Question 1

What is  psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy, also called counselling is a safe, confidential space where you can explore your emotions, patterns and experiences with a trained professional. It’s not about being “fixed” or told what to do - it’s about being truly met in your pain, your story and your growth.
In my practice, I work relationally and holistically. That means we don’t just focus on symptoms – we gently explore what’s underneath. Together, we uncover the roots of what you’re feeling, heal inner wounds and help you move forward with more clarity, connection and self-trust!

Question 2

What kind of psychotherapy do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I draw from a range of approaches including:
 • Attachment-based therapy
 • Inner child healing
 • Parts Work / IFS-inspired integration
 • Neuroscience-informed trauma therapy
 • Somatic awareness and nervous system regulation
 • Person-centred and relational models
I work relationally and intuitively. That means we work on what you bring, in your way, at your pace.
It’s not about surface-level solutions - it’s about lasting transformation.

Question 3

How can psychotherapy help me?

Accepted Answer

Therapy offers more than just “talking.” It can help you:
 • Understand and transform long-standing emotional patterns
 • Heal from childhood trauma, neglect or emotional wounding
 • Learn how to regulate your nervous system and soothe anxiety
 • Explore and shift unhelpful beliefs or survival strategies (like people-pleasing, perfectionism, avoidance, etc.)
 • Deepen your connection to yourself and others
 • Build self-worth, self-trust and emotional resilience
Ultimately, therapy helps you feel more whole – like you're finally coming home to yourself.

Question 4

What happens during psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Every session is unique - because you are. You might come in feeling anxious, overwhelmed or simply curious. We’ll begin with a check-in and then gently explore what’s present. Some sessions are more reflective; others may include inner child work, working with emotional triggers, parts work or regulation tools for your nervous system. You never have to perform, prepare or pretend – just show up as you are. I’ll meet you there.

Question 5

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some clients come for a few months and experience significant change. Others choose to work longer-term, especially when working with trauma, deep-rooted patterns or childhood wounds. There’s no pressure to commit upfront. We’ll work collaboratively and review as we go, making sure the work continues to feel aligned and supportive for you.
You're never locked in – this is your process and you're in charge of the pace.

Question 6

Do I have to talk about my trauma?

Accepted Answer

Only if and when you're ready.
In trauma-informed therapy, we don’t believe in re-traumatising or diving into painful memories too quickly. Your safety - emotional and nervous system safety - is always the priority. You never have to share anything you're not comfortable with. Sometimes, simply exploring how you feel now or working with sensations in the body, is more healing than revisiting the past.

Question 7

How do I know if you're the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Such a good question! Therapy is a deeply personal experience and the relationship matters more than any one method or tool. If you're someone who feels things deeply, has done some inner work but still feels stuck in old patterns and you're ready to meet yourself with honesty and compassion - chances are, we’ll be a good fit. I offer a free discovery call where we can explore your needs, your hopes and whether my approach feels right for you.

Question 8

Can we combine hypnotherapy with psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and often it’s deeply effective. Hypnotherapy allows us to go deeper into the subconscious, while talking therapy gives space for insight, reflection and integration. I’ll work with you to find the right blend for your journey.

Question 9

Is psychotherapy the same as coaching?

Accepted Answer

No - they are quite different.
Psychotherapy goes deeper. It’s about healing emotional wounds, processing trauma and creating change at a root level. It focuses on emotional safety, depth and long-term transformation.
Coaching is often more goal-driven and future-focused and not always equipped to safely hold trauma or deep emotional pain.

Question 10

Will I always feel better after a session?

Accepted Answer

Not always - and that’s okay. Sometimes therapy feels relieving and empowering. Other times, it can stir things up as we touch on deeper layers.
That doesn’t mean it’s not working - it means your inner system is adjusting, processing and integrating. I always make sure we close sessions in a grounded way and you’ll never be left holding something too heavy on your own.

