Your subconscious mind is as unique as you are, with thought processes that are entirely your own. A skilled and experienced hypnotherapist has the ability to connect directly with this inner part of you—the part that influences how and why you respond to specific situations.

In order to reach this part of you, the hypnotherapist works with the patterns and processes of your mind, taking into account your preferred communication style, the colors that bring you comfort, and the sense you naturally rely on—whether it's visual ("I see what you're saying"), emotional ("I feel what you're saying"), or auditory ("I hear what you're saying"). By customizing the treatment to align with your personal tendencies, the therapist can effectively access your deeper emotions and establish a meaningful connection.

Hypnosis is a complementary practice that requires commitment and trust from both the therapist and the patient. Through building rapport and mutual confidence, the therapist guides the patient into a state of hypnosis using various relaxation techniques, helping them journey through different levels of consciousness.

Relaxation involves calming both the mind and body, and can also be described as a state of being at ease.

To help a patient achieve the deep relaxation necessary for entering a trance-like state, the therapist may offer soothing and reassuring suggestions, such as:

• Relax your muscles
• Feel calm and at peace
• Visualise a serene place
• Feel safe and at ease

The goal of relaxation is to quiet the mind, allowing thoughts to flow smoothly and naturally. This mental stillness promotes rest and rejuvenation, without trying to completely empty the mind, which isn’t possible. Instead, relaxation focuses the mind while easing both mental and physical tension, preparing the patient for the more transformative suggestions of hypnosis, which can lead to behavioral change or healing from past experiences.

In hypnotherapy, a "deepener" is a technique I’ll use to help guide you into a more relaxed and focused state of hypnosis. Once we’ve started the session and you’re in a light hypnotic state, the deepener helps you relax even more deeply, which makes it easier for us to access your subconscious mind, where the real work happens.

The deeper you go, the more receptive and open you become to positive suggestions or changes, whether we’re working on reducing stress, breaking a habit, or building confidence. You’ll feel comfortable and in control the whole time, but the deepener allows us to work more effectively by quieting distractions and enhancing the focus on your inner thoughts and feelings.

Think of it as sinking into a very calm, peaceful state that makes the session more productive and helpful for you.

As we reach the end of the session, I’ll guide you to gradually return from that deep, relaxed state of hypnosis back to your normal, fully alert awareness. Just like how we gently deepened your relaxation earlier, we’ll do the opposite to help you come back feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

I’ll use a few simple techniques, like counting up or giving gentle suggestions, letting you know that with each count or each breath, you’re becoming more alert and aware. You’ll feel yourself coming back to full consciousness at a comfortable pace, but still calm and relaxed.

By the time we’re finished, you’ll be fully awake, feeling positive and refreshed, and you’ll remember everything from the session. Coming back from this deepened state will feel natural and smooth, leaving you ready to carry the benefits of the session with you into your day.