FAQs
About Hypnotherapy
Q: What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses guided hypnosis – a natural state of deep relaxation and focused attention – to help people make positive changes at a subconscious level. In this relaxed state, the mind becomes more open to helpful suggestions and new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding. It is used to address a wide range of issues including anxiety, phobias, unwanted habits, confidence, and personal development.
Q: Is hypnotherapy the same as stage hypnosis?
No, they are very different. Stage hypnosis is entertainment, designed to make people do amusing things in front of an audience. Clinical hypnotherapy is a structured, evidence-informed therapeutic process carried out in a private, professional setting. You remain fully aware and in control throughout, and nothing happens without your cooperation and consent. The dramatic portrayals of hypnosis in films and television bear very little resemblance to what actually takes place in a hypnotherapy session.
Q: Will I lose control or do things against my will?
Absolutely not. This is one of the most common misconceptions about hypnosis, largely fuelled by stage shows and films. During hypnotherapy you remain conscious and aware at all times. You cannot be made to say or do anything that conflicts with your values or wishes. If at any point you felt uncomfortable, you could simply open your eyes and the session would end. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process – it works with you, not on you.
Q: Will I be asleep during the session?
No. Hypnosis is not sleep, even though it may feel deeply relaxing. You will be aware of your surroundings, able to hear everything that is said, and able to respond. Most clients describe the experience as similar to that pleasant, drifting state just before you fall asleep – deeply relaxed but still present and aware.
Q: Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No. There is no known case of anyone becoming stuck in hypnosis. It is a natural mental state – similar to being absorbed in a book or daydream – and you can come out of it at any time. At the end of a session, you will be gently guided back to full waking awareness, feeling refreshed and alert.
Q: Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people can experience some level of hypnotic state with the right approach. The depth of hypnosis varies between individuals and can also vary from session to session. A willingness to engage with the process and an open mind tend to be the most important factors. People who struggle to relax or who are highly sceptical may find it takes a little longer to settle into the experience – but this is common and something we work through together.
Q: Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe, non-invasive, and gentle approach when practised by a qualified therapist. It does not involve medication, physical contact, or any kind of mind control. There are some situations where hypnotherapy may not be suitable – for example, for individuals with certain severe psychiatric conditions. If you have any concerns about whether hypnotherapy is right for you, please get in touch before booking and we will advise you honestly.
Q: What does the evidence say about hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has been studied and applied in clinical settings for decades. It is recognised by bodies including the British Psychological Society (BPS) and has been used alongside conventional medicine for conditions such as anxiety, pain management, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and habit change. While it is not a cure-all, and results vary between individuals, a growing body of research supports its effectiveness for a range of issues when delivered by a qualified practitioner.
Q: How is hypnotherapy different from counselling or CBT?
Counselling and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) primarily work at a conscious level – exploring thoughts, feelings, and behaviours through conversation and structured exercises. Hypnotherapy works at a deeper, subconscious level, directly addressing the patterns, associations, and responses that often drive behaviour without our conscious awareness. Many clients find hypnotherapy effective when they have already tried talking therapies and want to approach change from a different angle. The two approaches can also complement each other well.
Sessions & Process
Q: What happens in a typical session?
Each session begins with a conversation about your goals, how you have been feeling since your last session (if applicable), and what you would like to focus on. We then move into the hypnosis itself – a guided process of relaxation and focused attention – during which positive suggestions, visualisations, or other therapeutic techniques are used to support the changes you want to make. Sessions close with a gentle return to full awareness, followed by a brief discussion about your experience and any next steps.
Q: How long does a session last?
A standard hypnotherapy session typically lasts 60 minutes. Your initial free consultation lasts approximately 30 minutes and is focused on understanding your goals, answering your questions, and establishing whether hypnotherapy is a good fit for you – no hypnosis takes place during the consultation.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the nature of your goal and how you personally respond to hypnotherapy. Some clients notice meaningful change after just one or two sessions. Others benefit from a structured programme of four to six sessions, particularly for more complex or long-standing issues. We discuss a realistic expectation during your initial consultation so you have a clear picture before committing. We never recommend more sessions than we genuinely believe are needed.
Q: How quickly will I see results?
Some clients notice shifts after a single session – particularly in terms of how they feel or how they are responding to situations. For others, change is more gradual and builds over the course of several sessions. The speed of progress depends on the issue being addressed, your level of engagement, and how deeply the pattern is embedded. We will always be honest with you about what to expect for your specific situation.
Q: Do I need to do anything between sessions?
