Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Hypno-CBT®, online sessions and what to expect when working with CalMind Hypnotherapy.
What is Hypno-CBT®?
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the same thoughts, feelings or behaviours keep coming back. You might understand why you feel anxious, recognise the patterns that are holding you back, or even know exactly what you would like to change. Yet somehow, knowing isn’t always enough to make things feel different.
That’s where Hypno-CBT® can help.
By combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with evidence-based hypnosis, Hypno-CBT® works with both your conscious thoughts and the automatic responses that can feel so difficult to control. Rather than simply helping you manage symptoms, we explore what may be keeping those patterns going and work towards creating meaningful, lasting change.
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Our work together is collaborative, practical and centred around you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, no pressure to feel a certain way and no expectation that you should already have all the answers.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, fears or habits you wish you could change, the aim is to help you feel more confident, more in control and better equipped to navigate everyday life.
Because understanding yourself is important. But being able to experience life differently matters just as much.
How does Hypno-CBT® work?
Have you ever wondered why, even when you know something isn’t helping you, changing it can feel so difficult?
Perhaps you know your worries are irrational, yet your mind keeps imagining the worst. Maybe you tell yourself there’s nothing to be afraid of, but your body reacts as though you’re in danger. Or perhaps you’ve tried to change a habit, only to find yourself falling back into the same familiar pattern.
It can be frustrating, especially when you’re doing everything you can to feel better.
The thing is, understanding a problem and changing how you respond to it aren’t always the same thing.
This is where Hypno-CBT® offers a different approach.
By bringing together Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and evidence-based hypnosis, we can work on both the thoughts you’re consciously aware of and the automatic reactions that sometimes seem to happen before you’ve even had a chance to think.
Understanding What Keeps You Stuck
Our sessions begin with understanding you, not just your symptoms.
We’ll explore what you’ve been experiencing, how it’s affecting your everyday life and what you’d genuinely like to change. Together, we’ll look at the connections between your thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours.
Sometimes, the ways we try to protect ourselves from uncomfortable feelings can unintentionally keep those feelings going. Avoiding situations that make us anxious, constantly seeking reassurance or expecting the worst might bring temporary relief, but they can also reinforce the very patterns we’re trying to escape.
Using practical CBT techniques, we’ll begin to recognise these cycles and develop new ways of responding to them.
Not by forcing yourself to think positively or pretending everything is fine, but by learning to approach difficult experiences with greater confidence, flexibility and understanding.
Where Hypnosis Comes In
Hypnosis adds another dimension to this process.
You may have heard that hypnosis involves losing control, being unconscious or having someone take over your mind. In reality, therapeutic hypnosis is very different.
It’s a state of focused attention in which you can become more absorbed in your thoughts, imagination and inner experiences, while remaining aware of what’s happening around you.
During hypnosis, we can use guided imagery, therapeutic suggestions and mental rehearsal to help you practise new responses in a calm, focused environment.
For example, if social situations leave you feeling anxious, we might work on challenging the thoughts that fuel that anxiety through CBT, then use hypnosis to help you mentally rehearse approaching those situations with greater calm and confidence.
Rather than simply telling yourself that things will be different, you’re actively practising what responding differently might feel like.
And throughout the entire process, you remain in control. You can speak, move or stop whenever you wish. Hypnosis isn’t something that’s done to you. It’s something we use together as part of your therapeutic work.
Your Therapy, Your Pace
I believe that effective therapy should feel like a collaboration, not a set of instructions you’re expected to follow.
You won’t be handed a generic script or expected to fit into a particular way of working. Your experiences, your personality, your concerns and your goals all matter.
Some sessions may focus more on understanding your thoughts and behaviours. Others may involve hypnosis, practical exercises or developing strategies you can use between appointments.
We’ll regularly review your progress, explore what’s helping and make adjustments where needed.
And if something doesn’t feel right for you, we can talk about it. You should always feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns and having a say in your own therapy.
Because the goal isn’t to change who you are. It’s to help you change the patterns that may be preventing you from living the way you want to.
You don’t need to arrive knowing exactly what’s wrong or how to fix it. You don’t need to have the perfect words to explain how you’re feeling.
We can start with where you are, and work towards where you’d like to be.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
Absolutely not. You are always in control.
It’s completely understandable to feel a little uncertain about hypnosis, especially if your only experience of it comes from films, television or stage performances. These often portray hypnosis as someone taking control of another person’s mind, but therapeutic hypnosis is nothing like that.