Question 11

Are there any contraindications for psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is a powerful and supportive process, but it’s not the right fit for everyone at every stage.
Here are a few important things to know:
🔸 It is not a crisis service.
If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact your GP, NHS 111, A&E or a local crisis team. Therapy can be helpful in the longer-term, but it’s not equipped to provide emergency support or crisis intervention.
🔸 It’s not suitable for those expecting instant results.
Therapy is not a quick fix - it’s a journey. Some sessions will feel insightful and empowering. Others may feel slow or uncomfortable. Healing takes time and a willingness to show up - even when it’s not easy.
🔸 It’s not about someone else doing the work for you.
As your therapist, I will walk alongside you with care, skill and deep presence, but I can’t change your life for you. True transformation happens when you engage with the process. That means honesty, curiosity and commitment, even in the moments that feel heavy or confronting.
🔸 Emotional readiness matters. 
You don’t need to have it all figured out, but it’s important that you feel ready to explore yourself more deeply or at least open to the idea. If you're unsure, that’s okay. There are gentler starting points like reading, journaling or joining my email list and following my content until therapy feels right for you.
If you have any questions or doubts about whether this is the right time or approach, I’m always happy to talk it through with you - no pressure or obligation.

Question 12

Which is better: hypnotherapy or psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer - both can be incredibly effective, depending on your needs, goals and where you are in your healing journey.
Psychotherapy (or counselling) helps you explore patterns, relationships and emotions consciously. It creates space for self-understanding, insight and connection.
Hypnotherapy, on the other hand, allows us to work with the subconscious mind, where many core beliefs, early wounds and protective parts are stored.
In my practice, I often combine both. We use talking therapy to bring awareness and build trust and hypnotherapy to go deeper - when you're ready - into the root causes.

Question 13

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

You can choose between:
 • 50-minute sessions – ideal for regular, consistent therapy
 • 75-minute sessions – ideal for deeper work, trauma processing or if you want more spaciousness
You’re welcome to shift between the two depending on what’s going on in your life and what feels most supportive.

Question 14

Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes – I offer sessions both in-person and online, depending on what works best for you.
🔹 In-person sessions take place in a calm, private space just 5 minutes from Leeds city centre. There’s free parking available and the environment is designed to feel welcoming, grounding and safe.
🔹 Online sessions are held via Google Meet. Many clients love the ease and comfort of attending therapy from their own home, especially when travelling or juggling busy schedules.
We can discuss which option feels right for you during your discovery call, and you’re welcome to switch between the two if your circumstances change.

Question 15

Do you offer any discounts or packages?

Accepted Answer

I don’t offer discounted rates, but I do offer a 6-session package where you pay for 5 sessions and receive the 6th session free. This option can help with continuity and commitment and is particularly helpful if you’re ready to go deeper over a longer period of time.

Question 16

Does psychotherapy really work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and there’s strong evidence for it. But beyond the studies, what I’ve seen in my own clients is that when we feel safe enough to be fully ourselves, incredible healing takes place!
People begin to reconnect with their truth, build self-trust and relate to themselves and others differently. The changes ripple out into every part of life – work, love, parenting, creativity, health. But therapy is not passive – it’s a commitment to showing up for yourself with support and care.

Question 17

What makes your approach different?

Accepted Answer

I’m a heart-led professional with lived experience of trauma, addiction and childhood emotional wounding. I know how painful it is to feel broken, disconnected or “too much.” I also know the power of healing relationships – and that’s what I offer.
My approach isn’t clinical or detached. I build a real, safe, respectful relationship with each of my clients. Together, we explore not just your current struggles, but your relationship with your past, so you can rebuild it with compassion, feel whole again and integrate the parts of you that were once left behind.

Question 18

I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t work. How do I know it will work now?

Accepted Answer

That’s such a valid concern. Therapy not working doesn’t mean you failed. It might mean the approach wasn’t right for your needs, the connection with the therapist didn’t feel safe or that the timing simply wasn’t aligned.
My work is relational and attuned to your nervous system. We go gently and with consent, not force. You get to decide what we explore and how we do it. If you’re in a different place now - emotionally, mentally or spiritually - you may find that therapy lands very differently than before. You’re always welcome to book a free discovery call to explore this together, without pressure.

