What type of therapist is good for trauma?

With SFH, you don't need to relive your trauma to move forwards.

This is a question I'm asked surprisingly often. People will often contact me and ask, "Do you specialise in trauma?"

The answer is no, I don't specialise in trauma itself. However, many of the clients I work with have experienced difficult or traumatic events either recently or at some point in their lives. Sometimes that trauma is clearly linked to why they've come to see me. Other times it's simply one part of a much bigger picture that's led to anxiety, stress, panic attacks, low confidence, phobias, poor sleep or unwanted habits.

What I've learned through my own experiences and through my qualifications and practice is that no two people experience trauma in the same way. Two people can go through exactly the same event, yet their brains process it completely differently. That's why I always treat the person in front of me, not simply the label attached to what they've experienced.

Do you have to talk about your trauma?

One of the biggest misconceptions about therapy is that you have to revisit painful memories in great detail in order to recover. With Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, that's usually not the case.

Of course, what happened to you matters. It may be central to how you are feeling. Your experiences have shaped where you are today, and they're acknowledged with compassion and respect. But rather than repeatedly analysing the past, we focus on something many clients find more helpful:

Where are you now? Where would you like to be?

And most importantly... What small steps will help you get there?

Many people find this incredibly refreshing. They don't want to keep reliving the worst moments of their lives. They simply want to feel calmer, happier and more in control again.

Why Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works

Our brains are remarkably adaptable. Thanks to neuroplasticity, they can build new neural pathways throughout our lives. When we've experienced trauma or prolonged stress, the brain can become very good at automatically switching into survival mode. This is why people may experience anxiety, panic, hypervigilance, avoidance, or feel constantly on edge, even when they're actually completely safe.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps calm the automatic threat response in the amygdala while strengthening the parts of the brain responsible for logical thinking, problem solving and emotional regulation. Instead of staying stuck in old patterns, we begin creating new ones.

Rather than asking, "Why am I like this?", we gently shift towards, "How would I like to feel instead?"

It's about helping your brain discover a new, healthier autopilot.

Is hypnotherapy right for everyone who has experienced trauma?

There isn't one type of therapy that's right for everybody.

Some people might benefit from specific trauma-focused therapies such as EMDR, somatic therapies or trauma-focused CBT.

Others find that they're ready to stop looking at the past (or don't want to relive those experiences at all) and instead want support to move forwards. That's where Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be incredibly effective. If your main goal is to reduce anxiety, improve confidence, sleep better, break unwanted habits, overcome phobias or your're experiencing symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or you simply want to enjoy life again without feeling constantly overwhelmed, then this approach may be exactly what you're looking for.

Finding the right therapist

The relationship you have with your therapist is just as important as the type of therapy they offer.

You should feel listened to, understood and comfortable. Therapy works best when you feel safe, supported and hopeful about the future. If you're unsure whether Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is the right approach for you, I'm always happy to have an initial chat and answer any questions. There's no pressure, just an opportunity to explore whether this approach (and working with me) is a good fit for you, or your child.

If you're looking for hypnotherapy in Dorset or online Solution Focused Hypnotherapy anywhere in the UK, I'd love to help you take that first step towards feeling more like yourself again.

Frequently asked questions about trauma

Can hypnotherapy help with trauma?

Yes. I help people who are experiencing the effects of difficult life experiences. Effects such as: anxiety; stress; panic attacks; low confidence; phobias and unwanted habits. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy doesn't focus on reliving traumatic events. Instead, it helps reduce the anxiety, stress and unwanted patterns that may have developed as a result of difficult life experiences, supporting your brain to build healthier, more positive responses.

Do I have to talk about my trauma?

No. While you're always welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with in a discovery call or Initial Consultation, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy doesn't require you to go into detail about past events. Once you start sessions, we don't need to talk about what's happened at all. Our focus is on moving towards the future you want.

What's the difference between trauma therapy and Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

Some therapies focus on processing and working through traumatic memories. Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapy takes a different approach. It acknowledges the past but focuses on where you are now and where you'd like to be, and helps you make positive changes through neuroscience, solution-focused conversations, and hypnosis.

Can I have online hypnotherapy for trauma-related anxiety? Yes. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works just as effectively online as it does in person for many people. As long as you have a quiet, comfortable place where you won't be disturbed, sessions can be held from the comfort of your own home.

Is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy suitable for PTSD and CPTSD?

Yes, it can be, but as always it depends on your individual circumstances and what feels like the right approach for you. Some people choose therapies such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT or traditional counselling. Others come to me after trying different approaches and feel ready for something that focuses less on the past and more on helping them move forwards.

If you're unsure which approach is right for you, I'm always happy to have a chat and explain how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works, so you can decide whether it feels like the right fit.

Ultimately, finding a therapist you feel comfortable with is just as important as choosing the type of therapy itself. Whether it's for you or your child, the best approach is the one that feels right and gives you confidence that you're moving towards the future you want.

How many sessions will I need?

Every person is different, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. This depends on your goals, how long you've been experiencing the problem, and how your brain responds to the positive changes we're making together. Most clients work with me for between 6 and 12 sessions, but we'll discuss a personalised plan during your initial consultation.

What issues can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help with after trauma?

Many people seek help with the effects of difficult life experiences rather than the trauma itself. These can include anxiety, stress, panic attacks, low confidence, poor sleep, phobias, unwanted habits and feeling constantly on edge.

Do you offer hypnotherapy in Dorset?

Yes. I offer Solution Focused Hypnotherapy in person from my practice in Ferndown, Dorset (close to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole), where I work with adults and children (aged 6 plus) from across Dorset and Hampshire. I also offer online sessions, so you can access therapy from anywhere in the UK.