Hi, I'm Elena
Elena Buzukina, MA, Dip. CBH, Cert. ICBT
Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapist
Certified Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher
Registered Hypnotherapist (GHR)
Registered Member of the International Council of Integrative Psychotherapists
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
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Hypnotherapy is a well-researched psychological intervention that has been shown to support positive change across a wide range of issues. Professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society and NICE have acknowledged its value when integrated with evidence-based methods. When combined with modern psychological techniques, hypnotherapy offers a structured and goal-focused way to make progress. It can be particularly helpful for concerns such as anxiety, unwanted habits, confidence issues, phobias, sleep difficulties, stress management, and performance blocks, among others. Because it is an evidence-based approach, hypnotherapy does more than provide insight or relaxation , it gives you practical ways to interrupt unhelpful patterns and strengthen healthier responses, making change feel more achievable in everyday life.
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Hypnotherapy works by helping you enter a natural state of focused attention, where it becomes easier to engage with helpful thoughts, imagery, and more constructive ways of thinking and behaving. Psychologists describe this as a state of increased suggestibility, not in the sense of losing control but in being more open to learning and psychological change. In this state, evidence-based techniques can be applied more effectively, supporting emotional, behavioral, and cognitive change.
It’s not about handing over control, it’s about using your attention deliberately to practice change in a way that feels more focused and achievable.
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The experience of hypnosis is often described as a state of deep mental and physical relaxation that feels pleasant and natural. Your mind stays clear throughout, even while you become more inwardly focused and less distracted by external noise. You are not asleep, even if you’re invited to relax “as if going to sleep.” That suggestion is simply a way of helping the mind settle. You will hear everything, remain aware, and be able to respond at any time. The aim is not to switch off thinking, but to shift into a calmer, more receptive and focused state where making changes feels easier.
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Hypnosis is one of the most widely researched psychological interventions, with evidence supporting its effectiveness for concerns such as anxiety, phobias, stress-related conditions, habits, IBS, and more. It has been recognized by professional bodies including the British Psychological Society and NICE when used alongside evidence-based approaches.As with any therapy, results can vary depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. Many clients, however, find hypnotherapy to be a practical and effective way of creating meaningful change.
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Hypnotherapy can be a good fit if you want to change patterns that feel automatic or difficult to shift, such as anxious responses, avoidance habits, low confidence, or other unhelpful behaviors. It can also be effective for challenges like phobias, fear of public speaking, procrastination, low motivation, and performance anxiety. If you are open to a structured, evidence-based approach and ready to take an active role in the process, hypnotherapy can support meaningful progress. It is not passive or instant, but a focused way to change how you think, feel, and respond.
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Hypnotherapy can support progress across a wide range of concerns. Some of the most common areas include:
- Anxiety and stress-related difficulties, such as general anxiety, social anxiety, anticipatory worry, and nervous tension.
- Fears and phobias, including fear of public speaking, flying, or medical procedures.
- Confidence and self-worth, for example low self-confidence, fear of being judged, or difficulty asserting yourself.
- Habits and compulsive behaviours, such as nail biting, skin picking, habitual overeating, or unwanted drinking patterns.
- Performance and motivation, including exam anxiety, creative blocks, fear of failure, procrastination, and lack of follow-through.
- Sleep and lifestyle-related issues, such as insomnia, stress-related sleep disruption, and difficulty switching off.
- Goal setting and personal development, working towards meaningful changes in mindset, behaviour, or achievement.
- Smoking cessation and weight management, when clients are motivated and committed to change.
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Yes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and well-established psychological method when practised by a qualified professional. You remain aware and in control throughout the process, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will or values. Many of the myths about hypnosis, such as “mind control” or “going under,” come from stage shows and films, not from clinical practice. In therapy, hypnosis simply involves using focused attention in a collaborative, structured way to support meaningful change.
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Each hypnotherapy session is private, professional, and fully tailored to your goals and specific situation. We begin by understanding what you want to work on, so the session is shaped around your needs rather than a fixed formula. Sessions take place online in a calm, confidential setting. All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and a device with video and audio.
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Many clients notice change within four to six sessions, especially when working on a specific and well-defined goal. The exact number of sessions depends on your goals, your level of engagement, and the nature of the issue. We will agree on a clear focus together, review progress regularly, and adapt the plan as needed to make sure the sessions continue to meet your needs.
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Yes. All sessions are conducted in strict confidence, in line with professional ethical guidelines and data protection laws. Online appointments are held using a secure, end-to-end encrypted video platform that is GDPR-compliant and meets the standards required for therapy. Confidentiality is a core part of the therapeutic process, and your personal information is always treated with the utmost care.
