Unlock Change: Hypnotherapy Informed by 21 Years of Teaching Meditation
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Please note: The information provided in these FAQs is for brief and general guidance only and is subject to the full Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Here are answers to some common questions about hypnotherapy sessions with Matthew Earl Wellness.
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(Section headings are capitalised)
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis – a state of deep relaxation and focused attention – to help you access your subconscious mind. In this state, you are more open to positive suggestions and insights, making it easier to change unhelpful thought patterns, behaviours, and emotional responses. While understanding your goals is important, the core of the work involves guiding your subconscious mind during the focused state of hypnosis, making it very different from traditional talk therapy. This approach helps create the foundation for positive change and transformation.
Hypnotherapy has often been mis-represented in films and stage shows. The truth is that you remain aware of your surroundings and are always in control throughout the session. You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
Most people describe hypnosis as a pleasant state of deep relaxation, similar to daydreaming or meditation. It's a collaborative process where you allow yourself to relax and focus inward.
Yes, hypnotherapy is considered a safe practice when conducted by a trained professional. It's a natural state of mind, and you are always in control. My approach is grounded in ethical practice and ensuring your comfort and safety throughout.
It's fine to be sceptical so long as you are open to experiencing hypnosis. This is why a strong goal is important. The key aspect is having a strong desire to move toward your goal.
Hypnosis is a natural state that everyone accesses without realising it, like daydreaming for instance, or that feeling of "zoning out". When it is goal oriented and directed by a trained hypnotherapist it becomes therapeutic and effective.
Falling asleep in a hypnotherapy session is quite common. It’s natural for the body to deeply relax and even drift off.
It’s not a bad thing at all. It often means your body truly needed that rest, and your subconscious mind is still receptive to the work (as the sub-conscious is always active).
Hypnosis apps and recordings offer pre-recorded sessions. These can be generic or focus on a specific area. Working with me involves personalised sessions tailored specifically to your unique goals, background, and progress. We have a real-time therapeutic conversation, allowing for adjustments, deeper exploration, and targeted suggestions based on your individual needs – something an app or recording cannot provide. Furthermore, my approach integrates 21 years of meditation expertise for a uniquely supportive experience.
Hypnotherapy can support positive change in many areas, including:
Reducing Stress & Anxiety
Breaking Unwanted Habits
Boosting Confidence & Self-Esteem
Deepening Self-Connection & Improving Relationships
Strengthening the Mind & Creating Good Habits
Overcoming Fears & Phobias
Enhancing Performance (Personal or Professional)
Improving Sleep
...and more. Please feel free to enquire if your specific concern isn't listed.
Results vary and depend on individual effort and circumstances.
The number of sessions needed varies greatly depending on your goals and individual response to hypnothearapy. Some clients notice positive shifts after the first session, while others find that deeper work towards specific goals often benefits from a series, typically ranging from 3–12 sessions.
You are absolutely welcome to book an initial session to experience hypnotherapy with no obligation to continue. We'll discuss your progress as we go.
Your initial session is 90 minutes. This allows some time for us to understand your core goals, experience hypnosis, begin the therapeutic work, and for you to learn self-hypnosis techniques to support your progress between sessions.
Subsequent sessions are 45-60 minutes. These sessions focus on continuing the work towards your goals, deepening the process, and reinforcing positive changes.
Sessions typically involve: Essenceful conversation focused on understanding your core goal(s) and track progress, guided relaxation into hypnosis, therapeutic work using tailored suggestions and techniques while you are relaxed (which forms the main part of the session), and a gentle return to full awareness.
To get the most out of our session, it's important to prepare your space and mindset. It's best not to have been rushing around just before a session, but rather to take some time before to relax.
Find a quiet, private place where you won't be disturbed, ensure your technology (internet, camera, microphone) is working well, use headphones, and approach the session with an open mind.
For more detailed information on preparing for your session and what to expect, please refer to the Session Guidelines and Expectations page.
Yes, absolutely. Hypnotherapy has long been conducted effectively remotely, over traditional voice phones before video calls became widespread. The key elements – guidance, focused attention, relaxation, and suggestion – translate perfectly to remote formats.
We primarily use video calls, but if technical issues arise, switching to audio-only also works very effectively. The most important factor is ensuring you are in a private, comfortable space where you can relax without interruption.
Allow some time for quiet reflection after your session. Drinking water can also be helpful.
It's important to commit to practicing self-hypnosis 2-3 times a day inbetween sessions, to cement the benefits from your session and continue building and benefitting from the transformative power of hypnosis.
