Hypnotherapy based in Skipton and online: anxiety, stress, confidence, phobias, smoking cessation. Available in Embsay, Carleton, Gargrave, Keighley, Ilkley, Steeton, Silsden, Barnoldswick. Clinically led by Registered Mental Health Nurse, Christopher Hardy - 20 years of experience in NHS healthcare. Find us on the Hub of Hope, Joy, Autism Services Directory, Thomson Local, Yell.com and Welcome to Skipton.

AsclepieiA (as-klee-PEE-uh)

Home > What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session? A Step-by-Step Guide

What Happens in a Hypnotherapy Session? A Step-by-Step Guide

You are always in control

Hypnosis is a state of focused relaxation - you remain aware and can stop the session at any time.

If you're considering hypnotherapy, it's completely natural to wonder what actually happens during a session. Films and stage shows have spent decades portraying hypnosis as losing control or being made to do things against your will.

Clinical hypnotherapy is very different:

You remain aware, in control, and free to stop the session at any time. The role of the therapist is simply to guide you into a naturally relaxed state where you can focus on positive change.

At Asclepieia Hypnotherapy and Wellness in Skipton, we practise Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH). Inspired by the ancient Greek healing sanctuaries (Asclepieia), our approach emphasises calm, safety and forward-looking change.

Sessions are led by Chris Hardy (RNMH), a Registered Mental Health Nurse with 20 years of NHS mental health experience, combining professional clinical knowledge with a compassionate, person-centred approach.

The Difference with Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

Unlike therapies that spend significant time exploring the past, Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy concentrates on helping you move towards the future you want.

This means:

No pressure to revisit difficult memories. You choose what you share, and sessions are focused on moving forward rather than reliving distressing experiences.
Building on strengths. Together, we explore what's already working and how to do more of it.
Drawing on current understanding of stress and the brain. We explain how stress can affect thinking, emotions and behaviour, helping you understand why you feel the way you do and how positive changes can develop over time.

Your First Appointment (Online initial consultation)

Your first visit is slightly different from regular sessions.

We'll spend time discussing your goals, understanding what has brought you to therapy, and explaining how Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy works. You'll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

Many people leave this first appointment feeling reassured simply because they better understand how stress affects the mind and body - unlike many other providers, Chris does not charge additionally for this initial, online consultation, it is included within the price of the first therapy session, which then usually occurs around a week later.

Looking Forward, Not Back

We'll focus on your strengths, your goals and the future you want to create - without dwelling on the past.

What Happens During a Typical 45/50-Minute Session?

Every session follows a familiar structure, creating a calm and predictable experience.

1. A positive review of the week (10–15 minutes)

We begin by talking about the positive things that have happened since your previous session, however small they may seem.

This isn't simply positive thinking. It's a deliberate way of helping your attention shift away from constant threat-monitoring and towards recognising progress, strengths and possibilities.

2. Building Your Preferred Future (Around 15 minutes)

Next, we explore your goals using solution-focused questions.

Rather than analysing problems in depth, we discuss what life will look like as things improve and identify realistic, manageable steps that move you closer to where you want to be.

3. Guided Therapeutic Relaxation (25-30 minutes)

You'll then sit comfortably or recline while listening to calming suggestions accompanied by relaxing background music.

This relaxed state, often called a trance, is completely natural. It's similar to becoming absorbed in a good book or daydreaming. Most people describe it as deeply calming and restorative.

4. Returning Calm and Refreshed

Towards the end of the session, you'll be gently guided back to full alertness.

Most people leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and ready to continue making small positive changes throughout the week.

Clinically led by Christopher Hardy, RNMH

Two decades of NHS mental health experience supporting safe, ethical, person-centred care.

Why Choose Asclepieia?

The Confidence of Extensive Mental Health Experience

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is generally considered a safe, non-invasive therapeutic approach when practised by an appropriately trained practitioner.; however, every person arrives with a unique history, and sometimes issues emerge that benefit from broader clinical knowledge or a different form of support - this is where two decades of experience in regulated NHS mental health care provides an invaluable depth of assessment, risk awareness and clinical judgement.

Chris Hardy brings more than 20 years' experience as a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RNMH) working across NHS acute mental health, crisis services, community care and extensive experience in patient safety. This means your care is informed not only by training in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, but also by decades of experience assessing mental health, recognising when additional support may be needed, and working within robust clinical and ethical frameworks.

While some hypnotherapists are highly skilled practitioners, many do not have a regulated healthcare background. An RNMH qualification provides additional expertise in areas such as risk awareness, safeguarding, professional accountability and multidisciplinary working. If, during the course of therapy, it becomes clear that another service or treatment would better meet your needs, you'll receive honest advice and appropriate signposting rather than continuing with an approach that may not be the best fit.

or many clients, the combination of Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy and more than two decades of regulated NHS mental health practice provides additional confidence that their care is grounded in clinical experience, professional accountability and a commitment to putting their wellbeing first

Located just off Sheep Street in the centre of Skipton, North Yorkshire

Asclepieia Hypnotherapy and Wellness is located at 6 Victoria Street, Skipton BD23 1JE, within The Divergent Space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No.

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation. You can speak, move, open your eyes or end the session whenever you choose.

What if my mind wanders?

That's perfectly normal.

There is no need to concentrate or "do hypnosis properly." Many people find their attention drifts naturally during relaxation, and that's absolutely fine.

How many sessions will I need?

Everyone is different, but many clients choose between 6 and 12 sessions, depending on their goals and the changes they'd like to make.

A Note on Safety

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapeutic approach designed to support emotional wellbeing. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If hypnotherapy is not the most appropriate option for your circumstances, you'll receive honest guidance about other sources of support.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you'd like to find out whether Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is right for you, we'd be delighted to welcome you for an initial consultation.

Whether you choose to attend in person in Skipton or online from anywhere in the UK, you'll find a calm, supportive environment where your goals and wellbeing come first.

Clinic: The Divergent Space, 6 Victoria Street, Skipton, BD23 1JE

Telephone: 01756 228611

Email: hello@asclepieiahypnotherapy.co.uk

Website: asclepieiahypnotherapy.co.uk