What happens in a first hypnotherapy session?
A calm, step-by-step look at what usually happens, from the first conversation to how you might feel afterwards.
Hypnotherapy · NLP · EFT · Reiki · Counselling
A simpler way to explore positive change
Simple Hypnotherapy offers hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Reiki and counselling with Sonya Hudson at her clinic in Wallsend, Newcastle. Every session is shaped around you, so you can talk openly and go at your own pace.
With Sonya HudsonClinical hypnotherapist · 20+ years' experience Free & no obligation
Request a free quote
Tell us what you'd like help with and Sonya will call you back with prices, availability and answers to your questions.
Prefer to talk? Call 0191 580 1548
Our philosophy
Support that doesn't feel complicated
Reaching out about something personal can feel like a big step. Simple Hypnotherapy is here to make that step feel smaller and easier to take.
Getting support should be straightforward. That means clear information about each approach, honest conversations about what may or may not help, and sessions shaped around you rather than a fixed script. You won't need to learn any jargon, and you won't be asked to commit to anything before you feel ready.
People come to Sonya for many different reasons. Some want to feel calmer or sleep better, while others want to change a habit, prepare for an exam or simply have some space to think. Whatever brings you here, you'll find a warm, professional welcome and practical, down-to-earth guidance.
More about Simple HypnotherapyClear explanations
Every approach is explained in plain English, so you know what to expect, how it might help and where its limits lie.
Sessions built around you
Each session follows your goals, pace and preferences. Different approaches are only combined when that makes sense for you.
Honest advice
You won't hear guarantees or miracle claims. Instead you'll get realistic, respectful support, and a gentle pointer elsewhere if another service would suit you better.
Five ways we can help
Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Reiki and counselling: one simple starting point
All five approaches are offered by the same practitioner, so you don't need to know which one is right before you get in touch. Many people start with a conversation and decide together.
- 01
HypnotherapyFocused relaxation
Guided, deeply relaxed focus used to explore new ways of thinking, feeling and responding.
- 02
NLPNeuro-Linguistic Programming
Practical conversation-based techniques for noticing habits of thought and trying out alternatives.
- 03
EFTEmotional Freedom Techniques
A structured tapping routine combined with focused attention on a feeling or memory.
- 04
ReikiComplementary relaxation
A gentle, Japanese-origin practice that many people find deeply calming and restorative.
- 05
CounsellingTalking support
A confidential, non-judgemental space to talk things through at your own pace.
Hypnotherapy explained
What is hypnotherapy and how could it help?
Hypnotherapy combines conversation with hypnosis, a natural state of relaxed and focused attention, to help you explore new ways of thinking, feeling and responding.
Most people describe hypnosis as a calm, comfortable feeling, a bit like being absorbed in a good book or drifting just before sleep. You stay aware of where you are and can hear everything that's said. In that relaxed state, it can be easier to focus on what you'd like to change and to rehearse a different response in your mind.
For example, someone who dreads giving a presentation might practise picturing themselves feeling steady and prepared. Over a few sessions, some people find this helps them approach familiar situations with a little more calm. People often look into hypnotherapy for anxiety, sleep difficulties, phobias or stopping smoking.
Results vary from person to person, and hypnotherapy isn't a medical treatment. That's why Sonya always talks honestly with you about what might be realistic before you begin. You can read more on the hypnotherapy page, or find out what happens in a first hypnotherapy session.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes. Hypnosis isn't sleep, and it's nothing like the stage shows you may have seen on television. You can't be made to do anything you don't want to do, and you can speak, move or open your eyes whenever you like. Our article on common myths about hypnosis explains more.
Hypnotherapy in Wallsend and Newcastle
Sonya sees clients at her clinic at Hadrian Lodge West, 28 Rosedale, in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne. Appointments are by arrangement, so you can agree a time that suits you during your first phone call. Online video sessions may be possible for some approaches, so please ask if getting to the clinic is difficult for you.
If you're comparing hypnotherapists in the area, it's worth checking their training, registrations and how clearly they explain their work. Our guide on how to choose a hypnotherapist lists the questions to ask.
When should I see my GP first?
The approaches offered here are complementary, so they aren't a substitute for medical care. Please see your GP about any physical symptoms, or if your mental health is getting worse. In England you can also refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.
If you need help urgently, call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency. Samaritans are also there day and night on 116 123.
