General Treatment

Phobias come in many forms, from simple fears like spiders or needles to more complex ones like agoraphobia.
This section explains what a phobia really is, how it differs from ordinary fear, and how effective treatment can be.

What types of phobias do you treat?

I treat all types of phobias, from spider phobias, flying phobias and needle phobias through to more complex issues like agoraphobia and social anxiety. If it feels like fear is running the show, I can help.

How do I know if it’s a phobia or just a fear?

A phobia goes beyond everyday nerves. If the reaction feels overwhelming or out of proportion, and it stops you doing normal things, that’s a strong sign it’s a phobia rather than a simple fear. A phobia involves a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear of something. It goes far beyond a dislike but rather it’s a deep-rooted fear response that can trigger intense emotional and physical symptoms, even when no real threat is present.

How effective is phobia treatment?

Phobias are among the most treatable conditions. For isolated phobias, many of my clients see success in just three sessions. The treatment is well structured and blends several proven approaches to maximise results. The therapy provides a framework to help you move towards calmness, confidence, and freedom from your phobia.

Do I need to know how my phobia started?

Thankfully no. Most of my clients, especially those with lifelong phobias, have no idea where it started. The good news is we don’t need to know to treat your phobia. As a Solution-Focused Brief Therapist, the emphasis is less on the past or finding a root cause, and more on what we can do differently now to change the way you think, feel, and behave in order to achieve your goal of freedom.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes, I provide a free, no-obligation 30-minute chat so you can ask questions and see if this feels like the right fit for you.

Sessions & Booking

Not sure how many sessions you’ll need, or how to book? Here you’ll find practical details on session length,
timings, cancellations, and how to get started.

How many sessions will I need for a simple phobia?

For straightforward phobias like spiders, needles or flying, most people need just 3 sessions.

What about more complex phobias?

More complex issues (for example, agoraphobia or social phobia) may take a little longer, depending on the person. We usually block-book an initial set of three structured sessions, during which we expect to see clear improvement. Additional support sessions may be recommended and will be discussed at your consultation and reviewed as treatment progresses.

How long is each session?

The initial three structured sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes. If additional sessions are required they would be 60 minutes long.

What is the timeframe between sessions?

While the timing between sessions isn’t set in stone, they are generally spaced about a week apart. We can adjust this schedule to bring sessions closer together if needed to meet a deadline. However, it’s not advisable to separate sessions by more than a week.

How do I book / make an appointment?

A free (no obligation) assessment or treatment can easily be booked through the website calendar. The free assessment allows us to meet and discuss a treatment plan and is a great way to get the ball rolling. I’ll answer any questions you may have and let you know what to expect from the treatment.

Do you offer evenings or weekends?

Yes. My work week runs Tuesday to Saturday and I keep some evening/weekend slots for people who can’t make working hours on weekdays.

What if I need to cancel?

No problem, I just ask for at least 24 hours’ notice so I can offer the slot to someone else.

Treatment Approach

I use a combination of Hypnotherapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Together, these approaches are gentle, modern and effective, helping you overcome phobias in the most relaxed, supportive way I’m aware of.

What is hypnosis and how does it help?

Hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation. In this calm state, it becomes easier to change unhelpful patterns and reset how your mind responds. By reducing distractions and placing relaxed attention on what matters to you, we create the conditions for practical, solution-focused change and a greater sense of confidence and control.

What is Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)?

SFBT focuses on where you want to be rather than dwelling on the past or the problem. We build on your strengths and focus our resources on personal, solution-forming work so that change makes sense to you as an individual. Paired with hypnosis, it’s a powerful way to create lasting change.

Will I still be in control during hypnosis?

Always. It’s a common misconception, mostly due to stage hypnotists, that you lose control, but that isn’t the case at all. We work as a team and the process is interactive, so you remain fully aware of, and directing, what’s happening every step of the way.

Is hypnosis safe?

Yes. When delivered by a qualified professional, hypnotherapy is safe and most people find it deeply relaxing. UK guidance notes a few contraindications (for example, psychosis and some personality disorders), so if you have a complex mental-health history it’s wise to check with your GP first.

A 2019 meta-analysis of 17 controlled trials found hypnosis significantly reduced anxiety symptoms; on average, people receiving hypnosis improved more than ~79% of control participants at the end of treatment and ~84% at follow-up. Results were even stronger when hypnosis was combined with other psychological therapies.

Do you use exposure therapy?

No forced exposure. My approach is gentle and supportive, designed to help you feel safe while you improve.

