Your questions.
Clear answers.
A calmer mind.

Clinical hypnotherapy uses agreed techniques such as focused attention, guided relaxation, imagery and therapeutic suggestion. At Best Mind Therapy it is part of a collaborative conversation about what you would like to change, rather than something done to you. Suitability and goals are discussed before starting.

It combines Solution Focused conversations with hypnosis or guided relaxation where appropriate. We explore what matters to you, notice your strengths, identify realistic goals and consider manageable steps towards your preferred future. The approach does not require a predetermined number of sessions.

Stage hypnosis is entertainment. Clinical hypnotherapy is a consent-based therapeutic process with professional boundaries. You can ask questions and stop at any point; the aim is not to entertain an audience or make somebody perform.

You can discuss stress, anxiety, habits, confidence, fear, sleep, difficult experiences or a feeling that something needs to change. We will explore what you hope to achieve and whether my approach, another therapy or healthcare support is the right fit.

No. Some people arrive with a clear concern; others simply feel stuck or overwhelmed. A free consultation offers space to describe your experience, ask questions and explore options without needing a diagnosis or a perfect explanation.

People vary in how they experience hypnosis. We can discuss whether you are comfortable with guided exercises and how you respond; it is not necessary to pass a special test before having an informed conversation about therapy.

You do not need to adopt a particular belief. Curiosity, informed consent and a willingness to participate in a collaborative process are more useful starting points. I will explain what I propose and make space for scepticism and questions.

No. Hypnosis is not ordinary sleep. People often describe relaxed awareness and sustained attention. You may hear my voice, notice thoughts and surroundings and remain able to respond.

Yes, we can discuss a Solution Focused conversation-led approach and decide together whether hypnosis is appropriate. The work can include psychotherapy, practical reflection and agreed exercises. See Hypno-counselling and Solution Focused support.

Yes. A good consultation includes whether the presenting concern needs GP assessment, specialist mental-health care or a particular evidence-based treatment. My role includes discussing limits and referring or signposting when appropriate.

Experiences vary. You might feel comfortable, absorbed, deeply relaxed or quietly focused. Some people notice images; others hear words more than they visualise. There is no single sensation you must achieve.

No. Clinical hypnosis is a voluntary activity. You can speak, ask to change an exercise or stop it; you are not surrendering control to the therapist.

I will not try to extract private information through hypnosis. You choose what to discuss, and confidentiality is explained before treatment. You can decline a question or pause at any time.

Hypnosis is not a permanent state. Sessions are brought to a close in an ordinary, structured way, and you can open your eyes or stop participating whenever you choose.

That is not a barrier to a conversation. Relaxation can draw on sound, words, physical comfort, attention and other ways of imagining possibilities. We adapt exercises to your preferences.

Not necessarily. Many people find it comfortable, but adjustments can be made. You can tell me if closing your eyes feels uncomfortable or brings up distress.

Usually, yes. I guide the exercise verbally and you remain able to respond. People differ in how closely they notice external sounds while absorbed in an exercise.

They can share focused attention and relaxation, but their purposes and methods differ. Hypnotherapy is arranged around agreed therapeutic goals, and I may use imagery or suggestion as part of our work.

No. “Subconscious” is a familiar way of discussing automatic responses, habits and processes outside immediate awareness, rather than a separate physical part of the brain. I explain ideas in accessible language without treating metaphors as medical facts.

Suggestions invite you to consider helpful responses, perspectives or actions aligned with your goals. They are discussed within an ethical, collaborative process rather than imposed as commands.

Guided relaxation and imagery can offer a way to rehearse feeling more composed in situations that matter to you. We can explore whether this feels useful alongside practical changes in everyday life.

Yes. A session is not judged by how dramatic the experience feels. We review your comfort, the exercise and any practical changes rather than trying to make hypnosis into a performance.

It means spending meaningful time on your preferred future, existing resources, helpful exceptions and achievable next steps, while still taking your current difficulties seriously. It is not a demand to ignore painful experiences.

