Hypnotherapy FAQ, Rugby & Coventry

Hypnotherapy uses a guided state of focused relaxation, commonly called a trance, to make the subconscious mind receptive to positive change. In this calm, alert state, unhelpful thought patterns, fears and habits can be addressed at their root, rather than just their surface symptoms. It is a safe, evidence-based talking therapy used widely for anxiety, phobias, stress and performance. Think of it less like sleep and more like a deeply focused conversation with the part of your mind that makes most of your automatic decisions.

Not at all. Stage hypnosis is entertainment, it selects highly suggestible volunteers and uses social pressure. Clinical hypnotherapy is something very different. You remain aware and in control at all times. You cannot be made to do or say anything against your will. You cannot get "stuck" in hypnosis. It's simply a state of natural, focused relaxation, similar to being absorbed in a book or film, during which your subconscious becomes more open to working with me therapeutically.

Most people describe it as a feeling of deep relaxation, heavy limbs, a calm mind, perhaps a slight sense of distance from your surroundings. You're aware of what's being said and what's happening; you're just very relaxed. Some people feel surprised afterwards that they were "still aware", which is entirely normal. You're not unconscious. Some people experience it more deeply than others, and that's fine. Depth of trance doesn't determine effectiveness, even a light state of hypnosis is therapeutically useful.

Most people can experience hypnosis to a sufficient degree to benefit therapeutically. The key is willingness and a basic ability to follow guided instructions. Highly analytical people sometimes find they need a slightly different approach, I adapt accordingly. The only people who typically can't be hypnotised are those with certain psychiatric conditions or those who are firmly unwilling. In 10+ years of practice, I've very rarely encountered someone who genuinely couldn't be worked with in some way.

Sessions typically begin with 10–20 minutes of conversation, reviewing what's happened since the last session, understanding what you want to focus on today, and any relevant background. This is followed by the hypnotherapy itself: I guide you into a relaxed, receptive state using breathing and progressive relaxation techniques, then work therapeutically using suggestions, imagery and NLP techniques tailored to your goals. Sessions are usually 60–90 minutes. After the session, we discuss any observations and plan next steps.

Most clients see significant results within 3–6 sessions. Some issues respond quickly, phobias can often be resolved in 1–3 sessions, and many clients experience meaningful change in their anxiety from the first or second session. More complex or long-standing patterns, particularly around identity, self-esteem or performance, may benefit from longer-term work. During your free consultation, I'll give you a personalised estimate based on your specific situation and goals. I don't make vague promises or pad out sessions unnecessarily.

Yes, most people remember the session in full. Hypnosis is not unconsciousness. You remain aware throughout. Some people in a very deep state may not retain every detail afterwards, similar to how you might not remember every moment of a deeply relaxing meditation, but this is rare and not something to be concerned about. What matters therapeutically is what happens in the subconscious during the session, which doesn't require conscious recall to be effective.

Sometimes I'll suggest a simple practice, recording or reflection between sessions, but there's no heavy homework. The main work happens in sessions. That said, clients who engage actively with what comes up between sessions, noticing changes, applying new perspectives, following simple suggestions, typically make faster progress. We discuss this as we go.

Yes, anxiety is one of the conditions that responds very well to hypnotherapy. By working at the subconscious level, we address the root of the anxiety (the learned pattern, the core belief, the stuck nervous system response) rather than just managing symptoms. Many clients report significant improvement within 2–4 sessions. This includes generalised anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety and performance anxiety.

Phobias are among the most effectively treated conditions with hypnotherapy, often in just 1–3 sessions. They form quickly (usually from a single experience or learned association) and the subconscious holds onto them long after the conscious mind has decided they're disproportionate. Hypnotherapy works to update that subconscious association directly. Common phobias I work with include fear of flying, spiders, needles, vomiting (emetophobia), heights, and claustrophobia.

Yes. Low confidence is typically a learned pattern, a collection of beliefs about your own ability, worth and how others see you, absorbed over time and now running automatically. Hypnotherapy is well-suited to this kind of work because those beliefs are stored at the subconscious level. We can access and update them directly. Clients typically describe feeling more grounded, less self-critical and more able to act despite uncertainty.

For people who genuinely want to stop, yes, it's one of the most effective methods available. The habit stays not because of nicotine alone, but because of subconscious associations: smoking is linked with relief, reward, social identity and stress management. Hypnotherapy works to replace those associations. Many clients stop completely in a single session. The key variable is genuine motivation, if you're coming because someone else wants you to stop, results are typically less strong.

Children can be excellent hypnotherapy subjects, they're often naturally imaginative and responsive. I work with older children and teenagers (typically 12+) for issues like exam anxiety, confidence, phobias and sleep. Sessions with minors always involve parental consent and are conducted with a parent or guardian present or nearby. Please get in touch to discuss your child's specific situation.

I'm based in Rugby, Warwickshire (CV21 area) and see clients in-person here. Rugby is easily accessible from Coventry (roughly 15 minutes), Leamington Spa, Northampton, Warwick and much of the West Midlands. I also work online via secure video call, which means clients across Coventry, Birmingham, the Midlands and the rest of the UK can access sessions with no travel required. Online sessions are equally effective.

Your first consultation is completely free, no obligation, no pressure. Session pricing depends on the type of work and the programme you choose. I discuss all pricing transparently during the free consultation, so you know exactly what's involved before committing to anything. There are no hidden charges.

Monday to Friday: 9am–8pm (including evening appointments). Saturday: 9am–5pm. I do not currently offer Sunday appointments, though this may change. If you need an appointment outside these hours, please get in touch and I'll see what I can do.

Yes. Everything discussed in sessions is strictly confidential. The only exceptions are the standard ethical exceptions required by law, for example, if I had reason to believe you or someone else was in immediate danger. In practice, these circumstances rarely arise. I maintain professional notes which are kept securely and never shared without your consent.

I'm accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM), trained in clinical hypnotherapy and NLP, and hold an Enhanced DBS clearance. I work within a trauma-informed framework and engage in continuous professional development. You can read more about my background, including my academic journey and international career, on the About page.