Your Questions Answered: What to Know Before Booking Your Hypnotherapy Initial Consultation

Prefer to watch? See the Youtube video version below:

Prefer to listen on the go? See the Spotify podcast version below:

What to Know Before Booking Your Hypnotherapy Initial Consultation

There are certain questions I get asked very frequently prior to someone booking an Initial Consultation with me - the most frequently asked questions have been covered in some of my other blogs (you can find these by clicking here).

Sometimes, however, I get questions that don't fit into a neat, well-defined category... and that's why I've written this post. I hope it helps to answer some of the other questions you may have! Here's what you should know before booking your Hypnotherapy Initial Consultation...

It is important to get all the information you need to put your mind at ease before booking.

Where can I read your reviews?

Reading reviews from real clients can give you a great sense of what it's like to work with me. You can read testimonials from my clients directly on my Testimonials page or on my Google Business profile.

I believe it's important to be transparent about my client's experiences, and I encourage you to read what others have said.

What are your success rates?

As a professional and ethical hypnotherapist, it is not possible for me to give you a specific success rate... the reason for this is that I simply do not know! Sometimes I do not see or speak to clients again after working with them, so I have no way of knowing how things turned out. Also, 'success' is very subjective, i.e. how do you measure success? Success to one person may be classed as a failure to someone else.

The most important factor in hypnotherapy being successful is the client's willingness to engage with the process, put in the effort and them being ready to change.

Therefore, the outcome of hypnotherapy is a collaborative effort, and it depends just as much on your commitment and desire to change as it does on my skills as a therapist.

I can, however, tell you that I've seen countless clients make significant, positive changes in their lives. The goal is always to equip you with the tools you need to create a lasting and positive change.

A note of caution - I would be very careful about accepting success rates from anyone, whether they are a therapist or in another profession. If they give you a percentage success rate, ask yourself how they know that to be true - do they have evidence-based research to back this up, or are they pulling this figure from thin air to impress you and get you to book with them?

What are the most common issues you work with?

My practice is focused on helping clients create positive and empowering changes in their lives. The most common issues I work with include:

• Anxiety and Stress: Helping clients manage feelings of overwhelm and find a sense of calm and control in their life.

  
  

• Confidence and Self-Esteem: Building self-belief to help clients feel more confident and capable.

  
  

• Phobias: Helping clients overcome specific fears that are holding them back.

  
  

• Insomnia: Guiding clients to get a better night's sleep and to feel more rested and refreshed.

  
  

If your issue isn't listed here, don't worry!

Book a free initial consultation, and we can discuss whether hypnotherapy is the right fit for you.

What are your qualifications and are they legitimate?

Yes, my qualifications are legitimate and demonstrate a commitment to the highest standard of care. They are as follows:

• BSc in Psychology (University of Reading)

• Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (CPHT Bristol)

• Solution Focused Hypnotherapy Diploma (CPHT Bristol)

To ensure I am always working to the highest standard, I maintain full professional insurance and am a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH).

These professional memberships require me to:

• Adhere to a strict code of ethics.

• Undergo regular supervision with a qualified and experienced supervisor.

• Regularly engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to increase my skills and knowledge.

Are there case studies or research supporting hypnotherapy?

Yes, there is a substantial and growing body of evidence supporting hypnotherapy's effectiveness, particularly for the issues that I specialise in:

Anxiety and Stress

• The American Psychological Association (APA) has long recognised hypnosis as a valid therapeutic tool for managing stress and anxiety-related issues - click here for more.

  
  

• Medical News Today provides an excellent overview of how hypnosis works for anxiety, referencing a 2016 brain scan study that showed changes in brain areas related to emotional control - click here for more.

  
  

• This meta-analysis quantifies the effectiveness of hypnosis in treating anxiety, showing that the average participant receiving hypnosis reduced their anxiety more than about 79% of control participants.

  
  

• For a comprehensive overview: This literature review from the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia provides a great overview of the evidence base for hypnotherapy, including its effectiveness for both chronic pain and anxiety.

Phobias

• The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) has a great article that explains how hypnotherapy can help people with phobias. It describes the process of desensitisation, which uses hypnosis to help the subconscious mind process fear more effectively without the critical mind getting in the way.

  
  

• Research published in journals like the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis has demonstrated that hypnotherapy can be a highly effective treatment for phobias. It helps clients reframe their responses to triggers, allowing them to feel in control rather than overwhelmed by fear. Click here for more.

IBS

• In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended hypnotherapy as a treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a powerful endorsement of its effectiveness from a government-backed body.

  
  

• Monash University Research: This university has conducted major studies comparing gut-directed hypnotherapy to a low FODMAP diet for IBS. Their findings showed that the two were similarly effective at relieving gastrointestinal symptoms, with hypnotherapy having superior benefits for psychological indices like anxiety and depression.

And Much More...

• In addition to scientific research, my work is also supported by countless real-world case studies. My professional memberships with the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) are built on a foundation of evidence-based practice.

  
  

  Hypnotherapy is a recognised and respected therapeutic modality that can help you achieve lasting change.

How do I prepare for a hypnotherapy session?

Preparing for a session is simple and straightforward. A quiet, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted is ideal.

For online sessions, it's best to use headphones for better sound quality.

For in-person sessions, I recommend that you arrive early enough (ideally at least 1o minutes early) so you have time to relax in the waiting area before starting your session.

The most important preparation, however, is to simply arrive with an open mind and a genuine willingness to engage with the process. This is the only preparation you truly need!

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Ready to explore how hypnotherapy can help you achieve lasting change?

Click Here to Book your free, no-obligation Initial Consultation today.

Not quite ready for a consultation?

Subscribe to my newsletter and receive Free Hypnotherapy Soundtracks to Ease Anxiety and Help You Sleep at night!

You'll also receive my monthly newsletter containing lots of free tips and useful information. And no spam, ever!

Click here to Sign Up and get your Free Soundtracks!

Still have questions about hypnotherapy or my services?

Find answers to common questions on my FAQ page - Click Here.