The number of sessions varies depending on your unique circumstances, the problem being addressed and how long it has been a problem for. Most people notice significant changes in how they are feeling, thinking and behaving within 4 - 6 sessions. 

The most important thing is to make sure that change is permanent for you. I aim to help you resolve issues in the shortest time possible while maintaining the high standards of the QCHPA and NCH. This approach keeps costs down and empowers you to sustain changes beyond the therapy container. There’s no commitment to a set number of sessions - we’ll go session by session until you feel you’ve reached where you want to be. 

I usually work with clients every 2 weeks because with this type of therapy, it can be helpful to give your brain a couple of weeks to fully process what we cover during our time together. However the frequency can be more or less, depending on what works best for you and your schedule.

In Cognitive Hypnotherapy, we work with trance states. Trance is a natural, focused state of relaxation that we all experience every day—like when you’re completely absorbed in a movie, driving to your friend’s home or brushing your teeth. The depth of this state varies for everyone, but hypnotherapy is less about reaching a deep trance and more about working together to make positive changes. You are completely in control the whole time and each session is tailored to you, so you’ll feel comfortable, relaxed, and fully supported every step of the way.

Many people have already experienced something similar to hypnosis without realising it. For example, if you’ve ever followed a guided meditation or zoned out during a long drive, you’ve likely entered a comparable trance state of relaxation and focused attention. During a session, you might feel calm and deeply at ease. Each person’s experience is unique, but it’s often described as peaceful and restorative.

Unlike talk therapy, hypnotherapy works directly with the subconscious mind. While both are impactful, hypnotherapy uses a relaxed, focused state to reach the subconscious, making it easier to get to the root of what’s going on and create positive change. It’s a bit like setting the conscious mind aside to address issues where they truly begin. Hypnotherapy can work well on its own or alongside other therapies, offering a versatile approach to support your growth and healing.

Research shows that the effectiveness of Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy is greater for the treatment of anxiety and depression than other talk therapies such as CBT used within the NHS. 

A study in the Mental Health Review Journal (September 2015) compared Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy with national data from the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) and found that 71% of people felt recovered after an average of six sessions, compared to 42% with other IAPT therapies.

Source & more information: https://www.qchpa.com/evidence-based-therapy/

Yes! Working with teenagers is similar to working with adults, and teens are often very engaged in the process. Hypnotherapy can help them build confidence, manage stress, and develop self-regulation skills, which are invaluable during these years.