How hypnotherapy sessions work

What happens on the free consultation call?

Every session at Hypnotherapy Newcastle is with Sonya Hudson, a clinical hypnotherapist with more than 20 years' experience, so the person you speak to first is the person you will work with.

The call is informal and there is no charge. Sonya will ask what you would like help with and how it is affecting you. She will also explain how sessions work and answer any questions you have about hypnosis, NLP, EFT or counselling. If it sounds as though a different kind of support would suit you better, she will say so.

If you decide to go ahead, you can book your first appointment there and then, either at the clinic in Wallsend or online.

How to prepare for your first session

You do not need to do anything special. Wear something comfortable and try to arrive a few minutes early so you do not feel rushed. If you are taking any medication or seeing your GP about the issue, it helps to mention it. Some people like to jot down a few notes beforehand about what they want to change, but this is entirely optional.

What happens during a session?

Every session begins with a conversation. In your first appointment, Sonya will ask about your background and help you set clear, realistic goals. What follows depends on the approach you are using:

• Hypnotherapy — you are guided into a calm, focused state, usually sitting comfortably with your eyes closed, and the work is tailored to your goals.
• NLP — practical, conversational techniques that help you notice and change unhelpful patterns of thinking.
• EFT — rounds of gentle tapping on points of the face and upper body while you focus on a feeling or situation.
• Counselling — space to talk openly and be listened to, without judgement.

At the end, there is time to talk about how it went. You may leave with something simple to practise at home, such as a breathing exercise or a short self-hypnosis routine.

How long are sessions, and how many will I need?

Most sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. Stop smoking hypnotherapy is usually one longer session of around 90 minutes.

The number of sessions varies a lot from person to person. It depends on what you are working on and how you respond. Sonya will discuss this with you openly, and you are never committed to a fixed number. Be wary of anyone who promises a guaranteed result in a set number of sessions.

In person or online?

Both work well, so it is mainly a matter of what suits you. The clinic in Wallsend is quiet and private. Online sessions follow exactly the same structure and save you travelling. For online sessions, you will need a room where you will not be disturbed, a comfortable chair, a reliable internet connection and, ideally, headphones.

Confidentiality and your information

What you share in your sessions stays confidential. The only exceptions are rare situations where there is a serious risk of harm, or where the law requires information to be shared, and these are explained at the start. Your details are stored securely. You can read more in our privacy policy.

Your health and safety

The approaches we offer are complementary. They are not a replacement for medical care. If you are being treated by your GP or another health professional, please mention it on your first call and carry on following their advice.