No. We explore what is relevant and what feels safe. Some people want to discuss earlier experiences, while others prefer to concentrate on their present circumstances and hopes for the future.

We start where you are. Questions can be adapted and the pace slowed; even identifying what would feel a little less difficult can give us a useful direction.

Therapists may discuss positive action, positive interaction and helpful patterns of thinking as ways to reflect on everyday wellbeing. These are practical conversation prompts, not a formula that guarantees a particular mental-health result.

It is a metaphor for the way everyday demands can accumulate. We may use it to explore stressors, resources and what helps you feel less overloaded. It is a teaching aid, not a literal model of brain chemistry.

We talk about what would be different in your day-to-day life, not just what you want to stop feeling. Goals can be small, specific and reviewed as your priorities change.

Absolutely. You remain involved in decisions, and sessions can be adjusted if your priorities or circumstances change.

No. Frustration, sadness and setbacks can be discussed openly. The approach helps identify what may be possible without denying the difficulties you are facing.

There may be optional reflection or practical exercises where agreed. Nothing is automatic or imposed; we consider what feels realistic and appropriate for you.

We review what has and has not been useful, discuss expectations and consider whether to adapt or seek another form of support. There is no fixed timetable and no guarantee of outcomes.

My sessions may combine Solution Focused conversation and hypnosis with selected NLP exercises such as reframing or mental rehearsal, according to your preferences and suitability. Different techniques have different evidence bases; I explain what is proposed rather than presenting every method as a proven medical treatment.

Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a family of communication and personal-change techniques. I may draw on particular NLP tools where relevant; the research supporting NLP as a whole is limited, so it should not be confused with a recognised first-line treatment for complex medical conditions.

Rewind-style techniques involve working with a memory or feared scenario through guided imagery, usually without deliberately recreating the real-world event. I explain what this may involve and assess suitability; outcomes are individual and the evidence is not equivalent to established specialist trauma therapies.

My own hypnotherapy/NLP sessions do not require you to confront a feared object or situation during treatment. Other evidence-based phobia or OCD treatments may include planned exposure and response prevention, which I can discuss without pressuring you to choose them.

It means drawing on selected ideas such as noticing thought patterns, practical coping strategies and reviewing actions. It does not mean I am offering a full manualised CBT programme unless this is specifically stated and appropriately provided.

No. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis or guided relaxation within a therapeutic process. CBT is a structured, evidence-based talking therapy that links thinking patterns with behaviour. They can share practical themes but should not be presented as interchangeable.

NHS guidance usually recommends CBT including exposure and response prevention (ERP), with medication in some circumstances. We can discuss stress and anxiety around intrusive experiences, but hypnotherapy and NLP are not replacements for specialist OCD treatment. See our OCD information.

Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are established specialist options. If you describe symptoms suggesting PTSD, we can discuss appropriate assessment and whether my work has a suitable supportive role. See trauma and PTSD support.

Evidence depends on the specific concern and quality of research. Relaxation, anxiety-related support and some symptom-management uses are discussed in professional guidance, while stronger medical claims need stronger evidence. I avoid success-rate promises and explain limitations openly.

No. Any changes to medicines should be discussed with the clinician who prescribed them. Therapeutic support, where appropriate, can sit alongside medical care rather than overriding it.

We discuss what has brought you here, what you want to change, how I work, relevant alternatives and whether my approach seems suitable. You can ask about costs, confidentiality and appointments. There is no obligation to book further sessions.

You do not need a rehearsed account. It can help to think about what you would like to be different and any questions you want answered. For online sessions, choose a private, comfortable space.

Ordinary sessions are typically 50–55 minutes, with a maximum of 60 minutes. Any different arrangements for a specialist appointment should be confirmed in advance.

There is no dependable number for everyone. We discuss your circumstances and goals, review progress and agree whether further sessions seem useful. You are free to stop or explore other support.