During hypnosis, you remain aware of what’s happening around you. You can hear my voice, communicate with me, move if you need to and open your eyes whenever you wish. You’re not asleep, unconscious or under anyone else’s control.
You also have a choice in everything that happens. You don’t have to accept any suggestion that doesn’t feel right for you, reveal anything you’d rather keep private or do anything you’re uncomfortable with.
Think of hypnosis as a collaborative process, where I guide you into a state of focused attention and relaxation, while you remain an active participant throughout.
My role isn’t to take control of your mind. It’s to help you use your own attention, imagination and abilities to explore and practise more helpful ways of thinking, feeling and responding.
You’re always free to ask questions, take a break or stop the session at any point. Your comfort, trust and sense of safety matter throughout our work together.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people can experience hypnosis, but not everyone experiences it in the same way, and that’s perfectly normal.
Some people find it easy to become deeply absorbed in guided imagery or suggestions, while others remain more aware of their surroundings or take a little longer to settle into the experience. There’s no single way hypnosis is supposed to feel, and you don’t need to reach a particular level of relaxation or trance for our work together to be worthwhile.
You might even wonder whether you’re someone who can be hypnotised, especially if you have a busy mind, find it difficult to switch off or tend to overthink everything.
The good news is that you don’t need to have a perfectly quiet mind or be naturally good at relaxing.
Hypnosis is a skill that involves focused attention and active participation. Your expectations, willingness to engage and individual responsiveness can all influence your experience. Some people respond more readily than others, and that’s something we can explore together without pressure or judgement.
You don’t need any previous experience, and there’s no test you have to pass or particular feeling you’re expected to achieve.
If one technique doesn’t feel comfortable or effective for you, we can try something different. And because Hypno-CBT® also incorporates practical Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques, our sessions don’t depend entirely on how deeply you experience hypnosis.
What matters most isn’t how hypnotised you feel, but whether the approach is helping you work towards the changes you want to make.
What can Hypno-CBT® help with?
Sometimes, the things we struggle with aren’t always visible to the people around us.
You might look perfectly fine on the outside while your mind is constantly racing. Perhaps you spend hours worrying about things that haven’t happened, avoid situations because of how they make you feel, or find yourself repeating habits you genuinely want to change.
Maybe you’re tired of overthinking every conversation, doubting yourself or feeling as though anxiety is making decisions for you.
Whatever you’re experiencing, you don’t have to wait until things become overwhelming before seeking support.
Hypno-CBT® can be used to help with a range of emotional and behavioural difficulties, including:
Anxiety and excessive worry: When your mind constantly jumps to worst-case scenarios, making it difficult to relax or enjoy the present moment.
Stress and feeling overwhelmed: When everyday responsibilities start to feel like too much, and switching off seems almost impossible.
Phobias and specific fears: When certain situations, objects or experiences trigger intense fear, even when you logically know you’re safe.
Social anxiety: When worrying about being judged, embarrassed or saying the wrong thing makes social situations exhausting or difficult to face.
Low self-confidence and self-doubt: When your inner critic seems louder than your confidence, holding you back from opportunities, relationships or experiences.
Unwanted habits and behaviours: When you find yourself repeating patterns that no longer serve you, despite genuinely wanting to do things differently.
Difficulty relaxing: When your body feels tense, your thoughts won’t slow down and finding a moment of calm feels harder than it should.
But therapy isn’t simply about putting a label on what you’re experiencing. It’s about understanding how those difficulties affect your life.
Two people can experience anxiety in completely different ways. One might avoid social situations, while another appears confident but spends hours replaying conversations afterwards. Someone else might experience anxiety mainly through physical sensations, such as a racing heart, muscle tension or an unsettled stomach.
That’s why our work begins with understanding you as an individual.
By combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques with evidence-based hypnosis, we can explore the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that may be keeping these difficulties going. Together, we’ll work on developing more helpful responses, building coping skills and gradually making changes that feel meaningful to you.
During your free initial consultation, we’ll talk about what you’ve been experiencing, what you’d like to achieve and whether Hypno-CBT® is an appropriate approach for your needs.
And while no therapy can promise a particular outcome, you can expect an approach that’s thoughtful, collaborative and tailored to you.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Sometimes, simply knowing where to begin is the first step towards change.
How many sessions will I need?
