Choosing support
Is Hypnotherapy Right for Me? A Practical Way to Decide
Hypnotherapy may be a fit for some goals and situations, but it is not for everyone. Julie Cochrane shares questions to ask before booking.
Written by Julie Cochrane · RTT Therapist and Clinical Hypnotherapist
The short answer
It may be worth considering if you want focused, one-to-one support with a recurring pattern and can take part in a guided conversation. It may not be the right next step if you need urgent care, a diagnosis, medication advice or support that requires a different kind of clinician.
Start with the problem, not the promise
Hypnotherapy is not one single treatment for every concern. Mayo Clinic describes hypnosis as a complementary approach that may help with some behaviours and with coping in situations such as anxiety; it also notes that it may not be safe for some people with severe mental illness.[1]
A good decision begins with what you want help with, how long it has been affecting you and what support you already have. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed results, claiming to replace all other care or asking you to stop prescribed treatment.
Julie’s work is most often a conversation about recurring patterns such as anxiety, self-doubt, perfectionism or people-pleasing. A free discovery call is how she decides whether RTT seems appropriate; booking a call does not commit you to a session.
Questions worth asking a practitioner
Ask what training they have, how they handle consent and boundaries, what happens in a session, what they can and cannot help with, and what they will do if your needs fall outside their scope. A trained practitioner should welcome these questions.
If anxiety is persistent, worsening or interfering with daily life, arrange appropriate healthcare support as well. NIMH notes that anxiety disorders are more than occasional worry and can affect everyday functioning.[3] Hypnotherapy should sit inside an informed care decision, not replace one.
A grounded way to think about it
A possible fit
You want to work on a defined recurring pattern, feel able to participate and are looking for complementary one-to-one support.
Pause and get advice
Your symptoms are severe, changing quickly or disrupting daily life. Start with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess you.
Not a crisis service
If you are unsafe or need urgent help, contact local emergency or crisis services rather than booking a discovery call.
Check the boundaries
You should know the practitioner’s training, process, limitations and fees before agreeing to work together.
Questions people often ask
Can hypnotherapy replace therapy or medication?
It should not be treated as a universal replacement. Do not stop prescribed medication or existing care because of this page. Discuss changes with the relevant healthcare professional.
What if I am not sure what my issue is?
You do not need a perfect label before a discovery call. You can describe what keeps happening, what it costs you and what you would like to feel different.
What happens if RTT is not the right fit?
Julie will tell you honestly if she does not think RTT is suitable for what you need. A discovery call is a conversation about fit, not a commitment to book.
Sources and further reading
- [1]Mayo Clinic, “Hypnosis” (reviewed January 28, 2025)
- [3]National Institute of Mental Health, “Anxiety Disorders”
These sources provide general health information, not a diagnosis or personal treatment recommendation. Julie’s descriptions of her process are attributed to her practice and should not be read as a guarantee of outcome.
Want to talk through your situation?
Book a free discovery call with Julie. It is a chance to ask questions and find out honestly whether RTT is a good fit, with no pressure to book.
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