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How Can Hypnotherapy Help Boost Sporting Performance?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:20:09 GMT

Have you ever had a day when you’ve woken up in a bad mood, and suddenly everything you do that usually comes about so naturally suddenly seems so much more complicated and laboured?

It is often easy to underestimate the power of the mind-body connection and how our mental state can shape how we perform even the most basic of tasks.

This is especially noticeable with athletes, who spend so much time training to subconsciously accomplish incredible feats of strength, dexterity and endurance without even thinking, and often benefit most from dedicated hypnotherapy sessions .

How does hypnotherapy help with sports performance? There are various benefits, but here are some of the biggest and most crucial.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help With Performance Anxiety?

Former football player Steve Bull MBE once noted that having butterflies in your stomach is fine, as long as you get them to fly in formation.

Nerves are not necessarily the enemy, but they can overwhelm you and affect not only your mental makeup but also your body.

Nervousness can make your muscles feel stiffer and tighter , which can have a negative effect on your performance and increase the risk of injury. It can also boost your heart rate and cause you to overthink even the most basic actions.

Hypnotherapy can help to break cycles of negativity and refocus your energy, not on anxious thoughts but on anticipation.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help Induce Flow States?

Most athletes succeed because they are able to enter a mental flow state or get “in the zone”, where they get immersed in what they are doing and allow their subconscious to take control.

Flow states are exceptionally important for athletes because they stop them from focusing on pain or on consciously noticing and regulating the movements of the body, breathing, form and position.

Achieving flow can be difficult, but hypnotherapy can help us more readily access these states and develop a toolkit of techniques for boosting our awareness and minimising external distractions.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help Athletes To Rest And Be At Their Best?

One of the biggest challenges for athletes is the huge gulf between rest and pushing the body to its absolute limit. Olympians often talk about the difficulties in resting and calming down after their event is completed due to the hyper-stimulation and abundance of energy they have.

This is particularly true when two sets of skills are needed in the same sport, such as the ability to intensely sprint up and down the pitch in football, but also be able to accurately shoot a ball into a net.

Outside of specific sports, rest is a vital component for preventing injury, but it can be tricky at times to appreciate your limits, stop and let your body build itself back up, sleep and reduce stress.

Being able to shift from a state of intensity to a state of calm is very difficult, but hypnotherapy can be effective at helping us make that switch more readily, encouraging rest, relieving anxiety and allowing us to perform at our best without compromising our bodies in the process.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help You Play Your Sport Better?

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:04:54 GMT

If you are not playing well at a sport, the reason may sometimes be a fitness issue or a lack of technical skill. But all too often, it is a matter of psychology. Lack of confidence, nerves or lapses in concentration can all let you down at crucial moments.

The whole area of sports psychology has grown massively as an industry. In the 1970s and early 80s, the England cricket captain, Mike Brearley, was a trained psychoanalyst. Many coaches are valued for their motivational skills, and teams often use sports psychologists.

Using sports hypnotherapy can take things further, helping players who find that even conventional sports psychology isn’t working for them.

There are many good examples of successful sports stars using hypnotherapy:

Tennis players like Andre Agassi and Jimmy Connors
Golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods
Australian pole vaulter Steve Hooker, who adopted visualisation techniques to help win the 2008 Olympic gold medal

How Did Hypnotherapy Help An England Cricket Legend?

Among the leading British sports stars to have used hypnotherapy is cricketer Sir James Anderson .

Anderson, whose career tally of 704 Test wickets is a record for a seam bowler, carried on playing for England into his 40s and his record improved with age.

This was not coincidental. In an interview last year, he revealed that when he was at the end of his 20s, a sports psychologist suggested he use hypnotherapy to remain calmer on the field and avoid “red mist” moments where he lost his temper and bowled badly.

As a result, a very talented bowler became a world-beater, with Anderson revealing he used hypnosis for around 2-3 years, during which time his performances “went through the roof”.

Whether it is about being calmer and avoiding angry moments, visualising success or ensuring concentration, sports hypnotherapy has been used successfully by some of the biggest stars in world sport. Could it help you get back to your A game?

What Happens During Hypnotherapy To Help You Sleep Better?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 10:32:45 GMT

A lot of people suffer from disrupted or dysregulated sleep, so if this is something you’re experiencing, don’t worry that you’re on your own.

