FAQ’s

Getting Started: Before You Begin

Hypnotherapy can be a good fit if you’re open to learning practical skills and exploring new ways of thinking and responding. We’ll discuss your goals, any health considerations and the best approach for you during a brief free clarity call.

We’ll screen for suitability. Certain conditions (e.g., unmanaged psychosis, some seizure disorders) may require medical oversight or referral. If it isn’t right, I’ll say so and suggest alternatives.

Remember, hypnotherapy complements (not replaces) medical care, so please continue any treatment from your own doctor or specialist.

For how sessions work, see What to Expect.

Yes. You’ll have a confidential, non-judgemental space to talk openly. I handle your information with care and only share details with your consent or where I’m legally required to do so (for example, serious risk of harm).

Not at all. Most sessions are online via Zoom (private video call), so we can work together from almost anywhere with a stable internet connection – I’ll email a simple link (no account needed) and we’ll schedule in your local time. I also accept payment via PayPal.

If English isn’t your first language, as long as you’re comfortable conversing, we can work together.

Most sessions take place over Zoom (private video call). I’ll email a link – no account needed – and we’ll do a quick tech check at the start. Choose a quiet, comfortable spot and, if possible, use headphones. If you’re local to the North East of Scotland, in-person sessions are also available.

It depends on your goal, your pace, and the approach we choose. Some people notice changes within a few sessions; others prefer a steadier programme. We’ll agree a plan after the initial consultation and review progress as we go. See What to Expect.

I integrate evidence-based methods from psychology with modern hypnosis. I trained with the UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy and also use elements of RTT where helpful. You can read more about how I work in My Approach and the therapies I specialise in here: CBH and RTT.

In Session: What It’s Like to Work Together

Yes – when delivered by a trained practitioner, hypnotherapy is generally considered safe. You remain aware and in control (it feels more like focused daydreaming than sleep), and you can pause or stop at any time.

I also work within my professional sphere of competence; if something is better served by medical or specialist care, I’ll discuss options and direct you appropriately.

Before we begin, an initial consultation and confidential questionnaires help confirm suitability and tailor your plan – see What to Expect and Next Steps. For how I use evidence-based methods, explore Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy and Rapid Transformational Therapy.

Always. Hypnosis feels more like focused daydreaming than sleep. You can speak, move, or stop at any time, and you won’t do anything against your values. It’s a way to rehearse healthier responses and strengthen new skills.

Most people can engage with hypnosis when they’re comfortable and willing to follow guidance. You don’t need to “go under” or feel a particular way, many simply notice calm focus.

If visualising or relaxing is difficult, we adapt. We can use sounds, sensations or words instead of pictures, keep your eyes open, shorten exercises, or skip hypnosis and work with Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy skills first. The method fits you not the other way round.

We’ll identify unhelpful patterns, learn practical coping skills, and rehearse new responses – often using gentle hypnosis to embed change. Sessions are structured and collaborative so you always know what we’re working on. See What to Expect for further information.

Not unless you want to. Our work can stay present-focused, building practical skills, changing unhelpful beliefs and improving how you respond day to day. If exploring past experiences could help, we’ll do so safely and at your pace. You’re in control throughout: you can pause, skip details, keep your eyes open, or stop at any time, and we’ll agree simple signals and check-ins so you feel comfortable.

If a specialist trauma approach would serve you better, I am trained in The Rewind Technique which may be an option for you. We can discuss all options to help you find the right support.

If for any reason I have to cancel a session I will aim to provide you with 24 hours of notice, and you will not be charged for the session. 

Likewise I will expect you to give me 24 hours of notice if you are unable to attend. In an instance where no or insufficient notice is given on your part, I reserve the right to charge 50% of the session fee for the first instance, and 100% of the session fee for further instances. 

However, you will not be charged for appointments missed in the event of serious accident, emergency, or other similar situation outside of your control where you are unable to provide any notice, or due to illness.

After Your Session: What Happens Next

Most people feel calm, lighter or pleasantly tired; some feel energised, all normal. Drink water, take it easy, and give yourself space to settle. I’ll suggest brief home practise, 5–10 minutes a day (e.g., breathing, thought-switching or imagery) to help the changes bed in. Note any shifts, triggers or wins so we can fine-tune next time. If anything feels uncomfortable or unclear, tell me and we’ll adjust.

Change can be gradual. Early shifts are often subtle – a bit more calm, clearer thinking, or moments where you choose differently – before bigger changes show. Skills bed in with practice, so progress usually comes in steps – think of it as a process and not a ‘quick-fix’.

Honest feedback is appreciated – what helps, what doesn’t, and where you feel stuck. We can adapt: switch techniques, adjust the pace, lean more on certain skills or refine goals. We’ll track with simple check-ins and real-life markers. If hypnotherapy isn’t the best route, I’ll explain why and signpost support

Between sessions we keep it simple so change sticks in daily life. Plan on 5–10 minutes a day:

  • Calm the body: A brief breathing/relaxation routine or a short self-hypnosis audio.
  • Train the mind: Notice–label–switch unhelpful thoughts, or use a short coping script.
  • Rehearse success: Quick imagery of you handling a tricky moment; where useful, tiny real-world steps (“micro-exposures”) we agree together.
  • Log it: Note one trigger and one win each day, plus a fast 0-10 rating for your main goal (e.g., confidence before a meeting).
  • Build Awareness: Short CBT style exercises to encourage enlightenment and clarity.

We’ll review these notes at the start of each session and if necessary adjust the plan. If anything feels unclear or too much, tell me. Practice is always tailored to fit you.

Many clients keep their gains long-term because our work is skills-based. We finish treatment with a simple maintenance plan – what to practise, early signs to watch for, and quick resets you can use under stress. A wobble doesn’t mean you’ve “undone” progress; it’s a cue to use your tools.

If something does resurface, a single booster session or short top-up block is often enough to get you back on track. You’ll know exactly when to check in again and how to keep momentum going day to day.