Live Joyfully
Hypnotherapy in St Albans,
London Colney and Online
My name is Gemma Aked-Priestley and I’m the founder of Discover Therapy
I know just how difficult it can be to take that first step towards change. I’ve battled burnout, stress and anxiety - sometimes life can be too much.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
You can choose a different path, a gentler one. It just takes a bit of bravery in taking that first step.
Now, as a fully-qualified Hypnotherapist (Dip Hyp CS) my mission is simple: help others live joyfully.
Hypnotherapy can help with….
Stress (Burnout, Overwhelm, Perfectionism)
Anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety)
Phobias (Fears, Panic Attacks)
Smoking/Vaping (Breaking Habits)
Sleep (Insomnia, Sleep Paralysis, Sleep Terrors, Nightmares, Sleep Walking, Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea)
Pregnancy (Fertility, Sex, Sexual Issues, Relationships)
Depression (Trauma, PTSD, Grief, Regression, Inner Child Work)
Confidence (Self-Esteem, Body Image, Interviews, Public Speaking, Presentations, Wedding Speeches, Exams, Achieving Goals, Creativity, Sports Performance)
And much more…
Testimonials
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“I had a block of 6 sessions and found it massively helped me after struggling with trauma, talking therapies and not seeing much improvement. I can’t thank Gemma enough. It has helped me feel calm, in control, and confident again. I never thought hypnotherapy could make such a difference, but it truly changed how I think and respond to certain situations. I’d recommend this to anyone who’s ready for a real positive change.”
Carra
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"I went to see Gemma for hypnosis therapy. I had a problem with arm scratching, after 2 sessions and techniques that Gemma taught me I feel like a new person! I can control the urge when I want to scratch! Thank you Gemma."
Debby
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“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.”
Jo
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"I'd never tried hypnotherapy before and now wish I'd started it sooner. The way Gemma set up and held the space made the whole process feel really safe and relaxed. I have a noisy brain and was sceptical this would work for me but it gave me a proper break from it in a way that felt truly restorative. Highly recommend."
Bee
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“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.”
Alice
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"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."
Holly
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“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 breathe and realign my thoughts. I would highly recommend Gemma for any hypnotherapy sessions that you may be thinking about.”
Genevieve
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“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!!”
Simran
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"It was a pleasurable and relaxing experience having hypnotherapy. Gemma is very attentive, professional and engaging."
Ryan
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“I had the pleasure of taking part in a group hypnosis session with Discover Therapy. Gemma was very professional and clear about the how the session would run, making me feel really safe. The hypnosis itself was a very positive experience. I felt very relaxed but still aware of all my thoughts & emotions, which was quite a new feeling for me. It helped me to gain a new perspective on the sensations of my body and really let go in of tension I was holding. I really enjoyed the tapping sequence we did too, it’s something I have used since the session to find calm when I am feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I’d highly recommend working with Gemma as she holds people with clarity, integrity and an openness that allows you to be fully present and yourself.”
Chloe
Transformation in 3 Simple Steps
Discovery Call
20 minutes - Free
2. Initial Consultation
60 minutes - £25
3. Hypnotherapy Session
60 minutes - £85
10 Common Questions about Hypnotherapy
1.What is hypnotherapy?
I get asked this question A LOT. I think the easiest way to explain hypnotherapy is to compare it to regular talking therapy. During a regular therapy session a therapist will provide a safe space for you to explore why you're feeling the way you're feeling, thinking what you're thinking and doing what you're doing. It's about raising awareness on a conscious, cognitive level. The focus tends to be on the past, the present and the problem.
Whereas in hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapist will work with BOTH your conscious mind (through talking therapy) as well as your subconscious mind (through guiding you into hypnosis). You will be explore the past, the present and the problem PLUS the solution and the future. When the conscious mind and the subconscious mind work together than fast, effective and long-lasting transformation occurs.
