What is Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy can benefit anyone who is looking to improve their mental health or overcome certain habits or behaviours. It is especially useful for individuals who have tried traditional therapies without success. 

Hypnosis refers to the state of relaxation and concentration, while hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes, combined with psychotherapy where we will address the issues you would like to change. Hypnotherapy involves a trained hypnotherapist guiding the client through the hypnotic state to address specific issues. Contrary to beliefs from media, everyone can go into trance, and we all do so daily without even thinking about it, from watching TV to driving - they can both be a state of trance.

The number of sessions you may need will depend on you and what you’d like to work on. Some people notice positive changes after just one session, while others choose to have a small series to reach their goals more fully.

As a guide, generalised anxiety is often supported over around 8–12 sessions, phobias can usually be resolved in 2–3 sessions, and smoking cessation typically takes 1–2 sessions.

We’ll talk this through during your free initial consultation, so you have a clear understanding of what’s likely to help before you commit to anything.

The list is endless. 

Anxiety & Stress

• General anxiety
• Overthinking
• Panic attacks
• Work or life stress
• Burnout
• PTSD 
• OCD

Sleep & Relaxation

• Insomnia
• Trouble switching off
• Restlessness

Confidence & Self-Esteem

• Self-belief
• Public speaking
• Social confidence
• Body confidence

Habits & Behaviours

• Stopping smoking or vaping
• Reducing alcohol
• Nail biting
• Emotional eating

Phobias

• Flying
• Spiders
• Heights
• Needles
• Public speaking
• Enclosed spaces

Performance & Focus

• Sports performance
• Poker and competitive performance
• Motivation
• Concentration
• Goal achievement

Pain & Physical Symptoms

• Chronic pain management
• IBS
• Tension
• Headaches

Emotional Wellbeing

• Grief
• Anger
• Low mood
• Feeling “stuck”

Life Transitions

• Menopause support
• Relationship stress
• Career change

Each session at Bright Waves Hypnotherapy lasts around 50–55 minutes and is divided into two clear parts.

In the first half, we have a solution focused conversation. Rather than analysing problems or going back into the past, we focus on what has been going well, what’s already working for you, and what you would like to move towards. We also spend a little time revisiting how your brain works, and we agree on a simple, goal-oriented task to support your progress between sessions.

The second half of the session is the hypnosis, which feels very similar to a deeply relaxing guided meditation. You’ll be comfortably seated or lying down, listening to my voice as your mind and body settle into a calm, focused state. This is where the brain becomes more receptive to positive change, allowing new, healthier patterns of thinking to begin to form.

Your free initial consultation is a relaxed, supportive conversation designed to help you feel informed and confident before starting therapy.

I’ll ask you some gentle questions to understand what you’d like to change, and then I’ll explain — in clear, simple terms — how your brain works, why you may be feeling the way you do, and how solution focused hypnotherapy helps create new neural pathways. This process supports your brain in responding differently to stress, anxiety, habits, or performance challenges.

By the end of the consultation, you’ll have a clear understanding of how hypnotherapy can help you and what the next steps would look like, with no pressure to commit.

You are always fully in control during hypnotherapy. It’s a natural state of focused attention, similar to being absorbed in a book or guided meditation, and you remain aware and able to speak or stop at any time.

At Bright Waves Hypnotherapy, the process is collaborative and focused on helping you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control.

Some people do drift into sleep, especially if they’re very tired — this is completely safe and the session remains effective. Many people wake feeling relaxed, refreshed, and clearer, even if they don’t remember everything.

You don’t need to try to “do” hypnosis — your brain knows what to do.