Not necessarily. Sessions can include a Solution Focused conversation, therapeutic planning and, if suitable and agreed, guided relaxation or hypnosis. You remain involved in decisions about the format.

Yes. There is no requirement to remain silent, and checking your understanding and comfort is part of the process.

We make sure you feel ready to finish, discuss anything you wish to mention and consider practical next steps. You might feel relaxed or simply normal; neither sensation predicts the outcome.

Yes. You have a choice about continuing. Session cancellations and payment arrangements are governed by the published client terms, which can be discussed before booking.

No. Sessions themselves are not recorded. If a particular guided practice resource is offered, its arrangements would be discussed separately.

Usually not for an initial private consultation. If medical assessment or a specialist service is indicated, I will encourage appropriate contact with your GP or another qualified professional.

Hypnotherapy may be explored as part of a supportive plan for anxiety-related difficulties, alongside practical strategies and appropriate healthcare. We start by understanding your experiences and the sort of change you are seeking. See anxiety support.

Persistent worry can be exhausting. We can explore sources of pressure, what already helps and what a more manageable day might look like. Where symptoms are significant, GP or NHS Talking Therapies assessment may be appropriate.

We can talk about the situations and fears associated with panic and consider suitable coping strategies. New, severe or unexplained physical symptoms should receive appropriate medical assessment rather than automatically being attributed to anxiety.

Health anxiety can involve heightened concern about illness, body checking or repeated reassurance seeking. We can discuss the accompanying stress, while recognising that a clinician should assess new or concerning symptoms. Explore health anxiety support.

Yes, I can discuss stress, boundaries, confidence and wellbeing at work, with individual support where suitable. Employers also have responsibilities for managing work-related stress. See corporate and workplace support.

Burnout is commonly used to describe exhaustion and disengagement associated with prolonged occupational stress. It is not a diagnosis of every cause of fatigue. If exhaustion persists or affects daily life, a GP assessment may be useful.

We can explore situations that trigger anger, the thoughts and expectations around them and ways to respond more deliberately. Support is individualised; if anyone is at risk of harm, urgent safety and specialist support takes priority.

We can discuss how you feel and help you identify appropriate care. Depression may need assessment and evidence-based psychological treatment or medication; hypnotherapy alone should not be presented as a substitute for those options.

Solution Focused conversations and imagery can offer a gentle way to explore confidence, strengths and alternative perspectives, with practical steps that matter to you. See confidence and self-esteem.

Many people experience overlapping stress, sleep and confidence difficulties. We will discuss the whole picture and decide what deserves priority; complex symptoms may need joined-up care from other professionals.

A fear is a normal response to perceived danger. A phobia usually involves persistent, disproportionate fear and avoidance that can interfere with daily activities. A clinician can help assess the pattern if needed.

Enquiries include flying, dogs, needles, spiders, dentists, heights, vomiting, confined spaces, birds, bridges, swimming, germs and many others. See the phobia support hub for individual pages.

Yes. You can describe your fear without needing to know a clinical name. The free consultation helps us decide whether my approach seems appropriate.

Not as a requirement of my hypnotherapy or NLP process. We can discuss guided imagery and other agreed methods. Some specialist CBT approaches use graded exposure, and I can explain that option as part of informed choice.

We can explore anticipatory worry, the meaning of flying for you and practical preparation, alongside appropriate hypnotherapy or NLP techniques. No method guarantees a fear-free flight.

We can discuss driving-related worry, confidence and practical-test nerves, including anxiety around unfamiliar roads or previous incidents. Therapy does not replace driving lessons or DVSA guidance. See driving anxiety and test confidence.

We can explore anticipation, confidence in discussing needs with a dentist and relaxation strategies where appropriate. Continue recommended dental care and tell your dental team about your anxiety.

You can describe as much or as little as you wish. We can discuss whether this is a specific fear or whether specialist trauma assessment would be more appropriate.

We can talk about fear and preparation for appointments while working alongside necessary medical care. If you faint around needles or blood, tell your healthcare provider so appropriate physical safety measures can be used.

