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Hypnotherapy FAQs | Hypnotherapy with Vicky

If you're considering hypnotherapy, it's natural to have questions. Below are answers to the questions I'm asked most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch – I'm always happy to help.

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What qualifications and experience do you have?

I am a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist with a Diploma from Hypnotic World. I also hold qualifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and undertake regular Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure my skills remain current and evidence-informed.

Hypnosis has been part of my life since I was 14 years old. With over 40 years of studying and practising self-hypnosis and therapeutic hypnosis, I have developed a calm, practical and compassionate approach that helps people create lasting change.

I also hold:

• Enhanced DBS Certificate

• Professional Insurance

• Current First Aid Certificate

• Safeguarding Training

 

What can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy can be effective for a wide range of emotional, behavioural and psychological difficulties. Every client receives a personalised treatment plan based on their individual needs.

I regularly help clients with:

• Anxiety and stress

• Panic attacks

• Overthinking

• Low confidence and self-esteem

• Fears and phobias

• Fear of flying

• Smoking and nicotine addiction

• Weight management and emotional eating

• ADHD support

• Menopause symptoms

• Sleep problems and insomnia

• Grief and bereavement

• Chronic pain and long-term health conditions

• Motivation and performance

• Habits and unwanted behaviours

 

What does hypnotherapy feel like?

Most people describe hypnosis as feeling deeply relaxed, peaceful and pleasantly absorbed, rather like being lost in a good book or daydream.

You remain aware of everything around you and can speak to me throughout the session if you wish. Your eyes are usually closed simply because it's easier to relax that way.

Some people notice a floating sensation, while others simply feel calm and comfortable. There is no "right" way to experience hypnosis.

I never rush clients out of hypnosis. You return to full alertness naturally, usually feeling refreshed, calmer and mentally clearer.

 

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help access the subconscious mind, where many habits, emotional responses and beliefs are stored.

During hypnosis, brain activity naturally shifts from an alert thinking state into slower Alpha and Theta brainwave patterns. This makes it easier to explore new perspectives, strengthen helpful habits and reduce unhelpful thought patterns.

Hypnosis is a collaborative process—you remain in control throughout and cannot be made to do anything against your values or wishes.

 

Will I lose control?

No.

One of the biggest myths about hypnosis is that you lose control. In reality, you remain aware and in charge throughout the session.

You can accept or reject suggestions, open your eyes whenever you wish, ask questions or end the session at any time.

 

Will I say anything embarrassing?

No.

You won't reveal secrets or say anything you wouldn't normally choose to share. Hypnosis isn't a truth serum, and your mind naturally filters what you wish to say.

 

What happens during a hypnotherapy session?

Each session begins with time to talk about how you've been feeling and what you'd like to achieve. I'll then gently guide you into a relaxed hypnotic state before using carefully tailored therapeutic techniques designed specifically for your goals.

You'll remain aware throughout and afterwards we'll discuss your experience and agree any simple strategies to practise between sessions.

 

Will I fall asleep?

No.

Although many people feel deeply relaxed, hypnosis is not sleep. It's a focused state of awareness where your mind becomes more receptive to positive therapeutic change.

 

What if I can't be hypnotised?

Almost everyone can experience hypnosis because it's a completely natural mental state that we drift into many times every day.

If you've ever become absorbed in a film, driven somewhere on "autopilot" or daydreamed, you've already experienced something very similar.

 

What if I don't do it properly?

There is no right or wrong way to experience hypnosis.

Your only job is to allow yourself to relax and follow my guidance. I'll lead you through every step of the process.

 

Who should not have hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy may not be suitable for people experiencing psychosis or certain severe mental health conditions.

If I believe another healthcare professional would be more appropriate, I'll explain this honestly and help point you in the right direction.

Where appropriate, hypnotherapy works very well alongside medical treatment and counselling.

 

Will hypnotherapy work for me?

The clients who achieve the best results are those who genuinely want to make changes and are willing to engage with the process.

Hypnotherapy isn't something that is done to you—it's something we work on together.

While no ethical therapist can guarantee results, many clients notice positive changes surprisingly quickly.

 

Does hypnotherapy work for children and teenagers?

Yes.

Children and young people often respond extremely well to hypnotherapy because they naturally use imagination and creative thinking.

Sessions are always adapted to suit the child's age, personality and individual needs, with parental involvement where appropriate.

 

Where can I see you?

I offer flexible appointments:

• Face-to-face in North Herefordshire

• Hereford clinic

• Leominster clinic

• Online hypnotherapy via Zoom or Microsoft Teams anywhere in the UK or worldwide

• Home visits by arrangement

My Leominster clinics are wheelchair accessible, and I strive to make therapy welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

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How much does hypnotherapy cost?

Standard sessions are £80 and usually last around one hour.

Smoking and nicotine cessation is £300, which includes an extended one-off appointment together with preparation work before your chosen quit date.

Occasionally I run special offers, so please get in touch for current availability.

 

Is hypnotherapy recognised by the NHS?

Yes.

The NHS recognises hypnotherapy as a complementary therapy for certain conditions. It is not a replacement for medical care but can work alongside conventional treatment.

If you're experiencing new physical or psychological symptoms, it's always advisable to consult your GP to rule out any underlying medical causes.  Its rare to get treatment paid for by the NHS but keep asking! It is know to save millions £ on overprescribing

 

Can hypnotherapy help with weight loss?

Yes.

Weight management is about far more than willpower.

Together we explore the emotional, behavioural and subconscious patterns behind eating habits, helping you develop a healthier relationship with food and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Many clients choose a structured programme of five or eight sessions for the best long-term results.  Its the consistency of message that makes the shifts in behaviour.

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Can hypnotherapy stop overthinking?

Yes.

Overthinking is often driven by automatic thought patterns that become deeply ingrained over time. Hypnotherapy helps you recognise these patterns, understand your triggers and develop greater control over where your attention goes, allowing your mind to become calmer and quieter.

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Can people with ADHD benefit from hypnotherapy?

Absolutely.

Many people with ADHD naturally enter highly focused, imaginative states, making them excellent candidates for hypnotherapy. As someone who understands ADHD personally, I appreciate both the strengths and challenges that come with a busy mind. Sessions are practical, flexible and tailored to how your brain works.

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How many sessions will I need?

Every person is different.

Some clients notice improvements after their first session, while others benefit from a course of therapy depending on the issue they're bringing.

At your first appointment we'll discuss realistic expectations and agree a treatment plan that's right for you.

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Do you use content-free hypnosis?

Yes, where appropriate.

Content-free hypnosis allows emotional healing without needing to repeatedly talk through painful memories in detail.

Many clients find this approach gentler and less overwhelming than repeatedly reliving difficult experiences, while still achieving meaningful therapeutic change.

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Still have questions?

If you'd like to know whether hypnotherapy could help you, I'd love to hear from you.

I offer a friendly, no-obligation conversation to answer your questions and help you decide whether hypnotherapy is the right next step for you.

 

Hypnotherapist Herefordshire, Hypnotherapy Leominster, Hypnotherapy Hereford, Online Hypnotherapy UK, Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, and Weight Loss Hypnotherapy.

 

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