Hypnotherapy works best when combined with a degree of awareness and openness in everyday life. Between sessions you may be encouraged to practise a simple relaxation or visualisation technique, notice particular patterns or triggers, or take small steps toward your goal. None of this is demanding – it is about reinforcing the work done in sessions so that change embeds more effectively.
Q: What if hypnotherapy does not work for me?
Hypnotherapy is not a guaranteed solution, and results do vary. If after a fair number of sessions we are not seeing the progress you hoped for, we will have an honest conversation about why that might be and what other approaches could be more helpful. We never continue sessions for the sake of it – your time and investment matter, and our goal is genuinely to help you get the outcome you are looking for.
Q: Is hypnotherapy a replacement for medical treatment?
No. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychiatric advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have an existing medical or mental health condition, we recommend speaking with your GP or treating clinician before beginning hypnotherapy. We are happy to work alongside other healthcare professionals where appropriate.
Q: Will I remember what happened during hypnosis?
In most cases, yes – clients remember the session clearly, much as you would remember a guided relaxation or meditation. In some deeper states, you may find that some details become hazy, but this is not common in standard therapeutic hypnosis. There are no hidden or secret elements to what takes place.
Online Delivery
Q: Does online hypnotherapy work as well as in-person?
Yes – and for many clients it actually works better. Being in your own home, in a familiar and comfortable environment, can help you relax more deeply and engage more fully with the process. Clinical experience and emerging research both support the effectiveness of online hypnotherapy. The therapeutic relationship, the quality of the session, and the results you can achieve are not diminished by working online.
Q: What technology do I need?
You need a device with a camera and microphone – a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone will all work. A stable internet connection is important for a smooth session. We use a secure video platform for all sessions, and joining is straightforward — you will receive a link in your booking confirmation. No special software installation is required.
Q: What should my environment be like for a session?
Choose a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted for the duration of the session. Comfortable seating – an armchair, sofa, or lying on a bed – works well. Let anyone in your home know you are not to be disturbed. Close any other browser tabs or applications that might create noise or notifications. The more relaxed and comfortable your setting, the more effective the session will be.
Q: What if my connection drops during a session?
If your connection drops, stay calm – simply reconnect using the same link. We will pick up from where we left off once you are back. If there is a significant technical disruption that prevents the session from being completed, we will rearrange at no extra cost.
Q: Which countries do you work with?
We work with clients across all English-speaking countries, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Because sessions are fully online, location is not a barrier. Time zone differences are accommodated where possible – please mention your location and preferred times when booking and we will do our best to find a slot that works for you.
Q: What time zones do you cover?
Our primary availability is during UK business hours (GMT/BST). We offer some early morning and evening slots to accommodate clients in significantly different time zones, particularly Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Please contact us directly if standard availability does not suit your time zone and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Our Services
Q: What issues can hypnotherapy help with?
At Elevra we focus on four core areas: anxiety and phobias, addictions and unwanted habits, personal growth and confidence, and corporate wellbeing. Within those areas, we work with a wide range of specific issues including general and social anxiety, panic attacks, specific phobias (flying, heights, needles, driving and more), smoking, alcohol, emotional eating, gambling, low self-esteem, procrastination, public speaking nerves, and workplace stress.
Q: Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
Yes – anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek hypnotherapy, and one of the areas where it can be particularly effective. Hypnotherapy helps calm the nervous system, reduce repetitive anxious thinking, and change the subconscious patterns that keep the anxiety response active. Many clients find that after a course of sessions they feel noticeably calmer, more grounded, and better able to manage situations that previously felt overwhelming.
Q: Can hypnotherapy help with phobias?
Yes. Phobias are intense fear responses that are often stored and maintained at a subconscious level – which is why they can feel so automatic and out of proportion to the actual threat. Hypnotherapy works directly with this subconscious response, gradually reducing the emotional charge associated with the feared object or situation. Common phobias we work with include fear of flying, heights, spiders, needles, public speaking, and driving.
Q: Can hypnotherapy help with addictions and habits?
Hypnotherapy can be a powerful support for people working to change addictive behaviours and unwanted habits. It addresses the subconscious patterns – the triggers, associations, and emotional drivers – that keep the behaviour going. We work with habits including smoking, vaping, alcohol use, emotional eating, sugar cravings, gambling, nail biting, and compulsive screen use. It is worth noting that for serious substance dependency, hypnotherapy is most effective as part of a broader support plan and may work alongside other professional help.
Q: What does personal growth hypnotherapy involve?
