Have you ever wondered whether hypnotherapy could help you, but weren't quite sure what actually happens during hypnosis?
Perhaps you've seen hypnosis portrayed on television, wondered whether you might lose control, or questioned whether you could even be hypnotised.
You're certainly not alone.
The truth is that clinical hypnotherapy is very different from the stage performances you might have seen. It is a collaborative therapeutic process that uses focused attention, relaxation and guided techniques to help you explore thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour.
At Inner Peace Talk Therapy, I use clinical hypnotherapy to help people understand and change the emotional and behavioural patterns that may be preventing them from living the life they want. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, fears, poor sleep, low confidence, emotional eating or unwanted habits, hypnotherapy may offer a different way forward.
And you don't need to know exactly what's wrong, or how to fix it, before you begin. Sometimes the most important step is simply being willing to explore what could change.
What Exactly Is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis to help you enter a state of focused attention and increased absorption, during which you can work with thoughts, feelings, memories and behaviours in a purposeful way.
You may recognise this state from everyday experiences, such as becoming completely absorbed in a book, daydreaming, or reaching your destination while barely noticing the journey. You are not asleep. You haven't lost consciousness, and you haven't handed control of your mind to somebody else. Instead, hypnosis provides an opportunity to focus your attention, explore your responses and work towards developing more helpful ways of thinking and behaving. During clinical hypnotherapy, I guide you through techniques tailored to your individual needs and goals. The aim is to help you make meaningful changes, rather than simply teach you how to relax.
What Happens to Your Mind During Hypnosis?
Your mind is constantly processing information, forming associations and learning responses. Over time, experiences can influence how you react to particular situations.
For example:
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A difficult experience may contribute to a fear response.
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Repeated worry may develop into a habit of overthinking.
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Past criticism may influence your confidence and self-worth.
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Stressful experiences may leave you feeling constantly on alert.
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Emotional associations may contribute to unwanted habits or behaviours.
Sometimes these responses happen automatically, even when you consciously know there is no immediate danger. Hypnotherapy can help you explore and work with these learned responses, using focused attention and therapeutic techniques to encourage healthier associations and behaviours.
Will I Lose Control During Hypnosis?
This is probably one of the biggest concerns people have, and understandably so.
Let's put your mind at rest. You remain in control throughout hypnosis.
You will not:
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Lose control of your mind.
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Be unconscious or asleep.
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Be forced to reveal personal secrets.
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Be made to do anything against your wishes.
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Become trapped in hypnosis.
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Have your personality changed against your will.
You can speak, move, open your eyes or stop the process whenever you wish. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative experience. I guide you, but you remain an active participant throughout. You don't have to surrender control to make positive changes. In fact, the purpose is quite the opposite: to help you feel more in control of your thoughts, emotions and responses.
What Does Being Hypnotised Actually Feel Like?
People often expect hypnosis to feel like something extraordinary. In reality, experiences vary.
You might feel:
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Physically relaxed and comfortable.
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Mentally absorbed in your imagination.
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More aware of particular thoughts or feelings.
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Calm and peaceful.
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A little detached from distractions around you.
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Similar to the feeling of daydreaming.
Some people experience a deep sense of relaxation, while others remain quite aware of their surroundings.
There is no single correct way to experience hypnosis. You don't have to feel deeply relaxed, experience unusual sensations or switch off your thinking mind for a session to be worthwhile. You cannot fail at hypnosis simply because your experience is different from somebody else's.
Can Everybody Be Hypnotised?
Most people who are willing to participate can experience some degree of hypnotic absorption.
However, people respond differently, and nobody can guarantee that every individual will experience hypnosis in the same way. You don't need a special ability, an unusually strong imagination or a weak mind.
Being curious, comfortable and willing to participate is a helpful starting point. If you have concerns, we can discuss them before beginning.
What Can Clinical Hypnotherapy Help With?
Hypnotherapy can be used to support people experiencing a wide range of difficulties.
