I understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, especially when life feels affected by anxiety, stress, unwanted habits, addiction or a lack of confidence.
I became a therapist because I believe people are often far more capable of positive change than they may currently realise. My role is to help you recognise your strengths, focus on where you want to be, and develop practical ways to move forward. Many people come to me feeling overwhelmed or stuck; therapy can help them build renewed optimism, clarity and confidence for the future.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern, positive therapy approach that looks towards your preferred future rather than repeatedly revisiting past problems. It combines focused conversation, an understanding of modern neuroscience and gentle hypnosis, also known as trance, to help support meaningful change.
Rather than asking you to analyse every detail of what has gone wrong, I will help you identify what you would like to be different and the small, realistic steps that can move you towards that goal. Hypnosis supports relaxation and allows the conscious and subconscious mind to work together more effectively.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy focuses on:
Looking towards the future rather than dwelling on the past
Building practical, achievable solutions.
Understanding how the brain responds to stress and anxiety.
Combining neuroscience with hypnosis.
Reducing unhelpful negative thinking patterns.
Creating helpful new habits and responses.
Helping the conscious and subconscious mind work together.
As a solution focused therapist, I have developed each course of therapy to the individual. While many clients work with me for around 8–12 sessions, some people need fewer sessions and others may benefit from longer-term support.
More on Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy
At Brian O'Donnell Therapy, I support people facing a broad range of emotional and behavioural challenges. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be used alongside your own determination and goals to help you feel calmer, more in control and better able to make positive changes. Whether you are struggling with a specific concern or simply want to improve how you feel day to day, I will provide personalised support.
Anxiety hypnotherapy can help you understand stress responses, reduce overwhelming thoughts and develop calmer, more useful ways of responding to everyday situations.
Learn practical ways to manage pressure, improve relaxation and protect your wellbeing when work, family or life demands feel too much.
Depression therapy can help you focus on manageable positive steps, rebuild motivation and support improved emotional wellbeing. It is important to speak with your GP or healthcare professional where appropriate.
Phobia treatment can help you gradually change your response to a feared situation, object or experience in a safe, structured and supportive way.
I offer addiction therapy for people who want to understand and change unwanted patterns of behaviour, while focusing on their goals for a healthier future.
Stop smoking hypnotherapy is designed to support you in breaking the habit and strengthening your motivation to
live smoke-free.
If vaping no longer feels in your control, I can help you work towards stopping and creating healthier routines.
Cocaine addiction therapy is a specialist area of interest for me. I offer confidential, non-judgemental support focused on positive change and recovery goals.
Improve confidence, focus and performance in work, sport, study, public speaking or other areas that matter to you.
Your first appointment is a free 50-minute consultation. This is a relaxed opportunity for us to discuss what you would like help with and what you hope to achieve.
I will explain how the brain can respond to anxiety and stress, outline how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works, answer your questions and help you decide whether therapy feels right for you. There is no obligation to book further sessions.
Each session lasts around 55 minutes and usually includes approximately 30 minutes of solution focused conversation, followed by around 20–25 minutes of relaxing hypnosis or trance.
We will identify progress, explore what is working and use practical techniques that support lasting change. You remain in control throughout hypnosis, can hear what I say and can come out of trance whenever you wish.
As therapy progresses, clients often report improvements in confidence, sleep, motivation, emotional wellbeing and their ability to manage stress.
You may begin to feel calmer, more optimistic and more able to break unwanted habits.
Progress is personal, and I will adapt our work around your needs and goals.
Sessions are £80 each, or you can purchase
a block of six sessions in advance for £400.
I offer in-person appointments from my welcoming therapy room in Ardleigh, close to Manningtree and Colchester. The space is designed to feel private, calm and comfortable, allowing you to take time away from everyday pressures and focus fully on yourself.
If you are looking for a hypnotherapist in Ardleigh or a hypnotherapist near Colchester for anxiety, stress or addiction support, I am conveniently located for clients across East Essex and South Suffolk.
Online sessions offer a flexible alternative if travelling is difficult, you have a busy schedule or you simply prefer the comfort of your own home. Sessions are held through Microsoft Teams using a secure, encrypted video-call setting.
You will need a quiet, private space, a comfortable chair or sofa, and a reliable internet connection. Online therapy can make solution focused hypnotherapy in Essex and Suffolk accessible wherever you are.
Every treatment plan is designed to your needs, your circumstances and the changes you want to make.
I focus on meaningful progress and practical next steps, rather than repeatedly returning to problems from the past.
My therapy room provides a calm, welcoming setting where you can relax and speak openly without judgement.
My approach combines modern neuroscience with established Solution Focused Hypnotherapy methods. I have completed my Solution Focused Hypnotherapy training and continue my professional development to keep
my knowledge current.
Therapy should fit realistically around work, family and other commitments. I will aim to offer appointment options that work for you.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you understand how stress and anxiety affect the brain, reduce unhelpful thought patterns and develop calmer responses. Sessions focus on practical progress, achievable goals and building confidence in everyday situations.
Stop smoking and stop vaping hypnotherapy can support your motivation to break unwanted habits and establish healthier routines. Results vary between individuals, but therapy is focused around your reasons for stopping and the changes you want to make.
Sessions usually last around 55 minutes. They include approximately 30 minutes of solution focused conversation, followed by 20–25 minutes of gentle, relaxing hypnosis or trance to support positive thinking and new helpful responses.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help people gradually change their response to a feared object, situation or experience. Phobia treatment is approached safely, positively and at a pace that feels manageable for you.
Hypnotherapy can provide confidential, non-judgemental support for unwanted habits and addiction recovery goals, including cocaine addiction. It focuses on identifying what you want to change, strengthening motivation and developing practical healthier patterns. Where appropriate, additional medical or specialist support may also be helpful.
Many clients choose a course of around 8–12 sessions, although this varies depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people need fewer sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapy plan will be specific to your needs.
Yes. Performance and confidence coaching can help you improve focus, motivation and self-belief for work, study, sport, public speaking and other important areas of life. Sessions concentrate on your strengths, goals and practical next steps.
Hypnosis is a gentle, relaxed state used as part of the approach, but you remain in control throughout. You can hear what is said and can come out of trance whenever you wish. The solution focused conversation and practical techniques are also important parts of therapy.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy may help with low mood by supporting manageable positive steps, motivation and emotional wellbeing. If you are experiencing depression, it is important to speak with your GP or another healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms are severe or worsening.
Yes. Online hypnotherapy sessions are available through Microsoft Teams for clients across Essex, Suffolk and further afield. You will need a quiet, private space, a comfortable place to sit or lie down, and a reliable internet connection.
Reaching out for support is a positive decision, and you do not have to have everything figured out before getting in touch. At Brian O'Donnell Therapy, your free 50-minute initial consultation gives you the chance to ask questions, discuss your goals and see whether Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is right for you, without any pressure or obligation to continue.
