Frequently Asked Questions
About Trauma Clearing, Hypnotherapy, QHHT & Reiki
Whether you're considering Trauma Clearing, Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy, QHHT or Reiki, it's natural to have questions before deciding which approach feels right for you.
(To quickly navigate to each section click on the modality above)
This page answers some of the most common questions about the therapies and services I offer, including what you can expect from a session, how the different approaches work and some of the practical considerations before getting started.
If you're unsure which approach may be most suitable for you, I also offer a free initial consultation where we can discuss your individual circumstances and any questions you may have.
Getting Started
How do I know which therapy is right for me?
Choosing the right approach depends on what you would like to explore and what feels most comfortable for you. I offer Trauma Clearing, Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy, QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique) and Reiki, each providing a different approach to personal and emotional wellbeing.
You don’t need to make that decision on your own. During your free initial consultation, we can discuss what has brought you to me, what you would like to achieve and which approach may be most appropriate for you.
Ultimately, the decision is something we make together, with you remaining in control of what feels right for you.
Do I need to know which therapy I want before contacting you?
No. You don’t need to know which therapy or approach is right for you before getting in touch.
Many people contact me knowing that something in their life needs to change, but they aren’t necessarily sure which approach would best suit them. That is one of the reasons I offer a free initial consultation.
We can discuss what you would like to explore, answer any questions you may have and consider which of my approaches feels most appropriate for you before you decide whether you would like to book a session.
What happens during the free initial consultation?
The free initial consultation is an informal telephone conversation, usually lasting around 15–20 minutes.
It gives us an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to me, what you would like to explore and any questions or concerns you may have. I can also explain the different approaches I offer and give you my professional view on which may be most appropriate for you.
What age do I need to be to have a session?
My therapies and services are available to individuals aged 16 and over.
For anyone aged 16 or 17, I recommend that a parent or guardian is aware of and gives their consent for the session.
If you are unsure whether a particular approach is suitable for you or someone you are enquiring on behalf of, we can discuss this during the free initial consultation before making any decision about booking.
How much do sessions cost?
The cost of a session varies depending on the therapy or approach you choose.
You can find full details of my current session options and prices on my Services & Costs page.
If you’re unsure which option may be most appropriate for you, we can discuss this during your free initial consultation before you make any decision about booking.
Trauma Clearing
What is Trauma Clearing?
Trauma Clearing is the name I use for an approach that focuses on exploring the emotional response connected with difficult memories, experiences and repeating patterns.
Rather than concentrating only on the story of what happened, the process allows us to explore the feelings that may still be associated with an experience and whether that emotional response can reduce or change.
You can read a much more detailed explanation in my What Is Trauma Clearing? article.
How does Trauma Clearing work?
Trauma Clearing is a collaborative process using guided questioning, emotional awareness and breathing techniques.
During a session, I help you identify what feels relevant while allowing your own thoughts, memories and emotional responses to guide what emerges. When an appropriate experience or feeling comes forward, we work with the emotional response associated with it.
I see myself as the facilitator of this process. Your willingness to engage with what emerges is an important part of the work and its results.
Do I have to talk about my trauma or tell you what happened?
Not initially. During the consultation, nothing in detail needs to be explained, and at the beginning of a Trauma Clearing session it is not necessary to go into the full details of what you have experienced.
You remain in control of what you choose to disclose, and it is possible to begin working with an emotional response without me knowing the entire story behind it.
As the session progresses, however, additional context can sometimes be helpful, particularly when there are multiple experiences or layers that need to be explored and cleared. This can help me understand what is emerging and guide the process more effectively. I'll be honest in saying that there should be no secrets during a session and that everything is treated in confidence.
Do I have to relive a traumatic experience during a session?
Trauma Clearing can involve connecting with feelings associated with a difficult memory, but the purpose is not simply to make you repeatedly relive what happened.
Recognising the emotional response is an important part of exploring whether that response can change. I sometimes describe this simply as, “You have to feel it in order to heal it.”
The process is collaborative and takes place with your consent. You remain involved in deciding what you are ready to explore.
Is Trauma Clearing the same as hypnotherapy?
No. Although my background as a qualified hypnotherapist informs my wider practice, Trauma Clearing and hypnotherapy are different approaches.
Trauma Clearing does not require you to enter a hypnotic trance. Instead, we use guided questioning, emotional awareness and breathing techniques to explore what emerges within your conscious awareness.
I offer both Trauma Clearing and Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy, and we can discuss which approach may be more appropriate for you during your free initial consultation.
