In person in Essex, and online 07940 836054 Whitemindscounselling@outlook.com
White Minds Psychotherapy & Hypnotherapy Counselling
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Hypnotherapy in Essex and online

A quieter mind is closer than it feels.

Friendly, professional support to help you feel calmer, sleep better, break old habits and move forward with confidence. One-to-one sessions in Essex or online, plus small, affordable group sessions.

Discover hypnotherapy Group sessions

Registered with the NCPS · Fully insured

Line drawing of a head in profile breathing in calmly, with a heart in the mind

An introduction

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural, deeply relaxed state of focused attention, a little like being absorbed in a good book, or that deeply relaxed state you reach just before you fall asleep. Being this relaxed allows you to access your subconscious, the place where the thoughts and memories we don't access day to day are stored, and to make positive changes that benefit you. You stay aware and in control the whole time.

In this calm state the busy, critical part of the mind quietens, making it easier to take on new ways of thinking, feeling and responding. Hypnotherapy uses that state, combined with psychotherapy techniques and practical tools, to help you make the changes you want.

How it can help

  • Calms the body and mind, lowering stress and the feeling of always being on edge.
  • Changes unhelpful patterns, from habits and cravings to the way you react under pressure.
  • Builds confidence and motivation by rehearsing success and strengthening a more positive outlook.
  • Gives you tools to keep: self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques you can use long after our sessions end.
[PHOTO OF IOANNA: natural light, relaxed, outdoors or in the therapy room]

About me

Hi, I'm Ioanna, Dip Hyp CS

I'm a qualified hypnotherapist counsellor, trained with Chrysalis. I've undertaken extensive practical training and supervision, along with both written and practical assessments, all to help hone my hypnotherapy skills.

Over the last year I've had great success helping people, and I've witnessed first-hand just how powerful hypnotherapy can be.

I'm a firm believer in the client-centred approach. I'm not here to fix anything, but rather to guide and facilitate you in making the changes you need.

I have a special interest in cultural and childhood trauma, areas I can fully empathise with.

And please don't panic when you hear the word hypnotherapy. I'm not going to make you cluck like a chicken when you hear a certain sound! You remain fully aware and in control the whole time. So let me support you.

  • Qualified hypnotherapist counsellor, trained with Chrysalis
  • Fully registered with the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) and insured

How it works

From your first conversation to lasting change

Hypnotherapy works best when it's focused on something specific. Start by finding the area you'd like help with, then choose whether you'd prefer one-to-one sessions tailored entirely to you, or a small, affordable group focused on one theme. There's no pressure and no commitment until you're sure it feels right.

What we can work on

Stress and anxiety

Worry that won't switch off, work pressure, burnout and the feeling of always being on alert.

One-to-one · Groups

Confidence and self-esteem

Quieten the inner critic and feel steady for presentations, interviews, exams, sport and social situations.

One-to-one · Groups

Sleep and relaxation

Switch off at night, fall asleep more easily and wake feeling properly rested.

One-to-one · Groups

Weight loss

Build a healthier relationship with food, reduce comfort eating and stay on track with your goals.

One-to-one · Groups

Motivation

Beat procrastination, find your focus and keep the momentum going towards what matters to you.

One-to-one · Groups

Unwanted habits

Stopping smoking, nail biting and other patterns you're ready to leave behind.

One-to-one

Fears and phobias

Flying, spiders, heights, the dentist, driving and more: ease the fear response so it no longer holds you back.

One-to-one

Hypnotherapy for birth

Prepare calmly for labour and birth, ease fear and anxiety, and learn relaxation and breathing techniques to use on the day.

One-to-one · Groups

Pain management

Ease the stress and tension that come with ongoing pain, and learn techniques to change how you experience discomfort, alongside your medical care.

One-to-one · Groups

Exam stress and anxiety

For students at school, college and university: stay calm, focused and confident before and during exams.

Students aged 16 to 17 need parental consent, and clear boundaries around confidentiality are agreed before sessions begin.

One-to-one · Groups

Something else on your mind? Mention it in your initial consultation and we'll talk about whether hypnotherapy is right for you.

Once you know what you'd like to work on, here's what happens next.

Group sessions

  1. 01

    Apply for a space

    Choose the group you're interested in and send an application through the contact form.

  2. 02

    Tell me about yourself

    You'll receive an initial consultation form to tell me about you and what you'd like help with.

