What is Solution-focused Hypnotherapy?
and what to expect
from working with me
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern, practical approach that combines talking therapy with guided relaxation (hypnosis) to help you feel calmer, clearer, and more in control of your thoughts and feelings.
It focuses on where you are now, where you want to be, and the small, achievable steps that help you get there – rather than getting stuck in the past.
It is also grounded in modern neuroscience, drawing on what we now understand about how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, anxiety, change and safety.
This is a safe, modern and well-researched approach to helping people break the negative cycle of anxiety and depression.
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I am currently in training with CPHT, due to qualify in early July 2026. I am seeing volunteer clients for free up until the end of May and then half price during June 2026.
I offer sessions online via Zoom to clients in the UK and worldwide.
As a registered student member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy, I am fully insured and have an Enhanced DBS.
In simple terms, this approach helps to calm an overactive stress response and support your mind and body to settle.
When we feel anxious, overwhelmed, or under pressure, the brain can become stuck in a “high alert” state.
This affects not only how we think and feel emotionally, but also how the nervous system regulates the body.
In this state, it’s common to notice physical symptoms of stress such as tension, fatigue, sleep disruption, or changes in digestion and gut comfort.
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy works with this mind–body connection by:
reducing the activation of the stress response
helping the mind become less reactive and more balanced
improving communication between the thinking brain and the body’s stress systems
encouraging more helpful, solution-focused ways of thinking
Over time, this can help you feel more settled, more present, and more able to cope with everyday life.
How it works
What happens in sessions
We start with an Initial Consultation.
This is an opportunity for you to meet me and find out more.
Within this 50-60 minute session, after taking some information from you about what you would like to change I will explain to you how our brains work, and what we can do to help you.
This is followed by 8-12 weekly 60-minute sessions.
Each session is made up of two parts:
1. Talking therapy
Together, we’ll look at what’s going well in your life, what you’d like to be different, and the small, achievable steps that can help you get there.
The focus is always forward-looking – helping you notice what’s already working and building on those small shifts.
2. Guided relaxation (hypnosis)
You’ll then be guided into a deeply relaxed state.
This is a natural state of focused attention that helps the nervous system move out of “fight-or-flight” and into a more settled, restorative mode.
In this state, the mind becomes quieter, the body can relax more fully, and the brain is more open to forming helpful new patterns.
Most people describe it as feeling very calm, settled, and mentally “switched off” from everyday thinking.
All sessions are held online via Zoom.
Prices
I am currently in training and up until the end of May 2026 these sessions are all free.
From June 2026 for new clients these sessions will be half price.
Once I’m fully qualified in July 2026, new clients will be charged the full price.
Will i be in control?
Yes, always.
You remain fully in control throughout the session. Hypnotherapy is not about losing awareness or being “put under.” Instead, it is a naturally occurring brain state that you experience every day (for example, when you’re absorbed in a book or daydreaming) which allows for deep relaxation, focused attention and nervous system regulation.
You can come out of it at any time if you need to.
What can solution-focused hypnotherapy help with?
People come to Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy for a wide range of reasons, including:
anxiety, low mood and overwhelm
stress and burnout
overthinking and mental fatigue
low confidence or self-doubt
sleep difficulties
stress-related physical symptoms (such as tension, fatigue or digestive discomfort)
feeling “stuck” or not like themselves
As I train, I am particularly looking for clients who would benefit from help with:
I can also help with phobias and fears, smoking/vaping cessation and weight management.
And from May 2026 I will able to help with OCD and performance improvement.
A mind–body approach (backed by neuroscience)
This approach recognises what neuroscience has shown us: the brain, nervous system and body are constantly communicating.
When the nervous system is under prolonged stress, it can affect emotional regulation, thinking patterns, energy levels, and physical wellbeing.
As the nervous system begins to settle, many people notice not only a shift in their thoughts, but also changes in how their body feels and responds day to day.
What makes it “solution-focused”?
Rather than spending time analysing problems in detail, we focus on:
what you want instead
what’s already working (even in small ways)
and how to build more of that into your daily life
This approach aligns with how the brain and nervous system adapt – through repetition, attention, and small, consistent shifts over time.
Is this right for me?
This approach may suit you if you:
feel stuck in cycles of stress, anxiety, or overthinking
notice that anxiety and stress affect both your mind and your body
want something practical and forward focused
are open to a gentle, structured process of change
want to feel calmer, clearer and more regulated
Many people are surprised by how quickly small changes begin to build.
As your mind and nervous system begin to settle, things that once felt overwhelming often start to feel more manageable – and life can begin to feel lighter, steadier, and more like your own again.
My Background and Training
I’m training towards:
The CPHT Diploma in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH)
The Level 4 Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD), awarded by the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) — the UK’s largest professional hypnotherapy association. I am currently a student member.
While I’m still in training, you’ll be in very safe hands.
I bring 25 years of personal experience in deep relaxation practices, and over 15 years of guiding others into deeply relaxed, restorative states through restorative yoga, meditation and yoga nidra.
Creating calm, nurturing spaces has been an important part of my life and work — and hypnotherapy feels like a natural extension of that.
Every session is run according to the NCH Code of Conduct, meaning you can expect professionalism, compassion, and complete confidentiality.
Now, Let’s Clear Up a Few Myths
People often have questions about hypnotherapy — and it’s completely understandable! Common misconceptions arise from stage shows or TV portrayals.
In reality, hypnotherapy is a gentle, collaborative process designed to help you access your own inner resources.
Here are a few facts that might put your mind at ease:
You’re always in control.
You can’t be made to say or do anything you don’t want to. You’ll be aware, relaxed, and completely yourself throughout.You won’t “lose control” or fall asleep.
Most people find it similar to daydreaming — you’re aware, comfortable, and in charge the whole time.We don’t dwell on the past.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is all about looking forward and finding practical ways to create the future you want.It’s grounded in science.
This approach draws on neuroscience, solution-focused brief therapy, and positive psychology — so it’s practical, gentle, and effective.
What to Expect as a Volunteer Client
Sessions are relaxed, supportive, and collaborative. We’ll start by discussing what you’d like to achieve, explore ways forward, and then use gentle hypnotherapy to help you consolidate those changes at a subconscious level.
You’ll leave each session feeling refreshed, calmer, and often with a clearer sense of direction.
As a volunteer client, you’ll benefit from:
Professional, structured sessions following CPHT training standards
Confidentiality and respect at all times
No cost (Jan-April 2026) or reduced price (May to early July 2026) sessions as part of my supervised training
Begin Your Journey
If you’re curious about hypnotherapy and open to experiencing its benefits in a supportive, professional training setting, I’d love to hear from you.
Together, we’ll work towards helping you feel calmer, more confident, and more in control — one relaxed step at a time.
Email me at stella@stellatomlinson.com or book your free initial consultation here.
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