About Hypnotherapy
I’m Francesca, an integrative therapist, hypno-psychotherapeutic counsellor, and hypnotherapist. I provide a calm and non-judgmental space for healing and change. My approach is accepting, warm, and supportive.
My therapeutic process is grounded in a passion for exploring your inner world and guiding you on a path of self-discovery. I believe that within each person lies the potential for healing, growth, and transformation. My own journey of self-exploration has deepened my understanding of the human experience and allowed me to connect with my clients on a deep level.
Let’s explore how hypnotherapy can help you discover the path to a brighter and more harmonious future.
Image by Rodolfo Sanches Carvalho
Types of hypnotherapy I offer — Hypno-Psychotherapeutic, Analytical, Ericksonian, and Suggestion Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis within the therapeutic process. Hypnosis, sometimes called trance, is a state of relaxation and highly focused attention coupled with cognitive flexibility.
With training in hypno-psychotherapeutic counselling, analytical hypnotherapy with psychotherapy, Eriksonian hypnotherapy, and suggestion hypnotherapy, I can help you unlock the door to your inner potential.
Hypno-psychotherapeutic counselling combines the power of hypnotherapy and counselling to access the depths of your unconscious mind. Through hypnosis, we can connect with memories and feelings within the shadows of your mind, bringing them to the light where they can be explored, understood, and healed—with me as your guide.
The process of analytical hypnotherapy often focuses on uncovering the root cause of the issues or discomforts that have been bothering you. This technique digs deep into the core of the problem, allowing us to address long-standing issues and provide you with long-term solutions.
Ericksonian hypnotherapy adds another layer of depth to my approach. This method harnesses the power of indirect suggestions and storytelling to communicate with your unconscious mind in a unique and highly effective way. It’s a beautifully tailored approach that can be particularly helpful in addressing complex issues, breaking through stubborn barriers, and unlocking the true potential within you. We’ll tap into your inner wisdom, allowing it to guide you toward lasting change.
And then there’s suggestion hypnotherapy, sometimes called traditional hypnotherapy. This method employs the power of hypnosis and tailored suggestions to nudge your mind toward positive behavioural changes. The result? Immediate relief from those nagging symptoms and a ticket to long-term benefits.
Your healing journey — how hypnotherapy can help
Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, depression, or low self-confidence, hypnotherapy offers a unique key to unlocking your inner healing potential. Additionally, if you’re grappling with sleep problems, whether it’s insomnia, nightmares, or sleep anxiety, hypnotherapy offers highly effective solutions to help you regain peaceful nights.
For those who have experienced childhood abuse and neglect or other forms of developmental trauma, hypnotherapy can provide a safe and supportive space to process and heal from these challenging experiences.
Hypnotherapy can help you overcome interpersonal challenges and relationship difficulties. It can also support you to explore attachment patterns, including anxious, avoidant, and disorganised attachment. At times, we all face emotional hurdles, and hypnotherapy can be used to resolve challenges such as anger, loneliness, and jealousy.
For those experiencing sexual issues, such as sexual shame, vaginismus or vulvodynia, hypnotherapy can be a transformative tool in finding relief and enhancing your sexual well-being.
In addition to addressing emotional and life challenges, hypnotherapy can be used for the integration of psychedelic experiences, dreams, and altered states of mind.
Exploring your inner universe for transformative healing
If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, I’m here to be your trusted guide. Together, we’ll explore the vast potential within you and help you achieve the lasting change you’ve been yearning for. Let’s get started on this transformative and healing journey.
What to expect from your session
Before
The first step is for us to have a 20-minute consultation over Zoom. During the consultation, we can discuss session logistics and I can answer questions you may have about working together.
Following the consultation, you can book your first therapy session. Before the first session, you will be sent a New Client Questionnaire and Therapy Agreement to complete.
During
A typical session will begin with a discussion around a particular issue or set of issues. During the first session, I typically ask a set of intake questions to allow you to share helpful background information.
