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.