Question 1

What is the difference between counselling and hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Counselling is a talking therapy in which you work with a trained practitioner to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe, non-judgemental space. Hypnotherapy uses a guided state of deep mental and physical relaxation — hypnosis — to help access patterns and responses that are harder to reach through conscious conversation alone. At The Pain Management Clinic, Laura Massey is qualified in both, and many clients benefit from a combined approach that draws on whichever is most appropriate at each stage of their journey.

Question 2

Can hypnotherapy really help with chronic pain?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that hypnotherapy can be an effective approach for managing chronic pain, and clinical hypnotherapy is now considered a first-line treatment for certain pain conditions, including IBS, which is recommended by NICE guidelines in the UK. Hypnotherapy works in part by teaching clients how to influence the body's pain gating mechanisms — the points in the nervous system where pain signals can be modulated by mental state, relaxation, and focused attention. At The Pain Management Clinic, hypnotherapy for chronic pain is delivered by Laura Massey and is often used alongside PEMF therapy and Craniosacral Therapy for a comprehensive, whole-person approach.

Question 3

What does a counselling session at The Pain Management Clinic involve?

Accepted Answer

Your first counselling session begins with a thorough, unhurried conversation in which Laura will listen carefully to what brings you in, your history, and your goals. Sessions are fully confidential and take place in a warm, supportive environment at the clinic's location at Ham Manor Golf Club, Angmering. There is no set agenda or pressure to discuss anything before you are ready. Sessions last one hour and are tailored entirely to your individual needs — whether you are dealing with chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, grief, or general emotional distress.

Question 4

What does a hypnotherapy session feel like?

Accepted Answer

Hypnotherapy involves being guided into a deeply relaxed state — similar to the feeling just before sleep — in which your mind becomes calm and your awareness shifts inward. You remain in full control throughout and can end the session at any time. Most clients find it a profoundly restful experience. Clinical hypnotherapy typically involves a brief induction phase followed by specific suggestions intended to encourage emotional, cognitive, or perceptual changes aligned with your treatment goals. At The Pain Management Clinic, sessions are guided by Laura Massey, who will explain every step beforehand.

Question 5

What conditions can counselling and hypnotherapy help with?

Accepted Answer

At The Pain Management Clinic, counselling and hypnotherapy are used to support clients experiencing PTSD associated with chronic pain or trauma, anxiety and panic, depression, grief and loss, stress and burnout, sleep disorders, low self-esteem, and the psychological and emotional impacts of long-term physical health conditions. As with all complementary therapies, individual responses vary. If you are unsure whether your situation is suitable, please contact our team before booking — we are happy to advise.

Question 6

Is what I say in a counselling or hypnotherapy session confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything discussed in your sessions is held in strict confidence. Laura Massey practises within established professional and ethical guidelines for counselling and hypnotherapy. The only exceptions to confidentiality are situations where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others — in which case, Laura will always aim to discuss this with you directly before taking any action. If you have specific questions about confidentiality before your first session, please don't hesitate to ask.

Question 7

Do I need to be referred by my GP for counselling or hypnotherapy?

Accepted Answer

No referral is needed. You can book directly online at thepainmanagementclinic.com, by calling 07923 424269, or by emailing contact@thepainmanagementclinic.com. Sessions are private and self-funded — insurance is not accepted at this time. Payment by cash, debit card, or credit card is required ahead of each session.

Question 8

How is hypnotherapy different from stage hypnosis?

Accepted Answer

Clinical hypnotherapy bears no resemblance to stage hypnosis. You cannot be made to do anything against your will, say anything you do not want to say, or be left in a trance. Hypnotherapy is a clinically recognised, evidence-informed therapy used to promote relaxation, address emotional patterns, and support the management of pain and psychological distress. At The Pain Management Clinic, it is always delivered in a professional, private, and entirely voluntary therapeutic context by Laura Massey, a qualified hypnotherapist.

Question 9

How many counselling or hypnotherapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This varies considerably depending on your individual situation and goals. Some clients find significant benefit within three to six sessions; others prefer ongoing support over a longer period. Clinical hypnotherapy for pain and psychological conditions is typically delivered over four to eight sessions, spaced to suit the individual's response and needs. Laura will discuss a suggested approach with you following your initial consultation at The Pain Management Clinic in Angmering, West Sussex.

Question 10

Can counselling and hypnotherapy be used alongside other treatments at the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and for many clients, this combined approach produces the most meaningful results. At The Pain Management Clinic, counselling and hypnotherapy are frequently used alongside PEMF Mat Therapy, Lucia N°03 Light therapy, and Craniosacral Therapy. Each modality addresses a different dimension of pain and emotional distress, and Laura's qualifications across all of these areas mean she can integrate them within a coherent, personalised treatment plan rather than treating them as separate services.

Question 11

How much does a counselling or hypnotherapy session cost?

Accepted Answer

A single one-hour session costs £85. Ham Manor Golf Club members may be eligible for a discount — please call 07923 424269 or speak to one of our practitioners to find out more. Multi-session packages are available: 5 sessions at £80 each, 10 at £75, 20 at £70, and 50 at £65. All packages can be shared with friends and family. Book online here or call 07923 424269.

Our Therapies
Counselling & Hypnotherapy

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between counselling and hypnotherapy?

Can hypnotherapy really help with chronic pain?

What does a counselling session at The Pain Management Clinic involve?

What does a hypnotherapy session feel like?

What conditions can counselling and hypnotherapy help with?

Is what I say in a counselling or hypnotherapy session confidential?

Do I need to be referred by my GP for counselling or hypnotherapy?

How is hypnotherapy different from stage hypnosis?

How many counselling or hypnotherapy sessions will I need?

Can counselling and hypnotherapy be used alongside other treatments at the clinic?

How much does a counselling or hypnotherapy session cost?

Our Therapies Counselling & Hypnotherapy

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between counselling and hypnotherapy?

Can hypnotherapy really help with chronic pain?

What does a counselling session at The Pain Management Clinic involve?

What does a hypnotherapy session feel like?

What conditions can counselling and hypnotherapy help with?

Is what I say in a counselling or hypnotherapy session confidential?

Do I need to be referred by my GP for counselling or hypnotherapy?

How is hypnotherapy different from stage hypnosis?

How many counselling or hypnotherapy sessions will I need?

Can counselling and hypnotherapy be used alongside other treatments at the clinic?

How much does a counselling or hypnotherapy session cost?

Our Therapies
Counselling & Hypnotherapy