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 History and Benefits of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

Gary Smith
Sep 15
4 min read

In recent years, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy has gained traction as a holistic approach to mental health. This blend of talk therapy and hypnosis offers transformative benefits for individuals seeking to address various emotional and psychological challenges. For residents in Swindon and Cirencester, understanding the roots and advantages of this therapy can be the first step towards improved well-being.

A Brief History of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines two powerful disciplines: solution-focused therapy and clinical hypnotherapy. Its genesis can be traced back to the late 20th century. Notably, solution-focused therapy emerged in the 1980s through the work of social workers Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg. They advocated for a brief, goal-oriented therapeutic approach that emphasizes solutions rather than problems.

Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, has ancient origins, utilized across cultures for healing and relaxation. Modern clinical hypnotherapy is often credited to figures such as Milton Erickson, who revolutionized the practice in the mid-20th century. He incorporated conversational techniques and focused on the individual's unique experiences to facilitate change.

The merging of these two practices creates a therapeutic environment perfect for guiding clients towards solutions. This synergy helps individuals move forward with their lives rather than getting stuck in their problems.

High angle view of a tranquil therapy room — A serene and inviting therapy room for hypnotherapy sessions.

Core Principles of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

The effectiveness of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is grounded in several core principles:

Future-Focused: Unlike traditional therapies that often delve into past traumas, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy directs attention towards future goals. The therapist collaborates with clients to create a vision of their desirable future.
Resource Activation: This therapy emphasizes clients' strengths and resources. Therapists encourage individuals to recognize their skills and how to apply them in overcoming challenges.
Brief and Effective: Sessions are designed to be short and focused, typically lasting only a few weeks. The aim is to achieve noticeable improvement quickly, making therapy accessible to those with busy schedules.
Use of Hypnosis: Hypnosis is integrated to promote relaxation and facilitate a heightened state of focus. This allows clients to access their subconscious mind, where positive change can take place.

By working within these frameworks, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy fosters a collaborative and empowering relationship between clients and therapists.

Close-up view of a comfortable hypnotherapy chair — A comfortable chair designed for relaxation during hypnotherapy sessions.

Main Benefits of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy

The advantages of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy are numerous, especially for adults facing mental health challenges. Here are some key benefits:

Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Many clients report significant reductions in anxiety levels as the therapy encourages them to envision positive outcomes rather than fixate on fears and uncertainties.
Improved Confidence: The focus on personal strengths enables clients to build self-esteem. This can lead to greater confidence in various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships.
Enhanced Relaxation: The incorporation of hypnosis aids in deep relaxation, which can alleviate stress and promote overall well-being. Relaxation techniques learned during therapy can also be practiced outside of sessions.
Tools for Change: Clients learn practical tools and techniques during sessions that they can apply independently. This equips individuals to tackle future challenges with resilience.
Quick Results: The brief nature of this therapy often leads to swift results. Clients can find relief and improvement in symptoms in just a handful of sessions, making it a time-efficient option.
No Side Effects: Unlike some medication, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy has no pharmacological side effects, which makes it a safer option for many seeking mental health support.

Understanding these benefits may encourage individuals in Swindon and Cirencester to consider this empowering therapeutic approach.

Wide angle view of a counseling session — A counseling session in progress, showcasing the dynamics of therapy.

How Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is Practiced

At Gary Smith Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy, the practice of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is tailored to each client’s unique needs. The sessions typically follow a structured yet flexible format:

Initial Consultation: Potential clients start with a consultation where they discuss their challenges and goals. This meeting is a crucial step in creating a customized therapy plan.
Goal Setting: During the first few sessions, the therapist collaborates with the client to identify specific objectives they wish to achieve. Focusing on strengths and possibilities sets a positive tone.
Therapeutic Sessions: Subsequent sessions involve a blend of conversation and hypnosis. The therapist uses guided relaxation techniques to assist the client in accessing their subconscious. This technique allows for deep mental shifts and problem-solving.
Homework Assignments: Clients may receive tasks or reflective exercises to complete between sessions, reinforcing the skills learned during therapy.
Review Progress: Periodic reviews are built into the process to assess progress and make adjustments if needed. This adaptive approach ensures that clients remain engaged and feel supported throughout their journey.

The structured yet personalized nature of these sessions contributes to their effectiveness and helps clients stay focused on their goals.

Your Path to Positive Change

If you are an adult in Swindon or Cirencester seeking mental health support, considering Solution Focused Hypnotherapy may be a powerful step towards positive change. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem, or stress management, this approach offers a comprehensive and effective way to enhance your well-being.

Through the unique blend of solution-focused therapy and hypnotherapy, you can uncover your potential and leverage your strengths to create the future you desire. Remember, taking that first step is often the most challenging yet rewarding part of your journey towards mental health.

Discover the Benefits for Yourself

As you weigh your options for mental health support, explore the possibility of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy at Gary Smith Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy. With a commitment to helping you achieve your goals in a nurturing environment, the practice prioritizes your journey towards well-being.

Embrace the opportunity to change your life today. Seek out professional guidance and explore how this therapeutic approach can align with your needs. Your future self will thank you.