Solution Focused Hypno-Counselling · Swindon & Online UK
A place to talk.
A way to move forward.
Sometimes being truly heard is the beginning of something different.
I'm Gary Smith, a psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in Swindon. I offer calm, collaborative conversations, drawing on Solution Focused therapy, clinical hypnotherapy and NLP to help you explore what matters and what you'd like to change.
In-person appointments in Swindon · Online across the UK where suitable · No obligation to continue
01 / A different kind of conversation
You don't need to have the right words before you begin.
You may know what feels difficult without knowing exactly why, or what should happen next.
Perhaps life is demanding more than you can comfortably give. You might be navigating change, wrestling with anxiety, carrying old worries or feeling that your confidence has become smaller.
Our first task is to understand your experience without judgement or pressure. There is space to be listened to, and space to think about how life could feel different.
My work is forward-looking, but that doesn't mean dismissing your past. We can talk about what has happened whenever it matters to the work we are doing together.
02 / What may bring you here
Support for the things that are difficult to carry alone.
We can explore the concern you arrive with, or begin simply with the feeling that something needs to change.
Anxiety & persistent worry
Finding room to think when worries, uncertainty or what-ifs feel difficult to put down.
Stress & feeling overwhelmed
Understanding pressures, balancing demands and considering realistic boundaries.
Confidence & self-worth
Exploring self-doubt, unhelpful expectations and ways to feel more at ease being yourself.
Relationships & communication
Reflecting on repeating patterns, difficult conversations and what you need from relationships.
Grief, loss & change
A gentle space for difficult emotions, transitions and adapting when life has changed.
Motivation & direction
Making sense of feeling stuck, postponed decisions and what a next step could look like.
Individual support: These are common areas to discuss, not diagnoses or guarantees of treatment. If your needs call for a specialist service, including dedicated couples therapy or a specific mental health intervention, we can discuss appropriate options.
03 / The approach
Solution Focused at heart. Hypnotherapy when it fits.
Rather than treating everybody the same, I bring together a supportive conversation and techniques matched to your goals.
Solution Focused conversations
We explore what you would like to be different, notice strengths and exceptions to the problem, and identify small, realistic steps. Listening and collaboration remain central.
Clinical hypnotherapy
When appropriate and with your agreement, hypnosis or guided relaxation can be used to support calm, rehearsal of preferred responses and a more settled experience of change.
NLP-informed techniques
Where suitable, I may use NLP approaches to explore associations, language, perspectives and the ways you respond to situations. We discuss what feels useful rather than applying a fixed formula.
CBT-informed elements
Practical reflection on the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours may complement our conversations. This is not advertised as a complete specialist CBT programme.
My service blends psychotherapy, counselling-style conversation and clinical hypnotherapy. We will discuss the approach, its limitations and whether it is suitable for your circumstances; you do not need to agree to hypnosis to have a useful first conversation.
04 / Your experience
You can be heard without feeling hurried.
There is time for reflection, and space for forward movement.
Some sessions may focus on talking through a difficult situation. Others may explore what you have already tried, what is helping, and how to respond differently to a familiar challenge.
Where agreed, relaxation and hypnotherapy can form part of the session. We will review your experience and make changes to the approach when necessary.
05 / How we begin
Three straightforward steps.
No pressure, no prescribed journey and no expectation that you have it all worked out.
A free initial conversation
Tell me what has brought you here, ask about my approach and discuss what would make support worthwhile for you.
An agreed way of working
If we decide to work together, we consider your preferences, circumstances and the type of session that may suit you.
Thoughtful ongoing review
Sessions typically last 50–55 minutes. There is no fixed programme or guaranteed number of sessions; we review progress together.
06 / An informed choice
The right support should suit the person, not just the problem.
My work can sit alongside other kinds of support, and it is important to be open about what each approach offers.
Sometimes counselling-style support and Solution Focused hypnotherapy may fit well with what you are looking for. At other times, NHS Talking Therapies, a specialist counsellor, CBT or medical assessment may be more appropriate.
Discussing those options is part of responsible care. You can seek support from your GP or another professional at any stage.
Independent information
If you're comparing different kinds of talking therapy, these NHS resources explain counselling and available NHS options.
NHS — What counselling involves
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, use appropriate emergency services. My sessions are not a crisis service.
07 / Your therapist
Hello, I'm Gary.
A Swindon-based psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, lecturer and clinical supervisor.
For me, a helpful therapeutic relationship begins with listening. I aim to offer a straightforward, friendly space where you can explore what is troubling you and what you hope might be possible.
My work is Solution Focused and collaborative. I also draw on clinical hypnotherapy and NLP where appropriate, and I am registered with the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council.
08 / Where we work
Counselling-style support in Swindon and online across the UK.
In person
Swindon, Wiltshire
Appointments are available at Best Mind Therapy, Northbourne Road, Swindon SN25 4YE. Enquiries are welcome from Cirencester, Chippenham, Marlborough, Royal Wootton Bassett, Bath, the Cotswolds and communities within approximately 50 miles.
Online sessions
Throughout the United Kingdom
Where clinically suitable and privately arranged, online appointments are available across the UK. We can discuss your preference during the free consultation.
10 / Common questions
Questions about hypno-counselling.
Clear answers to help you make an informed choice.
What is Solution Focused hypno-counselling?
It is a description of my collaborative style: counselling-style listening and Solution Focused therapeutic conversations, with clinical hypnotherapy where appropriate and agreed. We discuss your goals, preferences and what support may suit you.
How is this different from traditional counselling?
Traditional counselling often focuses on talking, understanding and processing experiences. My work emphasises Solution Focused psychotherapy and may include hypnotherapy or NLP-informed techniques. We can discuss whether my approach or another form of counselling better matches your needs.
Do I have to talk about difficult past experiences?
Not necessarily. We focus on your priorities and what you would like to change. You may choose to discuss your past when it is important, but there is no requirement to share more than you feel ready to explore.
Will every session involve hypnosis?
No. Hypnotherapy is an option we can discuss, not a requirement. Some sessions may centre on conversation, reflection and practical strategies.
How does NLP fit into your sessions?
Where appropriate, NLP-informed techniques may be used to explore perspectives, associations and preferred responses. I will explain what I propose and check that you are comfortable with it.
Do you use CBT?
I may draw on CBT-informed elements, such as noticing connections between thoughts, emotions and behaviour. This does not mean I offer a full specialist CBT treatment programme.
What if I am not sure what I need help with?
That is a perfectly reasonable starting point. We can begin by discussing what feels difficult and what you would like to be different, without requiring a diagnosis or a detailed plan.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions. We will discuss your circumstances, agree an approach and review progress together. You are free to pause or finish at any time.
Are sessions available online?
Yes. Suitable online appointments are available throughout the UK. In-person appointments are based in Swindon, welcoming enquiries from areas approximately 50 miles around the practice.
Is what I share confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship, subject to professional and legal limits, including appropriate safeguarding. We discuss privacy and any relevant exceptions before working together.
What is the cost and is the consultation free?
The initial consultation is free and without obligation. Current session fees and any concessionary rates are explained on the fees page and can be discussed before booking.
What if I need specialist mental health support?
If your needs indicate a different or more specialist service, we can discuss appropriate options, including your GP or NHS Talking Therapies. My services do not replace urgent or emergency care.
11 / Your next step
A conversation can be a good place to start.
If you'd like to explore whether this approach could suit you, our first conversation is free and without obligation.
Or call 07359 071210