What is the difference between Cognitive Hypnotherapy and traditional therapy?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a flexible, evidence-based approach tailored to the individual, rather than relying on general scripts.

Is Cognitive Hypnotherapy safe?

Yes, it's a gentle and natural therapy that works with your subconscious patterns to help you change behaviours safely.

How long does it take to see results from Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Most clients feel an improvement after the first session and see noticeable and consistent change in just a few sessions—often between four and six, depending on the individual.

What is the cost of a Cognitive Hypnotherapy session?

A single session costs £120 and there are always special offers and discounts throughout the year on the prices page.

How many Cognitive Hypnotherapy sessions are needed for lasting change?

Most clients achieve their desired outcomes within six sessions, making Cognitive Hypnotherapy a highly efficient and cost-effective therapeutic approach. Each session builds upon the previous one, creating progressive positive change that is lasting. We begin with a thorough assessment of your needs and goals, then develop a personalised treatment plan using the most effective techniques for your situation.

Can I discuss my problem before committing to a session?

Absolutely, you can have a free 20-minute discovery call to discuss what is going on for you, how I can help, understand how it works and ask any questions you may have. Click on the link or email contact@samanthagrant.co.uk or call 07919 577 512.

Can I have sessions in person or online?

You can have face-to-face sessions in Caversham, Reading and Marlow. If you prefer online sessions then these are also available.

What problems can PSYCH-K Help with?

PSYCH-K can help with: removing feelings of anxiety or dread, transforming trauma and PTSD, feeling peace where you once felt grief or guilt, changing your perception of past events, overcoming fears and phobias, boosting confidence and self-worth, improving relationships and communication skills, enhancing performance at work and in life, improving physical health, and removing blocks to success and wealth.

How Does PSYCH-K Work?

PSYCH-K uses a unique blend of tools derived from contemporary neuroscience research and ancient mind/body wisdom to facilitate change at the subconscious level, where 95% of our consciousness operates. As a certified practitioner, together we will identify the limiting beliefs that are holding you back and create new, empowering beliefs to replace them. Using a process called a 'Balance,' I will guide you into a 'Whole-Brain State,' where both hemispheres of your brain are in simultaneous communication. This state is optimal for reprogramming your subconscious mind and allows new beliefs to take root quickly and easily. The process involves speech, movement and thought, some balances require eyes open and others, eyes closed.

How long does a typical PSYCH-K session last?

A session lasts 60 minutes, however I always allow 90 minutes for the first session.

How many sessions will I need to see results with PSYCH-K?

Most clients experience significant shifts after just one session, with many noticing profound changes during the session itself. The total number of sessions you'll need depends entirely on your personal goals and what you'd like to transform. For comprehensive results, I typically recommend a course of 5-6 sessions. What makes my approach unique is how I blend PSYCH-K techniques with Cognitive Hypnotherapy and NLP, providing you with a different hypnotherapy MP3 recording after each session to reinforce your progress at home.

What does PSYCH-K stand for?

The word PSYCH-K is made of two parts - the first part is an abbreviation of the word Psyche, and the K stands for the Key to sustainable change. With over 35 years of proven success, PSYCH-K has helped countless individuals around the world transform their lives and achieve their dreams.

What is a PSYCH-K Facilitator?

A PSYCH-K facilitator is a therapist who has completed the official PSYCH-K training and is skilled in using the PSYCH-K process to help individuals change limiting subconscious beliefs into empowering ones. A PSYCH-K facilitator will use evidence-based techniques to help you shift those limiting beliefs hiding in your subconscious mind into empowering ones that serve you better. I have been a PSYCH-K Facilitator since 2024, and my training, which is at the highest level, will ensure you will receive effective, professional support.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Research consistently shows that for most people and most concerns, online therapy can be equally effective. Some clients actually prefer the comfort of their own space.

How private and secure are the online sessions?

I use end-to-end encrypted software. Sessions are never recorded, and the same strict confidentiality rules apply as with in-person therapy.

What if I have technical difficulties during online therapy?

I provide simple instructions before your first session. If technical issues arise, we have backup options in place to ensure your session can proceed.