At Inner Peace Talk Therapy, I work with clients who want to change unwanted emotional responses, habits and patterns that are affecting their quality of life.
Anxiety, Stress & Overthinking
Do you find yourself constantly worrying, anticipating the worst or struggling to switch off?
Hypnotherapy can help you explore anxious thought patterns and develop more helpful emotional responses.
Explore: Anxiety & Stress Hypnotherapy
Phobias & Fears
Whether it's a fear of flying, dogs, driving, enclosed spaces or particular situations, hypnotherapy can help you work towards changing learned fear responses.
Explore: Phobias & Fears Hypnotherapy
Confidence & Self-Worth
Do you question yourself, struggle with self-belief or constantly feel that you're not good enough?
Hypnotherapy can help you work on limiting beliefs, negative self-talk and the emotional patterns that influence confidence.
Explore: Confidence & Self-Worth Hypnotherapy
Sleep Problems & Insomnia
When your mind refuses to switch off, getting a good night's sleep can feel impossible.
Hypnotherapy can support relaxation and help address some of the thoughts and habits that interfere with sleep.
Explore: Sleep Problems & Insomnia Hypnotherapy
Weight Loss & Emotional Eating
Sometimes eating isn't really about hunger. Stress, emotions, habits and learned associations can all influence our relationship with food. Hypnotherapy can help you explore these patterns and work towards healthier choices.
Explore: Weight Loss & Emotional Eating Hypnotherapy
Trauma & PTSD
Trauma and PTSD can deeply disrupt lives, causing constant anxiety, nightmares, and emotional numbness that make it hard to feel safe or connected. Hypnotherapy is a proven way to help resolve these and create change.
Explore: Trauma and PTSD Hypnotherapy
How Does Clinical Hypnotherapy Work?
Every person is different, which is why I don't believe in simply delivering the same hypnosis script to everyone. My approach is tailored to your individual circumstances, experiences and goals.
A session may involve several stages.
1. Understanding what's happening
We explore what you're experiencing, how it affects you and what you would like to change.
2. Identifying unhelpful patterns
We look at thoughts, feelings, associations and behaviours that may be contributing to the difficulty.
3. Guided therapeutic work
Using clinical hypnotherapy and other appropriate techniques, we work towards changing unhelpful responses and developing more positive alternatives.
4. Reinforcing positive change
We explore how you can apply what you've worked on to everyday situations, helping you build confidence in moving forward.
The process is always individual. There is no pressure to discuss anything before you feel comfortable doing so.
Why Choose Inner Peace Talk Therapy?
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision. You need to feel comfortable, understood and confident that the person supporting you takes your concerns seriously. I'm James Gunning, an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist and Emotional Wellbeing Specialist. I bring together professional training, extensive experience in communication and interpersonal skills, and an integrative approach to emotional wellbeing.
My qualifications and therapeutic training include:
Certified Master Hypnotist (CMH).
Certified Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist (C.Hyp).
NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner.
EMDR Practitioner.
Havening Practitioner.
Reiki Levels 1, 2 and 3 and Master Teacher.
I have also spent over 30 years in communication-focused roles, including 11 years as a Norfolk Police officer and subsequent experience as a trainer with KLM Airlines. I understand that people don't always find it easy to talk about what's troubling them.
My approach is warm, professional and non-judgemental. I work with both men and women, teenagers and children and I welcome people who may have tried other approaches and are still looking for the right support. I also receive referrals from other GP's and therapists for clients who may benefit from my particular approach. You won't be treated as a condition, a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms. You'll be treated as an individual.
What Happens at Your First Hypnotherapy Appointment?
One of the biggest barriers to booking therapy is not knowing what to expect. So here's what you can anticipate.
First, we talk.
We'll discuss what's been happening, what you'd like to achieve and any concerns you might have about hypnosis.
Then we agree on an approach.
I'll explain the techniques that may be appropriate and answer any questions.
