How much do sessions cost?

Individual sessions are £70 for evening appointments and £65 for daytime sessions (10am-4pm). I also offer various package deals including a 6-session pre-pay for £390, 8-session block for £500, and specialized plans for phobias (£325) and trauma (£390). The initial discovery consultation is £50.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

I use evidence-based approaches including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), neuroscience principles, solution-focused hypnotherapy, EMDR, and EFT techniques.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies depending on your individual needs and goals. Some issues like phobias can be addressed in as few as 5 sessions, while more complex issues may require 8-12 sessions or more. We'll discuss this during your discovery consultation.

Can you treat phobias without exposure therapy?

Yes, I can reduce phobias and fears without the need for exposure. We work together to desensitize the feelings around the phobia and build confidence using specialized techniques.

Do you offer both face-to-face and online sessions?

Yes, I provide therapy sessions both in-person at my Swindon office and online to accommodate different preferences and circumstances.

What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of treatment that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Using neurolinguistic programming, we identify the root cause of trauma and help the brain process information differently to reduce emotional responses.

What symptoms can trauma therapy help with?

Trauma therapy can help with phobias, mood swings, anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, distorted self-image, interrupted emotional functioning, increased sensitivity to threat perception, flashbacks, and depression.

How does trauma therapy work?

We use neurolinguistic programming to identify the root cause of trauma and allow the brain to process information in a different way to reduce emotional responses. We also utilize guided relaxation in sessions to reduce anxiety, which drastically speeds up the healing process.

Where are trauma therapy sessions held?

Sessions are held at our office in Swindon, Wiltshire at Northbourne Road, St Andrews Ridge, SN25 4YE. We are open Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 8pm and Friday 8:30am - 6pm.

Emetophobia is an intense, irrational fear of vomiting or seeing others vomit. It can significantly impact daily life through psychological symptoms like intense anxiety, physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and behavioral avoidance of certain foods, places, or situations.

What are the symptoms of emetophobia?

Symptoms include intense anxiety at the thought of vomiting, persistent intrusive thoughts, catastrophic thinking, physical symptoms like nausea and sweating, and avoidance behaviors such as not eating certain foods, avoiding restaurants or social events, and constantly checking food safety.

How do you treat emetophobia without exposure?

We reduce the effects and triggers of emetophobia using the NLP rewind technique and hypnosis, mental rehearsal and desensitisation. This approach allows you to overcome the fear without being exposed to triggering situations, enabling you to lead a life without constant fear.

Where can I get emetophobia therapy?

Sessions are held at our office in Swindon, Wiltshire or online. Our office is located at Northbourne Road, St Andrews Ridge, Swindon, SN25 4YE. We're open Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 8pm. Contact us at 07359 071210 to book a consultation.

How much does therapy cost?

Discovery Consultation costs £50, Daytime sessions are £65, and Evening sessions are £70. We offer various pre-pay packages with discounts for NHS, blue light workers, and teachers.

Do you offer face-to-face and online sessions?

Yes, we offer both face-to-face sessions at our Swindon location and online sessions via secure video conferencing platforms.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 24 hours notice for cancellations. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may be charged at the full session rate.

How long are therapy sessions?

Standard therapy sessions are typically 50-60 minutes long, allowing sufficient time for effective therapeutic work.

What therapeutic approaches do you use?

We use Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, combining elements of psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, and neuroscience to help clients achieve their goals.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on individual needs and goals. Many clients see improvements within 6-12 sessions, though this can vary.

Do you treat phobias?

Yes, we specialize in phobia treatment using proven hypnotherapy techniques. We offer a specific Phobia Reduction Plan for £325.

What is a Discovery Consultation?

A Discovery Consultation is an initial 50-minute session where we discuss your needs, explain our approach, and determine if our services are right for you. It costs £50.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we offer discounts for NHS workers, blue light workers (police, fire, ambulance), and teachers. We also have pre-pay packages that offer savings.

What are your opening hours?

We're open Monday to Thursday 8:30am-8:00pm, and Friday 8:30am-6:00pm. Weekend appointments may be available by arrangement.

Exploring the Science and Benefits of Hypnotherapy

Gary Smith
Jul 5, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jul 9, 2025

Hypnotherapy is a fascinating field that combines psychology and the art of suggestion to help individuals achieve their desired outcomes. Over recent years, it has gained momentum as an alternative treatment for a variety of challenges, including stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, and weight management. In this blog post, we will delve into the science behind hypnotherapy, its benefits, and how it can positively impact your life.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to induce a relaxed state of focused attention. During this state, people are more open to suggestions and can access deeper parts of their minds. It is often used to assist with behavioral change and emotional healing.

In contrast to popular misconceptions, hypnotherapy does not involve mind control or magical effects. Instead, it serves as a tool for self-improvement, where individuals retain control and are mere participants in their healing journey.

