Solution Focused Hypnotherapy in Lancaster

What can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help with?

Depending on your individual circumstances, people may seek hypnotherapy for difficulties including:

• Anxiety and stress
• Overthinking
• Depression and low mood
• OCD and intrusive thoughts
• Health anxiety
• Anger and emotional overwhelm
• Phobias and fears
• Confidence
• Sleep difficulties

Rather than concentrating solely on the problem, our sessions focus on identifying the changes you would like to make and the small, manageable steps that can help you move towards them.

I guide you through the process, but you remain an active part of it. Your willingness to engage with the process and take steps towards change is an important part of our work together.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and relaxation, and it's something we can experience in everyday life.

Have you ever driven or walked somewhere and realised you weren't really thinking about the journey? Perhaps you've become completely absorbed in a book or television programme, or found your thoughts pleasantly drifting while making a brew.

These are familiar examples of the kind of focused, absorbed state often associated with trance.

I sometimes describe the relaxation part of a session as a “mind massage.”

During hypnosis, you remain aware of what is happening. You can hear what I'm saying and can bring yourself out of the relaxed state if you want to. The aim is to provide a calm, comfortable environment in which we can reinforce the positive ideas and goals we've discussed together.

What to expect from your first session

Your first session gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and talk about what has brought you to hypnotherapy and what you would like to change.

I'll gather relevant information, explain how the brain can relate to what you're experiencing and begin shaping our work around your individual goals.

Understanding more about why you may be feeling the way you do — and how we can work with it — can offer a different perspective on what you're experiencing.

We'll also talk about the number of sessions that may be appropriate and the commitment involved. Between sessions, you may be encouraged to listen to a relaxation recording to support the work we're doing together.

What happens in subsequent sessions?

Sessions last approximately 50 minutes and are divided into two parts.

The first is talking therapy. Using a Solution Focused approach, we'll reflect on what's been positive, consider your goals and explore the steps that could help you move towards your preferred future.

The second part involves hypnosis. I'll guide you into a relaxed state using positive imagery, indirect suggestion and metaphor, building on the ideas and goals we've discussed during the session.

Many clients describe this part of the session as relaxing and enjoyable.

Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy combined

Psychotherapy is the talking-therapy element of our sessions. My approach is Solution Focused, which means our work is primarily concerned with where you are now, where you would prefer to be and how you might begin moving in that direction.

Hypnosis complements this by providing a period of guided relaxation and focused attention.

Together, the two elements create a collaborative process in which we can explore what you want to change and work towards your goals at a pace that feels manageable for you.

You can also find out more about sessions and prices before arranging an appointment.