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Each session usually lasts around one hour. This gives enough time to discuss your goals, work with practical techniques, and reflect on progress without feeling rushed.
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No special preparation is needed. All that’s required is a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted and a stable internet connection. I will guide you through everything step by step.
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Each session follows a clear and collaborative structure. We begin with a conversation to understand your current situation and goals, then focus on a specific theme using an integrated approach that combines hypnotherapy with methods from CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and mindfulness-based practices. This balance of discussion, practical techniques, and hypnosis ensures that sessions are evidence-based, structured, and tailored to your needs.
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I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed without notice, may be charged at the full session fee.I understand that unexpected situations can sometimes arise. If this happens, please let me know as soon as possible so we can discuss the best way forward.
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All sessions are booked through the online system on this website and must be paid for in advance to confirm your appointment. Once your booking is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details. If you have any questions before your session, you are welcome to get in touch.
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Yes. The idea that you lose control during hypnosis is a common misconception that often comes from stage shows or films. In a clinical setting, hypnosis is completely different. You remain aware, able to respond, and fully in charge of what happens. It is a collaborative process that helps you focus more easily, not something done to you.
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Yes. Online hypnotherapy is completely safe when delivered by a qualified professional. You remain aware and in control throughout the session, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will. Sessions are held on secure, encrypted video platforms and follow the same ethical and professional standards as face-to-face work, so your privacy and confidentiality are fully protected.
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Absolutely. Evidence shows that online hypnotherapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions. What matters most is working with a trained, ethical practitioner who uses a structured, evidence-based approach. Many clients also find that being in their own home makes it easier to relax and focus.
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Every client’s experience is unique, and no therapy can guarantee the same results for everyone. Hypnotherapy offers a structured, evidence-based process that gives you useful tools from the very first session. We review progress together as we go, so you can feel confident the approach is supporting your goals.
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It’s normal to feel unsure at first, especially when trying something new. Sessions use well-researched psychological techniques and are always collaborative. You can pause, ask questions, or share feedback at any time. The pace and methods are adapted to your comfort level so that the process feels safe, supportive, and focused on your goals.
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Some clients notice benefits within the first few sessions, while for others progress develops more gradually. Either way, you will leave with practical techniques and evidence-based strategies you can begin applying in daily life. We set clear goals together and review them regularly to make sure the sessions continue to support your progress.
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Yes. Online hypnotherapy follows the same professional standards and uses the same evidence-based techniques as in-person work. Some clients notice change quickly, while for others progress is more gradual, but either way you will leave with practical strategies to apply in daily life. Many people also find the added convenience of working from home helps them relax and engage more fully.
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An online session follows the same structured and evidence-based format as a face-to-face session. We begin by discussing your current goals and challenges, then use a blend of CBT methods, mindfulness, and hypnotherapy to work toward change. The difference is simply the setting. Instead of coming into a clinic, you join from a quiet, private space at home. Many clients find this helps them feel more relaxed and comfortable while still benefiting from the same professional standards and therapeutic results.
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That is completely fine. Many clients come to hypnotherapy with no prior experience. At the start of your first session, I will explain the process clearly and answer any questions you may have. You remain in control throughout, fully aware and able to respond at any time. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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It’s completely fine if you’re unsure about whether hypnotherapy is right for you. Sessions are flexible and collaborative — you can pause, ask questions, or share feedback at any time. The process is always adapted to your comfort level, so it feels safe, supportive, and focused on what matters to you. You’ll also take away practical tools and a clearer understanding of how your mind responds to stress, so you can begin applying it in daily life.
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Yes, online hypnotherapy works extremely well. All you need is a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection. Many clients even find it easier to relax at home than in a clinic, and the process remains just as focused and effective as face-to-face sessions.
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Yes. Confidentiality is taken very seriously. I follow the ethical guidelines of accredited hypnotherapy and psychotherapy bodies, which include maintaining professional conduct and data protection standards. Everything shared in sessions is treated with the utmost respect and care.
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Yes. Your privacy is treated with the utmost care. Online sessions take place on a secure, encrypted video platform that complies with GDPR standards. In keeping with professional ethical guidelines, sessions are confidential and never recorded. I adhere to the ethical standards of accredited hypnotherapy and psychotherapy bodies, ensuring that all information you share remains private and securely managed.
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Your information is stored securely and handled in line with professional and data protection standards (GDPR). Notes are kept minimal, password-protected, and used only for the purpose of providing therapy. Your details are never shared with anyone else.
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No. Sessions are held on a secure, encrypted video platform to protect your privacy. I always work from a private, quiet space where conversations cannot be overheard or seen, and I recommend that you do the same wherever possible.