There is no responsible fixed promise. The nature of the fear, your history, preferences and response all matter. We discuss your options, review progress and avoid guarantees.

We can explore what being alone brings up for you, whether it relates to safety, uncertainty or past experiences, and what feeling more secure would mean. Other support may be recommended if symptoms are severe.

Yes. A conversation can help us understand what support you are looking for and what feels safe to discuss. We will consider whether a specialist trauma service, psychological treatment or other care is indicated.

No. You are not obliged to recount the whole experience in a first conversation. We can discuss safety, current difficulties and which professional approach is suitable.

No. Rewind-style work may be offered in some contexts, but it should not be represented as a proven equivalent to trauma-focused CBT or EMDR for PTSD. We will discuss the evidence and relevant alternatives.

Many people have unwanted thoughts. OCD typically involves persistent obsessions and compulsions or mental rituals that cause distress or interfere with life. Assessment matters, and OCD-specific CBT with ERP is a recommended treatment.

Yes. We can explore how those patterns affect your day. If they form part of OCD or another condition, specialist assessment and evidence-based care may be needed.

Please tell me during the consultation. Symptoms involving trauma, dissociation or significant risk may require more specialised assessment and treatment than this service alone provides.

Eating disorders require appropriate professional assessment and evidence-based care. We can discuss the concerns you bring, but I would not present hypnotherapy as a substitute for specialist treatment.

No. Best Mind Therapy is not an emergency service. For an immediate threat to life call 999. For urgent mental-health help in England, use NHS 111 and select the mental-health option where available.

Sometimes complementary support may be considered, but tell relevant clinicians what treatment you are receiving. We will avoid conflicting advice and discuss whether the combination is appropriate.

We can focus on what confidence looks like in your life, how you already manage challenging situations and how you might practise a more helpful response. Hypnotherapy or NLP may be included by agreement. See confidence support.

We can discuss anticipation, self-consciousness and post-event overthinking. Structured CBT is an established treatment for social anxiety disorder; we can discuss alternatives and suitability. See social anxiety support.

Yes, we can explore first-date nerves, self-doubt, conversations and fear of rejection in a supportive way. The goal is greater ease and personal choice, not a promise of a particular relationship outcome. See dating confidence.

We can discuss preparation, self-talk and confidence around presenting, interviews or performing, with mental rehearsal where suitable. See public speaking support.

No therapy can guarantee a grade. We can work on confidence, stress management and preparation routines to support your experience around exams. For any formal access arrangements, speak with your school or assessment provider. See exam anxiety support.

We can explore anticipatory nerves and practical ways to stay grounded around performance. Guided imagery and Solution Focused conversations may be relevant, but no outcome can be guaranteed.

We can discuss motivation, focus, dealing with setbacks and imagery for performance confidence. Therapy is not a replacement for qualified coaching, medical care or physical training.

Yes. We can explore your goals, self-expectations and communication confidence, using practical reflection and relevant techniques. See workplace wellbeing services.

Yes. You can talk about communication, boundaries, self-esteem, adjustment or uncertainty. I will explain the kind of individual support I offer and when a specialist couples or relationship service may be more appropriate.

You can decide what to share and how quickly. A respectful first conversation is part of the therapeutic process; there is no need to present your concerns perfectly.

Guided relaxation and therapeutic conversations may be part of support for stress around sleep. For persistent insomnia, CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is an established first-line treatment. We can discuss your situation and any healthcare assessment needed. See sleep support.

Stress, routines, medicines, health conditions and worry about sleeping can all contribute. A discussion may help explore the pattern, but persistent or severe sleep difficulties deserve GP assessment.

We can discuss how waking affects you and whether bedtime pressure or other stress is present. Symptoms such as loud snoring, breathing pauses or significant daytime sleepiness warrant medical assessment.

No. CBT-I has a stronger evidence base for long-term insomnia. Hypnotherapy may be considered for complementary relaxation or stress support, but I will explain its limitations.

