Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be struggling with something to benefit from therapy?

Not at all. While many people seek therapy when they’re feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed, others come for support with confidence, focus, or simply to gain a better understanding of themselves. Solution-focused therapy is about building on what’s already working and helping you move towards the life you want whatever stage you’re at.

What is solution-focused therapy?

Solution-focused therapy is a forward-looking approach that helps you identify what you want to achieve and the small steps that will get you there. Rather than analysing problems in depth, we focus on your strengths, successes, and future goals supporting you to build momentum and confidence in your ability to change.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes, most people can enter a relaxed, focused state of hypnosis. It’s a natural state that you experience daily like when you lose track of time while driving or become fully absorbed in a film. Hypnosis isn’t about being under or out of control’; it’s a collaborative process where you’re always in charge.

Will I lose control during hypnosis?

No. Despite what stage shows might suggest, hypnosis isn’t about controlling your mind it’s about helping your mind focus and relax so it can make useful connections and changes. You’ll remain aware and in control at all times, and you can stop the process at any point.

Do you talk about the past in sessions?

We don’t revisit the past in depth or analyse past trauma. Instead, we acknowledge where you’ve come from and explore what would be a more helpful and healthy way to think and feel moving forward. The aim is to gently shift your focus from what’s wrong’ to what’s next’.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your goals and what feels right for you. Some clients come for just a few sessions to work through something specific, while others choose to continue longer-term to support ongoing growth. We’ll regularly review your progress together so the process always feels purposeful.

Do you offer online or in-person sessions?

Yes, I offer both online and in-person sessions to suit your preference and circumstances. Whether we work together in person or via a secure video call, the experience and outcomes are equally effective. Many clients enjoy the flexibility of online sessions, while others prefer to meet face-to-face it’s entirely up to you

What if I'm not sure therapy is for me?

That’s completely understandable, which is why I offer a free initial consultation. It’s a relaxed, no-obligation conversation where we can explore what you’re looking for, and you can get a feel for how I work. There’s no pressure just a chance to see whether it feels like a good fit.

What is the success rate?

Success in therapy is personal and can look different for everyone it might mean feeling calmer, sleeping better, improving relationships, making clearer decisions, or simply having a more positive outlook. Many clients notice a significant shift after just a few sessions, and solution-focused therapy is designed to help you see real progress without needing to revisit the past in depth.

While no therapy can guarantee results, research shows that solution-focused approaches, particularly when combined with therapeutic hypnosis, can be highly effective for a wide range of emotional and behavioural challenges. In fact, clinical studies suggest that hypnosis can significantly enhance therapeutic outcomes helping people make faster, longer-lasting change.

What makes therapy most successful is the collaborative nature of the work we focus on your goals, your strengths, and your pace. The majority of my clients report increased confidence, better mood, and a greater sense of control over their lives.

Reference:
Kirsch, I., Montgomery, G., & Sapirstein, G. (1995). Hypnosis as an adjunct to cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy: A meta-analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(2), 214 220.
This landmark meta-analysis found that clients receiving cognitive behavioural therapy with hypnosis showed significantly greater improvement than those receiving CBT alone.

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Paris Cains profile picture
Paris Cains
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Helen led a brilliant guided relaxation session for our team. She instantly put everyone at ease, and the whole experience was calming, grounding, and uplifting. We all came away feeling lighter and more present. One of our favourite parts was the “what's been good” reflection. It's so easy to focus on the negatives, and this simple moment of positivity was a powerful reminder of how well we're doing. Would highly recommend Helen to any team or individual looking to slow down, reset, and reconnect.
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Jennifer Anderson
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Helen runs a well being group at the Park Daventry Road knowle it is enjoyed by adults with learning disabilities and also their support class Helens relaxation sessions are absolutely brilliant Helen is calming and very person centered Jenney Senior support worker 💙
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Emma Sage profile picture
Emma Sage
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I absolutely love the mid week online relaxation class. Its perfect to help de-stress, re-focus and of course feel calm and relaxed. The 'What's been good' from everyone is uplifting and helps with positivity. It definitely helps my sleep too on a Wednesday evening. Helen is extremely knowledgeable and professional. She is great at what she does and I cannot recommend highly enough.
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Lisa W profile picture
Lisa W
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Having a session with Helen of BrainWorks Hypnotherapy has been more helpful to me than I thought was possible. Dealing with the knock on mental and emotional impacts of living with a long term chronic health condition became very challenging and I needed specialist help. In so many ways Helen helped me make sense of what was happening with me and gave me some great tips to help me make some positive and lasting progress.
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John Tucker Tucker
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Always very interesting sessions , I feel as though II am learning a lot . Helen is very reassuring , knowledgeable and kind , and also very realistic. I aim to attend as many sessions as possible to improve my life .
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Rita Swan profile picture
Rita Swan
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I attend Helens weekly Mindfulness and Meditation group on a Monday morning. I thoroughly enjoy this and it sets me up perfectly for the week. Its inspiring, uplifting and healing for me. Helen does everything so wonderfully and professionally….i love everything about her and'm most grateful to be able to attend her group. I highly recommend it for any soul looking out for themselves, she rreeaallyy ‘does' make a difference. Thank you kindly Helen x
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Paul Newcombe
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Helen is Very positive & I find her extremly inspiring which helps my feelings of wellbeing
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Phil Turle profile picture
Phil Turle
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Well worth attending these sessions. Very beneficial and helped greatly. HELEN is amazing.
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Louise Davies profile picture
Louise Davies
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Helen was just brilliant. Her explain, challenge and support approach helped hugely following a difficult period.