Sports Hypnotherapy Near Me

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your sporting performance, you’re not alone. Every athlete, from beginners to professionals, has experienced days when nothing seems to click. The difference is often not physical ability—it’s mindset.

There’s a reason sports psychology plays such an important role in modern sport. In many games and competitive disciplines, mental performance is just as important as physical performance. When your confidence is high, your focus is sharp, and you’re fully in the moment, you perform at your best. When your mind is distracted, anxious, or lacking confidence, your performance can suffer.

Hypnotherapy can help you develop the mental skills needed to perform more consistently, overcome psychological barriers, and enjoy your sport more.

Many elite athletes have used hypnosis or hypnotherapy as part of their mental preparation, including Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson (former Chicago Bulls coach), and Kyren Wilson, the World Snooker Champion.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that hypnotherapy will turn you into Tiger Woods. What it can do is help you become the best version of yourself. By improving confidence, focus, resilience, and enjoyment, you can give yourself the best opportunity to reach your own potential and get more from the sport you love.

Call 07428 690066 for a FREE, no-obligation chat to find out how sports hypnotherapy could help improve your performance.

My Successes with Sports Hypnosis

One of my recent success stories involves a 14-year-old teammate from our Muay Thai gym. He felt that the work we did together played an important role in helping him prepare mentally for a fight in Thailand, where he achieved the remarkable feat of knocking out an adult opponent whilst aged 14.

Brayan is an exceptionally talented young fighter, and I believe he has a bright future ahead of him in the sport.

I’ve also helped:

• A local county champion rediscover his confidence and enjoyment of competition.
• A member of the England Under-18 football squad improve his mental approach to performance.
• Numerous golfers looking to improve focus, confidence, and consistency on the course.
• Horse riders, boxers, martial artists, and athletes from many other sporting backgrounds.

Whether you’re competing at a high level or simply want to enjoy your sport more and perform closer to your potential, sports hypnotherapy could help you unlock the mental edge you’ve been looking for.

What Is Hypnosis?

One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What exactly is hypnosis?”

There are many ways to explain it, but the simplest answer is that hypnosis is a state of focused attention and increased responsiveness to suggestion. Despite what you may have seen in films or on television, hypnosis is not mind control, and it is not the same as being asleep.

In my experience, most clients are surprised by how normal hypnosis feels. Many describe it as being deeply relaxed, focused, or absorbed in their thoughts while still being aware of what’s happening around them.

Is Hypnosis Safe?

For most people, hypnosis is considered a safe technique when used appropriately by a trained professional.

You remain aware throughout the process and cannot be made to do anything against your values or wishes. In fact, many clients tell me afterwards that the experience felt familiar, similar to becoming absorbed in a good book, a film, or simply daydreaming.

If you have a diagnosed mental health condition or concerns about whether hypnotherapy is suitable for you, it is important to discuss this with a qualified healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Understanding Trance States

The word “trance” is often used in hypnotherapy, but it can sometimes sound more mysterious than it really is.

Most people have experienced periods of focused attention where they become so engaged in an activity that they lose track of time. Examples might include reading a book, watching a film, driving a familiar route, or becoming deeply involved in a hobby.

Some researchers and practitioners describe these experiences as trance-like states, although there is ongoing debate about exactly how hypnosis should be defined and understood. While hypnosis has been studied for many years, researchers continue to investigate the psychological and neurological processes involved.

How Can Hypnotherapy Help?

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a tool to support positive change.

Depending on the reason for seeking help, hypnosis may be used alongside discussion, goal setting, and other therapeutic approaches to help clients develop new habits, challenge unhelpful patterns of thinking, or respond differently to situations that cause stress or anxiety.

Over the years, I have worked with clients seeking support for a wide range of issues, including confidence, anxiety, phobias, stress management, and habit change.

Every person is different, and outcomes vary from one individual to another. Hypnotherapy is not a magic solution, but many people find it a useful part of their personal development or wellbeing journey.

A Different Perspective

One aspect of hypnotherapy that many clients value is the opportunity to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences from a calmer perspective.

Sometimes, when we are less caught up in stress or worry, it becomes easier to understand patterns in our behaviour and consider new ways of approaching challenges. This increased self-awareness can often support positive change both during and after therapy.

Unlocking Your Potential

At its heart, hypnotherapy is about helping people make changes they would like to make in their lives.

Whether that means becoming more confident, reducing anxiety, breaking unwanted habits, or pursuing personal goals, hypnotherapy may help you develop the mindset and behaviours that support those changes.

Most of us have something we’d like to improve. Hypnotherapy provides a structured and focused way of working towards those goals.

Author: Garry Webster MCNHC is a qualified hypno-psychotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner with more than 26 years of experience helping clients across Derbyshire and the East Midlands.

Call 07428 590066 to arrange a confidential consultation.

Garry is fully insured, professionally supervised, and registered with recognised professional organisations including the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Important: Hypnotherapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent medical or mental health conditions. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Learn how hypnotherapy may support weight management goals.

