Hypnotherapy Online, St Albans & Hertfordshire

Gentle and effective hypnotherapy for burnout, anxiety & breaking habits

Trying harder isn’t the answer.

If you’re struggling with burnout, anxiety, or habits that feel impossible to break, you’re not alone.

Most people come to hypnotherapy when they’re close to breaking point. They’ve tried everything and they still feel stuck.

I get it, I’ve been there.

It’s not a lack of willpower. It’s often a sign that you’re ready for a different approach.

Hypnotherapy works by gently accessing the subconscious part of your mind - the home of habits, beliefs, and emotional patterns - and by working with it, instead of fighting against it, change starts to feel natural…

from force to flow…
from chaos to calm…
from effort to ease…

It’s okay to choose a gentler path.

I’m a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist (Dip. Hyp. Cs.) supporting people across St Albans, Hertfordshire and online feel calm, confident and aligned.

Whether it’s burnout, anxiety, stress, low confidence, phobias, smoking, comfort eating, or alcohol, my approach focuses on the subconscious mind - where real, long lasting change begins.

When the conscious part of the mind works in harmony with the subconscious part of the mind, change feels natural and effortless.

No force. Just flow.

Gemma Aked‑Priestley - Hypnotherapist in St Albans

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Hypnotherapy can support 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, Sexual Issues, 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…

Book a FREE Discovery Call

Testimonials

  • "Working with Gemma has been an absolute blessing! After four sessions I feel like I have undergone a huge transformation for the best. Everything she does is done with passion and is incredibly bespoke. If you are considering Hypnotherapy - Gemma is the lady for you!"

    Christina

  • "I never thought hypnotherapy could make such a difference, but it truly changed how I think and respond to certain situations. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s ready for a real positive change."

    Carra

  • "Gemma is amazing at what she does. I feel like I've got my life back again. Thank you for your skills, patience, kindness and transformative treatment. Honestly incredible, couldn't recommend Gemma enough!"

    Sophie

  • "Gemma is a wonderful kind soul. She is very good at understanding you and putting you at ease. I felt like I was in very safe hands during the sessions."

    Anonymous

  • "I had a problem with arm scratching, after 2 sessions and techniques that Gemma taught me I feel like a new person! I can control the urge when I want to scratch! Thank you Gemma."

    Debby

  • "Gemma is so wonderful. She’s kind, caring & really listens. Her hypnotherapy work is personal & very supportive."

    Alice

  • "I loved my group of sessions with Gemma. Time to really focus on some debilitating areas and gain great results from thinking and acting differently. I walked away from each feeling lighter and brighter"

    Trisha

  • "I saw Gemma for hypnotherapy for 6 weeks.  She was kind and supportive and explained how this could help me. My stress levels are improving. Thank you Gemma."

    Shirley

  • "I had a Hypnotherapy session with Gemma to quit smoking. I was unsure what to expect, as I haven't done anything like this before, but 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.”

    Jo

  • "I'd never tried hypnotherapy before and now wish I'd started it sooner. 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."

    Bee

  • "Working with Gemma has been a truly transformative experience. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and would highly recommend Gemma to anyone navigating stress or seeking mental wellness.”

    Alice

  • "Gemma was brilliant, from the moment I stepped into the room she made me feel calm and at ease.  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."

    Holly

  • "I had the privilege of participating in hypnotherapy sessions with Gemma to help me manage stress and the experience truly exceeded my expectations. I wholeheartedly recommend Gemma to anyone struggling with stress or looking for a more balanced, peaceful approach to life. This experience has been a turning point, and I’m genuinely grateful.”

    Simran

  • “I had the pleasure of taking part in a group hypnosis session with Discover Therapy. The hypnosis itself was a very positive experience. I felt very relaxed but still aware of all my thoughts & emotions, which was quite a new feeling for me. I’d highly recommend working with Gemma as she holds people with clarity, integrity and an openness that allows you to be fully present and yourself.”

    Chloe

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

    Ryan

Transformation in 3 simple steps

  1. Discovery Call

20 minutes - Free - a chance to get to know each other and ask any questions you might have about hypnotherapy.

Book a FREE Discovery Call

2. Initial Consultation

60 minutes - £25 - time to explore your goals, background, preferred style of working together and a taste of hypnosis.

3. Hypnotherapy Session

60 minutes - £85 - tailored and targeted sessions supporting you connect with calm and feel back in control.

Hypnotherapy FAQs

1.What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a gentle and effective type of therapy that works with both the conscious part of the mind and the subconscious part of the mind. While talking therapy usually focuses on understanding, hypnotherapy focuses on leveraging neuroplasticty - the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself based on imagination and repetition.

2.What is the subconscious mind?

The subconscious mind is the part of your mind operating below conscious awareness. According to the latest research, it is 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, patterns that once felt stuck begin to soften and change starts to feel easier.

3. What does hypnosis feel like?

Most people experience hypnosis as deeply relaxing - like a massage for your mind. For some people it feels similar to “zoning out” or being on autopilot while driving. You might feel heavy, light, or simply very still. Some people notice colours or gentle sensations. Everyone’s experience is unique. However it feels for you, you’re always in control, hypnosis simply helps your mind become more open to positive change.

4. Is hypnosis safe?

Yes. Hypnosis is safe. There are no known negative side effects to hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is often used alongside other treatments and can support issues like anxiety, stress, and breaking habits. However, it may not be suitable for certain conditions, such as epilepsy or some personality disorders. If you’re unsure, we can explore this together.

5. How many sessions will I need?

Hypnotherapy is often shorter-term than traditional talking therapy, with many clients noticing change within 6–12 sessions. That said, everyone is different. Your plan will be tailored to you and your goals.

6. Where are you based?

I work online and I’m also based at three beautiful wellness centres:

Nadya Giffen Therapies, St Albans, AL4 9RB

The Wise Lotus Centre, London Colney, AL2 1BJ

The Oak House Studio & Therapies, Hatfield, AL9 5AR

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

7. Can I be hypnotised?

Almost everyone can experience hypnosis. It’s a natural state that we move in and out of every day, most of the time, without even realising it. During your Initial Consultation, I’ll tailor the approach to suit you -your communication style, preferences, and responsiveness - so you can feel comfortable and confident.
You’ll experience hypnosis before committing to any sessions.

8. Is it better working in person or online?

Hypnotherapy works just as effectively online as it does in person. Online sessions offer flexibility, comfort, and no travel time - ideal if you’re busy or not based locally. In person sessions in St Albans or Hertfordshire can be helpful if you’d like a dedicated, calming space away from home. Both are equally powerful - the best option is the one that feels right for you.

9. Will I lose control during hypnosis?

No - you are always in control during hypnosis. You’ll be aware of what’s happening, and if anything doesn’t feel right, you simply won’t accept it. Hypnotherapy isn’t about being “controlled” or instantly “cured.” It’s a collaborative process that supports real, long lasting change over time. My role is to guide and support you - you’re always an active part of the process.

10. Why work with me?

My approach is warm, grounded, and gently intuitive.

As someone who has experienced burnout, anxiety, and stress, these aren’t just areas I work in - they’re areas I truly understand.

I believe that healing can be both logical and feel a little bit magical. With hypnotherapy, we’re working with neuroscience - how your brain forms patterns and how those patterns can be rewired. But we’re also working with imagination, language, and sometimes intuition, symbols, and energy.

Understanding what’s happening in your mind can feel empowering. But allowing space for the unknown? That’s what makes hypnotherapy special.

Book a FREE Discovery Call
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