We have good evidence showing that cognitive hypnotherapy can be effective, but like any healthcare approach, I can’t offer guarantees. Change is something we work on together.

What I can promise is that I’ll bring my full skill, care and commitment to supporting you in letting go of what’s holding you back and moving toward the outcome you want.

All I ask is that you stay actively engaged in the process. I’m fully trained to offer a flexible, empowering experience, and I genuinely believe you have everything within you to create change. I’m here to guide you, but the journey works best when we both show up.

In short, no. You will always be aware and in control of what is going on. If we are doing work in trance with your eyes closed, at any point you can open them, we can stop, take a breather, and answer any question you may have.

It is nothing like the stage hypnosis you may have seen on TV, that is purely entertainment. This is collaborative, we need your engagement in it. It might be that your brain provides you with memories that you haven’t thought about for a really long time, but you are always in control of it, which puts you in control of your progress.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is flexible, personalised and grounded in an understanding of the mind–body connection. My training includes neuroscience and a wide range of evidence-based techniques, which I integrate in a way that fits you, not a one-size-fits-all method.

I don’t use set scripts or rigid procedures. Your experiences, your beliefs and your way of seeing the world shape the work we do together. No one else has lived your life, so your therapy should reflect your uniqueness.

Unlike traditional hypnotherapy, which often aims to put you into a deep, fixed “state,” Cognitive Hypnotherapy sees trance as a natural, everyday experience, like daydreaming. We use that state gently and purposefully to support change in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.

Trance is an everyday state, we are all in and out of all day. Whenever you are thinking about a moment that has happened, a conversation you just had, or an experience you’ve been through, you’re in trance. When you are sat at your desk thinking about what you are going to have for dinner, you’re in trance. Driving home, and you can’t remember the journey, guess what? You were in trance.

Whenever you ‘do’ your problem, you are in a state of trance. We utilise this state to effectively help ‘de-hypnotise’ you from the problem.

The only time you’re not in trance? Is when you are truly present in where you are right now, in this moment.

Quite simply, the people who ‘can’t’ be hypnotised are those who don’t want to be. I will be able to select from a large number of different techniques and choose which is best suited to you. We’re all different and consequently I offer a professional, flexible approach that meets your personal needs. As a trained Cognitive hypnotherapist, I will work with you to find out which techniques best suit you.

Since 2011 the Quest Institute Research Team have been using outcome measures that are standard within the NHS to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Hypnotherapy compared to other talk therapies such as CBT.

The pilot study demonstrated our effectiveness (71%) for treatment of anxiety and depression is greater, compared with other talk therapies such as CBT (42%) used within

the NHS.

This is different for everyone. On average we say 3-6 sessions. Some need more, some less. It can depend on what it is you are coming for and how actively engaged in the process you are.

This is brief therapy, we don’t believe you should be in therapy for a long time, change can happen quickly. Many experience positive change from the first session.

It is really important that you are committed to the process.

I’m a fully qualified, full-time Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner, with experience helping people with a wide variety of challenges. You can read my 5-star reviews on Google and on my website to see whether my approach feels right for you.
Clients often tell me they feel comfortable with me very quickly, which means a lot to me. Feeling safe, listened to and understood is always my priority. Most of my new clients come through personal recommendations, which I take as a sign that people trust the work we do together.
If you’d like to get a sense of how we might work, I offer a free telephone consultation. There’s no pressure to book, it’s important you choose the therapist who feels like the best fit for you.

Yes, I am registered with several key, professional organisations. I am DBS checked, and also have full public liability insurance.

Whoever you choose to work with, it is really important that you work with a currently registered, insured practitioner who works to a high professional level. This is for your safety and reassurance.

I am registered with the NCH and QCHPA, you can find me on the therapist finder for both of these organisations.

This is completely natural and normal. Most people feel nervous when they are about to do something they have never done before. Though you may also feel excited that you are about to make a fundamental change to your life.  My clients are usually surprised at how relaxed they feel by the end of our first session. We will always go at your pace and we won’t do any work until you are happy about going ahead. It’s my job to make you feel comfortable, and if you have a read of the reviews, you’ll be reassured.

I have undergone Cognitive Hypnotherapy many times and regularly use the processes myself, so I know how incredible the experience can be and how relaxed and liberated you can feel during and after a session.

Dip C. Hyp : Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy.

MNCH (Acc) : Accredited member of the National Council For Hypnotherapy, NCH.

HPD : Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma : The modern bench mark and key qualification to practice to a high professional standard. Level 4 attained. Recognised nationally and assessed independently by the NCFE.

MNLP: Master Practitioner Neuro-Linguistic Programming

Yes: please give me as much notice as possible of changes or cancellations as I often have a waiting list of people who could take the slot. If you book a session with me and cancel it with less than 24 hours’ notice the full fee will be charged, except in exceptional circumstances.

Payment is due before each session, bank transfer is preferred, my bank details can be found in our contract. Or you can pay with cash on the day.

Normally 60 minutes, I always leave enough time in between clients though, so if we need to go over a little, we can. You won’t be charged any extra, the fee is for the whole session.

I offer sessions face to face if you in or are able to travel to Colchester, or online with anyone worldwide.

You can either contact me through the contact form here on my website or message me directly via email, hello@katehickmore.co.uk. I will respond to you as quickly as I can and arrange a free, no obligation initial phone call which gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Then we will book in a first session if you choose to go ahead.

I am guided by a Code of Ethics set out by the NCH and the CNHC. As such I am not able to work with you if you have ever been diagnosed with:

Epilepsy, any psychosis or Multiple Personality Disorders or Bi-Polar Disorder.

You will be asked to confirm this is the case in our contract agreements.