  3. 03

    Application reviewed

    I read every application personally to make sure the group is the right fit for you.

  4. 04

    Space offered

    You'll be offered a place with the date, time and venue details.

One-to-one sessions

  1. 01

    Your free initial consultation

    Thirty minutes by phone or video. We talk about what's going on and what you'd like to change, and you can ask anything about hypnotherapy.

  2. 02

    Your first session

    A one-hour session to understand your history and goals, agree a plan and experience a first, gentle hypnosis.

  3. 03

    Focused sessions

    Usually 3 to 6 sessions, in person in Essex or by video, with simple recordings and techniques to use between them.

Group sessions

Change is easier together

Relaxed, friendly group hypnotherapy sessions focused on one theme at a time. One or more sessions may be needed, but don't worry, there's no need to share anything personal: you simply relax and allow yourself to be immersed in the hypnotic script, listen and take the techniques home with you.

£14 per person, per 90-minute session
Apply for a space

Upcoming sessions

Topic

Stress & Anxiety

Tuesdays from January (dates TBC) · 6pm Billericay Quaker Meeting House 8 spaces 6-week course
Apply for this session

Topic

Stress & Anxiety

Thursdays from January (dates TBC) · 6pm Downham Village Hall 8 spaces 6-week course
Apply for this session

Sessions and fees

The same price whether we meet in person or online.

Initial consultation

Free

30 minutes by phone or video, so we can talk through your needs and make sure hypnotherapy is the right fit for you

Individual session

£55

1 hour · in person or online

Group session

£14

per person, per 90-minute session · see groups

Get in touch

Start with a free initial consultation, for one-to-one sessions or a group space

Everyone starts with a free, no-obligation initial consultation: 30 minutes by phone or video. For one-to-one sessions, choose how you'd like to meet and I'll arrange a time. For groups, choose "Applying for a group space" and tell me which session you'd like; once I've read your application, we'll book your initial consultation. Send a message, call or email, and I'll reply within one working day.

In person: Rawreth, Essex Online: anywhere in the UK by secure video Email: Whitemindscounselling@outlook.com Phone: 07940 836054

Your details are only used to reply to you. See our privacy policy.

Common questions

Will I lose control or be made to do anything?

No. You stay aware and in control throughout, and you can open your eyes and stop at any time. Hypnotherapy is nothing like stage hypnosis.

Does it work online?

Yes. Many people find it easier to relax in their own space. You'll just need a quiet room, a comfortable chair and headphones.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on what you'd like to change. Some habits take one to two sessions; anxiety work is usually four to six. We'll agree a plan at your consultation.

Is everything confidential?

Yes, within the code of ethics of my registered body, the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I'll explain the few legal exceptions at our first meeting.

Privacy policy

Who we are

White Minds Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy Counselling ([LEGAL OR TRADING NAME]) is the data controller for the personal information described in this notice. Contact: Whitemindscounselling@outlook.com, 07940 836054. ICO registration number: [ICO REGISTRATION NUMBER]. This notice explains what we collect when you get in touch, book a session or apply for a group course, why, who we may share it with and your rights.

1. What information we collect

  • Identity and contact details, such as your name, date of birth, email address, telephone number, postcode and an emergency contact.
  • Enquiry and application information, including what you would like help with, your answers to our "tell me about yourself" questionnaire, and anything you tell us so we can check whether one-to-one sessions or a group course can safely meet your needs.
  • Health information where it is needed, such as relevant physical or mental health conditions, medication, other therapy or GP care you are receiving, accessibility needs and, for hypnotherapy for birth, your stage of pregnancy.
  • Session records created during one-to-one or group sessions, including brief session notes and any wellbeing or stress questionnaires you complete to track your progress.
  • Booking and payment information, such as the sessions or course you have booked, invoices, payment status and transaction references. We do not store full payment card details.
  • Safeguarding and incident information if a concern or incident arises.
  • Referral information, including the details of a professional who referred you and anything they share with your knowledge or proper authority.
  • Feedback, reviews, testimonials and marketing preferences where you choose to give them.

2. Why we use your information and our lawful basis

The lawful basis depends on the purpose. We keep a record of the basis used for each activity.