What is the cost of an online therapy session?

A single online therapy session costs £120 and there are always special offers and discounts throughout the year on the prices page.

How many online therapy sessions are required?

Most clients achieve their desired outcomes within six sessions, making online therapy sessions a highly efficient and cost-effective therapeutic approach. There is no difference between the number of in-person and online sessions required for success.

How long are the online therapy sessions?

Sessions are 60 minutes long, however, I always allow 90 minutes for the first session because there is a lot to talk about. In this first session, we will discuss how things are at the moment, how you would like things to be for you, a potted history of your life and of course, our first technique to change how you are feeling, thinking and behaving.

Can I have have a mixture of in-person and online therapy?

Yes, I offer a very flexible approach, which means you can have a combination of face-to-face sessions and online sessions if you choose. Therapy sessions are available in Caversham, Reading and Marlow. Weekdays, weekends and evening appointments are available.

What is hypnotherapy for anxiety, and how does it work?

Hypnotherapy uses relaxation techniques to access your subconscious mind and address the root causes of anxiety. It helps reduce anxiety by reprogramming the way your mind responds to stress and anxiety triggers.

How long will it take to see results from anxiety therapy?

Every individual is different, but many clients start to feel a difference after just a few sessions. For lasting results, a course of therapy is key.

Can I have therapy online for anxiety?

Yes! I offer online therapy for anxiety, which means you can receive the same high-quality treatment from the comfort of your own home, whether you live in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, or beyond.

What is the difference between hypnotherapy and talking therapy?

Both methods are just a conversation, however, hypnotherapy focuses on working with your subconscious mind to change how you react to anxiety triggers, while having a conversation. Talking therapy, on the other hand, involves discussing your concerns and learning coping strategies which means your conscious mind is charge. I use both, but there is far more emphasis on working with the subconscious mind.

Will hypnotherapy work for my anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is incredibly effective for managing any anxiety, both general anxiety disorder and specific anxieties like health anxiety or social anxiety or driving test anxiety.

Do you offer therapy for children?

I work with both adults and children who are 15 and older.

Finding Anxiety Therapy in Berkshire & Buckinghamshire: A Simple Guide

Samantha Grant.
Feb 24
5 min read

Updated: Feb 27

Living with anxiety can feel exhausting — like your mind never quite switches off. You might find yourself avoiding situations, lying awake at night, or feeling on edge for reasons you can't quite explain. If you're based in Berkshire or Buckinghamshire and you're looking for the right support, this guide is here to help you make sense of your options and feel confident taking that first step.

Why Seek an Anxiety Therapist?

Anxiety is more than just feeling worried or stressed. It can affect your daily life, your relationships, and your sense of peace. That's why working with an anxiety therapist can be so valuable. These professionals have the training and experience to guide you through your challenges with care and expertise.

When you work with the right specialist, you get more than just advice. You get personalised strategies tailored to your unique needs — support that helps you understand your anxiety, manage your symptoms, and build genuine resilience. For many people, that support is genuinely life-changing.

What to Look for in an Anxiety Specialist

Finding the right specialist is a personal journey. Here are some key things to consider:

Qualifications and Experience: Look for someone with recognised credentials in mental health or therapy. Experience working specifically with anxiety is essential.
The Initial Phone Call: That first conversation tells you a great deal. You should come away feeling a little lighter, reassured, and hopeful — not pressured or rushed. Pay attention to how you feel during it. Do you feel heard? At ease? Trust that feeling.
Approach and Techniques: Different specialists use different methods. Some focus on CBT, others on hypnotherapy, PSYCH-K, or mindfulness. It's worth familiarising yourself with the options so you can choose what feels right for you.
Accessibility: Consider location, availability, and whether they offer online sessions if needed.
Comfort and Connection: Trust your instincts. You should feel safe and understood — not just during sessions, but from that very first conversation.

How to Start Your Search for the Right Anxiety Therapist

Starting your search can feel daunting, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable.

