Hypnotherapy for Anxiety, Burnout & Stress
Online | St Albans | Hertfordshire
If youāre struggling youāre not alone.
Many people come to hypnotherapy when they feel stuck or overwhelmed - when theyāve tried to think their way out of things but something still isnāt shifting.
Itās not a lack of willpower - itās often a sign that a different approach is needed.
And itās okay to do things differently.
Testimonials
Iām so glad youāre here.
My name is Gemma, Iām a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist (Dip. Hyp. Cs.) and trainee psychotherapist (due to qualify after four years of training in November 2026).
I support people online and across Hertfordshire to feel calmer, clearer and more connected with themselves.
My approach is integrative and holistic, drawing on hypnotherapy alongside person-centred, CBT and psychodynamic frameworks. This means our work together is tailored to you - not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Together, we will work gently and directly with your subconscious mind, the home of habits and patterns, allowing change to feel more natural and lasting over time.
Alongside my therapeutic work, I also offer tarot as a reflective and intuitive practice in community settings, providing space for insight, clarity and perspective.
Gemma AkedāPriestley
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Online | St Albans | Hertfordshire
I support people withā¦
Burnout and Chronic Stress
Anxietyand Emotional Overwhelm
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Habit Change: Smoking/Vaping, Alcohol Moderation, Weight Loss, Comfort Eating and Tics
Phobias and Fears
Trauma Processing, Inner Child Work and Depression
Pregnancy, Fertility and Parenting
Exam Stress and Performance Anxiety
As well as other habits and patterns related to emotional wellbeing and behaviour change.
Stay Connected.
Transformation in 3 simple steps
Discovery Call
20 minutes - Free - a chance to get to know each other and ask any questions you might have about hypnotherapy.
2. Initial Consultation
60 minutes - Ā£25 - time to explore your goals, background, preferred style of working together and a taste of hypnosis.
3. Hypnotherapy Session
60 minutes - Ā£85 - tailored and targeted hypnotherapy sessions supporting you connect with calm and feel back in control.
Hypnotherapy FAQs
1.What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses hypnosis - a state of deep relaxation and focused attention - to help people make positive change.
Approximately half of a hypnotherapy session focuses on the conscious mind and half on the subconscious.
Hypnotherapy supports neuroplasticity - the brainās natural ability to rewire and change. When you repeat a thought or behaviour, you strengthen the neural pathway associated with it.
Interestingly, the brain responds to vividly imagined experiences in a similar way to real ones. This is why hypnotherapy can be so effective in creating change that feels natural and effortless.
2. Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes - hypnotherapy is considered a safe and gentle approach with no known negative side effects. However, hypnotherapy may not be suitable for certain conditions, such as epilepsy or some personality disorders. If youāre unsure, we can explore this together.
3. Is it better working in person or online?
Hypnotherapy works just as effectively online as it does in person. Online hypnotherapy sessions offer flexibility and no travel time - ideal if youāre busy or not based locally. In person hypnotherapy sessions in St Albans or Hertfordshire can be helpful if youād like a dedicated, calming space away from home. Both are equally powerful - the best option is the one that feels right for you.
4.What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious mind is the part of your mind operating below conscious awareness. According to the latest research, itās responsible for approximately 95% of all behaviour and is the home of habits, beliefs, memories, dreams, phobias, emotions, and automatic responses. When the subconscious part of your mind and the conscious part of the mind work together in harmony, patterns that once felt stuck begin to soften and change starts to feel easier.
5. How many sessions will I need?
Hypnotherapy is often shorter term than traditional talking therapy, with many clients noticing real change within 6-12 sessions. That said, everyone is different and there is no one size fits all - everyoneās hypnotherapy journey is unique.
6. What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe hypnosis as deeply relaxing. You might feel heavy or light, and some people see colours or feel subtle changes in temperature. I often describe hypnosis as feeling like a massage for your mind.
7. Where are you based?
I offer hypnotherapy sessions in St Albans, across Hertfordshire and online:
Nadya Giffen Therapies, St Albans, AL4 9RB
8. Can I be hypnotised?
Almost everyone can experience hypnosis - itās a natural state we move in and out of daily (like driving on autopilot, day dreaming or āzoning outā.) During your initial consultation, youāll experience hypnosis and Iāll tailor my approach to your communication style and preferences before you commit to any hypnotherapy sessions.
9. Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No - you are always in control during hypnosis. Youāll be aware of whatās happening, and if anything I say doesnāt feel right, you simply wonāt accept it. Hypnotherapy isnāt about being ācontrolledā or instantly ācured.ā Itās a collaborative process that supports deep and sustainable change. My role is to offer guidance and support - you are always playing an active role at the centre of the process.
10. Are you the right therapist for me?
I might be the right therapist for you if youāre drawn to a warm, creative, and grounded approach - or if youāre looking for something a little bit different.
I blend neuroscience with intuition, working with how your brain forms and rewires patterns, while also exploring imagination, symbolism, and deeper subconscious processes.
Understanding your mind can feel empowering. But so can allowing space to explore the unknown - thatās what makes hypnotherapy so special.
