Welcome to Discover Therapy

My name is Gemma Aked-Priestley, I am the founder of Discover Therapy and a fully-qualified Hypnotherapist (Dip Hyp CS). Based in St Albans, I work with clients both in person and online. My approach is warm, calm and purposeful - your needs are my priority.

Prior to founding Discover Therapy, my background spanned 10 years across Theatre, TV and the Police providing me with unique insights into humanity, psychology and trauma. I have studied for three years with Chrysalis and the Highgate Counselling Centre covering the therapeutic modalities of Hypnotherapy, Psychodynamic, Person Centred, and CBT.

Accountability and trust are paramount to my practice: I am registered with the Hypnotherapy Directory and the National Hypnotherapy Society who are accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, so you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.

My Story

Hypnotherapy changed my life. Cast your mind back to 2020: the Covid-19 pandemic shook the world and I was lost, burnt out and yearning for re-direction. Hypnotherapy allowed me to relax into myself, reconnecting with who I really am - I have a huge heart and am happiest when I’m connecting with others. I wanted a career where I could help people in a way that felt authentically me. Hypnotherapy allowed me to bypass Stress, committing to a new path, the right path for me, training as a Therapist.

Then, a few years ago, with my best friend’s 30th birthday party on the horizon, I became paralysed with Anxiety. Someone would be attending the party who had hurt me deeply and I just couldn’t face them. But letting my best friend down also wasn’t an option either. I couldn’t sleep and I felt physically sick. However, after engaging with Hypnotherapy almost instantly the dread melted away. I was astounded by the speed and the quality of the change I experienced. Not only did I go to my best friend’s birthday party but I had a blast! I even chatted with the person in question, and I felt… absolutely fine.

My Mission

My goal is to help you discover you, supporting you on your journey from surviving to thriving. Discovering Hypnotherapy transformed my life and I can’t wait for it to transform your life too.

Testimonials

Amanda, 42

“Working with Gemma has been a truly transformative experience. When I first started therapy, I was overwhelmed by stress and struggling to cope. Through your compassionate and insightful approach, you helped me understand the roots of my stress and gave me practical tools to manage it effectively. What stood out most was the safe, nonjudgmental space that you created—one where I felt heard, supported, and empowered to make real changes. Thank you for helping me to regain a sense of clarity, calm, and confidence in facing daily challenges. I’m incredibly grateful for your support and would highly recommend Gemma to anyone navigating stress or seeking mental wellness.”

Jo, 29

“I had a Hypnotherapy session with Gemma to quit smoking. Gemma was professional throughout, discussing her ethical boundaries with me and quickly established a good rapport. She explained how the session would work creating a comfortable environment. I was unsure what to expect, as I haven't done anything like this before, but I have been smoke and vape free since the session and haven't felt the need to do so. Gemma did a great job and I'd highly recommend her.”

Genevieve, 47

“Managing and running my own business results in me having a lot of stress and coping with a huge amount of other people’s stresses too. I contacted Gemma about hypnotherapy and whether she thought that may help. I was really impressed with her personal and professional manner throughout our first meeting, instantly grasping what industry I worked in and showing empathy for the areas of life that I found most stressful. Gemma’s thorough initial information gathering was evident throughout our four sessions, demonstrating her attentive listening and accurate understanding of my situation, thoughts, and feelings. Even now in times of stress I still mentally use the green shiny pebble in my pocket creating space and allowing me to breath and realign my thoughts. I would highly recommend Gemma for any hypnotherapy sessions that you may be thinking about.”

Holly, 24

“Gemma was brilliant, from the moment I stepped into the room she made me feel calm and at ease. Any questions I had were answered clearly and she listened carefully and compassionately to me throughout our work together. I can safely say that if you put your all into therapy, you get a whole lot more out of it than you will ever have expected. Thank you Gemma.”

Ryan, 35

“It was a pleasurable and relaxing experience having hypnotherapy. Gemma is very attentive, professional and engaging.”

Simran, 54

“I had the privilege of participating in hypnotherapy sessions with Gemma to help me manage stress and the experience truly exceeded my expectations. From the first session, she created a warm, professional, and safe environment that immediately put me at ease. Gemma listened with empathy and tailored each session to address the root causes of my stress. She exhibited outstanding expertise, perceptiveness, and attentiveness throughout the process. Through gentle and effective techniques, she helped me access a deeper sense of calm and control that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I noticed a significant change in my emotional state and my ability to handle daily pressures more easily and resiliently. What impressed me most was her genuine care and commitment. She clearly wanted the best for me and took the time to ensure each session was meaningful and impactful. I wholeheartedly recommend Gemma to anyone struggling with stress or looking for a more balanced, peaceful approach to life. This experience has been a turning point, and I’m genuinely grateful. Thank you, Gemma!!”