FAQs

My approach is integrative, as I draw on a variety of therapies, primarily using cognitive behavioural interventions, hypnotherapy and ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy).

I am trained in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy, which is an evidence-based approach based on scientific research.

My aim is to help you develop the skills to be able to help yourself, without being reliant on me for long-term therapy. We will work together to understand what you are struggling with, establish goals and create a plan for the sessions that works for you. We can then track progress and discuss what you are finding most beneficial from therapy as we go along, so we can tailor the process to be most useful for you.

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and is based on the idea that thoughts, feelings, behaviours & bodily sensations are interconnected.

It involves creating more helpful patterns of thinking & behaving that will make you feel better and increase your ability to cope more effectively. CBT can be specifically adapted for working with poor sleep & insomnia.

The focus is on dealing with current problems and what is maintaining them, rather than analysing the past.

CBT is used by the NHS as there is very strong evidence suggesting it is effective for helping with many issues, including anxiety, sleep and stress-related problems. I use a variety of cognitive behavioural tools & interventions in my practice.

You can read more about what CBT is here.

Yes, there is a lot of research showing that hypnotherapy is an effective form of psychological therapy and studies suggest that when integrated with CBT it is more effective than CBT alone for many people.

Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions about clinical hypnotherapy due to stage hypnosis, which has nothing to do with how I practise. I completely understand any scepticism towards hypnotherapy as I used to have this myself.

The Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy process is collaborative, in which I will guide you to use your imagination to evoke more helpful emotions and rehearse behaviour change. It involves relaxed, focussed attention and thinking along with ideas, which can help change how you think, feel & behave. It is similar to daydreaming or being engrossed in a film, and is relaxing and enjoyable.

It is completely safe and you will not be in a ‘trance’ or state of mind control. You cannot be made to do anything against your will and must want to accept suggested ideas and actively use your imagination to experience their effects.

I use hypnotherapy where I feel it would be most beneficial & with your consent. I often use similar tools to hypnotherapy, such as mental imagery & guided meditations too.

ACT involves changing the relationship you have with your thoughts and combines acceptance & behavioural strategies.

One aspect of ACT is mindfulness. Mindfulness can be described as being aware of and engaged in the present moment, without judgement.

The aim isn’t to empty the mind or stop all our thoughts, but to notice where our attention is. We can learn when it is helpful to focus on our thoughts, and when it might be more useful to allow them to pass and refocus our attention.

It can help us take a step back from thoughts and feelings, observe them and become more curious about them.

You don’t have to sit for long periods of time and meditate if this doesn’t work for you, there are lots of little techniques and ways of being more mindful that you can integrate into daily life.

The other key aspect of ACT is commitment - taking aligned action with your values in spite of your struggles.

ACT helps increase psychological flexibility and improves your ability to tolerate & navigate discomfort.

Working together 1:1, we’ll address the unique factors maintaining your difficulty sleeping and explore practical tools & strategies to help you restore a healthy sleep pattern.

My 5 Pillars of Sleep concept outlines the key areas we focus on to improve sleep. We might spend more time on one pillar than another, depending on what is maintaining your trouble sleeping. The pillars are:

1. Knowledge: understanding sleep & debunking myths

2. Habits: healthy habits that support good sleep

3. Mind: tackling worry and managing stress

4. Body: getting the body into a sleep-ready state

5. Behaviour: creating a strong association between the bed and sleep

To learn more about how sleep therapy can help you, click here to read a blog post I wrote about the topic: https://www.therapy-with-amy.com/blog/what-is-sleep-therapy-for-insomnia

The areas I tend to support people with include:

• Poor Sleep & Insomnia

• General Anxiety & Worry

• Managing Stress & Overwhelm

• Sleep Anxiety

• Panic Attacks

• Relaxation

The number of sessions needed depends on various factors, including what you are struggling with and your goals.

Generally, notable progress can be made in 6-8 sessions, but you may need more or less.

Progress will be made faster with weekly sessions, but fortnightly sessions are also available.

All therapy sessions are online, so I can work with clients anywhere in the UK.

I am based near towns including Oxford & Witney, on the edge of the Cotswolds.

I trained with the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy to gain my diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy. This is the main evidence-based hypnotherapy training in the UK and is approved by the British Psychological Society, indicating the high quality of training. I also have a First Class degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from Oxford Brookes University.

I have regular supervision and am committed to my continuing professional development. I am fully insured and registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register.

You can find out more about me and my qualifications here.

This is a free 15-minute informal chat, so that you can make sure you feel comfortable working with me and that I am the right therapist to help you.

You can also ask any questions you might have about the therapy process.

There is no obligation to book any sessions during the enquiry call. I’ll always give you time to think about whether it is the right decision for you.

You can book your free chat here.

During the initial session, we’ll go into depth about what brings you to therapy.

You can tell me more about what you are struggling with & I’ll ask you some questions. This helps me tailor therapy to you. We’ll also create some goals, which will help us monitor progress.

Therapy sessions are £75 per hour.

Fees are payable in advance of each session to confirm your booking.

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to cancel or rearrange, or the full fee will be charged.