rhythm and Frontal Midline Theta Activity (frontiersin.org) (Accessed 17th February 2024).

Muzik O, Reilly KT, Diwadkar VA (2018) "Brain over body"-A study on the wilful regulation of autonomic function during cold exposure. Neuroimage’ https:// Brain over body"-A study on the willful regulation of autonomic function during cold exposure - PubMed (nih.gov) (Accessed 10th February 2024).

The Mind, Explained: Personality. (2021). Netflix, 19th November 2021.

Facco, E., & Tagliagambe, S. (2021). Learning from the past: from incubation in ancient Egypt and Greece to modern hypnosis. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 8(7), 268–285. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.87.10541 06.06.2024