While traditional exposure therapy can be helpful for some, I don’t use direct exposure in my work, so I can’t comment in detail on what a typical session would look like. Instead, my focus is on setting clients up for success psychologically, rather than confronting the fear head-on. This approach avoids overwhelming the nervous system and allows change to occur in a more positive and sustainable way.

Sessions are carefully structured to help the subconscious mind reprocess the perceived threat. Rather than repeatedly facing the trigger head-on, clients focus on building internal resources, reducing emotional sensitivity, and developing a deeper sense of control. This way, when exposure does happen, often naturally in day-to-day life, you’re already set up for success, experiencing those moments with greater calm and confidence.

As progress builds, people come to recognise that exposure is simply part of exploring their growing capabilities, and it naturally becomes part of their success. What may begin as a concern starts to feel like an opportunity, a stepping stone towards liberation.

Do I need to do anything to prepare?

Not much, sessions are online and designed to be easy. To get the best out of them, please:

• Choose a quiet, private space where you won’t be disturbed.
• Sit in a comfortable chair you can lean back on (not lying in bed).
• Use a device with a camera and microphone, fully charged or plugged in.
• Have a stable internet connection and your meeting link ready.
• Wear headphones/earphones if you can, they help you focus.
• Silence notifications and close unused apps or tabs.
• Keep a glass of water and, if you like, a notebook and pen nearby.

For the first session, it helps to have a simple idea of your goals and what “success” would look like for you.

Practical Details

Wondering about cost, confidentiality, or whether I work with children?
This section answers the nuts-and-bolts questions so you know exactly what to expect.

How much does treatment cost?

Prices are listed on the booking page. I also run occasional offers that are open to all clients.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes, discount options are available and seasonal offers run from time to time.

Do you offer face-to-face treatments as well as online?

No. All sessions are currently held online in the comfort of your own home. I live in a small village in Devon that is not easily accessible to most. That said I have provided both services and can confirm that they are equally effective when treating phobias.

Do you work with children or teenagers?

The treatment is only available to those over the age of 18.

Is treatment confidential?

Absolutely. Your privacy is a priority and everything discussed in sessions is confidential.

Are there any limits to confidentiality?
Yes, as with all professional therapy, there are a few situations where I may need to share information:

• If I believe there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or to someone else.
• If there are safeguarding concerns involving a child or vulnerable adult.
• If I am legally required to disclose information (for example, a court order or serious criminal matter).
• I also discuss work in clinical supervision to maintain standards; cases are anonymised and no identifying details are shared.

How I handle your information

• I keep notes to support your care.
• Data is stored securely and accessed only by me, in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
• Records are retained for a standard period and then securely deleted.

What certifications do you hold?

This is a great question that everyone should ask their therapist! Complementary therapy is largely unregulated and anyone can call themselves a therapist or coach without any training or background checks. This means that the onus falls to you to select a trained and competent therapist. If you would like to view copies of my certificates, they’re available on the homepage of my website.

I have been a qualified therapist for over 17 years. My qualifications in hypnotherapy (NCFE awarded) & Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) were obtained in 2008. I’m fully accredited by the National Council for Hypnotherapy and the UK government’s Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council. This not only ensures my competency, but also that I am kept up to date through Continual Professional Development (CPD).

Additional Support

Phobias aren’t the only thing I help with. I also support people with anxiety and OCD, and provide tools you can use at home.
This section covers what happens as you progress and how support continues.

Can you help with other issues too?

Yes. Alongside phobias, I also work with anxiety and OCD. The same combination of approaches like hypnotherapy, SFBT and NLP, are very effective here as well.

What if my phobia doesn’t improve?

Most people notice progress fairly quickly. If things aren’t shifting as expected, we’ll review and adapt. I’ll support you to get the most from therapy and, where helpful, signpost additional options.

Can I contact you between sessions?

Of course. My clients know how responsive I am. If you have a question or feel uncertain about something, just get in touch. I encourage quick check-ins between sessions if required.

Do you give me things to do at home?

Yes, you are provided with support material and audio to ensure everything stays on track between sessions and so you keep building momentum.

What happens after treatment?

Most people feel lighter, calmer and more confident in situations that used to overwhelm them. They gain a sense of intellectual control to choose how they want to behave or respond, rather than unwelcome overreacting. You’ll notice this in everyday moments (travel, appointments, social plans) and things become manageable again. The aim is lasting change, so you can get on with life without being held back.