How Does Hypnotherapy Work?

One of the most common questions I’m asked is: “How does hypnotherapy actually work?”

The honest answer is that researchers are still studying exactly how hypnosis works. However, most experts agree that hypnosis involves a state of focused attention, increased concentration, and greater responsiveness to suggestion.

In simple terms, many people think of hypnotherapy as a way of helping the brain learn new patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Changing Habits and Responses

Our brains are constantly learning from experience. Over time, repeated thoughts, emotions, and behaviours can become habits. Some habits serve us well, while others may contribute to problems such as anxiety, low confidence, unwanted behaviours, or difficulty achieving personal goals.

Hypnotherapy aims to help people develop new ways of responding to situations that may previously have felt automatic.

Rather than relying on willpower alone, hypnotherapy encourages focused attention and mental rehearsal, which may help reinforce positive changes over time.

Why Can Change Feel Difficult?

Many people have experienced feeling conflicted about a decision.

Part of you wants to make a change, while another part seems to resist it.

For example, someone may want to stop smoking, lose weight, become more confident, or manage stress more effectively, yet still find themselves returning to old habits.

This doesn’t mean there is something wrong with them. Human behaviour is complex, and changing long-established patterns often takes time, practice, and the right support.

One of the goals of hypnotherapy is to help clients align their thoughts, motivations, and behaviours so that positive change feels more natural and achievable.

Hypnotherapy and Personal Change

Over the years, I have worked with clients seeking support for a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, confidence, phobias, smoking cessation, stress management, and weight-related goals.

While every client is different and outcomes vary from person to person, many people report that hypnotherapy helps them feel more focused on their goals and more aware of the habits and thought patterns that may be holding them back.

In my experience, successful change often begins when a person starts viewing a problem differently. When our perspective changes, our actions often begin to change as well.

What Happens During Hypnotherapy?

During a hypnotherapy session, clients are guided into a state of focused attention and relaxation. Contrary to common myths, people remain aware of what is happening and can choose whether or not to follow suggestions.

The session may involve discussion, goal-setting, visualisation exercises, and hypnotic techniques tailored to the individual’s needs.

Many clients describe the experience as relaxing, enjoyable, and surprisingly natural.

A Practical Approach to Change

I don’t view hypnotherapy as magic, mind control, or a quick fix.

Instead, I see it as a practical tool that may help people make changes they genuinely want to make. Whether the goal is reducing anxiety, improving confidence, overcoming a phobia, stopping smoking, or developing healthier habits, hypnotherapy can provide a structured environment in which positive change can be explored and practised.

Like any approach to personal development, results depend on many factors, including the individual’s goals, motivation, circumstances, and willingness to engage with the process.

Could Hypnotherapy Help You?

If you’re curious about hypnotherapy and would like to learn more, a consultation can help you decide whether it may be suitable for your situation.

Every person’s experience is unique, but many clients find that understanding their habits and thought patterns is an important first step towards meaningful change.

Important: Hypnotherapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent medical or mental health conditions. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, you should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Learn more about hypnotherapy for dental anxiety and dental phobias.

About the Author

Garry Webster is a practising hypnotherapist based in Derbyshire. He has worked with clients seeking support for anxiety, confidence, phobias, habits, and personal development goals. His approach combines hypnotherapy with NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) techniques to help clients develop practical strategies for positive change. This article is based on professional experience and is intended for informational purposes only. Last reviewed: June 2026.

Psychotherapy

While many people are interested in hypnotherapy, others prefer a more traditional talking therapy approach. If hypnosis doesn’t appeal to you, that’s absolutely fine.

In addition to being a hypnotherapist, I have also trained in psychotherapy, which allows me to draw upon a wider range of therapeutic approaches when working with clients. Every person is different, and what works well for one individual may not be the best fit for another.

My aim is to provide a personalised approach that takes into account your goals, preferences, and circumstances.

What Is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a broad term used to describe a range of evidence-informed talking therapies designed to help people explore their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences.

Over the years, a number of influential approaches to psychotherapy have been developed. Many people will have heard of early pioneers such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, while more contemporary approaches include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, person-centred therapy, and solution-focused therapies.

Although these approaches differ in some respects, they share a common goal: helping people gain greater understanding of themselves and develop more helpful ways of responding to life’s challenges.

My Approach

My training has included a variety of psychotherapeutic models, and I integrate relevant techniques according to the needs of the individual client.

Some clients benefit from exploring past experiences and long-standing patterns of thinking, while others prefer a practical, goal-focused approach that concentrates on present-day challenges and future outcomes.

Rather than applying the same method to everyone, I aim to tailor the process to the person sitting in front of me.

What Can Psychotherapy Help With?