We can discuss tension, worry and relaxation strategies where suitable, but teeth grinding can have dental and medical causes. Keep any prescribed mouth guard and seek dental advice. See bruxism and jaw tension support.

We can talk about how stress and routines interact with eating. Significant weight loss, restricted eating or suspected eating disorders require appropriate medical and specialist assessment.

Some research explores perceived pain and relaxation, but pain requires medical assessment where needed. I do not claim to treat the underlying physical cause or replace pain-management care.

We can discuss suitable techniques and how to incorporate them into ordinary life. There is no requirement to perform them perfectly, and their usefulness can be reviewed together.

People enquire about nail biting, procrastination, scrolling, comfort eating, bedtime patterns and other routines they would like to rethink. We can explore what the habit does for you and realistic alternatives.

No responsible therapist should promise that. Change usually involves your participation, choices and practical steps. Hypnotherapy or NLP can be discussed as part of a collaborative plan.

Yes. We can talk about your smoking pattern, motivation and options. Hypnotherapy should not be presented with unverified success rates or as superior to established stop-smoking support; NHS services and medicines may help.

We can discuss the routine and what you are seeking from it, while assessing whether specialist advice is needed. If you have withdrawal symptoms, do not stop drinking suddenly without medical advice, as this can be dangerous.

You can raise the subject without judgement. Dependence, withdrawal or other serious harms need specialist medical or substance-service input; hypnotherapy is not a replacement for supervised care.

We can explore stress and habits while prioritising practical safeguards such as banking blocks, self-exclusion and specialist gambling support. This service does not replace treatment for gambling-related harm.

No claim of automatic weight loss is appropriate. We can discuss routines, confidence and stress around eating where suitable, while emphasising realistic habits and medical or nutritional advice when needed.

A habit is often a repeated learned behaviour. A compulsion may involve a strong need to carry out an action to relieve distress, as in OCD. That distinction can affect which treatment is recommended.

Previous attempts can teach us something about triggers, resources and obstacles. We can approach the next steps without blame or fixed promises.

I can discuss enquiries for younger clients and consider age, developmental needs, the concern and whether my approach is appropriate. Some situations require specialist children’s mental-health support.

The published concessionary fee is £65 per eligible session, compared with the standard £75 fee; please verify current rates on the fees page. Suitability and safeguarding are discussed first.

A parent or carer can make an enquiry. Before arranging sessions, we discuss who needs to consent, the young person’s own wishes and the relevant safeguarding and confidentiality arrangements.

That depends on age, the young person’s needs, the purpose of the session and what is appropriate. We will agree the practical arrangements beforehand.

A conversation about worries, preparation and confidence may be appropriate for some young people. We also consider school support, health needs and appropriate consent. See exam stress support.

A GP, school safeguarding team or relevant children’s mental-health service may be the right first contact for significant symptoms. I will discuss suitability rather than claim hypnotherapy is a replacement for specialist care.

Yes, a parent can contact me to discuss a concern and explore suitable next steps or signposting. This does not mean I can share a young person’s confidential session details without appropriate justification.

Suitability for online appointments is considered carefully, including age, privacy, safeguarding, available adult support and the nature of the concern. An online appointment is not automatically appropriate for every child.

In-person appointments are at the Swindon practice on Northbourne Road, Swindon SN25 4YE. Cirencester, Tetbury and other places are areas from which clients travel or enquire, not additional clinics. See contact and directions.

No separate Cirencester clinic is advertised here. People in Cirencester and the Cotswolds can consider travelling to Swindon or arranging suitable online appointments. See Cotswolds service information.

The website targets a practical catchment of approximately 50 miles around Swindon. This describes where people may enquire from, not a promise of travel time or a separate clinic in each town.

Yes, suitable online appointments can be arranged across the United Kingdom. We discuss whether online work is appropriate for your concerns, privacy and circumstances.

Both can include therapeutic conversation and, where appropriate, guided hypnosis. Practical differences include your environment, privacy and technology. There is no blanket guarantee of equal outcomes.