Question 19

I want to try psychotherapy but I’m not sure I’m ready to commit. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Readiness is an important part of therapy, not because everything has to be perfect, but because your willingness to show up matters. That doesn’t mean you’ll feel confident, motivated or fully clear – those come later. But it does mean having a sense that this is something you want to do and that you’re open to the process, even if it’s uncomfortable at times.
If you’re not quite there yet, that’s absolutely okay. Here’s how you can begin gently:
🌱 Follow me on Instagram or Facebook – get familiar with my work and message
 🌱 Download my free Inner Child Healing Journa(https://www.holistictransformativetherapy.com/free-healing-journal)l – a powerful starting point
 🌱 Join my mailing list – be the first to know when my Reparenting Course opens!
 🌱 Visit my shop – for free and paid digital resources to support your healing journey
Therapy isn’t the only starting point – but it can be a powerful one when the time is right.

Question 20

What is hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy is a safe, natural and deeply relaxing therapeutic method that uses guided hypnosis to access the subconscious mind. It helps you uncover and shift limiting beliefs, unresolved emotional patterns and behaviours that no longer serve you.
Unlike stage hypnosis, clinical hypnotherapy is collaborative and therapeutic – you remain aware and in control.

Question 21

What issues can hypnotherapy help with?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy can support healing in many areas, including:
 • Anxiety and overthinking
 • Trauma and inner child wounds
 • Confidence, self-worth, and emotional regulation
 • Stress and burnout
 • Relationship patterns and people-pleasing
 • Fears and phobias
 • Unhelpful habits or behaviours
If you're not sure if it's the right fit, feel free to get in touch – I'm happy to guide you.

Question 22

What does a hypnotherapy session look like?

Accepted Answer

Each session begins with a gentle check-in and grounding. We'll then move into the hypnotic process using techniques like guided imagery, parts work, inner child healing or regression – depending on what you need.
You’ll be in a deeply relaxed yet aware state, a bit like that dreamy space just before you fall asleep. You’re always in control and can speak, move or stop at any time.

Question 23

Will I lose control or be made to do something I don’t want to do?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Hypnotherapy is not mind control. You can’t be made to do or say anything against your will. Your subconscious mind protects you – it only allows what feels safe and right for you. Everything we do in session is based on collaboration, consent and trust.

Question 24

What if I can't be hypnotised?

Accepted Answer

You can. Hypnosis is a natural state – like daydreaming or getting lost in thought. Most people enter hypnosis easily with the right guidance. If you’re willing and open, it will work for you.

Question 25

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This depends on what you want to work on and how deep the root patterns go. Some people feel significant shifts after just a few sessions. Others choose to work longer-term for deeper healing and integration.

Question 26

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hypnotherapy is widely recognised as a safe and evidence-based therapeutic method when practised by a trained professional. I hold qualifications in both hypnotherapy and psychotherapy and sessions are trauma-informed, compassionate and tailored to your needs.

Question 27

Can hypnotherapy bring up painful memories?

Accepted Answer

It’s possible, especially when working with trauma or inner child wounds. But nothing will come up that you’re not ready to process. My approach is always gentle and resourcing – we make sure you feel grounded, supported and safe at every stage.

Question 28

Can we combine hypnotherapy with talking therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes - and often it’s deeply effective. Hypnotherapy allows us to go deeper into the subconscious, while psychotherapy gives space for insight, reflection and integration. I’ll work with you to find the right blend for your journey.

Question 29

I'm curious – how do I get started?

Accepted Answer

You’re welcome to reach out via email or the contact form. I offer a free 15-minute discovery call to explore whether we’re the right fit and answer any questions you might have.

Question 30

How does hypnotherapy work?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy works by guiding you into a natural state of focused awareness where your subconscious mind becomes more open and receptive to insight, healing and change.
In this state, we can access deeper emotional truths, long-held beliefs and protective parts that may be influencing your thoughts, feelings and behaviours - even if you're not consciously aware of them. It's not about “fixing” you. It’s about creating safety, connection and compassion within, so those wounded parts of you can soften and integrate.
I use a blend of evidence-based approaches including Parts Work, inner child healing, regression and suggestion work – all tailored to your unique needs. The changes you experience aren’t just surface-level, they ripple out into how you feel, relate and live.

Question 31

What does it feel like to be in hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Most people describe hypnosis as a state of deep calm, focus and inner stillness - similar to that dreamy space just before you fall asleep (called the hypnagogic state) or just after you wake up (the hypnopompic state). You may feel very relaxed, heavy or floaty, or simply still and aware. Some people describe it like a vivid daydream or an inward journey.
You’re not “asleep,” and you’re not unconscious - you’re just in a different brainwave state where your inner world feels more vivid and your mind and body can rest and reset.