Personal growth work focuses on building a stronger, more supportive inner mindset – developing confidence, self-belief, motivation, and resilience. We work with clients who want to overcome limiting beliefs, improve their performance at work, build better habits, or simply feel more in control and positive about their life. Sessions are highly personalised and can address anything from public speaking confidence and goal achievement to managing self-criticism and building emotional strength.
Booking & Pricing
Q: How do I book a session?
You can book directly through our website using the “Book your session” button – available from any page. You can choose between a free initial consultation or a full hypnotherapy session. If you would prefer to discuss things first, you are also welcome to contact us via email or WhatsApp and we will arrange something that way.
Q: Is there a free consultation?
Yes. We offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation of approximately 30 minutes. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, tell us about what you would like to work on, and get a feel for whether hypnotherapy – and working with us specifically – is the right fit. No hypnosis takes place during the consultation. There is no pressure to book further sessions.
Q: How much does a session cost?
Session pricing is available on our booking page. We offer individual sessions as well as package options for clients who would like to commit to a programme of sessions at a reduced per-session rate. Corporate pricing is quoted separately based on the scope of the programme.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment via PayPal, which also supports debit and credit card payments without requiring a PayPal account. Payment is taken at the time of booking. For corporate clients, invoicing arrangements can be discussed as part of the programme set-up.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
We ask for at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged in full, as that time cannot be offered to another client. We understand that emergencies happen – if something unexpected comes up, please get in touch as soon as possible and we will do our best to be flexible.
Q: Do you offer packages or programmes?
Yes. For clients working on a specific goal, we offer multi-session packages that provide a more structured programme of support at a better per-session rate than booking individually. The right package for you will depend on your goals and what we discuss during your initial consultation. We will always recommend what we genuinely believe is the right approach – never more than you need.
Q: What if I have more questions not covered here?
Please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us via the contact form on our website, by email at info@elevrahypnosis.com, or via WhatsApp. We are happy to answer any question – no matter how small – before you decide to book.
Corporate Wellbeing
Q: What corporate hypnotherapy services do you offer?
We offer a range of online hypnotherapy-based programmes for organisations, including: stress and burnout reduction for teams; confidence and public speaking coaching for individuals; leadership and executive performance work; productivity and focus improvement; and broader workplace wellbeing programmes. All services are delivered online, making them scalable across teams in different locations.
Q: Who is corporate hypnotherapy suitable for?
Our corporate services are suitable for a wide range of professionals – from individual contributors dealing with workplace stress to senior leaders working on executive presence and decision-making. Programmes can be tailored for individuals, small teams, or broader organisational wellbeing initiatives. We work with HR teams, L&D professionals, and line managers to design something that fits the specific culture and needs of the organisation.
Q: How is corporate delivery structured?
We offer flexible delivery models: individual one-to-one sessions for specific employees or executives; group sessions or workshops for teams; and custom programmes built around your organisation’s objectives and timelines. All delivery is online. We work with you to design a programme that fits your schedule, budget, and desired outcomes.
Q: Is employee confidentiality maintained?
Yes – absolutely. Individual sessions are completely confidential. We do not share the content of any employee’s sessions with their employer. The only information we would share with an organisation is whether a session took place, for invoicing and attendance purposes, and only with the employee’s knowledge and consent. Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship and we take it seriously.
Q: Can you provide outcome data or reporting for HR?
Yes, where agreed in advance. We can provide anonymised group-level reporting on engagement and general themes from a programme, without disclosing any individual’s personal information. We work with you to agree on what reporting would be useful and meaningful before a programme begins.
Q: How are corporate programmes priced?
Corporate pricing is bespoke and depends on the number of employees, the structure of the programme, the duration, and the level of customisation required. We provide a detailed proposal following an initial discovery conversation. To discuss your requirements and receive a tailored quote, please get in touch via our contact page or email us directly.
Q: Can you work with organisations outside the UK?
Yes. Because all our corporate services are delivered online, we work with organisations across English-speaking markets including the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. We accommodate different time zones where possible – please mention this when you get in touch and we will work around your team’s schedule.
Q: How do we get started with a corporate programme?
The first step is a no-obligation discovery call to understand your organisation’s needs, the issues you are looking to address, and the scale of what you have in mind. From there we will put together a tailored proposal. To arrange a call, please use the contact form on our website or email us directly at info@elevrahypnosis.com.
Start your journey now!
Discover how hypnotherapy can help in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, from the comfort of your own home, with no pressure and plenty of support.