Hypno-CBT for women
We have all been there: caught in a cycle of behaviours we want to change, feelings we would rather not feel, and reactions we wish we could handle differently.
It might be with your children, at work, with a partner, or with yourself.
Most of us were never taught how to deal with these thoughts, feelings and behaviours, so we make do and get through. We react in a way we wish we had not, promise ourselves it will not happen again, and are not surprised when it does.
But if we do not prepare for a situation and practise how we want to respond, it is hard to adapt in the moment. That is where I can help.
I work exclusively with women, combining the practical tools of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with evidence-based hypnosis, relaxation and breathwork. Whether it is everyday worry, feeling more at ease socially, managing chronic pain or letting go of a habit, sessions are practical, collaborative and tailored to you.
This practice offers complementary support alongside your existing medical care. I work with the everyday impact of conditions like chronic pain and IBS (such as stress, habits and coping), rather than diagnosing or treating the conditions themselves. For diagnosed mental health conditions, please see a registered clinician or your GP; I am happy to help you find the right support.
I am Laura, a qualified hypnotherapist trained with the UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy (UKCHH).
I started this practice to support my fellow women and other busy mums (as a busy mum myself). It is not always easy to find the time to work on yourself, let alone know where to begin. But once you recognise something is important enough, the time is found.
As part of my practice, I am fully insured under the supervision of an accredited coach and supervisor assigned by my training provider, the UK College of Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy. I trained on a fully accredited practitioner programme, recognised by all the main professional hypnotherapy organisations and approved by the British Psychological Society for continuing professional development.
This practice does not diagnose or treat medical conditions, diagnosed mental health conditions or trauma, and does not offer crisis support. If you are currently unwell or in crisis, please contact your GP or a crisis service.
Hypno-CBT is always tailored to your goals. Together we look at how your thoughts, feelings and actions work together, which patterns you are happy to accept, and which you would like to change. I use four overarching methods, on their own or combined.
CBT helps you see how your thoughts, feelings and actions connect, and how each one affects the others, often without you realising. Once you can see the pattern, you can choose what to keep and what to change, with practical tools and techniques to help you do it.
Hypnosis lets us practise the CBT tools at a deeper level. Like wearing VR goggles, it lets you imagine yourself in a situation you would like to handle differently and rehearse new ways of thinking and responding. When the situation arises in real life, your mind and body already feel familiar with it, so you can respond more calmly and confidently.
Relaxation and breathwork training helps to calm and settle your nervous system, giving you practical tools you can use whenever you need them.
Mindfulness techniques help you stay in the present moment, which is where you can respond rather than react. Over time, this can help you meet unexpected situations with less distress and stay grounded, without fear or judgement.
These are evidence-based approaches, which means they have been thoroughly researched and shown to be effective in shifting the way people think, feel and act. Combined, they are designed to help you make changes that last.
I kindly ask you to observe my 24-hour cancellation policy (see below). Full payment is due 24 hours before the agreed session time and is non-refundable. All recordings, forms, workbooks and resources are yours to keep but cannot be photocopied or sold for copyright reasons.
My work hours: Mondays–Thursdays, 10am–3pm.
I understand that life does not always go to plan. If you need to cancel or move a session, just let me know at least 24 hours beforehand and we will find a new time that suits you.
As your session time is reserved especially for you, I am not able to offer a refund for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice.
A common description is “the last mile of the drive home”. You are on a familiar route, and before you know it you have arrived, without quite remembering the journey. Of course, if an emergency arose you would snap out of autopilot and react as needed. Many people describe hypnosis as feeling deeply relaxed.
It is a collaboration between you and me, where you allow yourself to be guided, using your imagination to evoke positive emotions and rehearse behavioural changes. It is almost like wearing VR goggles. You become more able to respond to positive suggestions and to re-imagine an alternative reality. The experience can be so powerful that these helpful ideas influence real change in how you feel and behave.
No. Most people say they stay fully aware of their surroundings. You are not asleep or unconscious.
No. You cannot be made to do anything against your will. You will choose whether to accept the suggestions, and then actively imagine responding to them in order to feel any effect.
Clinical hypnosis has very little in common with stage hypnosis. Perhaps the person picked out simply wants to be funny and entertaining. Enjoy the show and have a laugh.
No.
Everyone sits somewhere on a scale of how easily they respond to hypnosis. Being highly responsive does not mean you are gullible or less intelligent. Other factors play a part too, such as motivation, imagination, confidence and patience.
Everything I do is grounded in scientific research. The methods I use have been tested and published in reputable, peer-reviewed journals, and are backed by the scientific community.
I combine CBT with hypnosis (CBH). CBT is an extremely effective approach for a wide range of issues, and combining it with hypnosis can enhance both its effectiveness and its long-lasting impact (Ramondo et al., 2021, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis).
On average 4 to 6 sessions to address a single issue, though as with any therapy this can vary.
No. Online sessions have the same impact.
There is free on-site parking.
Women aged 18 and over.
Yes. Many of the patterns we work on show up most in family life: the repeating moments of frustration with your children, and wanting to be more present with them. The same tools help in every area of life, whether or not you have children.
I am not able to, as I work only with sub-clinical clients. Please speak to your GP or a registered clinician about the right support. I am happy to help point you in the right direction.
No. This practice supports sub-clinical, everyday concerns, and offers complementary support for conditions like chronic pain and IBS alongside your existing medical care. If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, I will help point you toward appropriate clinical support.
I, Laura Benzaquen, comply with my obligations under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by keeping personal data up to date; by storing (and destroying) it securely; by not collecting or retaining excessive amounts of data; by protecting personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorised access and disclosure; and by ensuring that appropriate technical measures are in place to protect personal data.
Personal data in this context means any forms you complete at the start of, or during, therapy, including your name, address, medical history, the issue you are seeking therapy for and related information, including my notes.
I use your personal data for the following purposes:
Your data will never be passed to a third party without your express consent, always provided that such confidentiality is neither inconsistent with my safety or yours, your family members’ or other members of the public’s, nor in contravention of any legal action or legal requirement.
You have given clear consent for me to process your personal data for a specific purpose. Further, the processing is necessary for both our legitimate interests.
Unless subject to an exemption under the GDPR, you have the following rights with respect to your personal data:
You have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if you think there is a problem with the way I am handling your data. See ico.org.uk/concerns/handling.
Book a free 20-minute discovery call. It is a relaxed chat to see if this is the right fit for you.
Or contact me directly
NW London and online. Free on-site parking.