In fact, this is a trend that has increased over the last five years as external stress factors and internal anxieties cause disruption, which in turn can (understandably) increase stress and anxiety.

But you don’t have to go it alone and there are plenty of ways in which you can help break this vicious cycle… and hypnotherapy could hold the answers you’re looking for right now.

There are a lot of different causes for insomnia , from chronic pain to depression and anxiety, and helping to treat insomnia in the long term most commonly involves treating the root causes or changing the patterns of thoughts that cause you to lose sleep.

As with other goal-focused treatments, hypnotherapy can be effective at helping to reshape sleeping habits, improve sleep hygiene and encourage more restful sleep through tailored goals and suggestions based on your particular needs.

Hypnotherapy can be relaxing in itself, but it works primarily for the same reasons it can help with phobias, stress, anxiety, sporting performance and weight management.

There are two major stages of any hypnotherapy session:

State of Focus: This is where a hypnotherapist helps you to become completely relaxed, which can be achieved through guided relaxation, breathing exercises or an object of focus.

State of Suggestion: Once you’re in this deep relaxed state, your hypnotherapist can make helpful suggestions to help you sleep better. These could either be suggestions for behavioural changes or breaking down reinforced negative beliefs.

You are fully in control during this process, cannot be hypnotised if you do not want to be and can bring yourself out of the state whenever you like.

As with other goal-focused hypnotherapy, it can help with insomnia or otherwise disrupted and dysregulated sleep by changing your mindset and breaking down the negative thought patterns that can often be the cause of bad sleep.

For it to work, it requires trust and openness, which is why it is so vital to work with a qualified practitioner who knows how to tailor the process to your specific needs and ensures you get the most out of it.

Hypnotherapy FAQs

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:13:48 GMT

FAQs on Whether Hypnotherapy is Right for You.

Hypnotherapy FAQs

When you’re considering hypnotherapy, it’s natural to have questions, curiosities, and sometimes a few understandable doubts. At This Grey Matters , I believe that feeling informed, safe, and empowered is an essential part of the therapeutic process.

Below you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions clients raise when exploring whether hypnotherapy might support them.

What is hypnotherapy, really?

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that works with the subconscious mind – the part of us that governs habits, emotional responses, beliefs, and automatic patterns of behaviour.

Contrary to popular myths, hypnosis is not about being unconscious or out of control. It is a focused, calm state of awareness , similar to daydreaming, becoming absorbed in a book, or driving on autopilot. In this state, the mind is more receptive to reflection, learning, and change.

Will I lose control or be made to do something against my will?

No. This is one of the most common concerns.

You remain fully in control throughout the entire process. Hypnotherapy cannot make you do, say, or reveal anything that goes against your values or wishes. You can speak, move, and stop the session at any time.

Think of hypnotherapy as a collaborative process, not something done to you, but something done with you.

What issues can hypnotherapy help with?

Clients seek hypnotherapy for a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety and chronic worry
Stress and emotional overwhelm
Low confidence or self-esteem
Habits and behaviours (such as nail biting, emotional eating, or overthinking)
Sleep difficulties
Fears and phobias
Relationship patterns and emotional triggers
Feeling stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about direction

Hypnotherapy is particularly effective when a pattern feels automatic , repetitive, or difficult to change through logic alone.

Is hypnotherapy suitable for nicotine cessation?

Yes – hypnotherapy can be a helpful and effective support for nicotine cessation , whether the nicotine use is through smoking, vaping, patches, gum, or other delivery methods .

The nicotine cessation package at This Grey Matters is designed to work not only with the physical habit, but also with the emotional, behavioural, and subconscious associations that sustain it.

As with all therapeutic work, suitability is discussed during the free initial discovery call , ensuring the approach feels appropriate, supportive, and aligned with your goals.

What if I don’t think I can be hypnotised?

This is far more common than you might think.

The ability to enter hypnosis is not about being weak-minded or overly suggestible. In fact, people who are thoughtful, reflective, and imaginative often respond very well.

You don’t need to try to be hypnotised. Simply being open, curious, and willing to engage is enough. Hypnosis is a natural state that most people experience daily.

Will I be aware of what’s happening during the session?

Yes. Most clients report feeling deeply relaxed yet aware. Some describe it as feeling “drifted”, others as simply calm and focused.

