FAQ’s

The Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council describes hypnotherapy as “…a skilled communication aimed at directing a person’s imagination in a way that helps elicit changes in some perceptions, sensations, feelings, thoughts and behaviours. In a typical hypnotherapy session the hypnotherapist and client will discuss the intended alterations or therapeutic goals desired. The hypnotherapist will ask questions about previous medical history, general health and lifestyle to decide on the best approach for the individual.” Taken from CNHC, March 2023.

The human brain is an incredible organ, and home to our survival instinct. Ever woken in the night from an unfamiliar sound? Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse of something from the corner of your eye? That part that is always listening and watching out is within all of us, our unconscious and ever vigilant guardian. Even during hypnotic trance that part is listening out and keeping you safe. That’s why it simply is not possible to hypnotise someone into something they don’t want to do.

Additionally, our brain holds the key to the trances all of us enter on most days, many of us don’t even noticing it we’ve done it! I wonder how many times you’ve heard a song or smelled a fragrance and your mind is transported to another place and time? Perhaps whilst focussing on work or engrossed in a film or book you’ve lost track of time? Trances can also lead us to imagine and visualise worst-case scenarios, helpful with planning and preparation, but when out of control can lead to fear, anxiety, panic, stress, and much more besides. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy work with this natural ability, therefore providing a drug-free method that works with your mind and body to bring about change.

According to the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC, March 2023) “[hypnotherapy] is often used to help relieve anxiety, aid sleeping, help to address bedwetting, address attitudes to weight, and help clients achieve behavioural change to stop smoking. It may also help with minor skin conditions that are exacerbated by stress and confidence issues, and may also be used to enhance performance in areas such as sport and public speaking. Hypnotherapy may help people to cope with and manage the relief of perceived pain.”

Regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the CNHC goes on to state “Hypnotherapy has also been used with both adults and children to help manage the pain associated with irritable bowel. There is evidence to support it’s use in this condition for both adults and children and the National Institute for Health and Clinical Guidance (NICE) recommends the NHS should consider referring patients for hypnotherapy if their irritable bowel is persistent and has failed to respond to simple prescribed medicine. (Taken from CNHC, March 2023)

When choosing a practitioner, it is important to choose a qualified hypnotherapist, someone you can trust. That is, someone who has undertaken all the necessary training to understand both the theory as well as the practice of hypnotherapy, adheres to a code of ethics, is insured and legally compliant.

You can use the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Councils register at www.cnhc.org.uk to check whether a hypnotherapist is registered with the CNHC and therefore abides by their professional codes of ethics and conduct.

There are a great many different issues that psychotherapy can help with. Research has shown that often, it’s the therapeutic relationship itself that provides a great source of support. Talking through your difficulties, your aspirations and fears with someone who listens to you and accepts you for who you are is the first step toward making meaningful change in your life. Finding someone who treats you with unconditional positive regard, no matter what you share, means you don’t have to fear judgement, guilt or shame.

There are many different types or ‘modalities’ of psychotherapy. Different therapy modalities can be used very effectively to help people with a range of different problems. As an integrative practitioner, I blend support to you, rather than using one specific modality of psychotherapy to help with everything. For instance, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is trusted by the NHS as being able to provide effective support with managing anxiety, giving you tools to manage your experience, whilst others may find a more psychodynamic approach can be helpful in understanding and addressing the root cause of the anxiety. Being trained in both, I can blend them together to offer you tailored therapy to support the goals you seek to achieve.

A requirement of registration with the UKCP is to abide by their code of ethics. For testimonials to be trusted, they must first be verified. As the verification process requires the client to disclose their identity, it breaks the rules of confidentiality between client and therapist and is therefore prohibited.

Both hypnotherapy and psychotherapy a very personal experiences, which can vary from one practitioner to another. However, there are certain steps that can be reasonably expected.

You can view a step-by-step guide of what to expect when working with me. These steps include an initial call, followed by initial consultation during which your therapist will gain a more detailed understand of your situation and background, confidentiality, privacy and contracts. After this, your therapist will to create and discuss a treatment plan with you. Subsequent sessions will either follow the plan or work on any other material you’d like to focus on.

Toward the end of your course, we will discuss the number of sessions remaining. This allows you to prepare for closure or discuss alternative arrangements as supports your progress and ensures your safety.

“This sense of belonging that cannot be denied anyone, against which there are no arguments, can only be won by being involved, by cooperating, and experiencing, and by being useful to others” Alfred Alder, from“Individual Psychology,” Einführung in die neuere Psychologie, 1926.

I believe that we all have a part to play in this world, and even the smallest steps can lead to great change. That’s why I only use recyclable or recycled materials wherever possible, and proudly support Samaritans, SERV Sussex, and The Wildlife Trusts. Click on the links to discover more about their amazing work.

Being pre-registered with the UKCP means that I have completed my training and passed all assessments required to provide all the services advertised on my website, and have elected to undertake further training in psychotherapy to gain full UKCP accreditation.

As such, you benefit from my commitment to continual professional development, regular supervision, and adherence to the CNHC and UKCP codes of practice and ethics, which complement to one another.

Phone 07918 901 654 or email enquiries@sussex-therapies.co.uk, giving your name and contact details, and arrange a time when you would like a call back. It’s that simple.

As your initial chat is free, there is obligation for any payments until you are ready for us to work together. I will confirm the details of our meetings along with an invoice, which gives you details of how to make payment.

To secure your appointment, please make payment by electronic transfer, either at the time of booking or no later than three working days prior to your appointment. Late payment may result in the loss of your booking and your appointment time being given to another client.

If you are experiencing difficulties regarding payment, please get in touch so we can explore options.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, please notify me as soon as possible so that we can reschedule your appointment or arrange any refunds that are due.

It is important that you please state your name, and the date / time of the session you wish to cancel to avoid the wrong appointment being lost.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation can be made:

• During your session.
• By phone.
• By email.

For cancellations received with more than 48 hours notice, you will receive a full refund on all payments received towards that appointment within 48 hours of receiving your notification.

Cancellations received with less that 48 hours notice will receive full refund minus the £20.00 holding deposit. This is to help cover the cost of lost clients due to the reserved time slot.

Refunds for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are discretionary, due to the cost of lost clients resulting from lack of availability.

PLEASE NOTE: I make payment of all refunds within 48 hours of receiving your notification to cancel, to the nominated bank account and according to the details you provide to me. Therefore, please ensure you provide the correct details.

Please be aware that different banks may vary in the amount of time they take to process payments. Also, weekends and Bank Holidays can affect how long it takes for funds to clear. If the funds have not appeared in your nominated account within 5 working days, please contact your bank for an update.

No, we are not currently offering couples therapy or group therapy, however both the UKCP directory and BACP directory have search functions which may help you find the right therapist for you. 

Anyone wishing to raise a concern or make a complaint about any practitioner registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council can do so by emailing info@cnhc.org.uk, or by calling 020 3327 2720.

Further information about the CNHC complaints procedure can be found by visiting their website, www.cnhc.org.uk.