Your first contact with me can be made by telephone, email or via the Confidential Enquiry Form.  If you haven't already completed this, I will ask you to complete it prior to your session, and at your first session, I'll ask you to sign the Terms and Conditions which clearly set out what you can expect of me and what I ask of you when we work together.

Once your booking has been made, I'll send you directions, and during the 24 hours prior to your appointment, you'll receive a text reminder.  On the day of your appointment, when you arrive, I will invite you into my consulting room.  Depending on which clinic this is in, it could be furnished with a desk and a couple of chairs, or perhaps a chair, a small table and a sofa.  All of my consulting rooms are comfortable and private.  If we are meeting online, whether that is by Zoom, Skype or telephone, just make yourself nice and comfortable. 

This is the part that some clients can find a little daunting, but I can reassure you that this will pass very quickly.  Once we are sitting comfortably, I will explain what you can expect from me and how we'll work together.  Then, you'll have the opportunity to tell me how I can help you, and this will be the start of our conversation, and the start of your therapeutic journey.  You will have plenty of opportunity to ask me any questions you have, about therapy or your treatment, and we will discuss your structured treatment plan.

Counselling and Psychotherapy is very often just like a chat.  A chat about what's been happening and how you've been feeling.  A chat with someone that wants to understand how you are feeling and is completely neutral.  You can speak freely, confidentially, and there will be no judgement. 

With Hypnotherapy, you will be able to recline the chair, close your eyes and relax.  I might ask you to imagine a couple of things, or I might ask you some questions around what you came to see me about.  

Once you are nice and relaxed, the deeper part of your mind becomes more open and receptive, so I might make some suggestions that will be for the purpose of your wellbeing.  I might tell you a story, as the deeper part of your mind loves to follow, and the imagination is very good at solving problems in this way.

It might be that some of the things we talk about during therapy are upsetting for you.  This is absolutely fine, and there is always a box of tissues to hand, and these things are honestly better out than in.  Tears are just your body releasing some emotion.  You would never consider stifling a laugh, and it's equally as important not to stifle any emotion that arises, including tears.  

Towards the end of the session, I will let you know that we are coming to the end, and we will wrap up with what you can expect during the days following the session, and I might give you some homework - depending on the situation.  We will book your next appointment, if appropriate, and I will show you out.

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Hypnosis is the calm, relaxed dream-like state we all enter several times a day.  Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic work carried out whilst you are in the state of hypnosis.  

Hypnosis is not mind control.  No one can control your mind except you.  

Psychotherapy is a talking therapy whereby the issues you feel are preventing you from moving forwards are talked through and analysed, in a way that creates understanding within the deeper mind, moving you towards the solution.  

Psychotherapy can be short or long-term, depending upon the issues that you need help with.

Counselling is a safe space where you can talk openly about your thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental environment.  

Counselling can be beneficial for a one-off, short term problem, or for longer term issues.

Hypno-Psychotherapy is an integrative therapy approach, using both Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy to address deeper emotional issues.  The combination of interacting with the therapist whilst in the state of hypnosis can help guide and direct your mind to those deeper issues.

Client-centred therapy is where the Therapist fits appropriate techniques around their client, rather than trying to fit the client to the technique.

Client-centred therapy is a participatory process where the Therapist works with the client towards a permanent positive outcome.

We are all different, and consequently, respond differently to different stimuli. A competent Therapist will have learned several different techniques during their training, and the client-centred approach means that the Therapist will use the technique that is best suited to the needs of the client, creating the best possible foundation for a permanent positive outcome. Client-centred techniques help clients use the power of their own minds to change, while the Therapist serves only as the guide or facilitator of such change.

Everyone is different and the number of sessions you will require depends on the type of therapy you are seeking as well as the issues you are seeking help with.

Come with an open mind and be prepared to go with the flow. Wear comfortable clothing in order that you can relax easily in a chair. Caffeine is a stimulant, so avoiding it in the few hours leading up to your session might be beneficial. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs prior to your session.

In 2018, the rules in the UK about holding people's data changed. All of the information I take from you is confidential and I never pass on your details to a third party. The information I take is for the purpose of your treatment, and nothing else. I don't store anything electronically, and I write with pencil. Being as open and honest as you can will enable me to give you the best possible treatment I can.

Sometimes, it can be embarrassing or upsetting to discuss certain things. I understand that. All of the information I take from you is confidential. Everything you say to me during our sessions is confidential and all of my work is carried out in line with the Code of Ethics and Conduct of the National Council for Hypnotherapy.