There’s no magic number of sessions that works for everyone, because no two people arrive at therapy with exactly the same experiences, challenges or goals.
You might be looking for help with a specific fear, a habit you’d like to change or a situation that’s been causing you anxiety. Or perhaps you’ve been struggling with worry, self-doubt or unhelpful patterns for years, and you’re ready to explore them more deeply.
Some people find that a relatively small number of focused sessions gives them the tools and confidence to start making meaningful changes. Others benefit from having more time to practise new skills, build on their progress and work through difficulties that have developed over a longer period.
What matters isn’t how quickly you finish therapy. It’s whether the work we’re doing is genuinely helping you move towards your goals.
At Calm Mind Hypnotherapy, I offer individual sessions alongside structured packages of four or six sessions, so we can choose an approach that makes sense for you.
And you won’t be expected to commit to a set number of appointments before we’ve even had a chance to talk.
During your free 15-minute consultation, we’ll discuss what you’ve been experiencing, what you’d like to change and what kind of support might be most helpful. I’ll explain how I work, answer any questions and give you an idea of what we could focus on together.
As therapy progresses, we’ll regularly review how things are going and whether your needs have changed. If you feel you’ve achieved what you came for, there’s no reason to continue booking sessions unnecessarily. Equally, if you feel you’d benefit from further support, we can discuss your options.
My aim isn’t to keep you in therapy for longer than you need. It’s to help you develop the understanding, confidence and practical skills to manage life’s challenges more independently.
And there’s never any pressure to book a package. The decision is always yours.
What happens during my first session?
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you’re not quite sure what to expect or how to put everything you’ve been experiencing into words.
You might have a clear idea of what you’d like help with, or perhaps you just know that something hasn’t felt right for a while. Either way, you don’t need to arrive with everything figured out.
Your first session is about getting to know you, understanding what you’ve been going through and finding the best way forward together.
We’ll begin with an initial assessment, where we’ll talk about the difficulties you’re experiencing, how they’re affecting your everyday life and what you’d like to change. I’ll ask some questions about your background, relevant health information, previous experiences and anything else that may help me understand your situation more fully.
Some questions might feel quite personal, but there’s a reason behind them. I want to understand the bigger picture, not simply focus on a list of symptoms.
We’ll also explore what you’ve already tried, what has or hasn’t helped in the past and what you hope to gain from therapy. This helps us begin identifying patterns and developing a treatment plan that reflects your individual needs and goals.
And please don’t worry about saying the right thing or explaining everything perfectly.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous, emotional or unsure where to begin. You might find some things easy to talk about and others more difficult. You don’t need to tell me your entire life story in one appointment, and there’s no expectation to share more than you feel ready to discuss.
I’ll also explain how Hypno-CBT® works, what our sessions may involve and how we can use different techniques to support your progress. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns or tell me if something doesn’t feel right for you.
Will we use hypnosis during the first session?
Usually, no. Your first appointment is primarily an assessment rather than a hypnosis session. Taking the time to understand your needs, discuss your goals and establish a clear direction for therapy is an important part of the process.
Once we’ve completed the assessment, we can begin working with the therapeutic techniques that are most appropriate for you in subsequent sessions.
Most importantly, your first session isn’t a test, and you don’t need to prove how much you’re struggling to deserve support.
It’s simply a chance for us to begin understanding what’s been happening, what you’d like to be different and how we might work towards that together.
We’ll take it from there, one step at a time.
Are online hypnotherapy sessions as effective as in-person sessions?
You don’t have to sit in a therapy room for meaningful change to happen. Sometimes, being in a familiar space where you already feel comfortable can make opening up a little easier.
Perhaps the thought of travelling to appointments adds another layer of stress to an already busy day. Maybe you feel more at ease talking about personal experiences from your own home, or simply prefer the flexibility of fitting therapy around your life rather than the other way around.
Whatever your reasons, choosing online therapy doesn’t mean you’re choosing a lesser form of support.
But does online therapy actually work?
Research into online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has shown encouraging results, with studies finding that therapist-led online CBT can be similarly effective to face-to-face treatment for a range of difficulties, particularly anxiety-related conditions.
Although research directly comparing online and in-person Hypno-CBT® is still limited, both CBT techniques and therapeutic hypnosis can be adapted for online sessions.
The important elements of therapy, including understanding your difficulties, exploring unhelpful patterns, developing practical coping strategies and practising new ways of responding, can all form part of our work together online.