People seek psychotherapy for many different reasons, including:

• Stress and overwhelm
• Anxiety and excessive worry
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Relationship difficulties
• Life transitions and personal challenges
• Unhelpful habits or patterns of behaviour
• Personal growth and self-development

Every person’s situation is unique, and outcomes vary from individual to individual. Psychotherapy is not about being “fixed”; it is about developing greater awareness, understanding, and new ways of approaching difficulties.

Psychotherapy and Research

Psychotherapy has been extensively studied and is widely used within healthcare and private practice settings.

Research suggests that various forms of psychotherapy can be helpful for many people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties. However, the effectiveness of therapy depends on a range of factors, including the individual’s circumstances, the therapeutic approach used, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship.

If you are currently receiving treatment for a mental health condition, it is important to continue following the advice of your GP, psychiatrist, or other healthcare professional.

Psychotherapy or Hypno-Psychotherapy?

This page is primarily for people who would prefer not to use hypnosis.

However, because I am trained in both psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, I can discuss the advantages and limitations of each approach and help you decide which may be most appropriate for your goals.

Some clients choose psychotherapy on its own, while others prefer to combine psychotherapy and hypnotherapy as part of a broader therapeutic process.

If you’re unsure which approach might suit you best, feel free to get in touch and I’ll be happy to answer your questions.

Important: Psychotherapy and hypnotherapy are not substitutes for emergency medical or psychiatric care. If you are experiencing severe mental distress, thoughts of self-harm, or a mental health crisis, seek immediate support from appropriate healthcare services.

About the Author

Garry Webster is a practising psychotherapist and hypnotherapist based in Derbyshire. He works with adults seeking support for anxiety, confidence, habits, stress management, and personal development. His approach integrates psychotherapeutic principles with hypnotherapy and NLP techniques where appropriate. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Last reviewed: June 2026.

Read my advice on choosing a therapist.

How to Choose a Hypnotherapist: 7 Important Things to Consider

Choosing a hypnotherapist is an important decision. Whether you’re seeking support for anxiety, confidence, habits, phobias, or personal development, finding a suitably qualified and professional therapist can help you make an informed choice.

Below are some of the factors worth considering when selecting a hypnotherapist.

1. What Qualifications Do They Have?

Training standards within the hypnotherapy profession can vary significantly. Some courses involve extensive study, supervised practice, and ongoing assessment, while others may be much shorter.

Before booking an appointment, consider asking:

• What qualifications does the therapist hold?
• How long was their training?
• Was the training independently accredited?
• Do they continue to update their skills?

A reputable therapist should be happy to discuss their training and experience with you.

2. Do They Undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) helps therapists keep their knowledge and skills up to date.

Many professional organisations require members to undertake regular CPD to maintain professional standards and stay informed about developments within the field.

As a client, it is reasonable to ask how a therapist keeps their skills and knowledge current.

3. Are They Registered with a Professional Body?

Professional registration can provide additional reassurance regarding training, ethical standards, and accountability.

One organisation recognised within complementary healthcare is the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). The UK Government has previously recommended that people seeking complementary healthcare practitioners consider choosing professionals registered with accredited registers.

You may also wish to check whether a therapist belongs to other recognised professional associations relevant to their training and practice.

4. Can They Work with Children and Young People?

If you are seeking therapy for a child or young person, it may be appropriate to ask whether the therapist holds an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and has experience working with younger clients.

A therapist should be able to explain their safeguarding procedures and how they work with children and families.

5. Are They Properly Insured?

Professional indemnity insurance is an important safeguard for both therapist and client.

A reputable therapist should hold appropriate insurance cover and be willing to confirm this if asked.

6. Are Their Claims Realistic?

Be cautious of any therapist who guarantees results, promises a cure, or suggests that everyone will achieve the same outcome.

Every client is different, and no ethical therapist can guarantee success.

A trustworthy practitioner will explain the potential benefits and limitations of therapy and will be honest about what can and cannot be achieved.

7. Do You Feel Comfortable Talking to Them?

Research consistently suggests that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy.

Qualifications and experience matter, but it is also important to choose someone you feel comfortable talking to.

Many therapists offer an initial consultation or introductory phone call. This can be a useful opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and decide whether the therapist feels like a good fit for you.

My Qualifications and Professional Standards

I am committed to maintaining high professional and ethical standards in my practice. This includes ongoing professional development, professional registration, appropriate insurance, and adherence to relevant codes of conduct.

If you have any questions about my qualifications, experience, or approach, I am always happy to discuss them.

Arrange a Free Consultation

If you’d like to learn more about hypnotherapy or discuss whether it may be suitable for your situation, you’re welcome to get in touch.

I offer a free, no-obligation consultation where you can ask questions and find out more about how I work.

Call 07428 590066 to arrange a free consultation.

About the Author

Garry Webster is a practising hypnotherapist and psychotherapist based in Derbyshire. He is committed to ongoing professional development and works with clients seeking support for anxiety, confidence, habits, stress management, and personal development. This article is intended for general information only and should not be considered healthcare advice. Last reviewed: June 2026.