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:

1. A discussion of what you’d like to work on and how it affects you
2. Gentle exploration of thoughts, emotions, and patterns
3. Guided hypnosis tailored to your needs
4. 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.