Service Guidelines & Expectations

Last Updated: May 21, 2025

Thank you for choosing Matthew Earl Hypnotherapy. I look forward to working with you.

I put this document together because clear expectations ensure accurate understanding and give the foundation for the best possible outcome.

This document outlines what to expect before and during each hypnotherapy session and clarifies the service provided. It is part of, and governed by, my terms and conditions. I reserve the right to update this section from time to time. 

Matthew Earl is an advanced trainee hypnotherapist with the Grace Method Hypnotherapy School, authorised to conduct sessions.

Realistic Expectations and the Role of Self-Hypnosis

Realistic Expectations: Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, and your willingness and participation plays a key role in its effectiveness. While many clients experience benefits such as reduced stress and increased confidence, results vary based on individual commitment and responsiveness and no specific results are guaranteed.

Some clients notice significant changes after one session, while others may require 3–12 sessions for deeper progress, depending on their goals.

The full effect of any session may take 2–3 days to be fully realised.

All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis: A session with a hypnotherapist is, at its core, guided self-hypnosis. The work we undertake during the session can empower you to access your subconscious mind.

Your Role in the Progress: Your progress depends on your level of engagement and ongoing practice. While I provide guidance during the session, long-term change comes through your commitment to applying these techniques consistently. For lasting results, you will need to commit to a daily practice of self-hypnosis between sessions, and onwards after you stop your sessions.

Scope of Service

Service Philosophy

Hypnotherapy is most effective when focused on guided sessions and your own self-practice. The real progress happens through:

• Our structured hypnotherapy sessions

• Your consistent practice of self-hypnosis between sessions

• Your active engagement and commitment to the process

If you feel you would benefit from additional forms of support such as counselling or therapy, these can work well alongside hypnotherapy but are not services I provide.

Session Format and Duration

• Each session is conducted online via video call

• Initial sessions typically last 90 minutes

• Ongoing sessions typically last 45-60 minutes

• Session duration may vary if specified during booking

What's Included in the Service

• Personalised Hypnotherapy Sessions: Tailored to your personal goals as discussed during your initial consultation and intake/registration

• Post-Session Support: Brief follow-up emails or resource recommendations may be provided, primarily after your first session at my discretion.

• Session Recordings: Sessions may be recorded for quality control and training assessment purposes only with Your separate, explicit prior consent, obtained via the intake form. Please refer to the Privacy Notice for full details on how recordings are handled.

What's Not Included in the Service

• Ongoing Support Between Sessions: It is important to understand that hypnotherapy work happens within an arranged session. The service does not include extensive email correspondence or messaging support between appointments, and any such correspondence is offered at my discretion. Any communication outside of the session should be via email, matthew[at]matthewearlwellness[dot]com, or the contact form on my website, matthewearlwellness.com

• Talk Therapy or Counselling: While I may incorporate elements of discussion during our sessions to facilitate the hypnotherapy process, this service does not provide ongoing discussion-based therapy.

• Not for Crisis Situations: Hypnotherapy is not designed for crisis situations including urgent mental health situations. If you require immediate help for a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or other emergency situations, please contact a qualified mental health professional, visit your nearest emergency department, or call emergency services immediately. This service cannot and does not provide crisis intervention or emergency support.

• Medical or Psychological Treatment: This service is not a substitute for professional medical, psychiatric, or psychological treatment. Clients with suspected or diagnosed mental health conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before undertaking hypnotherapy.

Limitations of Liability

The practitioner makes no guarantees regarding the outcomes of hypnotherapy sessions. Results vary between individuals, and the effectiveness of the service depends substantially on the client's engagement and practice. This limitation of liability forms part of the contract between You and I.

Pre-Session Preparation

To make the most of Your session and ensure the booking process runs smoothly, please follow these guidelines:

Registration / Intake Form

• After initial contact and confirmation of potential availability, You will receive a link to an online Intake Form.

• Please complete this form accurately and submit it at least 48 hours before Your desired session time (or immediately if booking with less than 48 hours' notice).