And yes, you can experience hypnosis through a screen.
Hypnosis doesn’t depend on being physically present in the same room as your therapist. It involves focused attention, imagination and your active participation, all of which can be guided through a video connection.
During hypnosis, you’ll be able to hear my voice and follow the process just as you would during an in-person appointment. You remain aware and in control, and we can communicate whenever needed.
What Do You Need for an Online Session?
You don’t need any specialist equipment or a perfectly arranged space.
All you’ll need is a reliable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and somewhere quiet and private where you feel comfortable and won’t be interrupted.
For hypnosis, it’s helpful to have a comfortable chair or another suitable place where you can relax safely and focus without distractions.
And don’t worry if you’re not particularly confident with technology. I’ll explain how to join your appointment, and we can make sure you’re comfortable with the process before we begin.
Therapy That Fits Around Your Life
One of the things I value about online therapy is that it makes support more accessible.
You can attend your appointment without commuting, finding parking or sitting in a waiting room. You might choose to have your session during a lunch break, between other commitments or at a time when you can give yourself some uninterrupted space.
And because our sessions are online, we can work together even if you don’t live nearby, provided I’m able to offer services in your location.
Of course, online therapy isn’t necessarily the right choice for everyone. Your personal circumstances, privacy, comfort with technology and therapeutic needs all matter. During our initial consultation, we can discuss whether working online would be appropriate for you.
What matters most isn’t where you’re sitting during therapy. It’s having the right support, an approach that suits your needs and a space where you feel comfortable enough to begin making changes.
Will our sessions be confidential?
Absolutely. I understand that opening up to someone about your thoughts, feelings and personal experiences requires trust, and I take that responsibility very seriously.
You might share things you’ve never spoken about before, experiences you find difficult to put into words or worries you’re not comfortable discussing with the people closest to you.
Whatever brings you to therapy, I want you to feel that you can speak openly, without fear of judgement or unnecessary disclosure of your personal information.
Your privacy, dignity and confidentiality are fundamental to the way I work.
Everything you share during our sessions is treated with care, respect and in accordance with professional confidentiality standards. Your personal information, assessment records and session notes are handled securely in line with applicable UK data protection legislation, including the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
I won’t discuss your personal circumstances with friends, family members, employers or anyone else simply because they ask. Even confirming whether someone is attending therapy is something I treat as confidential.
Are There Any Exceptions to Confidentiality?
There are a small number of circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be limited, particularly where there is a serious concern about someone’s safety, a legal obligation to disclose information or another lawful safeguarding reason.
For example, if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, it may be necessary to share relevant information with an appropriate professional or service.
Where it is safe and appropriate to do so, I would aim to discuss this with you first, explain my concerns and involve you in the process.
Any disclosure would be considered carefully and limited to what is necessary and lawful.
What About Online Sessions?
Your privacy matters just as much online as it would in a face-to-face therapy room.
Our appointments take place through a secure video platform, and I take appropriate precautions to protect your personal information and therapy records.
I also encourage you to attend from a quiet, private space where you feel comfortable speaking freely without being overheard or interrupted.
Before we begin working together, I’ll explain how confidentiality works, how your information is handled and any relevant limits, so you know what to expect.
Above all, I want you to feel respected, listened to and able to speak honestly, knowing that your trust is something I value and take seriously.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and I completely understand that sometimes things come up unexpectedly.
Perhaps you’re feeling unwell, something urgent has happened or your circumstances have changed and you can no longer attend your appointment.
Whatever the reason, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, I simply ask that you let me know as early as possible. This gives us the best opportunity to explore alternative appointment times and allows me to offer the original time to someone else who may be waiting for support.
I believe in being understanding and flexible wherever reasonably possible, while also keeping arrangements fair and transparent for everyone.
To make sure you know exactly where you stand, my cancellation, rescheduling and refund policies are explained in the Terms & Conditions, which you’ll have the opportunity to read and accept before completing your booking.
These explain how much notice is required, what happens if you cancel at short notice, and how cancellations or changes to prepaid sessions and packages are handled.
Any applicable statutory consumer rights will, of course, remain unaffected.
My aim is never to make an already stressful situation more difficult. It’s simply to have clear arrangements in place so that we both know what to expect.
If you’re ever unsure about your booking or need to discuss a change, you’re always welcome to contact me.
Do I need any special equipment for online sessions?
Not at all. You don’t need any fancy equipment, special software or technical knowledge to get started.
