Questions people often ask.

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis, a natural, focused state of attention, to work with the part of the mind that runs our automatic thoughts, feelings and responses. It is similar to the absorbed state you might notice when you are lost in a book or arrive somewhere without remembering much of the drive.

In that relaxed, focused state it becomes easier to notice the beliefs and associations behind a pattern and to take on new, more helpful perspectives. You remain aware throughout, and you can speak, move or stop at any time.

Rapid Transformational Therapy, usually shortened to RTT, is a method developed by Marisa Peer. It brings hypnotherapy together with techniques drawn from several established talking-therapy approaches.

What makes it distinctive is its structure. Within a single session we aim to understand where a belief or pattern may have started, reframe it from your adult perspective, and put in place new beliefs that support what you want instead. The session is then reinforced by a personalised recording that you listen to in the weeks that follow.

Most people describe it as deeply relaxed and pleasantly focused, a little like the moments before sleep or the calm of a long bath. You will hear my voice, you will be able to talk with me, and you will remember the session afterwards.

There is no particular feeling you need to achieve. Some people feel very heavy and still; others feel light or simply calm. All of these are fine.

No. Hypnosis is not mind control and it is nothing like stage hypnosis. You cannot be made to say or do anything against your values, and you can open your eyes or end the session whenever you wish.

In practice, the work is collaborative. You stay in charge of what you share and how far we go.

No. Hypnosis is a natural state that your mind moves in and out of on its own. If a session were interrupted, you would simply become fully alert, in the same way you would if you were absorbed in a film and someone spoke to you.

Hypnotherapy suits adults who want to change a pattern and are willing to take an active part in the process. It is not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care, and I do not work with substance dependence, severe addiction, serious mental illness or medical conditions, which need appropriately qualified support.

If you are currently under the care of a doctor or mental health professional, please speak to them first. If you are unsure whether this is right for you, the consultation is the ideal place to talk it through honestly.

Yes. All sessions take place online by video, so you can join from wherever you feel most comfortable. I am based in Oxfordshire and work with clients in Oxford, across the county and throughout the UK.

The initial consultation is around 20 to 30 minutes. A hypnotherapy session is around 90 to 120 minutes, which gives us time to settle in, explore properly and finish without rushing.

It depends on you and on the pattern. Many people work on one specific issue over one to three sessions. Deeper or interconnected patterns, or several areas you would like to address, may suit the three-session option.

We will talk about this in the consultation, and there is never any obligation to book more than feels right.

The consultation is a relaxed conversation. We talk about what you would like to change, what you are currently experiencing, and what you would like to experience instead. I will explain how I work and answer any questions you have.

It is also a chance to check that we are a good fit and that hypnotherapy is appropriate for you. There is no pressure to book a session afterwards.

After your hypnotherapy session I create a personalised audio recording based on the work we did together. Listening to it daily over the following weeks, usually around 21 days, helps the new perspectives and beliefs settle and become familiar.

It is designed to be listened to somewhere quiet and comfortable, never while driving or doing anything that needs your attention.

Find a quiet, private space where you will not be disturbed for the full session, and somewhere you can sit or lie comfortably. Use a laptop or tablet if you can, with a stable internet connection, and headphones if you have them.

Have a glass of water nearby, and try not to plan anything demanding straight afterwards so you have a little time to reflect.

Life happens, and I understand. Please give as much notice as you can if you need to move a session. Full details are in the cancellation policy.

Yes. What you share with me stays between us, within the limits of the law and professional practice. Personal information is handled in line with the privacy policy, and session recordings are made only for you.