This is typically followed by hypnosis, which may last approximately 20 to 35 minutes. During hypnosis, I guide you in exploring the root cause of your challenge and provide suggestions to support you.
The session will close with additional discussion and talk therapy.
Each session may follow a slightly different format based on what will provide you with the most meaningful experience.
Between sessions
Self-guided meditation, relaxation & reflection activities, and hypnosis audios can help support your development and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you see clients?
I work with clients online. Sessions are held over Zoom.
Does online hypnotherapy work?
Yes. Online hypnotherapy sessions are effective. It’s important for you to be in a comfortable location where you can recline. You may wish to wear headphones during the session for the best experience.
What are your qualifications?
I am a qualified hypno-psychotherapeutic counsellor with a Diploma in Hypno-Psychotherapeutic Counselling from The National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy in the UK.
I am a qualified hypnotherapist with a Diploma in Analytical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, accredited by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC), and Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists (ACCPH).
I am also a qualified coach with a Diploma in Mindfulness Life Coaching from the Centre for Mindfulness in the UK. I’m a qualified meditation practitioner and teacher, with a focus on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Insight Meditation practices.
I am a registered hypnotherapist and acknowledged supervisor with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a self-improvement process that facilitates access to a person’s internal resources to assist them in solving problems, increasing motivation, changing perspectives, or altering behaviour patterns to create positive change. It is a natural and safe state of focused attention and relaxation. Hypnosis is well-recognised as a mind-body intervention that dates from ancient times.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), hypnosis is ‘a state of consciousness involving focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness characterized by an enhanced capacity for response to suggestion’.
What will hypnosis feel like?
If you have ever listened deeply to a guided meditation or rested with your eyes closed after a yoga class, you have entered a state of relaxation that is similar to a hypnotic state. You will likely feel deeply relaxed and calm during and after the session. Some states of hypnosis are gentle, and others will feel like a deeper state of relaxation.
Can you recommend any podcasts about hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy have been the topic of a few recent and popular podcasts. They’ve helped dispel the myths and share the science behind hypnosis. You can get the highlights and watch or listen to my favourites here:
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. Hypnosis is a natural and safe state. During a hypnotherapy session, hypnosis creates a period of focused attention and relaxation.
Is hypnosis mind control?
No. While in the hypnotic state, clients remain in control of their feelings and behaviours. At any point in the session, you will be able to open your eyes.
How many sessions will I need?
Results vary from person to person. Please get in touch with me for more information concerning typical results for your specific goal or issue.
What if I can’t be hypnotised?
If you are open to the process, it will be possible for you to be hypnotised. It is common to be sceptical and this can be discussed in our session.
Is hypnotherapy suitable for everyone?
Hypnotherapy is not suitable for anyone who has ever had a medical practitioner or mental health professional diagnose them with any of the following, as these are contra-indicated for hypnotherapy: Epilepsy, Narcolepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorder, Psychotic Episodes, Schizophrenia, or any other psychiatric condition, nor those who have previously taken steps to serious self-harm or suicide.
Ready to begin?
References
Elkins, G.R., Barabasz, A.F., Council, J.R. and Spiegel, D. (2015). Advancing Research and Practice: The Revised APA Division 30 Definition of Hypnosis. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 57(4), pp.378–385. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/00029157.2015.1011465.
Geagea, D., Ogez, D., Kimble, R. and Tyack, Z. (2023). Redefining hypnosis: A narrative review of theories to move towards an integrative model. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, pp.101826–101826. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101826.
Williamson, A. (2019). What is hypnosis and how might it work? Palliative Care: Research and Treatment, [online] 12(1), p.117822421982658. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1178224219826581.
Wolf, T.G., Faerber, K.A., Rummel, C., Halsband, U. and Campus, G. (2022). Functional Changes in Brain Activity Using Hypnosis: A Systematic Review. Brain Sciences, 12(1), p.108. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010108.
