If you’re wondering whether to reach out to a therapist, you’ve probably been mulling it over for a while. Maybe weeks, maybe months. You’re likely not really sure what therapy is - or what happens.
You might have looked at websites, and read a few therapist bios. You might have asked around friends for their thoughts.
And now you’re here, reading this, still wondering: is therapy actually for me?
Are you in the right place?
Let me describe some things I hear from people when they first get in touch. See if any of this sounds familiar.
You feel like you’re managing everything - on the surface, you’re fine. But underneath, there’s a constant hum of anxiety, exhaustion, or something you can’t quite name. You’re tired of just getting through the day.
You’re going through a transition - the end of a relationship, the menopause, kids leaving home, caring for aging parents, questioning your purpose. Life feels unsettled and you’re not sure who you are in the middle of it all.
You’re struggling with something specific - anxiety that won’t shift, sleep that won’t come, a habit you can’t seem to break, or physical symptoms that are affecting your quality of life.
Perhaps you feel stuck - not in crisis, but not moving forward either. You know something needs to shift, but you’re not sure what or how.
Maybe you’re stretched thin - juggling work, family, caring responsibilities. You’ve always been the capable one, the one who manages everything. But it’s taking a toll and you’re starting to wonder if you can keep going like this.
If you’re nodding along to any of this, you’re in the right place.
It’s ok not to be sure
You don’t need to be in crisis to seek support. And you don’t need to have figured out what you’re going to say before you get in touch. You don’t even need to be completely certain that therapy is what you’re looking for.
Many people who contact me are unsure - and I think that’s typical. As is the sense that we all “should” be capable of sorting everything out on our own.
If that rings a bell, just know that not being sure and hesitating doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It often just means you’re being thoughtful about a decision that matters.
Is hypnotherapy right for you?
Hypnotherapy tends to work well for people who are open to trying something that might help – and those who are curious about what’s happening beneath the surface, rather than just looking for quick fixes. This is about us working together to work out what’s going on. The work is yours, and continues between sessions.
How we work depends on you. Some sessions are mostly conversation, others include hypnosis, and I draw on parts work and CBT- and NLP-informed techniques where they help. We go at your pace and explore what you want to explore. It’s always your choice.
Will I understand you?
It’s probably one of those questions that you have, but worry about saying out loud.
It’s a fair question. You want to know that the person sitting across from you (or on the screen) will accept what you say without judgement and be open, warm and supportive.
Here’s what I can tell you: I work a lot with those navigating the changes in their life. Something has ended or changed or lost, and the next chapter has not yet started. Or nothing has happened as such, but life doesn’t fit like you want it to fit. That might show up as feeling lost, or anxious or low. Or in lacking confidence or direction.
But you won’t really know if you and I are a good fit until we talk. And that’s OK. That’s what the initial conversation is for. The opportunity for us both to see if we could work together.
Your next step
If you’ve read this far and you’re thinking “yes, this sounds like it might be for me,” then get in touch. You don’t need to write a long explanation - just say you’re interested in finding out more.
We’ll arrange a brief phone call (or Zoom) - a no-obligation conversation where we can talk about what’s going on for you, I can explain how I work, and we can both get a sense of whether we might work well together.
If it feels right, we’ll book a first session. If it doesn’t, that’s absolutely fine - I can sometimes suggest other approaches or practitioners who might be a better fit. And if you are wondering what a first session actually involves, here's a walkthrough of what to expect.
The call usually takes about 20 minutes. There’s no pressure to commit to anything. You’re just exploring.
If that’s where you are - curious, unsure, wondering if this might help - then get in touch. We’ll take it from there, at your pace.
Common Questions About Whether This is the Right Time for Therapy
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
I don’t know. There’s no set number. Some people find a couple of sessions are enough to get them moving, while others need longer because what they came in with turns out to be connected to something deeper. After a first session, I can usually give you a much better idea.
Why can’t a therapist tell me in advance how many sessions it will take?
How big a problem looks on the surface says very little about what’s underneath it. Something that feels overwhelming can shift quickly, and something that seems minor can take longer to reach. The reason you book your first appointment also isn’t always what we end up working on, so any number given beforehand would be a guess.
How often should I have hypnotherapy sessions?
I usually suggest starting weekly, so we keep momentum and can build on each session while it’s still fresh. As things improve, many people move to fortnightly sessions and then leave longer gaps. That tapering off is often a sign we’re nearing the end.
Can I stop hypnotherapy whenever I want?
Yes. You’re in control and you’re not tied into any programme, and whether you carry on is always your decision. The agreement we will both sign before we start working together will outline how we approach ending our sessions.
What if hypnotherapy isn’t right for my problem?
I’ll tell you. If, after talking with you, I think hypnotherapy isn’t the best fit for what you’re dealing with or it is beyond my experience or qualification, I’ll say so honestly.