What Is Hypnotherapy?
A clear, grounded explanation
Hypnotherapy is a way of helping your mind focus more deeply so you can work with thoughts, emotions, and patterns that are usually harder to reach when life feels noisy. It is not about losing control.
It is not about performing or doing anything strange. It is simply a guided state of calm attention that allows you to think and feel with more clarity.
What happens during hypnosis
When the mind settles, the body responds. Breathing slows. The nervous system becomes less reactive. Stress chemistry reduces. In this quieter state, you can explore experiences, beliefs, habits, and emotional triggers without the usual overload. This makes it easier to shift patterns such as worry, cravings, low motivation, or persistent tension.
In my practice, hypnotherapy is not used in isolation. It sits alongside mindfulness, psychological tools, coaching, and The Mind Works Process of Change. Some sessions involve hypnosis. Others focus on helping you understand the patterns behind your feelings and behaviours. Together, these approaches help create steady, long-term change rather than short bursts of relief.
How hypnosis works
Hypnosis is a natural state that most people experience without realising it. You slip into it when you are absorbed in a book, a film, or your own thoughts. In this state, your attention narrows. You become less distracted. You can focus on one thing at a time.
In therapy, we use this natural ability deliberately. This allows you to work with automatic thoughts, emotional responses, and habits in a more direct way. You remain aware throughout. You can pause at any time. You are always in control.
What hypnotherapy can help with
Hypnotherapy can support a wide range of challenges. These include:
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anxiety, stress and overwhelm
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low mood, emotional intensity, and burnout
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procrastination, confidence and motivation
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cravings, emotional eating and weight concerns
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insomnia, tension and chronic pain
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alcohol, smoking, vaping and habit cycles
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relationship patterns and attachment difficulties
Each area has its own page with more detail:
Why this approach is different
Many people imagine hypnotherapy as a single technique. In reality, it works best when it sits within a wider framework. My approach includes:
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hypnosis to calm the system
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mindfulness and breathwork for grounding
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psychological tools to understand thoughts and emotions
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coaching to support change in daily life
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The Process of Change to help you move forward safely
This combination gives you both insight and practical tools, rather than relying on hypnosis alone.
What a session feels like
A session is calm, reflective and steady. There is no pressure to “go deep” or relax perfectly. Your mind will do what it needs to do. We work at your pace, with a clear sense of safety and direction.
Most people leave feeling clearer, lighter, and more able to understand what their system is doing. Hypnosis may be part of the session, but it is only ever used when it is helpful.
If you are unsure where to start
The following pages may help:
If you prefer a conversation first, you can message me and we can look at what you are dealing with and what might help.
Contact Craig