Next, we begin the therapeutic work.
Where appropriate, this may include guided hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and other techniques suited to your needs.
Finally, we review your experience.
We'll discuss how you felt, what you noticed and any useful steps to take between sessions.
You won't be rushed, judged or expected to have all the answers.
The first step is simply a conversation.
Is Hypnotherapy Right for You?
Perhaps you've been struggling for months or even years. Perhaps you've tried to change things yourself, promised yourself that tomorrow will be different, or repeatedly found yourself falling back into the same patterns. You might even be wondering whether anything can really help. If this sounds familiar, it may be worth exploring a different approach.
Hypnotherapy may be suitable if you're:
Ready to understand and change unhelpful patterns.
Looking for support beyond simply talking about your difficulties.
Interested in developing healthier emotional responses.
Wanting to improve your confidence and self-belief.
Looking for help with a particular fear, habit or behaviour.
Open to trying a different therapeutic approach.
Hypnotherapy isn't a magic cure, and results cannot be guaranteed. Its suitability depends on your circumstances and the issue you're experiencing. We'll discuss this honestly before deciding how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Therapy & Hypnotherapy
Is hypnotherapy safe?
For most people, appropriately conducted clinical hypnotherapy is considered a low-risk therapeutic approach. Your comfort, consent and wellbeing remain central throughout.
Can somebody control my mind during hypnosis?
No. You remain aware and retain your ability to make decisions. Hypnosis does not give a therapist control over your mind.
Will I remember what happens during hypnosis?
Most people remember their session. You are not required to forget anything, and hypnosis is not the same as being unconscious.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
This depends on the individual, the issue and your goals. Some difficulties may respond to relatively brief work, while others benefit from longer-term support.
Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
It may help some people manage anxiety by working with unhelpful thought patterns, emotional responses and relaxation. It can also be used alongside other appropriate forms of support.
Can I be hypnotised if I have a busy mind?
Yes, having a busy mind doesn't automatically prevent you from experiencing hypnosis. You don't need to stop thinking completely.
Can I have hypnotherapy online?
Yes. Online sessions are available, allowing you to work from a comfortable and private environment.
What if I don't want to talk about certain experiences?
You are never expected to disclose something before you're comfortable. We work collaboratively and respect your boundaries. I ca also work 'content free' which meanes I don't need to know what happened as that information is already known by you, so there is no need to revisit old painful memories.
Is hypnotherapy the same as counselling?
No. Counselling generally focuses on exploring thoughts, emotions and experiences through conversation. Hypnotherapy incorporates hypnosis as part of the therapeutic process. Depending on your needs, elements of both approaches may be helpful.
For more answers, visit the full Hypnotherapy Frequently Asked Questions page.
“The fear and anxiety was beginning to control me. With just one session I felt free, like a weight had been lifted.”
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“Having hypnotherapy changed my life after just two sessions.”
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“I finally feel calm again for the first time in years.”
Your Next Step Could Be the Most Important One
Think about what life might feel like if the things troubling you today no longer had the same influence over you.
Imagine:
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Waking up without immediately feeling overwhelmed.
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Feeling more confident in yourself and your decisions.
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Facing situations that currently make you anxious.
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Sleeping more peacefully.
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Feeling comfortable being yourself.
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Having a greater sense of control over your emotions.
These changes don't happen simply because you wish for them. They take understanding, the right support and a willingness to work towards something different.
But you don't have to work everything out on your own.
At Inner Peace Talk Therapy, I'll take the time to understand your circumstances and help you explore whether clinical hypnotherapy is the right approach for you.
You don't have to stay stuck in the same patterns.
Take the first step towards feeling better.
Or, if you would prefer to ask a question first, GET IN TOUCH HERE.
Face-to-face appointments available in Norfolk, with online sessions available across the UK.
Inner Peace Talk Therapy | Helping You Understand Your Mind, Change Unhelpful Patterns and Move Towards a More Positive Future.