Question 32

Is hypnosis just relaxation?

Accepted Answer

No - hypnosis is not the same as relaxation, though they can overlap.
Relaxation is often part of the process because it helps the nervous system feel safe and grounded. But hypnosis is more than that. It’s a specific altered state of consciousness - a natural trance - where your brainwaves slow down and the subconscious becomes more accessible.
You already experience trance states every day - when you’re driving on autopilot, immersed in a film or lost in a memory. Hypnotherapy simply helps you harness that natural capacity in a way that supports healing, insight and transformation!

Question 33

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

I offer both 50-minute and 75-minute sessions, depending on your needs and preference. 
The 50-minute session is perfect for regular weekly or fortnightly therapy and suits most clients well.
The 75-minute session offers extra space for deeper processing - ideal if we're integrating hypnotherapy, inner child healing or Mindfulness. We can discuss what might feel most supportive for you during your discovery call or first session - and you’re welcome to switch between the two as your needs evolve.

Question 34

Are there any contraindications for hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

In general, hypnotherapy is very safe, but like any therapeutic approach, it may not be suitable for everyone in every circumstance.
I would not recommend hypnotherapy for individuals currently experiencing:
 • Acute psychosis or breaks from reality
 • Severe dissociation without adequate grounding strategies or support
 • Untreated epilepsy (please consult your GP if you’re unsure)
 • Severe personality disorders without an existing support plan
 • Current substance misuse, including certain medications or recreational drugs that affect awareness or perception
 • Extreme anxiety or panic that makes it difficult to feel safe closing your eyes or relaxing in any form
 • High doses of stimulants, such as caffeine, nicotine or ADHD medication, taken just before a session, as these can make it harder to access a calm, receptive state
If you’re unsure, we can have an open conversation about your individual circumstances. My priority is always your emotional safety, consent and pacing. If hypnotherapy isn’t the right fit right now, we can explore other therapeutic pathways together.

Question 35

Do you offer both online and in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes – I offer sessions both in-person and online, depending on what works best for you.
🔹 In-person sessions take place in a calm, private space just 5 minutes from Leeds city centre. There’s free parking available and the environment is designed to feel welcoming, grounding and safe.
🔹 Online sessions are held via Google Meet. Many clients love the ease and comfort of attending therapy from their own home, especially when travelling or juggling busy schedules.
We can discuss which option feels right for you during your discovery call, and you’re welcome to switch between the two if your circumstances change.

Question 36

Does hypnotherapy work online?

Accepted Answer

Yes - absolutely! Hypnotherapy can be just as powerful and effective online as it is in person.
All you need is:
 • A stable internet connection
 • A quiet, private space where you won’t be disturbed
 • Somewhere comfortable to sit or lie down
 • Headphones (optional but helpful for deeper immersion)
Many clients find that doing hypnotherapy at home allows them to feel even safer and more at ease. I’ll guide you through everything step by step – and you’re always in control.

Question 37

How do I start working with you?

Accepted Answer

I start with a free Alignment Call to explore what you’re looking for and see if we’re the right fit 🌸 You can apply directly via my Work With Me page(https://www.holistictransformativetherapy.com/work-with-me) or message me here and I’ll book you in.

Question 38

What happens during the Alignment Call?

Accepted Answer

The call lasts around 30 minutes and is an honest, heart-led conversation. It’s a chance to understand your needs and recommend the right journey for you.

Question 39

I’m not sure which journey is right for me.

Accepted Answer

That’s perfectly fine. We can explore this together during your Alignment Call. Each journey is personalised to your stage of healing, whether it’s reconnecting with your inner child, nervous system regulation or self-worth embodiment.

Question 40

Do you work online or in person?

Accepted Answer

I offer online sessions for clients across the UK via Google Meet and in-person sessions in Leeds. You’ll receive all the details once you apply for your Alignment Call 💻

Question 41

Do you offer payment plans or instalments?

Accepted Answer

Flexible instalments are available for most journeys - we can discuss the best option for you during your Alignment Call.

Frequently asked questions