Can Trauma Clearing sessions be done online?
Yes. My Trauma Clearing sessions are primarily conducted online using Zoom.
I have found this particularly useful because you can participate from your own familiar environment without needing to travel. All you need is a suitable device, a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private space where you are unlikely to be disturbed.
Further preparation guidance is provided before your session.
How many Trauma Clearing sessions might I need?
Trauma Clearing sessions come in blocks of two appointments.
There is no fixed number of sessions because every person and situation is different.
In my own practice, I have observed significant changes for some clients within one or two Trauma Clearing sessions, but individual experiences and outcomes vary.
Rather than committing you to a predetermined number of sessions, we can assess what has changed, allow time for processing and decide together whether any further work would be useful after your block is complete.
Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy
What is Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy?
Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy is my approach to hypnotherapy, using hypnosis tools from my various techniques that I have acquired over the years to create a deeply relaxed and focused state where we can explore thoughts, emotions, memories and patterns that may be influencing you.
My role is to guide and facilitate the process while working with what emerges during the session. The approach can be adapted to the individual and what they would like to explore.
What does being hypnotised feel like?
Hypnosis is generally experienced as a deeply relaxed and focused state of awareness. You are not asleep or unconscious, and you can still hear my voice and remain aware of what is happening around you. It is daily experience during the periods of people falling asleep and waking up. Hypnotherapy works in this "in-between" state of awareness and feels completely natural because of its daily occurrences.
People experience hypnosis differently. Some describe feeling very relaxed or physically heavy, while others may feel light or simply notice that their attention has become much more focused.
There is no single sensation that tells you that you are “properly hypnotised”. Your experience is individual to you.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No. Hypnosis does not mean surrendering control to the hypnotherapist.
You remain able to think, speak and make decisions throughout the session. I cannot make you do or say something against your will simply because you are in hypnosis.
My role is to guide the process, while you remain an active participant in the experience. This is often mis-conception that stems from stage hypnosis where the opposite occurs with carefully selected subjects.
Will I remember what happens during a hypnotherapy session?
In most cases, my sessions are recorded so the burden of trying to remember everything is removed. You will remember parts of the session, although your recollection of particular parts may vary.
Because hypnosis involves deep relaxation and focused attention, some parts of the experience may feel particularly vivid while others may be remembered less clearly afterwards.
What if I don’t think I can be hypnotised?
Many people wonder whether they will be able to enter hypnosis, particularly if they have never experienced it before.
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and relaxation, and there is no need to force yourself into a particular feeling or experience. Being willing to follow the process and engage with my guidance is more useful than worrying about whether you are “hypnotised enough”. You don't have to be "deep" to have effective results. We can also discuss any concerns you have before the session begins and I will be able to give advise for you to have the best possible experience.
How is Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy different from Trauma Clearing?
Both approaches can involve exploring emotional experiences and patterns, but the processes are different.
Trauma Clearing does not require a hypnotic trance. It uses guided questioning, emotional awareness and breathing techniques to work with what emerges within your conscious awareness.
Trauma Resolve Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to create a deeply relaxed and focused state in which we can explore relevant thoughts, memories, emotions and patterns.
Neither approach is automatically better than the other. During your free initial consultation, we can discuss what you would like to explore and which approach feels most appropriate for you.
How long does a hypnotherapy session last?
Hypnotherapy sessions are generally longer than Trauma Clearing sessions (between 2-3 1/2 hours) because we allow time to discuss your intentions, your history, enter hypnosis, explore what emerges and bring the session to a comfortable conclusion. The important part is a 30min cooldown period, where you will be adequately safe to drive home.
The exact length can vary depending on the individual and the type of work being undertaken. I will explain the expected session length when we discuss your appointment so that you know how much time to allow. I generally say not to have any further plans for the rest of the day if it can be arranged. Having plans on the same day of your appointment can impact the session in a very negative way. Make it a "You" Day!
Can hypnotherapy sessions be conducted online?
Yes. This type of hypnotherapy can be conducted online, provided you have a reliable internet connection and a quiet, private environment where you can relax without being disturbed. I adapt the the technique so to account for disconnection, if it were to unfortunately happen during the session for any unknown reason.
For an online session, you will need a suitable device and ideally headphones with a microphone. I will provide preparation guidance beforehand so that you can create a comfortable environment for the session.
Whether online or in person is most appropriate can also be discussed during your free initial consultation.
QHHT & Past Life Regression
What is QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique)?
QHHT, or Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique, is a hypnosis-based approach developed by Dolores Cannon through decades of work with clients.