You may remember everything, or you may notice parts feel hazy – both experiences are completely normal. Importantly, therapeutic change does not depend on conscious recall.

How many sessions will I need?

There is no fixed number of sessions, as every person and issue is unique.

Some clients experience noticeable shifts within a small number of sessions, while others prefer ongoing work to explore deeper or layered patterns.

After an initial consultation, we will discuss a tailored approach based on your goals, pace, and preferences. There is no pressure or obligation to commit to a set number of sessions.

What happens in a typical hypnotherapy session?

Sessions are calm, conversational, and supportive. They usually include:

A discussion of what you’d like to work on and how it affects you
Gentle exploration of thoughts, emotions, and patterns
Guided hypnosis tailored to your needs
Time to reflect, ask questions, and ground before ending

Sessions are not rushed and are always led with care, consent, and respect.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Yes. Hypnotherapy is considered a safe and non-invasive therapeutic approach when practised responsibly and ethically.

At This Grey Matters, I practise as a fully qualified and insured Hypnotherapist, holding a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy (DCH) and work in accordance with professional standards set by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) .

Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical, psychiatric, or emergency care. If you are under the care of a GP, consultant, or mental health professional, hypnotherapy can often be used alongside existing support, and this will be discussed with care and transparency.

Your safety, autonomy, and wellbeing are always central to the work.

What if I get emotional during a session?

Emotional responses are welcome and respected. Some people feel deeply relaxed; others experience moments of insight, release, or clarity.

There is no expectation to perform or respond in any particular way. Whatever arises is met with calm support and containment.

How much does hypnotherapy cost?

Transparency matters, and so does finding the right support for you.

Free initial discovery call (20 minutes)
A relaxed, no-obligation conversation to explore what’s bringing you here, answer any questions, and see whether hypnotherapy – and working together – feels like a good fit.

Standard hypnotherapy session : £65 per 60 minutes
Sessions are available online or in person , with the same pricing for both.

Block-booked packages (reflecting a reduced hourly rate):
• 4 sessions : £235
• 6 sessions : £335

Nicotine cessation package : £460
Includes 3 × 90-minute sessions , structured to support preparation, change, and consolidation. This package is suitable for all forms of nicotine use, including smoking, vaping, patches, gum, and other nicotine delivery methods.

Pricing reflects the time, care, and professional expertise involved in each session. Packages are optional and discussed collaboratively, based on your goals and preferences.

Why is block booking offered?

Block booking is entirely optional, but some clients find it supportive for two key reasons.

Firstly, it represents a conscious commitment to change . When change has been difficult or long-standing, choosing to reserve time for yourself can help create psychological momentum and continuity, rather than approaching each session in isolation.

Secondly, block-booked sessions are offered at a reduced hourly rate . This reflects the commitment involved and allows therapy to be more accessible when working over a defined period.

Importantly, there is no pressure to choose a package. We will always work at a pace and structure that feels right for you.

Is hypnotherapy suitable for nicotine cessation?

Yes – hypnotherapy can be a helpful and effective support for nicotine cessation , whether the nicotine use is through smoking, vaping, patches, gum, or other delivery methods .

The nicotine cessation package at This Grey Matters is designed to work not only with the physical habit, but also with the emotional, behavioural, and subconscious associations that sustain it.

Suitability is always discussed during the free initial discovery call , ensuring the approach feels appropriate, supportive, and aligned with your goals.

Do you offer online sessions?

Yes. Hypnotherapy can be just as effective online as it is in person.

Online sessions are conducted in a secure, private setting, allowing you to engage from the comfort of your own space.

How do I know if hypnotherapy is right for me?

If you feel curious, drawn to change, or aware that something needs to shift – even if you can’t yet put it into words – hypnotherapy may be a valuable starting point.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Sometimes the decision to begin is simply a quiet recognition that something matters enough to explore.

Next steps

If you’re considering hypnotherapy and would like to explore whether it feels right for you, the next step is simply a conversation.

You’re very welcome to book a free 20-minute discovery call , where we can talk through what’s bringing you here, answer any questions, and gently explore how hypnotherapy may help.

There is no pressure, no commitment — just space to reflect and decide what matters to you.