Start with what you recognise
What would you like help with?
Most people don't search for a type of therapy. They search for an answer to something that's bothering them, so choose a topic to read about it and the support available.
Sonya works with a wide range of everyday concerns, from panic attacks and grief and loss to exam nerves and a fear of flying. If you can't see your concern listed, you can search for it or simply ask.
Explore All TopicsHow do I know which approach is right for me?
You start with what you'd like to change, and the approach follows from that. During your free phone call, Sonya will ask a few questions about what's been happening and what you're hoping for. She'll then explain which approach, or mix of approaches, might suit you and why.
As a rough guide, hypnotherapy suits people who want to change a habit or an automatic reaction, such as nerves before a test. NLP is more conversational and practical, while EFT gives you a simple tapping routine you can learn to use at home. Reiki is a gentle relaxation practice, although the idea of healing energy behind it isn't scientifically established. Counselling offers a supportive space to talk through everyday difficulties and life changes. For a side-by-side guide, read hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Reiki or counselling?
Your next step
At this point, you have two options…
Either way, the choice is yours, and there's no wrong time to ask a question.
Experienced, registered and straightforward
Why choose Simple Hypnotherapy?
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, so it helps to know who you'll be working with and how they work.
20+
Years of experience
Sonya Hudson has worked in therapy and personal development for more than 20 years. During that time she has also taught and trained other hypnotherapists and coaches.
Registered and accredited
Sonya is registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and is an EFT International Accredited Practitioner. She is also a member of The Hypnotherapy Association and the UK Reiki Federation.
Five approaches, one practitioner
Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Reiki and counselling are all offered by Sonya, so you won't be passed between different people. Approaches can be combined carefully when that would help.
A free first conversation
You can talk things through by phone before booking anything. It gives you a chance to ask questions and decide whether this feels right for you.
Honest about limits
You'll get clear guidance on what complementary approaches can and can't offer. That way you can make an informed choice about your next step.
Sonya HudsonPractitioner, Simple Hypnotherapy
Meet the practitioner
Meet Sonya Hudson, clinical hypnotherapist
Every session at Simple Hypnotherapy is with Sonya Hudson. Simple Hypnotherapy is one way her established practice is presented online, so you'll speak to the same person from your first call onwards.
Sonya's training covers clinical and analytical hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Reiki and psychotherapeutic counselling. This means she can draw on more than one approach when it would help you. Alongside her client work, she has run workshops and spoken on local radio about hypnosis, NLP and coaching.
Her style is relaxed, open and practical. She listens carefully and explains what she's doing and why. Each session is built around the person in front of her, rather than following a set routine.
- Diploma in Clinical & Analytical Hypnotherapy
- Master Practitioner Diploma in NLP
- EFT International Accredited Practitioner
- Reiki Master & Karuna Reiki Master
- CNHC registered
What to expect
How do I get started? Four simple steps
From your first enquiry to your first session, everything is explained clearly and nothing is rushed. This is how it usually works.
Get in touch
Call, email or send a short message through the website. At this stage, you only need to share as much as you feel comfortable with.
Free phone consultation
You'll have a relaxed, no-obligation chat about what you'd like help with and how sessions work. Fees are explained during this call, so there are no surprises later.
Your first session
Sessions usually last between 60 and 90 minutes. You'll talk about your goals in more depth first, then begin with an approach you've agreed together.
Review as you go
You're never tied into a fixed number of sessions. Progress and next steps are discussed openly, and you decide whether to continue.
Advice & insights
Hypnotherapy articles and advice, without the hype
Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT, Reiki or counselling: which might suit you?
A plain-English comparison of five approaches, what each involves and how to decide where to begin.
A simple breathing exercise for stressful moments
A two-minute technique you can use anywhere when stress builds, with no equipment or special setting needed.
Get in touch
Book a free phone consultation
The easiest way to begin is a short phone call with Sonya. If now isn't a good time to talk, send a message and she'll get back to you at a time that suits you.
You're welcome to ask anything you'd like to know before deciding whether to book. You can call the clinic or Sonya's mobile, send an email or use the enquiry form.
Send an Enquiry- Clinic0191 580 1548
- Sonya's mobile07896 204588
- Email[email protected]
- ClinicHadrian Lodge West, 28 Rosedale, Wallsend, NE28 9TX