One of the lovely things about online therapy is that you can access support from a place where you already feel comfortable, without having to travel anywhere or prepare anything complicated.
All you’ll need is a computer, tablet or smartphone with a working camera, microphone and a reliable internet connection.
Our sessions take place through Google Meet, and you’ll receive a link with your booking confirmation. When it’s time for your appointment, simply click the link to join. There’s no need to create a Google account or have any previous experience with online therapy or hypnosis.
Creating a Comfortable Space for Your Session
You don’t need a perfectly quiet house or a dedicated therapy room. Just somewhere you feel comfortable, safe and able to speak privately.
If possible, choose a space where you won’t be interrupted or overheard. You might want to close the door, silence your phone notifications and give yourself a little time to settle in before we begin.
Headphones can be helpful, particularly during hypnosis, as they allow you to focus on my voice and minimise background distractions. They’re not essential, though, so please don’t worry if you don’t have any.
It’s also a good idea to find a comfortable chair where you can sit with your back supported and position your device somewhere stable, so we can see and hear each other clearly without you having to hold your phone throughout the session.
You might like to have a glass of water and some tissues nearby, too. Sometimes therapy brings up emotions we weren’t expecting, and having a few small comforts within reach can make the experience feel a little easier.
What If Something Goes Wrong With the Connection?
Please don’t worry. Technology isn’t always perfect, and an occasional connection problem is nothing to feel embarrassed about.
If your video freezes, your sound stops working or you unexpectedly disconnect, we’ll take a moment to reconnect and see whether we can continue comfortably.
If the problem persists, we’ll discuss the most appropriate next step rather than trying to push through a session when we can’t communicate properly.
And if you’re feeling nervous about using Google Meet for the first time, that’s absolutely fine. I can guide you through the basics at the beginning of our appointment.
You don’t need to worry about creating the perfect setting. Just find a space where you can feel at ease, be yourself and give yourself some uninterrupted time. I’ll guide you through the rest.
What is the difference between the free consultation and a hypnotherapy session?
I know that reaching out for support isn’t always easy, especially when you’re not sure what to expect, whether therapy is right for you or even where to begin.
That’s exactly why I offer a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a chance for us to have a conversation, get a feel for how we might work together and help you decide whether you’d like to take the next step.
Think of it as an opportunity to ask questions, not a commitment to therapy.
During our consultation, you can briefly tell me what’s been troubling you, what you’d like help with and what you’re hoping to achieve. You don’t need to go into anything deeply personal or explain your entire situation in fifteen minutes.
You might have questions about hypnosis, wonder whether Hypno-CBT® could be suitable for your particular difficulties or simply want to know what working with me would actually feel like.
Whatever you’d like to ask, you’re welcome to.
It’s also an opportunity for me to learn a little about your needs, explain my approach and consider whether the support I offer could be appropriate for you.
And if you’re feeling nervous about making that first call, please know that there’s no right or wrong way to approach it. You don’t need to prepare anything, rehearse what you’re going to say or have all the answers.
What Happens When You Book a Full Session?
A full 60-minute appointment is where our therapeutic work begins.
Your first session is primarily an initial assessment, rather than a hypnosis session.
We’ll take the time to explore your experiences in greater depth, understand how your difficulties are affecting your life and discuss any relevant background information. We’ll also look at what you’ve already tried, what you’d like to change and what you hope to gain from therapy.
This gives us a clearer understanding of your needs and helps me develop a treatment plan tailored to you.
In subsequent sessions, we’ll begin working with appropriate CBT techniques, hypnosis and practical strategies, depending on your individual goals and circumstances.
Throughout the process, we’ll work collaboratively, review your progress and adapt our approach where needed.
Do I Have to Book a Session After the Consultation?
Absolutely not. There’s no pressure, no obligation and no expectation that you should make a decision straight away.
You might feel ready to book your first session, or you might prefer to take some time to think things over. You may even decide that a different approach would suit you better, and that’s completely okay.
Therapy is a personal decision, and I believe you should feel comfortable and confident about the person you choose to work with.
The free consultation is simply a chance to talk, ask questions and see whether working together feels like the right next step for you.
Sometimes, that first conversation is all you need to feel a little more certain about where to begin.
How do I book and pay for a session?
Taking the first step towards therapy can feel a little daunting, so I’ve made the process as simple and straightforward as possible.
At Calm Mind Hypnotherapy, we always begin with a free 15-minute discovery call before booking any paid sessions.