Jo
Clinical Hypnotherapist (DCH)
Registered with the National Council for Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy in practice

At This Grey Matters, hypnotherapy is offered as a calm, professional, and client-led approach to supporting change — whether that’s anxiety, habits, confidence, emotional patterns, or nicotine cessation. Sessions are available online and in person , with the same care and pricing for both.

Can Hypnotherapy Help You Stick To New Year’s Resolutions?

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:40:38 GMT

As January arrives, there is often a quiet pressure to decide who we are going to be this year.

New habits. New routines. A sense that January 1st might act as a reset button, allowing us to finally achieve what felt difficult or out of reach before.

Almost 20 per cent of people in the UK plan to make at least one new year’s resolution going into 2026, with health-related goals topping the list.

And yet, by the end of the year, many people find themselves feeling disappointed. Around a quarter of those who set resolutions in 2025 reported that they were unable to stick to any of them.

This isn’t a failure of willpower.

It’s a reflection of how change really works.

Why can it be so hard to keep new year’s resolutions?

Many resolutions, particularly those focused on health, fitness, sleep or lifestyle, don’t offer immediate rewards. The benefits take time to show themselves.

Motivation can fade long before results arrive, especially when old habits feel familiar and comforting during moments of stress, fatigue or emotional overload.

We often try to change behaviour at a surface level, without addressing why those patterns exist in the first place.

Alongside common advice such as setting realistic goals and breaking them into manageable steps, there is another gentle yet powerful approach worth considering: hypnotherapy.

Can hypnotherapy help you keep your resolutions?

Hypnotherapy works by helping you explore the underlying causes of behaviours and habits that no longer serve you. Rather than forcing change through discipline alone, hypnotherapy invites curiosity and self-understanding.

Through guided relaxation, you are supported to access the subconscious mind, the part of us where beliefs, emotional responses and long-standing patterns are stored. This is often where habits are formed and maintained, even when consciously we want something different.

By working at this deeper level, hypnotherapy can help you:

Understand the emotional drivers behind unhelpful habits
Release limiting beliefs that keep you stuck
Gently disengage from patterns that feel automatic
Build new, supportive behaviours that feel more natural and sustainable

Developing a solution-focused mindset

Another benefit of hypnotherapy is the development of a more solution-oriented mindset. Change rarely happens in a straight line. Setbacks are part of being human.

Rather than viewing challenges as failure, hypnotherapy can help you respond with flexibility and self-compassion. This makes it easier to adapt, problem-solve and continue moving forward, instead of slipping back into familiar patterns when things feel difficult.

How does hypnotherapy work?

During a hypnotherapy session, you are guided into a deeply relaxed state where the mind becomes more receptive and focused. You remain aware and in control throughout.

In this state, it becomes possible to reframe beliefs, soften mental blocks and create space for new, empowering habits to form. This might support goals such as:

Developing a healthier relationship with food
Feeling more motivated to move your body
Establishing a calmer bedtime routine and improving sleep
Letting go of self-sabotaging behaviours

As the year unfolds, hypnotherapy offers a way to approach change with kindness rather than pressure, supporting progress that feels steady, personal and sustainable.

Change doesn’t need to feel forced or rushed. If you’re considering hypnotherapy and would like a calm, supportive space to explore what’s getting in the way, you’re very welcome to reach out.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help You Overcome Fears and Phobias?

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 12:16:15 GMT

Fear is a natural part of human survival. It is regulated by the brain’s threat detection system, particularly the amygdala, which activates the fight or flight response when danger is perceived. This response is essential for safety.

However, fears and phobias develop when this system becomes overactive.

The brain begins to interpret non-threatening situations as dangerous, triggering intense emotional and physical reactions that feel automatic and uncontrollable. When this happens, fear can significantly interfere with daily life.

Hypnotherapy offers a structured, evidence-informed approach to addressing fears and phobias by working with the brain rather than against it.

What are common fears & phobias?

There are many types of phobias, some of which are very common , including:

Acrophobia – fear of heights
Aerophobia – fear of flying
Trypanophobia – fear of needles or injections
Arachnophobia – fear of spiders
Dentophobia – fear of dentists or dental procedures

Other phobias are less common but can be equally distressing, such as xanthophobia (fear of the colour yellow), globophobia (fear of balloons), or hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (fear of long words).

Regardless of the specific trigger, phobias share similar neurological patterns in the brain.

Why do phobias persist despite rational thinking?

