Hypnotherapy for Stress, Anxiety & Burnout
Online | St Albans | Hertfordshire
Gentle and effective hypnotherapy for stress, anxiety & burnout
Trying harder isn’t the answer.
If you’re struggling with stress, anxiety, or burnout, you’re not alone.
Most people come to hypnotherapy when they’re close to breaking point - when they’ve tried everything and they still feel stuck.
It’s not a lack of willpower or understanding.
Often, it’s just a sign that you’re ready for a different approach.
It’s okay to choose a gentler path.
Gemma Aked‑Priestley
Clinical Hypnotherapist
Online | St Albans | Hertfordshire
I’m a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist (Dip. Hyp. Cs.), helping people online and across Hertfordshire to feel calm, confident, and aligned.
Whether you’re looking for support with stress, anxiety, burnout, confidence and phobias or you’re looking to break habits like smoking, vaping, comfort eating or alcohol dependency I’m here to be your guide.
My approach focuses on gently working with the subconscious mind, where patterns are formed and lasting change begins, so change can feel natural and effortless.
No force. Just flow.
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 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 brain’s 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 you’re 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 you’re busy or not based locally. In person hypnotherapy 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.
4.What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious mind is the part of your mind operating below conscious awareness. According to the latest research, it’s 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 - everyone’s 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 - it’s a natural state we move in and out of daily (like driving on autopilot, day dreaming or “zoning out”.) During your initial consultation, you’ll experience hypnosis and I’ll 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. You’ll be aware of what’s happening, and if anything I say 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 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 you’re drawn to a warm, creative, and grounded approach - or if you’re 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 - that’s what makes hypnotherapy so special.
