Clinical Hypnosis

Clinical hypnosis is a focused, absorbed state of attention that can be used therapeutically to support psychological and emotional change.

Despite common misconceptions, hypnosis is not about losing control, being unconscious, or having something “done” to you. Most people remain fully aware throughout. Many describe it as a state of settled focus, increased absorption, or temporary relief from the usual noise of thinking.

In my work with persistent pain, clinical hypnosis is one of a number of therapeutic approaches I may use. Depending on the individual, it may be used to work directly with the experience of pain, to support greater comfort and relaxation, or to help with related difficulties such as sleep, fear, anxiety and confidence.

I don't use hypnosis as a standard treatment that everyone with persistent pain receives. Whether we use it — and how we use it — depends on your individual experience, what you would like help with and how our work develops.

How I use clinical hypnosis

I have used clinical hypnosis as part of my therapeutic work for many years. I use it within a broader psychotherapeutic approach rather than as a stand-alone technique or a standardised treatment.

For some people, hypnosis may help create a state of greater absorption and calm in which we can work differently with pain, attention, sensation, imagery or emotional responses. For others, it may be useful in working with sleep, fear, confidence or other aspects of living with persistent pain.

My earlier training and practice as a medical doctor informs my understanding of health and illness, but my present role is as a psychotherapist and hypnotherapist rather than a treating doctor.

Every person responds differently, and no particular outcome can be guaranteed.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Experiences vary considerably.

Some people feel deeply relaxed. Others feel calm, absorbed, mentally quieter, or simply more focused. Some notice very little physically at all.

There is no “correct” way to experience hypnosis, and useful therapeutic work does not depend on having a dramatic experience or becoming completely relaxed.

You remain aware and in control during hypnosis, and there is no requirement to use hypnosis if you would prefer not to.

Online clinical hypnosis

Appointments currently take place online using Zoom, so I can work with adults throughout the UK.

Clinical hypnosis can be used effectively online, and being in your own familiar surroundings may make it easier to settle and engage with the process.

You will need a quiet, private place where you can be comfortable and undisturbed for the duration of the appointment, together with a reliable internet connection.

Clinical hypnosis and persistent pain

Persistent pain is complex, and there is no single therapeutic approach that is right for everyone. Clinical hypnosis does not replace appropriate medical assessment or treatment, and I do not promise that hypnosis will remove pain.

It can, however, provide another way of working with the experience of pain and with some of the ways persistent pain can affect everyday life. Our work may include exploring possibilities for greater comfort and pain relief, changing how attention is directed towards pain, reducing fear or distress, improving sleep or confidence, or helping you reconnect with activities and parts of life that have become more difficult.

Whether clinical hypnosis forms part of our work will depend on you, your circumstances and what we are working towards.

[Find out more about psychotherapy and hypnotherapy for persistent pain]