Why? Because I believe therapy should be a good fit for both of us.
Before we start working together, I want to understand a little about what you’re experiencing, what you’re hoping to achieve and whether Hypno-CBT® is an appropriate approach for your needs.
Just as importantly, I want you to have the opportunity to get to know me, ask questions and decide whether you feel comfortable working with me.
Therapy is a collaborative process, and feeling understood, respected and at ease with your therapist really matters.
Step 1: Book Your Free Discovery Call
Visit the Book a Session page and select a convenient date and time for your free 15-minute consultation.
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a Google Meet link, so we can have a relaxed conversation online.
There’s nothing you need to prepare, and you don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable discussing.
Step 2: Let’s See If We’re a Good Fit
During our call, we’ll briefly talk about what has brought you here, what you’d like to change and how Hypno-CBT® might be able to help.
I’ll explain how I work, answer your questions and consider whether my approach is suitable for your circumstances.
And this decision goes both ways. I want you to feel that I’m someone you can trust and feel comfortable opening up to.
If I feel that another type of support would be more appropriate for your needs, I’ll be open about that too.
There’s no pressure to book anything. This is simply an opportunity for us both to decide whether working together feels right.
Step 3: Choose Your Sessions
If we both feel that we’re a good fit and you’d like to move forward, we can discuss the next steps.
You can choose individual sessions or one of my structured packages of four or six sessions, depending on your needs and goals.
Your first paid appointment will be an initial assessment, where we’ll explore your difficulties in greater depth and begin developing a personalised treatment plan.
Step 4: Book Securely and Confirm Your Appointment
Once we’ve agreed to move forward, you’ll be able to book your sessions online and complete payment through a secure checkout.
Before paying, you’ll have the opportunity to review the relevant booking terms, including cancellation, rescheduling and refund arrangements.
You’ll then receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and a Google Meet link for your session.
And that’s it. No complicated process, no unnecessary pressure, just a clear and supportive way to begin.
You don’t have to know exactly what you need or have everything figured out before getting in touch.
All you need to do is book that first conversation. We can explore the rest together.
Can I book sessions if I live outside the UK?
Absolutely. One of the wonderful things about online therapy is that meaningful support doesn’t have to be limited by distance.
Whether you’re living in the UK, have moved abroad or simply prefer the convenience of speaking to someone from the comfort of your own home, online sessions can make accessing therapy that little bit easier.
At Calm Mind Hypnotherapy, I offer online Hypno-CBT® sessions in both English and Polish, so you can choose the language in which you feel most comfortable expressing yourself.
Therapy in a Language That Feels Like Your Own
Talking about your thoughts, emotions and personal experiences isn’t always easy, especially when you’re trying to find the right words for something you’ve never spoken about before.
And if English isn’t your first language, you might find that certain feelings or experiences are simply easier to describe in your native language.
That’s why I offer online hypnotherapy in Polish as well as English.
Whether you’re a Polish speaker living in the UK, someone who has settled in another country or simply feel more comfortable discussing personal matters in Polish, you can choose the language that feels most natural to you.
Because when it comes to therapy, being able to express yourself freely and feel genuinely understood matters.
What If I’m Based in Another Country?
Although my practice is based in the United Kingdom, online sessions may also be available to clients living abroad.
However, different countries have different regulations around providing therapeutic services remotely. Before we begin working together, I’ll need to confirm that I’m able to offer Hypno-CBT® in your location and that online therapy is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
The first step is always a free 15-minute discovery call.
This gives us an opportunity to talk about what you’re looking for, explore whether I can offer the right support and decide whether working together feels like a good fit for both of us.
What About Time Zones?
Appointments are arranged according to UK time, so if you’re joining from another country, please take the time difference into account when booking.
If you’re unsure about availability or whether I can work with clients in your country, you’re always welcome to get in touch before arranging your discovery call.
Wherever you’re joining from, my aim is the same: to offer a supportive, professional and personalised space where you feel heard, understood and comfortable being yourself.
Is Hypno-CBT® suitable for everyone?
I believe everyone deserves to feel supported, understood and taken seriously. But I also believe that good therapy means recognising when a particular approach might not be the right one for someone.
Hypno-CBT® can be helpful for many people experiencing anxiety, stress, fears, low self-confidence and unwanted patterns of thinking or behaviour. However, no single therapeutic approach works for everyone, and what helps one person may not be suitable for another.
