Question 1

Does hypnotherapy really work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is backed by neuroscience and clinical evidence. It is grounded in the understanding of how the brain processes stress and anxiety, and multiple studies support its effectiveness for anxiety, IBS, phobias, and chronic pain. Hypnotherapy for IBS is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) in the UK. Most clients at First Step Therapy notice meaningful improvements within 2–4 sessions.

Question 2

Is hypnotherapy scientifically proven?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clinical hypnotherapy — especially Solution Focused Hypnotherapy — is grounded in neuroscience. It works by calming the brain's threat-detection system (the amygdala) and strengthening connections to the prefrontal cortex, which governs rational thought and positive emotion. NICE recommends hypnotherapy for IBS. Research supports its use for anxiety, phobias, sleep disorders, and chronic pain.

Question 3

Will I lose control during hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

No. You remain fully aware and in control throughout a hypnotherapy session. Hypnosis is simply a deeply relaxed mental state — similar to the feeling just before you fall asleep, or being absorbed in a book. You will not say or do anything you would not want to. It is nothing like stage hypnosis, which is entertainment. Clinical hypnotherapy is therapy, and your consent and comfort are central to everything.

Question 4

What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a modern, evidence-based therapy that combines Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with clinical hypnosis. Unlike traditional therapy, it does not ask you to revisit painful memories. Instead, it focuses entirely on where you want to be — your goals, your strengths, and your future — and uses deep relaxation to help your subconscious mind absorb those positive changes more effectively. It is typically short-term: most issues resolve within 6–12 sessions.

Question 5

How is hypnotherapy different from CBT or traditional talking therapy?

Accepted Answer

Traditional talking therapies, including CBT, often focus on analysing problems, exploring past experiences, and challenging negative thought patterns. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy takes a different approach: sessions are entirely forward-focused, exploring what a better future looks like rather than dwelling on what went wrong. The addition of clinical hypnosis allows the subconscious mind to absorb positive suggestions in a deeply relaxed state, which can accelerate change. Many clients find SFH more positive and less emotionally demanding than traditional therapy.

Question 6

What happens in a hypnotherapy session?

Accepted Answer

A session at First Step Therapy lasts approximately 50–60 minutes and has two parts. The first part (around 20–30 minutes) is a structured, forward-focused conversation — you talk about what has felt a little better, what small wins you have noticed, and what a better version of your life looks like. The second part (around 20–25 minutes) is the hypnosis itself: a deeply relaxing experience in which you sit or lie comfortably while Vikki guides you into a relaxed state and offers positive suggestions aligned to your goals.

Question 7

How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

Most clients at First Step Therapy work through between 6 and 12 sessions. For phobias, results can come in as few as 1–3 sessions. For anxiety, depression, or long-standing habits like smoking or weight management, 8–12 sessions is more typical. The exact number depends on the issue, how long you have had it, and how much you engage with the at-home relaxation recording provided between sessions. A free initial consultation with Vikki will give you a realistic sense of what to expect.

Question 8

What can hypnotherapy help with?

Accepted Answer

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues, including: anxiety and panic attacks, stress and burnout, low confidence and self-esteem, sleep problems and insomnia, depression and low mood, phobias (flying, needles, heights, spiders, social situations), OCD and intrusive thoughts, grief and bereavement, exam nerves and performance anxiety, weight management, stopping smoking and quitting vaping, IBS, chronic pain, anger management, and relationship difficulties.

Question 9

Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek hypnotherapy, and it is one of the conditions that responds particularly well to Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. SFH works by calming the amygdala — the brain's threat-detection centre — which becomes overactive in anxiety. The talking part of each session shifts focus from problems to solutions, gradually lowering the baseline anxiety level. Most clients notice meaningful changes within 2–3 sessions. Vikki at First Step Therapy in Hertfordshire specialises in anxiety and has helped many clients reduce or eliminate anxiety symptoms.

Question 10

Can hypnotherapy help me stop smoking or quit vaping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Stop smoking hypnotherapy is one of the most effective ways to quit, because it addresses both the physical habit and the psychological patterns (the rituals, the emotional triggers, the identity of being a smoker) that willpower alone cannot overcome. At First Step Therapy, Vikki uses Solution Focused Hypnotherapy to build a clear, vivid identity as a non-smoker and to strip the emotional charge from triggers. The same approach works for quitting vaping.

Question 11

Does hypnotherapy work for OCD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be very effective for OCD and intrusive thoughts. Rather than focusing on the content of the obsessions, SFH works at the neurological level — calming the overactive amygdala response that drives compulsive behaviour. Clients often find that the urgency and anxiety around intrusive thoughts reduces significantly over a course of sessions. Vikki has personal experience with OCD, which informs her empathetic, non-judgemental approach.

Question 12

Do I have to talk about my past or relive difficult memories?

Accepted Answer

No. This is one of the most significant differences between Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and traditional therapy. You will never be asked to revisit painful memories or discuss difficult events in detail. Sessions are entirely forward-focused — what you want your life to look like, what small steps you can take, what is already going well. Many people find this a relief, particularly those who have had difficult past experiences they would prefer not to re-examine.

Question 13

Where is First Step Therapy based, and who does Vikki see?

Accepted Answer

First Step Therapy is based at 3, The Courtyard, Shrubbs Farm, Hatfield Heath — a peaceful, private setting on the Hertfordshire and Essex border, just a few minutes from Bishop's Stortford. Vikki sees clients from across the area, including Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Stansted Mountfitchet, Saffron Walden, Epping, Chelmsford, and beyond. A free initial consultation is available with no obligation.

Question 14

How much does hypnotherapy cost at First Step Therapy?

Accepted Answer

The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. Individual sessions are £80. A 6-session package is available for £450, saving £30 compared to paying per session. Most clients start with the 6-session package to give enough time for meaningful progress. You can continue beyond the package if you wish.

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