If you are considering hypnotherapy, it is natural to have a few questions before booking.
You may be wondering what happens during a session, whether you can be hypnotised or how many appointments you might need. This page explains the practical details, but you are always welcome to contact me if there is something I have not covered.
Your initial consultation
All clients begin with an initial consultation.
This gives us time to talk about what has been happening, how it affects everyday life and what you would like to change.
I will explain how I work, answer your questions and give you an honest view of whether hypnotherapy seems suitable for what you are experiencing.
We may also discuss:
- Your current circumstances
- Relevant medical or mental-health support
- Any medication that may be important
- What you have already tried
- What a useful improvement would look like
- Whether in-person or online sessions would suit you best
You do not have to tell me every private detail. I need enough information to understand the concern and work safely, but you decide what you are comfortable sharing.
The consultation does not commit you to a course of sessions.
What happens during the subsequent hypnotherapy sessions?
We usually begin by talking about how things have been since we last met and what would be most useful to focus on that day.
I will explain the approach before we begin. Depending on you and the goal we have agreed, the session may include therapeutic conversation, focused attention, relaxation, imagery or mental rehearsal.
Hypnosis is generally experienced as a relaxed and focused state. You remain aware of what is happening, can speak if you wish and can stop at any time.
There is nothing you have to perform and no particular feeling you need to achieve.
Fees
Initial consultation – £25
Available in person or online.
This gives us time to understand what has been happening, discuss what you would like to change and decide whether my approach seems suitable.
Standard hypnotherapy session – £70 in person
Appointments take place at my private practice in Hayle, Cornwall.
Standard online hypnotherapy session – £65
Online sessions are held through Google Meet.
Stop-smoking session – £170
Stop-smoking appointments take place in person and follow an initial consultation.
The focused stop-smoking session is usually arranged for around a week after the consultation, giving you time to prepare and confirm that stopping is your own decision.
If you are seeking support to stop vaping, the same process follows as for stopping smoking. An initial consultation, followed by a focused stop-vaping session usually a week later.
How do I book?
You can view my current availability and book through my secure online appointment portal.
The portal includes daytime, evening and limited weekend availability. Monday is my regular non-working day.
If you are unsure which appointment to choose, contact me first. A brief message about what you would like help with is enough for me to point you in the right direction.
Payment
Payment information is included with your appointment confirmation.
I ask that payment be made by cash or bank transfer at the appointment’s close.
Any outstanding appointment fee needs to be paid before a further session can be booked. And please note that a failure to pay or false information may lead to cancellation and further action.
Cancellation and missed appointments
You can cancel or rearrange without charge when more than 24 hours’ notice is provided.
Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment are charged at 50% of the session fee. Missed appointments without notice are payable in full.
I understand that genuine emergencies happen. If something unexpected prevents you from attending, please contact me as soon as you can.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed answer.
It depends on what you want help with, how long it has been affecting you and your wider circumstances. People also respond to hypnotherapy differently.
Some concerns may involve only a small number of appointments, while others benefit from longer support. We review how the work feels as we go, and I will not ask you to purchase a course in advance.
Stopping smoking / vaping follow a more defined process: an initial consultation followed by a focused stop-smoking / vaping session.
Can everybody be hypnotised?
Most people can experience some degree of hypnosis when they want to take part and feel comfortable with the process.
People experience it differently. You might feel physically relaxed and absorbed, or you may remain quite aware of the room throughout.
You do not need to reach a particular “depth” for the appointment to be worthwhile. Your suitability will be assessed and method of delivery based on testing.
Will I lose control?
No.
You remain aware of what is happening and can speak, move or stop whenever you choose.
Hypnotherapy does not force you to reveal secrets or accept suggestions that go against your values. My sessions are collaborative, and I explain what we are doing before we begin.
What if I cannot relax?
You do not need to force yourself to relax.
Some people arrive feeling nervous, particularly at their first appointment. We will take time to talk first, and you can ask questions before deciding whether you are ready to continue.
Relaxation may develop gradually as you become familiar with the process. There is no correct way you are expected to feel.
In-person appointments
In-person sessions take place at my private practice:
Neil Cox Hypnotherapy
13 Meadowside Close
Hayle
Cornwall
TR27 4JL
The practice is convenient for Hayle, St Ives, Penzance, Helston, Camborne, Redruth and surrounding areas.
You will receive the practical details you need with your appointment confirmation.
Online appointments
Online appointments are available for many of the concerns I work with.
Sessions are held through Google Meet. You will need:
- A private and comfortable place
- A stable internet connection
- A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
- Somewhere you can sit or recline safely
- Enough uninterrupted time for the appointment
Please do not join an online session while driving, looking after children, operating equipment or in any situation where you cannot give it your full attention.
Stop-smoking / vaping appointments are held in person only.
Is online hypnotherapy different?
The conversation and therapeutic work remain personal to you, just as they would in the room.
Some people prefer attending from home, particularly when travelling is difficult or they live outside Cornwall. Others prefer the separation of coming to the practice.
You can choose the option that feels most comfortable, provided online work is suitable for your circumstances.
Do you work with people under 18?
My practice is primarily for adults aged 18 and over.
I do not routinely offer therapy to children or younger teenagers. If you are enquiring for an older teenager, contact me before booking and I will give you a straightforward answer about whether my experience and approach are appropriate.
Is hypnotherapy available through the NHS?
Hypnotherapy is not routinely available through the NHS, although provision can vary.
Some private health plans may contribute towards complementary therapy, so you would need to check directly with your provider before booking.
Can I continue taking medication?
Yes. Continue taking medication as prescribed.
Do not stop or change medication because you are having hypnotherapy. Any questions about medication need to be discussed with the GP or clinician responsible for prescribing it.
Please tell me about relevant medication and medical or mental-health care during the consultation so that I can consider whether my service is appropriate.
Is hypnotherapy suitable for every concern?
No. Hypnotherapy is not suitable for every person or every situation.
Some symptoms require assessment or treatment from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or another specialist service.
Appropriate medical or specialist support should come first if you are experiencing:
- New, severe, persistent or unexplained physical symptoms
- Symptoms of alcohol dependence
- An eating disorder
- Psychosis or mania
- Thoughts of harming yourself or somebody else
- A mental-health crisis
- Another condition requiring urgent care
I may ask you to speak to your GP or another professional before we proceed. If I believe somebody else would be better placed to help, I will say so.
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental-health help in England, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental-health option.
Is everything confidential?
What you tell me is treated confidentially and handled in accordance with my privacy policy and professional responsibilities.
There are limited circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken, such as a serious and immediate risk of harm or a legal safeguarding requirement. I can explain this in more detail if you have concerns.
Do I have to book another appointment?
No.
You do not need to book a course, and there is no pressure to arrange another session before you leave.
We can discuss what seems useful, and you can decide whether you would like to continue.
Still unsure?
If you have a question or would like to know whether hypnotherapy may be suitable, send me a brief message.
You do not need to explain everything at once. Let me know what you would like help with, and I will suggest the most sensible next step.