Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of complementary therapy. It uses hypnosis, a natural state of mind that we often experience throughout the day. For example, when we are daydreaming, watching television or reading a book. It is a pleasant, safe practice and feels like deep relaxation.

What is Solution Focused Therapy?

A core belief of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is that you have the necessary skills and resources to find solutions to your problems. I’ll work alongside you, in an approachable, supportive and non-judgemental way, asking questions to help you recognise where you are now, visualize where you’d like to be, and develop your own strengths to make that solution a reality. These ideas and strategies are then reinforced in hypnosis: an enjoyable, natural, but powerful way to engage your subconscious mind in helping make the changes you’d like.

What’s the initial consultation all about?

The Initial Consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and is £35.

It’s just a chance for you to find out more about Solution Focused Therapy and learn how it can benefit you. During this time we will talk about your requirements and goals and I’ll introduce you to the neuroscience behind your thought processes and how Solution Focused Therapy can help. You’ll have lots of questions of course- everyone always does- and this is a great opportunity for me to answer them for you and ensure you’re comfortable with the whole process, so that you can decide if it sounds right for you, and make plans to start!

What will happen in a therapy session with Rosie?

Your first therapy session will usually be a week later, following your Initial Consultation. We’ll begin with a talk session where we will explore aspects of your thought processes and learn solution focused techniques which you can practise over the coming week, and then you’ll be able to put your feet up and relax. You’ll be in a very comfortable reclining chair with a cosy blanket to help you feel secure. The hypnosis begins with some verbal relaxation, relaxing the mind and body from head to toe. All you need to do is close your eyes and listen as you become nice and relaxed. Everyone is different, and each person reacts to hypnosis in different ways. Some remain completely alert and listening to every word, while others drift off into a lovely relaxed state. Research shows that the therapy works either way, so there’s no need to worry. I will be working with your subconscious mind, not the conscious mind, and the subconscious is always listening, whether we are concentrating or drifting around in our heads. It’s not important where the conscious mind is at this time, at all. During this time I’ll gntly but effectively reinforce the techniques we’ve worked on,  in your subconscious,  while you just relax, drift and dream. There will be plenty of time to transition back to complete wakefulness and at the end of your session we can discuss how you are feeling and look at the progress you have made so far.

Can I easily come out of hypnosis?

Yes. If at any time you wish to come out of hypnosis, you simply open your eyes. Some people feel they cannot be hypnotised. The fact is, that it is nothing to do with the therapist, as each person decides how they will react to the hypnotic language pattern, and to what degree they will accept the suggestions and imagery from the therapist. The great news is that the therapy works whether they are listening to every word, or fast asleep. Often clients find that as they come to more sessions, their openness to the hypnosis element increases, and this is strengthened by the free Rosie’s Space Bedtime Hypnosis recording that all clients receive at the Initial Consultation and which is theirs to keep whether they continue to work with me or not.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on what the issue is and underlying circumstances. It will be something that we decide together since some situations are very straightforward and only need one session where others can take much longer. As a guide, 8-12 sessions is fairly typical but it is always up to you- and you can decide when you have got where you need to go, taking more sessions or fewer sessions as you prefer.

Can you be forced to be hypnotised?

You can only be hypnotised if you want it, under your own control and cannot be forced to do anything that you do not feel comfortable with. You are never ‘unconscious’ and  it is often compared to the experience where you’re driving a car, daydreaming about your dinner,  and another vehicle brakes sharply in front of you- you can snap back into full awareness at any time you choose. You are always in control.

What does hypnotherapy feel like?

Hypnotherapy is a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation ~ you are in control at all times. Clients experience feelings of deep relaxation on all levels, calmness, strengthening, focus, grounding and peace. Some people visualise beautiful healing colours and feel pleasantly relaxed and distanced from their bodies in a very safe and comfortable way. Others may stay alert throughout, listening to the language patterns and noticing various elements as they arise. Everyone is different but the hypnosis works whether you drift off or stay with me right through!

How do you put me into hypnosis?

I will guide you into hypnosis using relaxation techniques.  There is an induction, deepener and then the prepared script is applied with a gentle awakening at the end of the session.

Do I need to do anything?

I’ll be giving you a recording that you should listen to each night as you prepare to fall asleep. This will strongly support the work that we do in session and also help regulate your sleep pattern. You’ll also be given practical tasks to do in between sessions, such as effective breathing techniques, positive mindset practice and self-hypnosis.

Will I feel differently following the hypnotherapy session?

Everyone reacts to hypnotherapy differently. Some people feel sleepy and very relaxed as they come back into wakefulness, while others end the session very alert and energised. People regularly tell me that they really look forward to their sessions and feel refreshed and motivated afterwards.

Why should I choose Solution Focused Therapy to help me?

The benefits of receiving hypnotherapy are widely acknowledged, and the NHS accept it as an effective complementary therapy. It is a natural, safe practice and can help you in many ways. Often people find that they have struggled for many years with behaviour patterns that stem from childhood, or from a more recent traumatic event. Because of its wide reaching behavioural and cognitive change effects, as well as its focus on empowering the client to find positive solutions, hypnosis is often able to  move them forward where other therapies have failed.

Is Solution Focused therapy effective online?

Yes! This cutting-edge therapy is very effective online and has the added benefits of being more accessible for those with physical mobility issues, and those with chronic anxiety and depression, ME/CFS and Long Covid. It’s more cost effective and time-effective too of course, and the therapy works extremely well online. The best part is that after the deliciously relaxing hypnosis relaxation, you can stay in your own bed or on your own sofa for as long as you like and maximise the beneficial effects of deep relaxation and positive post-hypnotic suggestion. I use the Zoom platform and it’s incredibly straightforward, although best to use a tablet or PC rather than mobile phone for the sessions of course. I’ll send you a link via email or Whats App and you just click on it when it’s time for the session, and we will be able to talk to one another and interact.  You just find yourself somewhere quiet and calm where you won’t be disturbed and where you can lie back or lie down for the trance element. Have a nice cool glass of water available, somewhere to set the device down and you are all set!

Should I inform my doctor when I receive Solution Focused Therapy?

Seeking help from a qualified solution focused therapist in private practice is an alternative way of getting help. It is important to talk to your primary care provider before beginning solution focused therapy, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are on medication currently, or receive other support with your mental health issues. In my experience, healthcare professionals  are usually very supportive of this gentle but effective therapy and have clearly seen an improvement with their patients.

Is Solution Focused Therapy safe for Children?

Hypnotherapy for children and young people is considered highly effective and is completely safe. Children tend to respond very well to hypnosis as they are naturally quite imaginative and use their subconscious minds a great deal more than adults do. Hypnotherapy can typically help children with issues such as: anxiety, exam nerves, sleep problems, bed wetting, fears, eating disorders and low self-esteem. I am fully AccessNI  checked and insured for working with children and have many years of experience in supporting children with behavioural difficulties.

Is Solution Focused Therapy effective for neurodivergent children?

Just like all children, neurodivergent children have their own strengths and weaknesses. The beauty of the solution-focused approach to hypnotherapy is that it allows for individuals to be treated as just that – individuals. Using a variety of approaches tailored to the individual child’s strengths and weaknesses I can provide a therapy which is flexible and can be adapted as needed. Neurodivergent children and young people can struggle with communication and emotional regulation, and they can also think and feel differently from others. We also know that they can be more prone to issues such as anxiety depression, sensory sensitivities and sensory overload. There is increasing evidence that solution-focused hypnotherapy is an effective way of overcoming these issues.