Live Joyfully

Hypnotherapy in St Albans and Online

Discover Peace. Discover Freedom. Discover You.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the right help life can flow.

It starts with discovering the right therapist for you.

My name is Gemma Aked-Priestley and I’m the founder of Discover Therapy.

My therapy journey began back in 2020. Like lots of people, I was exhausted and at a crossroads. Then I discovered hypnotherapy and it changed my life, opening the door to calm, clarity and confidence.

Now as a fully-qualified Hypnotherapist (Dip Hyp CS) my mission is to help others on their journeys from surviving to thriving.

Based in St Albans, I specialise in stress and anxiety, working with clients both in person and online. To find out how hypnotherapy can help you book a FREE Discovery Call.

  • “I would highly recommend Gemma for any hypnotherapy sessions that you may be thinking about."

  • “Working with Gemma has been a truly transformative experience. When I first started therapy, I was overwhelmed by stress and struggling to cope. Through your compassionate and insightful approach, you helped me understand the roots of my stress and gave me practical tools to manage it effectively.”

  • "Gemma was brilliant, from the moment I stepped into the room she made me feel calm and at ease. Any questions I had were answered clearly and she listened carefully and compassionately to me throughout our work together. I can safely say that if you put your all into therapy, you get a whole lot more out of it than you will ever have expected. Thank you Gemma."

  • “I had the privilege of participating in hypnotherapy sessions with Gemma to help me manage stress and the experience truly exceeded my expectations.”

  • “I had a Hypnotherapy session with Gemma to quit smoking. I have been smoke and vape free since the session and haven't felt the need to do so. Gemma did a great job and I'd highly recommend her.”

  • "“It was a pleasurable and relaxing experience having hypnotherapy. Gemma is very attentive, professional and engaging.”"

Transformation in 3 Simple Steps

  1. Discovery Call

20 minutes - Free

2. Initial Consultation

60 minutes - £25

3. Hypnotherapy Session

60 minutes - £85

Common Questions about Hypnotherapy

1. What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is an evidence-based therapy that engages both the conscious and the subconscious mind. During a hypnotherapy session you will be encouraged to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. This helps to develop understanding, the first step towards change. Next, you will be guided into hypnosis where you will receive personalised, positive suggestions. This encourages the rewiring of your neural pathways, cementing transformation.

2. What is the subconscious mind?

The subconscious mind operates just below the surface. It’s the home of our memories, dreams, fears, phobias, self-limiting beliefs, habits and the limbic system which is the source of our emotions. The subconscious mind plays a vital role in changing our beliefs and behaviours.

3. What can hypnotherapy help with?

  • Stress, Anxiety, Burnout, Overwhelm

  • Phobias, Fears, Panic

  • Pain Management, Weight Loss, Stopping Smoking/Vaping, Insomnia, Sleep Issues

  • Sex, Relationships, Fertility, Pregnancy

  • Grief, Depression, Trauma, Life Transitions

  • Career Changing, Interviews, Public Speaking, Exams

  • Confidence, Self-Esteem, Achieving Goals, Performance, Sport

  • Regression, Inner Child Work

  • And much more…

4. Is hypnosis safe?

Yes. Hypnosis is safe. There are no known negative side-effects to hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is often recommended by doctors as a complimentary service alongside other treatment or medication. However, hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone. If you have a personality disorder, bi-polar, schizophrenia or if you experience hallucinations or delusions hypnotherapy would not be suitable for you.

5. How many sessions will I need?

Unlike traditional talking therapy, hypnotherapy tends to be a much faster process with clients experiencing significant change after just 6-12 sessions. However, depending on the severity and complexity of your condition, some people require less time and some require more. Everyone is unique. Together, we will discover the right plan for you. Sessions can be booked on a pay-as-you-go basis or in Blocks of 6, 8 or 10.

6. What does hypnosis feel like?

Most people agree, hypnosis feels amazing. It feels a bit like when you’re in between being awake and asleep. Or if you’re driving car and you dip into autopilot or “zone out”. Some people feel weightless and like they’re floating. Others feel grounded and like every single muscle in their body has entirely relaxed. Some people see colours or feel tingly. Hypnosis is a deeply relaxing and highly enjoyable experience.

7. Can I be hypnotised?

It is incredibly rare that somebody cannot be hypnotised at all. Most people fall into different groups with different styles of hypnosis resonating with them dependant on various communication factors. During the Initial Consultation your hypnotic modality, learning style, language preferences and susceptibility will be assessed. Drawing on this information, I will then chose the right language to specifically guide you into hypnosis. You will successfully experience hypnosis before booking any Hypnotherapy Sessions.

8. Is it better working in person or online?

In my experience, and in line with the latest research, hypnotherapy works equally well in person and online.

Hypnotherapy in person can be more time and cost effective as some people find it quicker and easier to connect, meaning less sessions are required. You may find my therapy room to be more calming than your busy home. If you don’t have a stable internet connection then in person is definitely the right choice for you.

Online hypnotherapy might be more suitable if you need flexibility. As long as you’re in a private place, online sessions can take place anywhere. Online can be more time and cost effective as there is no need to travel. You may prefer the familiarity of your own home or you might not be based in St Albans, yet despite the distance, you feel that I’m still the right therapist for you - sometimes, when you know you just know.

9. Do I need to be controlled to be cured?

One of the most common myths about hypnotherapy is that a hypnotherapist will control you. This is not true. When you are experiencing hypnosis you are aware of your surroundings. If something is suggested to you that does not align with your values or you do not want to do it, you simply will not do it. You are always in control of you.

Another common myth about hypnotherapy is that you will be magically cured. This is not true. The process requires an active commitment to change. It takes time and collaboration. On average, people need 6-12 sessions to achieve the change they want. As a hypnotherapist, it's not my job to cure. My job is to listen, guide and facilitate change. My job is to help you.

10. Why now?

Most people come to hypnotherapy because they have reached breaking point. There is a pressing problem that is significantly disrupting their lives. They might have tried talking therapy, self-help books, podcasts, pilates, meditation, medication, yoga or acupuncture. But they’re still stuck. It feels like nothing can help them overcome this. Sound familiar?

If you know you need support and you’re not receiving the right support, the problem is likely to worsen. Consequences can range from mild to severe including emotional distress, relationship breakdowns, professional setbacks, difficulty functioning in daily life, and developing mental and physical health issues. Don’t wait to break.