Live Joyfully

Hypnotherapy in St Albans, London Colney, and Online

Discover Peace. Discover Freedom. Discover You.

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to.

With the right help you can find your roots again.

It starts with discovering the right therapist for you.

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

I know how impossible it can feel to take that first step towards change. Even when change is positive it’s still scary. I’ve battled burnout, stress and anxiety. I’ve felt deeply exhausted, pressured to be productive ALL the time and plagued by perfectionism.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can choose a different path, a gentler one. It just takes a bit of bravery in taking that first step. But when you do, trust me, it feels incredible - it feels like freedom.

Now, as a fully-qualified Hypnotherapist (Dip Hyp CS) my mission is to help others discover peace and live joyfully. Book a FREE Discovery Call today to find out how hypnotherapy can help you on your journey from surviving to thriving.

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Hypnotherapy can help with….

  • Stress (Burnout, Overwhelm, Perfectionism)

  • Anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety)

  • Phobias (Fears, Panic Attacks)

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - OCD

  • Pain

  • Smoking/Vaping (Breaking Habits)

  • Weight Loss

  • Sleep (Insomnia, Sleep Paralysis, Sleep Terrors, Nightmares, Sleep Walking, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea)

  • Pregnancy (Fertility, Sex, Relationships)

  • Depression (Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Regression, Inner Child Work)

  • Confidence (Self-Esteem, Body Image, Interviews, Public Speaking, Presentations, Wedding Speeches, Exams, Achieving Goals, Creativity, Sports Performance)

  • And much more…

  • I'd never tried hypnotherapy before and now wish I'd started it sooner. The way Gemma set up and held the space made the whole process feel really safe and relaxed. I have a noisy brain and was sceptical this would work for me but it gave me a proper

    "I'd never tried hypnotherapy before and now wish I'd started it sooner. The way Gemma set up and held the space made the whole process feel really safe and relaxed. I have a noisy brain and was sceptical this would work for me but it gave me a proper break from it in a way that felt truly restorative. Highly recommend."

  • “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."

  • “Managing and running my own business results in me having a lot of stress and coping with a huge amount of other people’s stresses too. I contacted Gemma about hypnotherapy and whether she thought that may help. I was really impressed with her personal and professional manner throughout our first meeting, instantly grasping what industry I worked in and showing empathy for the areas of life that I found most stressful. Even now in times of stress I still mentally use the green shiny pebble in my pocket creating space and allowing me to breath and realign my thoughts. I would highly recommend Gemma for any hypnotherapy sessions that you may be thinking about.”

  • “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?

I get asked this question A LOT. I think the easiest way to explain hypnotherapy is to compare it to regular talking therapy. During a regular therapy session a therapist will provide a safe space for you to explore why you're feeling the way you're feeling, thinking what you're thinking and doing what you're doing. It's about raising awareness on a conscious, cognitive level. The focus tends to be on the past, the present and the problem.

Whereas in hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapist will work with BOTH your conscious mind (through talking therapy) as well as your subconscious mind (through guiding you into hypnosis). You will be explore the past, the present and the problem PLUS the solution and the future. When the conscious mind and the subconscious mind work together than fast, effective and long-lasting transformation occurs.

2.What is the subconscious mind?

The subconscious mind is more powerful than than conscious mind. It is the part of the mind that operates 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 does hypnosis feel like?

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.

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 epilepsy or a personality disorder such as bi-polar or schizophrenia than hypnotherapy would not be suitable for you.

5. How many sessions will I need?

Unlike regular 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. Where are you based?

I’m based at two beautiful wellness centres in St Albans and London Colney:

Nadya Giffen Therapies, St Albans, AL4 9RB

The Wise Lotus Centre, London Colney, AL2 1BJ

I believe that healing is holistic - many of my clients enjoy a massage or a wellness treatment after a hypnotherapy session.

I also work with clients online via Microsoft Teams.

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 Hertfordshire, 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 anyone. My job is to listen, guide and facilitate change. My job is to help you 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.