Replying to enquiries and assessing applicationsBasis: steps you ask us to take before booking, or our legitimate interests.Health information: your explicit consent.If you withdraw consent for health information we need, we may not be able to check safely whether a session or group is right for you.
Providing one-to-one sessions and group coursesBasis: contract.Health information: your explicit consent and, where it applies, the provision of health care by a professional bound by confidentiality.Covers in-person and online sessions, group venues and practical arrangements.
Session notes and progress recordsBasis: contract, or our legitimate interests in providing safe, professional care.Health information: your explicit consent and, where it applies, the health or social care condition.Notes are kept to the standards of our professional body, the NCPS.
Safety, emergencies and safeguardingBasis: vital interests, legal obligation or legitimate interests, depending on the situation.Health information: vital interests or the safeguarding condition where it applies.Information may be shared without consent where needed to protect life or safeguard someone at risk.
Finance, tax and accountsBasis: legal obligation or legitimate interests.Health information: not normally used.Payment records are kept separately from session notes.
Feedback and improving our serviceBasis: legitimate interests.Health information: explicit consent if identifiable health details are included.Feedback may be anonymised before it is reviewed.
News about upcoming coursesBasis: consent.Health information: never used to target marketing.You can unsubscribe at any time.
Testimonials and public reviewsBasis: consent.Health information: explicit consent if a testimonial mentions it.We only use the name, initials or anonymity level and channels you agree to.

3. Where we get information from

Most information comes directly from you, through our website, email, Facebook messages, the phone or in sessions. We may also receive information from a professional who refers you, your emergency contact, another practitioner involved in your care, or emergency and safeguarding services where this is lawful and relevant. If we receive information about you from someone else, we will tell you as the law requires.

4. Who we may share information with

  • Your therapist and any authorised administrative support, strictly on a need-to-know basis.
  • A clinical supervisor, as required by our professional body. Cases are discussed without details that identify you.
  • Group venues, but only what they need for safety (for example, numbers attending). Your health information and application answers are never shared with a venue.
  • Booking, payment, email, video-call, secure cloud storage and IT providers that act for us under contract.
  • Netlify, which hosts this website and receives the enquiry and application forms you send through it, then emails them to us. Netlify acts for us under a data processing agreement. [REVIEW: confirm the Netlify data processing agreement is in place and record its date]
  • Your GP, a referring professional or another clinician only with your permission, unless the law allows or requires us to share.
  • Emergency services, NHS services, safeguarding authorities, the police, regulators, insurers, courts or our professional body (the NCPS) where this is necessary and lawful.

In group sessions, other members will know you attend. You never have to share anything you don't want to, and every member is asked to keep what is said in the group confidential.

5. International transfers

Some technology providers we use (for example email, video calls or cloud storage) may store or process data outside the UK. When they do, we make sure the safeguards required by UK data protection law are in place. Our website host and form provider, Netlify, is based in the United States, so forms you send through this website may be processed there. [REVIEW: confirm the safeguard Netlify relies on for UK transfers and name it here] [LIST PROVIDERS AND TRANSFER SAFEGUARDS]

6. How long we keep your information

We keep information only for as long as we need it for the reason it was collected, taking account of legal, insurance, professional and safeguarding requirements. Session notes and client records are kept for [RETENTION PERIOD] after your last session and then securely deleted. Enquiries that don't lead to a booking are deleted after [ENQUIRY RETENTION PERIOD].

7. Your rights

  • To access the personal information we hold about you.
  • To ask us to correct information that is inaccurate or incomplete.
  • To ask us to erase your information, where the law allows.
  • To ask us to restrict how we use your information in certain circumstances.
  • To object to us using your information on the basis of legitimate interests, and to direct marketing.
  • To data portability, where it applies.
  • To withdraw consent at any time where consent is our basis. This doesn't affect anything we did lawfully before you withdrew it.
  • To complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

To use any of these rights, email Whitemindscounselling@outlook.com.

8. Automated decision-making

We do not make decisions about you by automated means. Every application and every question of suitability or risk is reviewed personally by your therapist.

9. Security

We protect your information with safeguards suited to how sensitive it is, including restricted access, password protection and multi-factor authentication, encryption, secure storage of paper and digital notes, confidentiality obligations for anyone who supports the practice, and secure deletion when records are no longer needed.

10. Contact and complaints

If you have a question or concern about how your information is used, contact us first at Whitemindscounselling@outlook.com or on 07940 836054. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.

11. Changes to this notice

Version [VERSION]. Effective from [EFFECTIVE DATE]. We will update this notice if how we use information, the providers we use, our lawful bases or our services change significantly.