And that’s okay. Finding the right support is far more important than trying to make yourself fit a particular type of therapy.
Your individual circumstances, mental and physical health, the difficulties you’re experiencing and what you’d like to achieve all play a part in deciding whether Hypno-CBT® could be appropriate for you.
Some people may have difficulties that require more specialist support, a different therapeutic approach or additional medical or psychiatric care. Certain mental health conditions may also mean that hypnosis needs to be adapted, postponed or avoided, depending on the circumstances.
This doesn’t mean your difficulties are too complicated, that you’re beyond help or that you’ve somehow failed at therapy. It simply means that your needs deserve the right kind of attention and expertise.
How Will We Know If It’s Right for You?
That’s one of the reasons I offer a free 15-minute discovery call before accepting any new clients.
It’s an opportunity for us to talk briefly about what you’re experiencing, what you’re hoping to change and whether my approach may be suitable for your needs.
If we both feel comfortable moving forward, your first full session will involve a more detailed assessment. This allows me to understand your circumstances more thoroughly, identify any relevant concerns and consider the most appropriate way to work together.
And if I believe that another professional or service would be better placed to support you, I’ll be open and honest about that. Where appropriate, I can suggest that you speak with your GP or seek support from a suitably qualified specialist.
Hypno-CBT® can also complement other forms of care in some circumstances, but it should never replace necessary medical treatment, prescribed medication or specialist mental health support.
Above all, I want you to know that your wellbeing will always come before a booking.
My role isn’t to convince everyone who contacts me that Hypno-CBT® is the answer. It’s to listen, understand your needs and offer support when it’s appropriate, within the limits of my professional training and competence.
Because sometimes the most helpful thing a therapist can do is recognise when someone needs a different kind of support, and help them take a step towards finding it.
Will I have to talk about difficult or traumatic experiences?
No. You don’t have to tell me your entire life story, revisit painful memories or share anything you’re not ready to talk about.
For some people, one of the biggest worries about starting therapy is the thought of having to open up about experiences they’ve spent years trying not to think about.
Perhaps there are things in your past that still feel painful, memories you’d rather leave untouched or experiences you’ve never spoken about with anyone. You might worry that therapy will mean having to relive those moments, explain every detail or face emotions you’re not sure you’re ready to deal with.
I want you to know that therapy doesn’t have to begin there.
While our past experiences can sometimes help us understand why we think, feel or respond in certain ways, meaningful therapeutic work doesn’t always require exploring those experiences in detail.
Hypno-CBT® often focuses on what’s happening in your life right now, including the thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours that may be contributing to your difficulties.
Together, we can work on understanding these patterns, developing practical coping strategies and building the confidence and skills to respond differently, without necessarily having to revisit everything that happened in the past.
What If Something Difficult Comes Up During a Session?
Sometimes, even when we’re focusing on the present, difficult memories or emotions can naturally arise.
If that happens, you won’t be expected to push through something that feels overwhelming simply because we’re in a therapy session.
We can slow down, take a break, focus on helping you feel more settled or discuss how you’d prefer to continue.
There may be times when talking about certain experiences could help us understand your difficulties more clearly, but I’ll explain why I think something may be relevant rather than expecting you to share without understanding the purpose.
You can always tell me when something feels too personal, when you’d rather not answer a question or when you need a little more time.
And if your experiences suggest that you would benefit from specialist trauma-focused therapy, we’ll discuss that openly and consider what kind of support would be most appropriate.
You Have a Say in Your Therapy
I don’t believe that healing should mean forcing yourself to revisit your most painful experiences before you’re ready.
Therapy should be a collaborative process in which your boundaries, choices and emotional wellbeing are respected.
That doesn’t mean every conversation will necessarily feel easy. Sometimes making changes involves exploring uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. But there’s a difference between working through something challenging with appropriate support and feeling pressured to disclose more than you’re comfortable sharing.
My role is to help you approach those challenges thoughtfully, with care and at a pace that takes your needs into account.
You are more than the difficult things you’ve experienced, and you don’t have to explain every part of your past to deserve support in the present.
We can begin with what you’re experiencing today and work together towards the changes you’d like to make.
Can I stop therapy at any time?
Absolutely. Therapy is your choice, and that includes deciding when it’s time to stop.
I believe that therapy should be something you actively choose to participate in, not something you feel pressured or obligated to continue.