Close-up view of a comfortable therapy room — A warm and inviting space for hypnotherapy sessions.

The Science Behind Hypnotherapy

Research supporting the efficacy of hypnotherapy is growing. Studies reveal that it can have a profound effect on various psychological and physiological conditions. A systematic review in the American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis found that hypnotherapy can significantly aid through relaxation techniques, behavior modification, and enhancing coping strategies.

Several brain imaging studies have demonstrated that hypnosis can alter brain activity. For example, a study by Oakley and Halligan showed that areas of the brain associated with pain perception are less active under hypnosis. This suggests that individuals under hypnosis may experience altered perceptions of pain, which can be beneficial for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions.

Moreover, hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind, which accounts for about 90% of our mental activity. By tapping into this deeper layer, hypnotherapy enables people to address issues more effectively than traditional talk therapies.

Benefits of Hypnotherapy

The potential benefits of hypnotherapy are vast. Some of the most common areas where individuals experience positive transformations include:

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Hypnotherapy has been shown to lower anxiety levels and alleviate stress. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of American College Health, students who underwent hypnotherapy reported reduced levels of anxiety and increased relaxation.

Overcoming Phobias and Fears

Individuals often struggle with irrational fears that can hinder their daily lives. Hypnotherapy is effective in addressing phobias such as fear of flying or public speaking. Through relaxation and suggestion, hypnotherapy can help reframe these fears into more manageable responses.

Weight Management

For those looking to shed extra pounds, hypnotherapy can facilitate a positive change in mindset around food and exercise. By targeting the subconscious beliefs that contribute to unhealthy habits, individuals can develop a healthier relationship with food. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that participants who received hypnotherapy lost significantly more weight than those who received no treatment.

Improved Sleep Quality

Sleep issues are prevalent in modern society, with millions suffering from insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns. Hypnotherapy helps by promoting relaxation and breaking negative thought patterns that can interfere with sleep. Many clients report improvements in sleep quality after just a few sessions.

Eye-level view of a serene bedroom perfect for sleeping — A peaceful bedroom that promotes restful sleep.

Pain Management

Research has indicated that hypnotherapy can serve as an effective adjunct to conventional pain management methods. According to a review in Pain Medicine, hypnotherapy has been documented to help manage chronic pain by altering patients' perceptions and emotional responses towards pain.

How Hypnotherapy Works

Understanding how hypnotherapy works can help demystify the process. Here’s a straightforward breakdown:

Initial Consultation: The therapist assesses the individual's needs and explains the hypnotherapy process.
Induction Phase: The therapist guides the individual into a relaxed state, often through deep breathing and visualization techniques.
Deepening State: Once relaxed, the therapist deepens the state of hypnosis, allowing the individual to become highly focused.
Suggestion Phase: The therapist offers positive suggestions tailored to the individual's goals—whether for stress relief, pain management, or behavior change.
Awakening and Discussion: After the session, the therapist gradually brings the individual back to full awareness, discussing the experience and reinforcing the positive changes.

Seeking Hypnotherapy Services

For individuals considering hypnotherapy, it is essential to work with a qualified professional. Ensure that the practitioner is certified, experienced, and has a solid understanding of the therapeutic processes.

If you are looking for hypnotherapy services in Swindon, consider reaching out to Gary Smith Psychotherapy. With a wealth of experience, he can help individuals on their journey towards better mental health.

High angle view of a calming therapy setting — A relaxed therapy environment for effective hypnotherapy sessions.

Common Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy

Despite its growing popularity and acceptance, several myths around hypnotherapy persist. Here are some common misconceptions debunked:

Mind Control: Hypnotherapy does not equate to mind control. Individuals are in control and can choose to accept or reject suggestions.
Sleep State: Contrary to popular belief, individuals undergoing hypnotherapy are not asleep; rather, they are awake and fully aware.
Only for Weak Minds: Anyone can be hypnotized, regardless of mental strength. The effectiveness depends on the willingness of the individual to participate.

The Future of Hypnotherapy

As research continues to illuminate the benefits of hypnotherapy, the future looks promising. Increased awareness among healthcare providers and mental health professionals may lead to wider acceptance and integration of this therapeutic approach into conventional treatment plans.

Additionally, with the rise of telehealth, access to hypnotherapy services has become more versatile. Many practitioners now offer virtual sessions, making it easier for individuals to receive help from the comfort of their homes.

In conclusion, hypnotherapy offers numerous scientifically backed benefits that can help individuals overcome various physical and mental health challenges. By understanding its principles and considering it as a viable form of therapy, you can take significant steps towards improved health and well-being.

As you embark on your journey into hypnotherapy, embrace the possibility of transformation and healing. The power of your mind is more substantial than you may realize.