During your initial session, I will teach you a simple and powerful form of self-hypnosis, which you will be able to use to practice on your own.
For your safety, I am unable to offer hypnotherapy to individuals with a history of certain conditions like epilepsy or psychosis. Please see the full list in our Terms & Conditions (Section 5.0). It is also your responsibility to consult with your doctor or a qualified medical provider regarding any health concerns and to confirm that hypnotherapy is appropriate for you before starting sessions.
My hypnotherapy services are for individuals aged 18 and over. Please see our Terms & Conditions for details.
To access hypnotherapy sessions, please join the waiting list using the button provided on the website. I will then contact you directly via email when session slots become available to arrange your first appointment.
You will receive a confirmation that you've been added to the list. When a slot becomes available, I will email you with a link to my intake form, which includes agreement to the Terms and Conditions. The intake form must be completed and reviewed before payment and scheduling can proceed. Please complete this form promptly. Once I have reviewed your form and confirmed suitability, I will contact you again with payment instructions and a link to my scheduling tool to book your first 90-minute session. Please note that payment is required at least 48 hours in advance to secure your session or immediately if your session is booked less than 48 hours in advance.
Yes, online sessions make it possible to work with clients internationally. For information, I am based in the UK. Sessions are conducted in English only.
You will need a reliable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone. While a computer, tablet, or smartphone can be used, a laptop or computer generally provides clearer visuals for video calls. Using a headset or earphones with an integrated microphone is also advantageous for audio clarity and privacy. We will typically use a secure video conferencing platform like Google Meet or Zoom.
It’s good if you’re able to set up for your call well before your appointment so you are not rushed. This will help you be more relaxed during the session.
Introductory Offer: £67 for the initial 90-minute session (includes self-hypnosis training).
Introductory Offer: £67 for subsequent 60-minute sessions.
These special rates are available during my training period. Fees are as stated at the time of booking. There are no hidden costs.
If you provide at least 24 hours' notice, we can usually reschedule. If you provide less than 24 hours' but more than 3 hours' notice, a £30 charge will apply. If notice is less than 3 hours, or in the case of non-attendance, the full session fee is forfeited. Full details are in my Terms & Conditions
While consistency is often beneficial if you decide to undertake a series of sessions, we can discuss scheduling that works for you. If you have a recurring session booked and need to skip a week, please provide at least 24 hours' notice to avoid forfeiting the session fee.
While our work together is governed by the Terms and Conditions you agree to, forming an ongoing service agreement, there is no contract requiring you to commit to a minimum number of sessions.
Payment is made in advance. Refunds are generally not provided for completed sessions. If you provide more than 24 hours' notice for a change, we can reschedule. For cancellations with less than 24 hours but more than 3 hours notice, a £30 charge applies. For cancellations with less than 3 hours notice or non-attendance, the full fee is non-refundable.
Full details are in our T&Cs, which also explain your statutory 14-day cooling-off rights for services booked online.
All sessions are conducted by me, Matthew Earl. I am based in London, UK and offer hypnotherapy sessions online, internationally.
I am currently completing my formal hypnotherapy qualification with the esteemed Grace Method Hypnotherapy School, which is endorsed by the International Association of Counselors & Therapists (IACT). As an advanced student, I am authorised to carry out sessions. My approach is further enriched by over 21 years of dedicated experience teaching advanced meditation and mindfulness practices.
Working with a trainee offers several benefits:
Affordability: Access high-quality hypnotherapy at a significantly reduced introductory rate.
Current Knowledge: I am trained in up-to-date methods and techniques from a reputable school.
Unique Perspective: I have extensive experience (21 years) teaching meditation. This brings a unique depth, presence, and understanding of the mind to our sessions.
Commitment: As a trainee building my practice, I am deeply committed to providing the best possible support and outcomes for my clients.
Yes, absolutely. Confidentiality is paramount. Everything discussed in our sessions is kept strictly confidential, adhering to professional ethical guidelines, except in rare circumstances where there is a legal obligation to disclose (e.g., risk of harm to yourself or others).
Additionally, if you give explicit consent for your session to be recorded for my training assessment, the recording will be shared with my US-based training school for that purpose only. Full details are in our Privacy Notice.
Please refer to the Privacy Notice for full details.
Sessions may be recorded for my quality control and training assessment purposes only with your separate, explicit prior consent. This consent will be requested on the intake form and includes understanding that recordings may be shared with my US-based training school for assessment. You are under no obligation to agree. Full details are in our Privacy Notice.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out via the contact form provided on the website.