A QHHT session uses a deep state of relaxation to explore experiences, memories and imagery that may hold personal meaning for the individual. The process may include experiences interpreted as past lives, alongside communication with what is referred to within QHHT as the Higher Self.
Each session is shaped around the individual and the questions or intentions they bring with them. My QHHT sessions are always conducted in person, allowing plenty of time for discussion, preparation, the hypnosis itself and reflection afterwards.
Is QHHT a form of past life regression?
Past life regression is a well-known aspect of QHHT, but the client may have an experience within their current life. It's important to establish that the clients' higher self is responsible for where they go during the session—it knows best the most appropriate time and place to explore the themes that are important to learn from.
During hypnosis, a person may experience scenes, emotions, imagery or narratives that they interpret as belonging to another lifetime. These experiences can sometimes provide a different perspective on these themes, relationships or patterns within their present life.
The purpose is not to force a particular experience or destination. Instead, let the higher self guide the process and allow the experience to unfold naturally for the individual.
Do I need to believe in past lives to experience QHHT?
No. You do not need to have a particular spiritual or religious belief to experience a QHHT session.
Although QHHT is widely associated with past life regression, not every session necessarily takes someone into an experience they interpret as a past life. Some people may find themselves exploring events or experiences connected with their current life, while in rarer circumstances people may report experiences they interpret as relating to a future life.
The important part is to remain open to the experience rather than trying to consciously decide where you think the session should take you. The experience works along side your own belief system, whatever side of the spiritual "fence" you are on.
What questions can I ask during a QHHT session?
Your questions are an important part of preparing for a QHHT session and should reflect what you genuinely want greater insight or understanding around.
These might include questions about your life direction, relationships, recurring patterns, personal experiences, spiritual journey or sense of purpose. You may also wish to prepare a separate set of questions relating to your health and wellbeing.
Your questions help establish the intention for the session and are later presented during the Higher Self part of the QHHT process.
There are no limit to how many questions you can ask but 2 or 3 for each area of your life is normal. What matters is that they are meaningful to you and relate to the answers or understanding you are seeking. Always ask the questions in a positive manner. This helps steer the right answer to you. A good example would be—"How do I find my balance and direction?" Rather than asking "Why do I feel blocked on my path all the time?"
What questions can I ask during a QHHT session?
Your questions are an important part of preparing for a QHHT session and should reflect what you genuinely want greater insight or understanding around.
These might include questions about your life direction, relationships, recurring patterns, personal experiences, spiritual journey or sense of purpose. You may also wish to prepare a separate set of questions relating to your health and wellbeing.
Your questions help establish the intention for the session and are later presented during the Higher Self part of the QHHT process.
There are no limit to how many questions you can ask but 2 or 3 for each area of your life is normal. What matters is that they are meaningful to you and relate to the answers or understanding you are seeking. Always ask the questions in a positive manner. This helps steer the right answer to you. A good example would be—"How do I find my balance and direction?" Rather than asking, "Why do I feel blocked on my path all the time?"
What is the Higher Self in QHHT?
Within the QHHT framework, the Higher Self refers to a deeper level of awareness or consciousness that Dolores Cannon came to identify through her work with clients, she referred to it as the S.C. or Subconscious. She claims it doesn't really have a name but can be referred to as the bigger part of you that has been with the soul for its entire journey.
This is an important part of a QHHT session because it is where the questions you have prepared beforehand can be presented. The responses that emerge may offer perspectives on your experiences, life direction, relationships, personal development or other areas you have chosen to explore.
Different people may understand the concept of the Higher Self in different ways. You do not need to adopt a particular interpretation beforehand; the focus is on allowing your own experience to unfold and considering what meaning or insight it may hold for you. It knows what your meant to get from the session because of its wisdom.
Will I remember my QHHT session, and is it recorded?
People's recollection of hypnosis can vary. You may remember much of your QHHT experience clearly, while certain parts may become less distinct once the session has finished.
For this reason, my QHHT sessions are video recorded, and a copy of your session is provided to you in the days afterwards.
I encourage you to revisit the recording because listening to and watching your session again can help you process the experience further and notice details, responses or insights that you may not have fully recognised during the session itself.
The recording also gives you a personal record of an experience that can contain a considerable amount of information to reflect upon afterwards, removing the burden of trying to remember every entire important detail.
How should I prepare for a QHHT session
One of the most important parts of preparing for QHHT is creating a list of questions that you would genuinely like answers or greater insight around.
You might divide these into general questions about your life, relationships, direction, purpose or spiritual journey, alongside a separate set of questions relating to your health and wellbeing.