Ask for Recommendations: Word of mouth can be incredibly helpful. Friends, family, or your GP may be able to point you in the right direction.
Use Online Resources: Websites and directories can help you find qualified professionals in Reading and Marlow. These can be a good starting point for finding someone local.
Read Reviews and testimonials: Most therapists show testimonials on their website and on Google Reviews. These can give you a real sense of what working with someone is like.
Contact Potential Specialists: Don’t hesitate to call or email to ask about their approach, experience, and fees.
Schedule a Consultation: Many therapists offer a free initial telephone consultation. This is your opportunity to get a feel for whether they're the right fit for you.

Remember, this is about your comfort and healing. Take your time and trust your feelings.

Understanding Different Anxiety Treatments Available

Therapists in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire offer a wide range of approaches. Here's a brief overview to help you make an informed choice:

Cognitive Hypnotherapy & NLP: These approaches work with the subconscious mind to identify and update the beliefs and patterns that drive anxiety. Rather than managing symptoms alone, they help address the deeper roots of anxiety, reframe past experiences, and build lasting confidence. Many people experience significant change within just 3–6 sessions.

PSYCH-K: A gentle but powerful approach that works directly with the subconscious mind to change self-limiting beliefs. Using a series of simple processes, it helps replace beliefs that fuel anxiety with more supportive ones — often creating a profound shift in how you think and feel. Changes can often be felt within 1–3 sessions.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): A structured, practical approach that works with conscious thought patterns. CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thinking, replacing it with more balanced perspectives and giving you tools you can use in everyday life. It is typically delivered over 6–20 sessions, depending on the complexity of your needs.

Person-Centred Therapy: A warm, non-judgemental approach that gives you the space to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Rather than directing or advising, the therapist offers genuine empathy and unconditional acceptance — trusting that you have the inner resources to find your own way forward. The number of sessions varies widely and is led entirely by you, though many people work with a therapist over several months.

Psychodynamic Therapy: An approach that explores how past experiences, early relationships, and unconscious patterns may be contributing to your anxiety today. By bringing hidden beliefs and emotional themes to the surface, it can offer deep and lasting insight. This tends to be longer-term work, often running from several months to a number of years.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: These practices help you develop a calmer relationship with your thoughts and feelings. By learning to stay present rather than getting caught up in worry, you can reduce the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety over time. These are often taught as part of a broader therapy programme, or through structured courses such as MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), which typically runs over 8 weeks.

Exposure Therapy: A gradual, structured process of gently facing anxiety-provoking situations in a safe and supported way. Over time, this helps to reduce the fear response and build confidence in situations that once felt overwhelming. It is usually delivered as part of a CBT programme.

Close-up view of a therapist’s hand holding a notebook during a session

How Samantha Grant Hypnotherapy Supports You in Reading and Marlow

I work with clients in Reading, Caversham, Marlow and the surrounding areas — as well as online — helping them overcome anxiety quickly and effectively. Using a combination of Cognitive Hypnotherapy, NLP and PSYCH-K, I focus on getting to the root of what's driving your anxiety rather than simply managing the symptoms.

Here’s what you can expect:

Personalised Sessions: Every session is designed around your specific needs and goals. There's no one-size-fits-all approach here.

A Safe and Supportive Space: You'll feel comfortable, respected, and genuinely heard throughout our work together.

Effective and Focused: Most of my clients see meaningful change within just a few sessions — often far sooner than they expected.

Ongoing Support: I'll equip you with tools and strategies to maintain your progress long after our sessions end.

If you'd like to find out more, I'd love to have a chat. You're welcome to get in touch for a free telephone consultation — no pressure, just a friendly conversation about where you are and how I might be able to help.

Taking the First Step Towards Healing

Reaching out for help is a brave and important step. It's the beginning of reclaiming your peace, your confidence, and your life. You don't have to face anxiety alone — and you don't have to keep feeling this way.

Take your time, be kind to yourself, and trust that the right support is out there. Whether you choose hypnotherapy, CBT, PSYCH-K, or another approach entirely, what matters most is that you take that first step.

You deserve to live free from the grip of anxiety. And with the right support, that freedom is absolutely within reach.