Stopping smoking and other habits
Many people try hypnotherapy to stop smoking, stop biting their nails or cut down on habitual snacking.
Focused relaxation
Hypnotherapy:
focused, relaxed and in your control
Hypnotherapy uses a relaxed, focused state of mind to help you explore new ways of thinking, feeling and responding. You stay aware and involved the whole time.
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What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy that uses hypnosis, a natural state of focused attention and deep physical relaxation, to help you work towards a change you want to make. Most of us slip into similar states every day, for example when we're absorbed in a good book or lose track of time on a familiar drive.
A hypnotherapist uses that everyday ability on purpose. At Simple Hypnotherapy, sessions are with Sonya Hudson, a clinical hypnotherapist with more than 20 years' experience. She guides you into a calm, inward-focused state using her voice, your breathing and simple imagery. Once the usual mental chatter quietens, many people find it easier to think clearly.
You are not asleep, and nobody takes control of your mind. You can hear everything, speak if you want to and open your eyes whenever you choose. Hypnosis can't make you do anything that goes against your values, so it works with you rather than on you. Our article on common myths about hypnosis answers the questions people ask most often.
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy combines relaxation with focused attention, so you can approach a familiar problem from a calmer place. When your body is relaxed and your attention is narrowed, a habit or worry often feels less urgent. That gives you room to consider a different response and to picture yourself using it.
During the hypnosis part of a session, Sonya might offer suggestions linked to your goal, such as feeling steady before a presentation or noticing a craving without acting on it.
Why people explore it
What can hypnotherapy help with?
These are some of the most common reasons people try hypnotherapy. Each one links to a page with more detail.
Anxiety and stress
It can offer a calmer state of mind when worry or stress has become a constant background hum.
Exam and test nerves
Some people use it to prepare for an exam, a driving test or another moment that really matters to them.
Self-confidence
Sessions let you rehearse feeling more assured in situations where self-doubt usually takes over.
Phobias and fears
It may help to ease a specific fear that feels out of proportion but still shapes your daily choices.
Sleep difficulties
Learning to relax your body and quieten a busy mind can make it easier to switch off at night.
During your appointment
What happens in a hypnotherapy session
Every session is shaped around you, but most follow a similar, gentle pattern. For a fuller picture, read what happens in a first hypnotherapy session.
Talking first
You talk about what you'd like to change, what you've tried before and what a good result would look like for you.
Relaxing
Sonya guides you into a comfortable, relaxed state. You're usually seated with your eyes closed, simply following her voice.
Focused work
She uses suggestions, imagery or gentle exploration matched to your goal. You stay aware throughout and can pause at any time.
Reflecting
You return to full alertness, talk about how it felt and agree on anything simple to practise before your next session.
Realistic expectations
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnotherapy is generally a safe, gentle experience when it's carried out by a trained practitioner. It isn't right for everyone, so please mention any mental health conditions during your free consultation.
What it is
- It is a collaborative approach that combines talking with guided relaxation.
- You can stop or pause the session whenever you want to.
- It tends to work best for specific, clearly defined goals.
- It can be combined with other approaches, such as NLP or EFT.
What it isn't
- It isn't sleep, mind control or a loss of awareness.
- It has nothing to do with stage hypnosis or entertainment.
- It isn't a guaranteed or instant fix.
- It isn't a treatment for medical conditions or severe mental illness.
Does hypnotherapy work? What the evidence says
Research into hypnotherapy is mixed and still developing. There is reasonable evidence for some uses. For example, NICE guidance mentions hypnotherapy as one psychological option for some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that hasn't responded to other treatment.
For many other issues the evidence is limited or inconclusive, and people respond in different ways. That's why results can't be promised. Instead, you can expect an honest approach and regular reviews of whether the sessions are helping.
Sonya's approach to hypnotherapy
Sonya trained in clinical and analytical hypnotherapy and, where it helps, blends it with NLP and EFT. Rather than reading from a script, she adapts each session to the way you think and speak, and to what you find relaxing.
Some people prefer gentle suggestions, while others like a more direct style, so you'll be asked what suits you. Sonya also offers past life regression, an exploratory hypnosis session for people who are curious about it.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of hypnotherapy sessions you need depends on what you're working on. A specific goal, such as feeling calmer before a driving test, may take only a few sessions, while broader concerns like long-standing anxiety often take longer. Stopping smoking is different again, because it's usually a single longer session with an optional follow-up.
You'll talk about this openly at the start and review it as you go. You're never tied into a fixed number of sessions.
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
Fees aren't listed on the website because they depend on what you need and how many sessions are likely. Instead, Sonya explains her fees clearly during the free telephone consultation, before you commit to anything.
Hypnotherapy in Wallsend and Newcastle
Sessions take place at Sonya's clinic at Hadrian Lodge West, 28 Rosedale, Wallsend, a short distance from Newcastle upon Tyne city centre. Appointments are by arrangement, and online video sessions may be possible for some approaches, so please ask.
Sonya is registered with the CNHC and is a member of The Hypnotherapy Association. Our guide on how to choose a hypnotherapist explains why that matters.
Questions
Questions people ask about hypnosis
Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach and doesn't replace medical advice. If you have physical symptoms, or your mental health is getting worse, please see your GP first. Read our health information.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people can experience some degree of hypnotic relaxation, although it varies from person to person. Feeling willing and comfortable makes the biggest difference, which is one reason the first conversation matters.
Will I remember what happened?
Usually, yes. Most people remember most or all of a session, much as you'd remember a pleasant daydream.
Could I get stuck in hypnosis?
No. If the practitioner stopped talking, you would simply open your eyes when you were ready, or drift into a light, natural sleep and wake up as normal.
Curious whether hypnotherapy could help?
The first step is a free phone call with Sonya. You can ask questions, talk about what's on your mind and then decide whether you'd like to book. There's no pressure either way.