2.What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious mind is more powerful than than conscious mind. It is the part of the mind that operates below the surface. It’s the home of our memories, dreams, fears, phobias, self-limiting beliefs, habits and the limbic system which is the source of our emotions. The subconscious mind plays a vital role in changing our beliefs and behaviours.
3. What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis feels amazing. It feels a bit like when you’re in between being awake and asleep. Or if you’re driving car and you dip into autopilot or “zone out”. Some people feel weightless and like they’re floating. Others feel grounded and like every single muscle in their body has entirely relaxed. Some people see colours or feel tingly. Hypnosis is a deeply relaxing and highly enjoyable experience.
4. Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. Hypnosis is safe. There are no known negative side-effects to hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is often recommended by doctors as a complimentary service alongside other treatment or medication. However, hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone. If you have epilepsy or a personality disorder such as bi-polar or schizophrenia than hypnotherapy would not be suitable for you.
5. How many sessions will I need?
Unlike regular talking therapy, hypnotherapy tends to be a much faster process with clients experiencing significant change after just 6-12 sessions. However, depending on the severity and complexity of your condition, some people require less time and some require more. Everyone is unique. Together, we will discover the right plan for you. Sessions can be booked on a pay-as-you-go basis for £85 or in Blocks of 6 (offering a saving of £50) or Blocks of 12 (offering a saving of £100).
6. Where are you based?
I’m based at two beautiful wellness centres in St Albans and London Colney:
Nadya Giffen Therapies, St Albans, AL4 9RB
The Wise Lotus Centre, London Colney, AL2 1BJ
I believe that healing is holistic - many of my clients enjoy a massage or a wellness treatment after a hypnotherapy session.
I also work with clients online via Microsoft Teams.
7. Can I be hypnotised?
It is incredibly rare that somebody cannot be hypnotised at all. Most people fall into different groups with different styles of hypnosis resonating with them dependant on various communication factors. During the Initial Consultation your hypnotic modality, learning style, language preferences and susceptibility will be assessed. Drawing on this information, I will then chose the right language to specifically guide you into hypnosis. You will successfully experience hypnosis before booking any Hypnotherapy Sessions.
8. Is it better working in person or online?
In my experience, and in line with the latest research, hypnotherapy works equally well in person and online.
Hypnotherapy in person can be more time and cost effective as some people find it quicker and easier to connect, meaning less sessions are required. You may find my therapy room to be more calming than your busy home. If you don’t have a stable internet connection then in person is definitely the right choice for you.
Online hypnotherapy might be more suitable if you need flexibility. As long as you’re in a private place, online sessions can take place anywhere. Online can be more time and cost effective as there is no need to travel. You may prefer the familiarity of your own home or you might not be based in Hertfordshire, yet despite the distance, you feel that I’m still the right therapist for you - sometimes, when you know you just know.
9. Do I need to be controlled to be cured?
One of the most common myths about hypnotherapy is that a hypnotherapist will control you. This is not true. When you are experiencing hypnosis you are aware of your surroundings. If something is suggested to you that does not align with your values or you do not want to do it, you simply will not do it. You are always in control of you.
Another common myth about hypnotherapy is that you will be magically cured. This is not true. The process requires an active commitment to change. It takes time and collaboration. On average, people need 6-12 sessions to achieve the change they want. As a hypnotherapist, it's not my job to cure anyone. My job is to listen, guide and facilitate change. My job is to help you help you.
10. Why now?
Most people come to hypnotherapy because they have reached breaking point. There is a pressing problem that is significantly disrupting their lives. They might have tried talking therapy, self-help books, podcasts, pilates, meditation, medication, yoga or acupuncture. But they’re still stuck. It feels like nothing can help them overcome this. Sound familiar?
If you know you need support and you’re not receiving the right support, the problem is likely to worsen. Consequences can range from mild to severe including emotional distress, relationship breakdowns, professional setbacks, difficulty functioning in daily life, and developing mental and physical health issues. Don’t wait to break.