Try to focus on the questions that genuinely matter to you rather than worrying about whether you are asking the “right” thing. These questions help establish your intention for the session and can later be presented during the Higher Self portion of the process.
Before your appointment, I will also provide practical preparation guidance so that you know what to expect and can arrive ready to engage with the experience. Having a daily meditation practice can also help you prepare mentally for your session. Tips on meditation can be found within my blog section.
Reiki & Energy Healing
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a gentle form of energy healing that originated in Japan and is based around the idea of working with the body’s natural energy.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner uses their hands either lightly on or just above the body, with the intention of supporting relaxation, balance and general wellbeing.
I am trained to Reiki Level 2, and I incorporate Reiki as one of the approaches available within my wider practice.
What happens during a Reiki session?
A Reiki session is generally a calm and relaxing experience. You remain fully clothed and are invited to make yourself comfortable while I work with a series of hand positions either lightly on or just above the body. Before the session we establish your intentions. There is nothing that you need to actively do during the process. You can simply relax and allow yourself to experience the session in whatever way feels natural to you.
The experience is individual, and there is no particular sensation or response that you are expected to have. Some people may experience subtle warmth and vibrations, others may just feel the deep relaxation that comes from the session itself—it's unique to you.
What might I feel during Reiki?
People can experience Reiki in different ways.
Some people report sensations such as warmth, tingling, heaviness, lightness or a deep sense of relaxation. Others may notice emotional responses, imagery or simply find that their mind becomes quieter.
It is also perfectly possible to experience very little physically during a session. There is no “correct” way to experience Reiki, and the absence of a particular sensation does not mean that you are doing anything wrong. Just be in the moment and enjoy.
What can Reiki be used for?
People are drawn to Reiki for many different reasons. Some are looking for a deeply relaxing experience or a way to create more balance in their lives, while others may be experiencing periods of stress, emotional overwhelm or simply feel the need to slow down and reconnect with themselves.
Reiki may also appeal to people who are interested in energy work, personal development or exploring the more spiritual aspects of their wellbeing, bringing balance to their energy centres.
The experience is very individual. I view Reiki as a complementary approach that can support relaxation and general wellbeing rather than as a replacement for appropriate medical or psychological care.
Do I have a time restriction to use my package of three Reiki sessions?
Yes. If you purchase my block package of three Reiki sessions, the sessions can be used at any time within a 12-month period from the date of purchase. Any unused sessions will expire after that period.
There is therefore plenty of flexibility to arrange your sessions around your own circumstances. However, I generally recommend having one Reiki session per month as a good starting point for those who would like to experience Reiki on a more regular basis.
You can find further information about my Reiki sessions and the three-session package cost on my Services page.
Preparation Advice & Tips
Do I have a time restriction to use my package of three Reiki sessions?
Preparation will vary slightly depending on the type of session you are having, and I will provide you with any specific guidance you need beforehand.
In general, I recommend approaching your session with a clear intention around what you would like to explore. Taking some time beforehand to reflect on what you would like to understand, change or move forward from can be helpful.
I also recommend introducing a daily meditation practice in the lead-up to your hypnotherapy sessions. This is not essential, and you do not need to have any previous experience with meditation, but taking a little time each day to quieten the mind and focus your attention can help you mentally prepare for the session.
For certain approaches, such as QHHT, there is more specific preparation involved, including creating a list of questions you would like to explore during your session.
Most importantly, arrive with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the process.
What do I need for an online session?
For an online session, you will need a reliable internet connection and a laptop or tablet with a camera and microphone. I generally conduct my online sessions using Zoom.
I recommend using headphones where possible, particularly if this gives you additional privacy and helps you focus on the session without distractions.
Choose a quiet, comfortable space where you are unlikely to be disturbed and allow yourself enough time so that you do not feel rushed before or immediately after the session.
I will provide you with the relevant Zoom link and any additional guidance you need before your appointment.
What happens after my session?
What happens after a session will depend on the approach we have used and your individual experience.
I generally encourage clients to allow themselves some time to process the session and to be mindful of any subtle changes in their thoughts, emotions, reactions or perspective over the days that follow.
Where a session has been recorded, I may encourage you to watch it again. Revisiting the experience can sometimes help you notice information, insights or moments that you may not have fully recognised during the session itself.
Journaling can also be useful if new thoughts, questions or realisations emerge afterwards.
Where appropriate, we can arrange a follow-up to discuss how you have been progressing, explore anything else that has surfaced and decide whether any further work would be beneficial.