Hypnotherapy in Wokingham, Berkshire
Hypnotherapy is a safe, evidence-based therapy that uses a state of focused relaxation to help bring about positive change in thoughts, feelings and behaviours. It has a well-established evidence base for a range of conditions and is recognised by NICE as an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and menopausal hot flushes, among other conditions.
At Wokingham Therapy Clinic, our hypnotherapist Rita Pai works with adults, young people and children on a wide range of issues, from anxiety and stress to phobias, sleep problems, low confidence and unwanted habits. If you are unsure whether hypnotherapy is right for you, please contact us and we will be happy to advise.
On this page
- How hypnotherapy works
- Conditions hypnotherapy can help
- Research and evidence
- What to expect
- Frequently asked questions
- Our hypnotherapist
How hypnotherapy works
The hypnotic state is a naturally occurring phenomenon that most people experience in daily life – the feeling of being so absorbed in a book or activity that you lose track of time, or arriving somewhere without remembering the drive. These are everyday examples of a natural altered state of conscious awareness, somewhere between full wakefulness and sleep.
In a hypnotherapy session, the therapist uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help you reach this hypnotic state. In this deeply relaxed condition, the mind becomes more receptive to suggestion and change. The rational, critical part of the conscious mind becomes quieter, allowing the therapist to work more directly with the deeper, subconscious patterns that drive habitual behaviours, emotional responses and automatic thoughts.
It is important to understand that you cannot be hypnotised against your will and you remain fully in control at all times during a session. You are aware of what is happening and can exit the hypnotic state at any point. You cannot be made to do or say anything you do not wish to.
Conditions hypnotherapy can help
Hypnotherapy can be effective for a wide range of conditions, including:
Anxiety and stress
Hypnotherapy is particularly effective for anxiety and stress, helping to calm the nervous system's threat response and change the patterns of thinking that fuel worry and fear. It can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling.
Phobias
Hypnotherapy can help treat specific phobias – such as fear of flying, needles, spiders, heights or vomiting – by accessing and reprocessing the subconscious associations that drive the fear response. It is often faster than other therapies for phobias and can produce lasting results.
IBS and gut health
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is recommended by NICE for the treatment of IBS. Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that it significantly reduces IBS symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habits, and that its benefits last well beyond the end of treatment. It works by calming the gut-brain communication pathways and reducing visceral hypersensitivity.
Menopausal hot flushes
Research has shown that hypnotherapy can significantly reduce both the frequency and the intensity of hot flushes in menopausal women. It offers a drug-free alternative for women who cannot take or prefer not to take HRT, and is now widely recognised as an evidence-based treatment for this symptom.
Insomnia and sleep problems
Hypnotherapy can help break the cycle of insomnia by reducing sleep anxiety, quieting the racing mind and retraining the subconscious associations around sleep. It is often used alongside sleep hygiene guidance and cognitive techniques for best results.
Smoking cessation
Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation works by strengthening motivation to stop and weakening the psychological habit and association patterns that drive the urge to smoke. Many people find that a focused course of hypnotherapy significantly improves their chances of quitting successfully.
Confidence and performance
Hypnotherapy can be effective for building confidence, overcoming self-limiting beliefs and improving performance – whether in professional, sporting or social contexts. It works by replacing negative subconscious self-talk with more empowering patterns of thought and belief.
Other conditions
Hypnotherapy can also help with nail biting and other habits, weight management, pain management, dental anxiety and preparation for medical procedures.
Research and evidence
Hypnotherapy has a growing evidence base across several conditions. Key highlights include:
- Gut-directed hypnotherapy is recommended by NICE as an effective treatment for IBS, with studies showing response rates of 70–80% in patients with IBS
- Research published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that clinical hypnosis significantly reduced hot flush frequency and severity in menopausal women
- Meta-analyses have found hypnotherapy to be effective for anxiety, with effect sizes comparable to other evidence-based treatments
- Studies have shown that adding hypnosis to CBT can significantly increase its effectiveness for anxiety disorders
- Hypnotherapy for smoking cessation has a strong evidence base, with studies showing it outperforms willpower alone and compares favourably with nicotine replacement therapy
What to expect
Your first hypnotherapy session will begin with a consultation to discuss your goals, concerns and what you hope to achieve from treatment. Your therapist will explain exactly what hypnotherapy involves and answer any questions you have. There is no obligation to proceed until you are comfortable.
Sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes. You will be invited to sit or lie in a comfortable position and your therapist will use a combination of relaxation techniques and carefully chosen language to guide you into a hypnotic state. While in this state, the therapist may use a range of techniques including suggestion, visualisation and metaphor, tailored to your specific goals.
After the session you will feel relaxed but alert. Most people find hypnotherapy deeply calming, and many notice positive changes from the first session. The number of sessions required depends on the condition and the individual; some issues respond in just a few sessions while others benefit from a longer course.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be in control during hypnotherapy?
Yes. You are fully in control throughout the session. You cannot be made to say or do anything against your will, and you can exit the hypnotic state at any time. The experience is more like a deep daydream than the dramatic depictions seen on TV or stage shows.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people can be hypnotised to some degree, though individuals vary in their level of hypnotic responsiveness. A willingness to engage with the process and a reasonable ability to relax and focus are the main factors. Your therapist will use techniques suited to your individual responsiveness.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the condition and the individual. Phobias and habits such as smoking may respond in as few as one to three sessions. Anxiety, sleep problems and IBS typically require a course of six to eight sessions. Your therapist will discuss expected timelines at your first appointment.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe, well-established therapeutic approach when delivered by a qualified practitioner. It has no significant side effects. It is not suitable for people with certain conditions such as psychosis or severe mental illness, and your therapist will take a thorough history before treatment to ensure it is appropriate for you.
Our hypnotherapist
Rita Pai
I'm Rita, a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist with a professional background in Dentistry, offering a calm, modern and evidence-based approach to supporting meaningful change.
Registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), I work with adults, young people and children to help manage stress, anxiety, low confidence, phobias and unwanted habits in a safe, structured and compassionate way.
My aim is simple: to help you feel better and stay better by providing you with practical tools that support lasting change. I focus on helping you build confidence, self-awareness and resilience so you can continue progressing long after our sessions end.
My work draws on evidence-based approaches including hypnotherapy, CBT-based strategies, mindfulness and meditation, tailored to your individual needs.
If you are ready to better understand your mind, break unhelpful patterns and build greater confidence, I would be glad to support you.
For more information, please visit www.ritapaishypnotherapy.com or contact Rita on 07459 364508 or via email at hello@ritapaishypnotherapy.com.