• This form gathers essential information to help tailor the session to Your needs and confirms Your agreement to the Terms & Conditions and associated policies.

Review and Scheduling Link

• I will review Your submitted Intake Form to ensure suitability and confirm details.

• Once reviewed and if approved, I will send You a unique link. This link will allow You to select a specific appointment time from available slots and proceed to make payment.

Payment and Confirmation

• Payment must be made in advance via the provided scheduling link (or any method I provide) to secure Your chosen appointment time. Payment methods are outlined in Section 6.2.3 of the Terms & Conditions.

• Your session is only confirmed once the Intake Form has been reviewed by Me and full payment has been successfully received. You will typically receive an automated confirmation email once payment is complete. Please ensure payment is made promptly upon receiving the scheduling link, and no later than 48 hours before the session start time (or immediately if booking less than 48 hours in advance), as per the Terms & Conditions.

Preparing Yourself and Your Space

• I appreciate that modern life is hectic. Yet experience has shown me, you’ll enjoy and get more out of your session if you make 10-15 minutes before it starts to be still and relax.

• Choose a quiet, comfortable location free from distractions. Let household members or colleagues know You’ll be unavailable.

• Silence Your devices to minimise interruptions.

• Ensure Your environment is settled and safe, with no unattended tasks or activities that might require Your attention during the session—for Your comfort and safety.

Technology Requirements and Contingencies

• Reliable Setup: You are responsible for ensuring You have a reliable internet connection and a device that supports video calls. A strong Wi-Fi or strong mobile internet 4G / 5G signal is required. Test Your setup in advance.

• Audio Clarity: Use headphones or earbuds with an integrated microphone for the best experience.

• Backup Plan: In the event of connectivity issues, we may switch to audio-only or a phone call. Hypnotherapy works just as effectively.

• Non-Refundable Connectivity Issues: If the session is disrupted due to persistent technical issues on Your end, and a phone call is also not possible, the session may not be refunded or rescheduled, as outlined in the Terms & Conditions.

Client Responsibilities and Conduct

Being on time

• Please join the video call promptly at the scheduled time. Arriving a few minutes early allows you to check that your video and audio are working properly.

• Sessions will not be extended due to late arrival.

• If You are more than 15 minutes late, the session will be cancelled as per Section 6.6 of the Terms & Conditions, resulting in the forfeiture of the full session fee paid. This charge is justified as per Section 6.6 of the Terms & Conditions.

Respectful and Professional Conduct

• Maintaining a respectful and appropriate atmosphere during sessions is essential. If disruptive or inappropriate behaviour occurs, the session may be ended early without a refund.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

Your rights to cancel and the applicable charges or policies depend on when you cancel and whether it falls within your statutory 14-day cooling-off period (for online/distance bookings).

• Statutory Cooling-Off Period: Please refer to Section 7.1 of the Terms & Conditions for full details of your 14-day statutory right to cancel and how it is affected if you request the service to begin early.

• My Business Policy: If You need to cancel or reschedule outside of, or in conjunction with, your statutory rights, please provide at least 24 hours’ written notice via email to matthew[at]matthewearlwellness[dot]com.

  • Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 24 hours' notice (but 3 hours or more) will incur a non-refundable charge of £30.

  • Cancellations or rescheduling requests made with less than 3 hours' notice will result in the forfeiture of the full session fee. Full details, including the justification for these charges, are in Section 7.2 of the Terms & Conditions.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By booking and / or attending a session, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these guidelines as well as the full Terms and Conditions. This document is an integral part of my Terms and Conditions. In the case of any contradictions, the full Terms and Conditions take precedence.

You confirm that you are prepared to meet the requirements and expectations outlined above and understand the scope, limitations, and responsibilities associated with this hypnotherapy service.

Queries

You are welcome to contact me if you have any queries about these Service Guidelines & Expectations. If you have any other questions, first take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on my website. You can contact me via the contact form on my website, or via matthew[at]matthewearlwellness[dot]com