Sessions are usually arranged using Microsoft Teams or Zoom, with joining instructions confirmed in advance. You will need a reliable connection and a private space.

Only if parked securely in a suitable private place, and never while driving. For hypnosis or relaxation, choose a safe, stationary environment where you will not need to respond to traffic or other hazards.

Any home-visit arrangements need to be confirmed individually rather than assumed from older website information. The regular choices are the Swindon practice and suitable online appointments.

You are welcome to enquire from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We will consider suitability, any applicable professional requirements and the practicalities of online care.

Yes. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation to continue. You can ask questions and decide whether the service feels right for you.

The currently published standard fee is £75 per session. Please check current session fees before booking in case details have changed.

Published concessions include eligible blue-light and emergency-service personnel, military personnel and veterans, teachers and school staff, and children under 16. The published concession rate is £65, subject to current eligibility and terms. See discounted-session information.

We can discuss individual appointments and any programmes where relevant. There is no requirement to commit to an unspecified number of sessions.

Under the practice terms, payment is due seven calendar days before the session. If your arrangement differs, it should be confirmed directly in advance. Read the client terms.

The published cancellation notice period is 48 hours. Please consult the full client terms and contact me as soon as possible if your plans change.

The initial free consultation is an introductory discussion. Ordinary therapy appointments are typically 50–55 minutes, up to a maximum of 60 minutes; specific arrangements are confirmed before booking.

An employer may enquire about funding suitable individual support. Clinical confidentiality and the limits of what may be shared must be clear in advance. See corporate psychotherapy services.

Use the book a free consultation link, or contact Gary on 07359 071210 or email. You can ask about appointments before deciding.

Therapy is handled confidentially, subject to legal, professional and safeguarding limits that are explained before work begins. See the privacy policy for information on data handling.

No, therapy sessions are not recorded. If you have questions about notes or information handling, we can discuss them before an appointment.

Yes. Appropriate clinical records are kept in accordance with the practice’s policies and relevant data-protection obligations. You can ask what is recorded and how access requests are handled.

No single therapy suits every person or condition. Hypnotherapy may be inappropriate or require medical advice for certain health histories, including some conditions involving psychosis or seizures. We review suitability before beginning.

Yes. You can pause, ask a question, change the format or withdraw consent at any stage. The work should be collaborative and respectful.

Call 999 if there is an immediate threat to life. If you need urgent mental-health support in England, contact NHS 111 and select the mental-health option where available. Do not wait for a routine therapy booking.

Seek appropriate medical assessment. Anxiety and stress can affect the body, but it is important not to assume that a new or serious symptom is psychological.

Yes. You are free to discuss other treatments, request a second opinion and choose the support that seems most appropriate for you.

No. I explain possible approaches and limitations, agree goals and review progress. Outcomes vary, and no responsible therapy service should promise a guaranteed result.

Gary is a Swindon-based psychotherapist, clinical hypnotherapist, lecturer and clinical supervisor working through Best Mind Therapy. His practice combines Solution Focused conversations, hypnosis and selected NLP or CBT-informed elements where suitable. See about Gary.

The practice lists Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diplomas, further hypnotherapy study and supervision qualifications. The About Gary page sets out the current professional details, which you are welcome to discuss.

Gary lists registrations with the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), the Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). These are professional registrations, not claims of statutory medical specialism.

Yes. Gary also works as a senior lecturer and supports hypnotherapy training through Inspiraology. Training courses are distinct from individual therapy appointments; enquire about hypnotherapy training for details.

Yes, professional supervision is a separate service for relevant practitioners. Details, fees and suitability are discussed separately from individual client therapy.

You can view feedback on the testimonials page. Personal accounts describe individual experiences and are not proof that a particular outcome will happen for someone else.

You can book a free consultation, telephone 07359 071210 or email Gary@bestmindtherapy.co.uk. An initial enquiry does not commit you to treatment.