Trying harder isn’t the answer.
Hypnotherapy . Online . St Albans . London Colney
Feeling stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed?
You know what needs to change and yet… nothing seems to be shifting no matter how much you try.
I help people trapped in burnout and old patterns create lasting change by working with their subconscious mind, and not fighting against it.
As a hypnotherapist, I support people with gently breaking cycles - sometimes cycles that have kept them stuck for years.
Whether it’s burnout, anxiety, confidence, phobias, smoking, comfort eating or alcohol, my work focuses on the subconscious mind - where these patterns live, and where real change begins.
When the conscious and the subconscious work together in harmony, change starts to feel easy, effortless and natural. No force. Just flow.
I’m Gemma Aked‑Priestley, founder of Discover Therapy and a fully‑qualified hypnotherapist (Dip. Hyp. CS)
Hypnotherapy can support with….
Stress (Burnout, Overwhelm, Perfectionism)
Anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety)
Phobias (Fears, Panic Attacks)
Smoking/Vaping (Breaking Habits)
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…
Testimonials
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 - £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.
1.What is hypnotherapy?
I get asked this question a lot. Hypnotherapy isn’t about mind control or magic. It’s a therapeutic approach that works with both your conscious awareness and the deeper subconscious patterns that shape habits, emotional responses, and automatic behaviours. While traditional talking therapy tends to focus on understanding, hypnotherapy works with the part of the mind that produces the patterns you want to change. When conscious insight meets subconscious alignment, deeper and more sustainable shifts can happen. No force. Just flow.
2.What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious mind 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. When the subconscious and conscious mind are aligned, patterns that once felt stuck become more flexible and moving towards change starts to feel easy.
3. What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe hypnosis as feeling deeply relaxing and effortless. It feels a bit like if you’ve ever driven a car and you’ve dip into autopilot or “zoned 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. No matter your experience, you’re always in control - hypnosis just helps your mind settle into a state that’s receptive to change.
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?
Hypnotherapy is often faster than traditional talking therapy, with many clients noticing real change within 6–12 sessions. Everyone is unique, and the right plan depends on your specific goals and the complexity of your situation.
6. Where are you based?
I work online and I’m also based at two beautiful wellness centres:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 also 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 help you.
10. Why now?
Most people come to hypnotherapy when they’ve reached a point where doing more just isn’t working anymore. They’re reader for a different approach, a gentler one. They may have tried other approaches - talking therapies, self‑help books, podcasts, meditation -yet they still feel stuck.
Hypnotherapy offers a different approach, a gentler one. Because sustainable change happens when we stop fighting ourselves and start working with the subconscious mind.
If you feel ready for a change that feels gentler and more effective, I’d love to explore that with you.
