Participation Requirements

The information you provide during registration will be used solely to assess whether group clinical hypnosis is appropriate for you, with the aim of supporting your safety and providing the best possible therapeutic experience.

Group hypnosis is generally a gentle, non-individualised process intended to support relaxation, stress management, self-confidence, body acceptance, mindfulness and goal setting.

It may be suitable when:

• you would like to relax and reduce everyday stress;

• you are seeking guidance in developing positive behavioural changes;

• your goal is to support wellbeing through a gentle group experience;

• you feel comfortable participating in a structured session that is not tailored exclusively to your personal history or therapeutic needs.

Group hypnosis is not a substitute for individual psychotherapy or personalised clinical treatment. Where a person requires detailed assessment, trauma-focused work, crisis support or deeper emotional processing, an individual session may be more appropriate.

When group clinical hypnosis may not be appropriate

Please do not register for a group session if you are currently experiencing:

• an active psychotic episode, hallucinations, delusional beliefs or severely impaired contact with reality;

• an active manic episode or significantly destabilised bipolar disorder;

• active suicidal thoughts, recent suicidal behaviour or current self-harm requiring immediate support;

• intoxication from alcohol, recreational drugs or medication that significantly affects awareness and judgement;

• severe psychological destabilisation or an acute mental health crisis;

• uncontrolled epilepsy, unless participation has been discussed with and approved by your treating doctor.

Hypnotherapy may not be safe or appropriate for people with a history of psychosis or epilepsy without prior clinical and, where relevant, medical assessment.

Please contact us before registering if:

• you have a history of significant trauma or abuse;

• you experience dissociation, severe depersonalisation or derealisation;

• you have frequent or intense panic attacks;

• you are currently experiencing severe depression;

• you are taking psychiatric medication or are under psychiatric care;

• you have a neurological or respiratory condition that may affect participation;

• you are currently experiencing an intense or recent bereavement;

• inward attention, closing your eyes or relaxation exercises sometimes make you feel unsafe or overwhelmed;

• your therapeutic goal is highly personal, emotionally sensitive or requires individual attention.

These circumstances do not automatically mean that clinical hypnosis is unsuitable. They indicate that an individual discussion and assessment are needed before participating in a non-personalised group session.

A diagnosis of ADHD, difficulty concentrating or limited visual imagery is not, by itself, a contraindication. However, the session may need to be adapted, and individual guidance may be more appropriate for some participants.

Important information

Participation in a group session requires that you:

• are at least 18 years old;

• are able to understand the instructions and provide informed consent;

• participate voluntarily and remain free to stop at any time;

• attend without being under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed substances;

• understand that group hypnosis is intended for wellbeing and personal development and does not replace medical, psychiatric or psychological treatment.

Where there is any uncertainty regarding suitability, participation should take place only after an individual consultation and, where appropriate, approval from the participant’s treating healthcare professional.