People with phobias are often told that their fear is irrational and, intellectually, they may agree. For example, they may understand that flying is statistically very safe or that most spiders pose no real threat.

The difficulty is that phobias are not driven by conscious reasoning. Fear responses are processed rapidly by the limbic system before the rational part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex, has time to intervene. This is why reassurance and logic alone are often ineffective.

Over time, these fear responses can lead to avoidance behaviours, such as:

Avoiding medical or dental appointments
Declining travel or career opportunities
Limiting social or everyday activities

This avoidance can reinforce the fear and reduce overall quality of life.

How can hypnotherapy treat fears & phobias?

Hypnotherapy helps by guiding you into a deeply relaxed, focused state in which the nervous system is calmer and the brain is more open to change. In this state, fear responses can be addressed at the level where they are learned and stored.

From a neuroscience perspective, hypnotherapy can support:

Reduced stress response, calming the autonomic nervous system
Improved emotional regulation, strengthening communication between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala
Neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new, healthier associations

This makes hypnotherapy particularly effective for fear-based conditions.

Hypnotherapy techniques to treat phobias

A hypnotherapist may use a combination of techniques tailored to your needs, including:

Guided visualisation

Helping the brain mentally rehearse calm and controlled responses to previously feared situations.

Reframing and association work

Replacing fear-based patterns with neutral or positive emotional responses.

Positive suggestion and affirmation

Strengthening confidence, resilience, and the belief that you can cope safely and effectively.

Deep relaxation

Reducing physical tension and interrupting habitual stress reactions associated with fear.

These techniques work together to retrain the brain’s response, rather than relying on willpower or forced exposure.

Can hypnotherapy help you overcome your fears?

If you have been living with a fear or phobia, whether mild or severe, hypnotherapy may offer a practical and lasting solution. Even if you have tried other approaches without success, hypnotherapy can work differently by addressing the neurological roots of fear.

The aim is not to eliminate fear entirely, but to restore balance, so that your brain responds appropriately and no longer treats everyday situations as threats.

With hypnotherapy, many people are able to move forward with greater confidence, freedom and improved emotional wellbeing.

Quitting Smoking and Vaping

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 21:11:15 GMT

Quitting Nicotine for good.

As the new year approaches, many people begin defining their priorities for 2026 and reflecting on the changes they want to make.

One of the most transformative commitments you can make is quitting smoking, a decision that elevates your physical health, mental wellbeing and overall quality of life almost immediately.

Quitting smoking is not just about stopping a behaviour. It’s about giving yourself the opportunity to feel stronger, breathe easier and live longer .

Within days, oxygen levels improve. Within weeks, energy increases, sleep improves and your risk of serious illness begins to fall. Every cigarette you do not smoke is a direct investment in a healthier, more vibrant future.

To help you embrace those benefits and step confidently into the new year, here are some practical strategies to support your quitting journey.

1. Identify your triggers

Reflect on the moments when you tend to smoke and the emotional or behavioural cues connected to them. Perhaps it’s after meals, during breaks at work or in stressful situations.

Understanding these patterns enables you to plan ahead and develop alternative responses, making it easier to break the smoking cycle.

2. Tell friends and family

Let the people close to you know that you are quitting. Their support provides accountability and encouragement, particularly in the early days. They can help you avoid smoke-related situations and understand if you feel more irritable while your body adjusts.

3. Try establishing a new health-focused habit

Replacing the act of smoking with a positive, health-oriented behaviour can be highly effective. Physical activity, whether walking, running, swimming or strength training, delivers a powerful mental and physical boost that often surpasses the hit smokers look for.

Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine, improving mood, reducing stress, and supporting emotional regulation.

Physically, it enhances cardiovascular health, lung capacity, and energy levels, all areas that smoking compromises.

Incorporating regular movement into your routine not only distracts from cravings but also reinforces your motivation by helping you feel the benefits of quitting more quickly.

Even a brisk ten-minute walk can cut cravings, calm the nervous system, and restore a sense of control.

4. Try hypnotherapy for quitting smoking

Hypnotherapy is a highly effective method for removing the subconscious patterns that keep the smoking habit alive. It supports you in shifting your mindset, breaking automatic behaviours, and replacing them with healthier choices that align with your long-term goals.

If you’d like to explore how hypnotherapy can support your journey, please get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.