Your initial consultation
The first appointment gives time to understand what you want from hypnotherapy and how problems show up in your day to day life. You leave with a clear sense of whether this work fits you and what next steps look like.
Purpose of the first session
The consultation has three main aims.
- To understand your situation, history and current pressures.
- To agree realistic goals and priorities.
- To outline how hypnotherapy and, if helpful, counselling might support those goals.
What we cover
Your current difficulties
You talk through the main issues in straightforward language. This includes when the problem began, what makes it worse, what helps a little and what you have already tried.
Your goals
You then narrow this down into clear, realistic aims. For example, fewer panic attacks, sleeping more steadily, feeling calmer in specific situations or changing a particular habit.
Medical and safety checks
Relevant medical history, medication and risk are covered. If something sits outside what hypnotherapy or counselling can safely hold, this is explained and you are signposted appropriately.
What hypnotherapy in practice will involve
You receive a clear explanation of how hypnotherapy would be used in your case. This may include:
- Relaxation and breathing work.
- Guided imagery and rehearsal of new responses.
- Techniques for shifting unhelpful thoughts or beliefs.
- Planning small, practical steps between sessions.
If counselling or a combined approach is likely to help, this is explained so you decide what fits you best.
Number and spacing of sessions
Some issues suit a brief, focused piece of work. Others benefit from a medium to longer series of appointments. During the consultation you agree an initial plan, often a small block of sessions followed by a review.
FAQ
People often bring similar questions to the first meeting. Some of the most common are answered here.
How will hypnosis feel?
Most people describe hypnosis as a state of focused relaxation. You usually feel more absorbed in what is being said, with everyday worries moved slightly into the background. You stay aware of where you are and you hear everything that is said.
Will I stay in control?
Yes. You stay in control of what you say and do throughout. You choose what to share, you can open your eyes at any point and you can ask to pause or stop. Ethical hypnotherapy does not involve stage-style tricks or asking you to do things you do not agree with.
How does hypnotherapy fit with my medical treatment?
Hypnotherapy sits alongside, rather than instead of, medical care. You continue to follow advice from your GP or specialist. Where relevant, sessions focus on areas such as anxiety, sleep, habits and coping, while medication and medical decisions stay with your prescriber. If an issue is not suitable for hypnotherapy, this is explained clearly.
What happens between sessions?
You are usually given one or two small, realistic steps to work on between sessions. This might include practising a relaxation track, using a simple breathing exercise, noticing patterns or trying a new response in a specific situation. These steps are always agreed with you so they feel workable in your week.
If you have other questions not covered here, you can raise them in the consultation or by phone or email beforehand.
Booking your consultation
Consultations are available at Barham Court, Teston and at Buckland Hill in Maidstone.
To arrange an initial appointment, visit the contact page or phone 01622 232643.