Perhaps you’ve achieved what you originally came for and feel ready to move forward independently. Maybe your circumstances have changed, you need a break or you’ve realised that a different approach might suit you better.
Or perhaps something about the process simply doesn’t feel right for you.
Whatever your reason, you have every right to make that decision, and you don’t need to justify it to me.
What If I’m Unsure About Continuing?
If you’re thinking about ending therapy, I’d always welcome an open conversation about how you’re feeling.
Sometimes, doubts arise because progress feels slower than expected, a particular technique hasn’t felt helpful or something during a session has left you feeling uncertain.
If that’s the case, we can talk about it honestly, review what’s been working and explore whether any adjustments might help.
Equally, you might simply feel that you’ve reached a point where you’re ready to continue on your own. And if that’s the case, that’s something worth recognising.
My goal is to help you become more confident and independent in managing your difficulties, not to make you feel that you need therapy indefinitely.
If you decide to finish, we can arrange a final session to reflect on your progress, discuss the strategies you’ve found helpful and consider how you can continue building on what you’ve learned.
But a final session is an option, not an obligation. You’re always free to decide what’s right for you.
What Happens If I’ve Already Paid for a Package?
If you’ve purchased a package of four or six sessions and decide not to continue, we’ll review any unused appointments and the applicable cancellation and refund arrangements.
These are explained in the Terms & Conditions provided before booking and will always be applied in accordance with your statutory consumer rights.
Choosing to end therapy doesn’t mean you’ve failed, given up or wasted the progress you’ve made.
Sometimes, knowing when you’re ready to move forward independently is part of that progress. And sometimes, recognising that you need something different is an equally important decision.
Whatever you choose, I want you to feel respected, supported and in control of your own therapeutic journey.
What qualifications and professional credentials do you hold?
When you’re choosing someone to support you with your mental health and wellbeing, I believe you deserve to know who you’re placing your trust in, what their training involves and the professional standards behind their work.
I’m a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist, holding a Level 5 Higher Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (Hypno-CBT®) from the UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy, now known as Hypno-CBT® College.
My training was completed through an established UK training institution with more than two decades of experience in evidence-based hypnotherapy education, recognised for its specialist approach to integrating hypnosis with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Professional Training Built on Science, Not Myths
Not all hypnotherapy training is the same, and choosing a scientifically grounded approach was important to me.
The College’s Level 5 Higher Diploma is accredited by NCFE as a Customised Qualification, with learning outcomes and assessments benchmarked at Level 5. The comprehensive programme involves 500 hours of learning, including theoretical study, practical training, supervised case studies and formal assessment.
The training programme has also received the British Psychological Society (BPS) CPD Quality Mark, recognising its standards for continuing professional development.
What particularly drew me to this approach was its emphasis on understanding why people experience certain difficulties, rather than simply relying on hypnotic suggestions and hoping for change.
My training combines clinical hypnosis with cognitive and behavioural techniques, helping me understand how thoughts, emotions, physical responses and behaviours interact, and how we can work with these patterns therapeutically.
Learning from an Established Institution
The College has been providing specialist hypnotherapy training since 2003 and has trained thousands of students internationally.
Its educational approach is supported by an experienced teaching team and a Senior Advisory Board that includes internationally recognised figures in psychology and psychotherapy, including Dr Donald Meichenbaum, a prominent contributor to the development of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
For me, being trained within this environment means building my practice on a foundation of psychological theory, research-informed methods, supervised practical experience and professional accountability.
Professional Membership and Ethical Practice
I’m also a member of the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP) and hold professional indemnity insurance for my hypnotherapy practice.
I take professional ethics, confidentiality, informed consent and working within the boundaries of my training and competence seriously.
I also believe that qualifying as a therapist should never mean the end of learning. Psychology and therapeutic research continue to evolve, and I’m committed to ongoing professional development, reviewing emerging evidence and refining my skills throughout my career.
Qualifications Matter. So Does the Person Behind Them.
I believe professional training provides the foundation for good therapy, but the way someone makes you feel during that process matters too.
You deserve a therapist who listens without judgement, takes your concerns seriously, explains what they’re doing and why, and treats you as an individual rather than a collection of symptoms.
That’s the kind of therapeutic relationship I aim to offer.
My approach combines the structured, evidence-informed methods I’ve been trained in with warmth, honesty and genuine respect for your experiences.
Because I don’t believe you should have to choose between professional expertise and feeling genuinely understood. You deserve both.