Where Clinical Precision Meets Deep Healing

As an Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, I work with the full spectrum of what affects the body and mind — including conditions where hypnotherapy has a strong, evidence-informed record of producing real, lasting results.

These are not alternative remedies. They are clinically recognised applications of hypnotherapy, supported by decades of research and increasingly integrated into mainstream medical practice.

Where Body Meets the Soul

Hypnotherapy is increasingly recognised as an evidence-informed approach that can help reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and support the body’s natural capacity for healing. By combining neuroscience, psychology and compassionate care, each session is designed to help you create meaningful, lasting change.

Up to 85% of people with IBS may experience significant symptom improvement following gut-directed hypnotherapy*

Neuroscience-informed My approach is informed by current neuroscience research, meaning the techniques I use, the language I choose, and the way I structure each session are all shaped by what we now understand about how the brain heals, learns and changes.

Based on published research into gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS. Individual results vary.

Conditions where hypnotherapy makes a measurable difference

Blood Pressure & Cardiovascular Anxiety

HYPERTENSION · STRESS RESPONSE · WHITE COAT SYNDROME

Chronic psychological stress is one of the most significant contributors to elevated blood pressure. The body held in a persistent stress response — flooded with cortisol and adrenaline — struggles to regulate itself. Hypnotherapy works by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the breath, and retraining the body’s default stress threshold.

Many clients with medically monitored hypertension use hypnotherapy alongside their prescribed treatment to address the underlying anxiety and tension that medication alone cannot reach. White coat syndrome — where blood pressure rises simply in anticipation of being measured — responds particularly well.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Deep relaxation training lowers baseline cortisol levels. Anchoring techniques give clients an immediate tool to calm the physiological stress response in any situation — including the GP’s surgery.

Pre-Operative Preparation

SURGICAL ANXIETY · RECOVERY · POST-OPERATIVE WELLBEING

Fear of operations — of anaesthesia, of pain, of feeling helpless — is extremely common and clinically significant. Elevated pre-operative anxiety is associated with higher anaesthetic requirements, longer recovery times, and increased post-operative pain. It is not simply nervousness; it is a physiological state that affects clinical outcomes.

Hypnotherapy sessions before surgery use guided imagery and deep relaxation to help the body enter the procedure in a calmer, more regulated state. Clients are also given a self-hypnosis practice to use in the days leading up to the operation and during the recovery period.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Imagery-based rehearsal of a calm, safe surgical experience reduces anticipatory dread. Healing visualisations used post-operatively have been linked in research to reduced pain medication use and faster tissue recovery.

Dental Anxiety & Dental Phobia

DENTOPHOBIA · GAG REFLEX · PAIN SENSITIVITY · AVOIDANCE

Dental anxiety ranges from mild discomfort to a full phobia that causes people to avoid the dentist for years — sometimes decades — at serious cost to their health. It is estimated that up to 25% of adults in the UK experience significant dental anxiety. For many, the fear is not only of pain but of feeling helpless, sounds, smells, or past traumatic experiences in the dental chair.

Hypnotherapy has a well-established history of use in dentistry. It reduces the gag reflex, lowers sensitivity to pain and discomfort, and can allow clients to undergo procedures they previously found impossible. Several dental practices now refer patients directly for hypnotherapy before treatment.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Phobia-release techniques address the root fear rather than managing symptoms. Clients develop real-time calming tools and often find their relationship with dental care changes permanently after just a handful of sessions.

Needle Phobia & Medical Procedures

TRYPANOPHOBIA · BLOOD TESTS · VACCINATIONS · CANNULATION

Needle phobia is one of the most common specific phobias, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 people. It is frequently dismissed as an overreaction, but for those who experience it, the fear is visceral and real — often involving vasovagal syncope (fainting), panic attacks, or a complete inability to receive necessary medical care.

This matters profoundly. People with untreated needle phobia may avoid blood tests, cancer screenings, vaccinations, and critical interventions. Hypnotherapy works systematically to desensitise the fear response and replace it with calm, steady breathing and a sense of safety — without avoidance, and without shame.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Graduated desensitisation in hypnosis allows the mind to process and reframe the fear signal. Clients leave with anchoring techniques that give them a genuine sense of calm in the moment — many attend their next blood test without a second thought.

Chronic Pain Management

FIBROMYALGIA · MIGRAINES · PERSISTENT PAIN · CENTRAL SENSITISATION

Pain is not simply a signal from damaged tissue — it is a complex experience constructed by the brain. In chronic pain, the nervous system becomes sensitised, amplifying signals long after healing has occurred. This is not imagined pain; it is real pain driven by a dysregulated system.

Hypnotherapy works within this understanding — using the brain’s own neuroplasticity to recalibrate how pain signals are processed and experienced. This is one of the areas with the most robust neuroscientific evidence: fMRI studies show measurable changes in activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (pain processing) during hypnotic analgesia.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Glove anaesthesia techniques, pain displacement imagery, and nervous system regulation exercises create new neural pathways around pain. Many clients experience significant relief without increased medication, and develop a sense of agency over their own body for the first time.

Cancer Support & Oncology

CHEMO ANXIETY · ANTICIPATORY NAUSEA · FATIGUE · QUALITY OF LIFE

A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can be one of the most overwhelming experiences a person faces. Hypnotherapy does not treat cancer itself, but it has a significant evidence base in supporting people through the process — reducing anticipatory nausea before chemotherapy, managing anxiety around treatment, improving sleep, and supporting quality of life throughout.

Sessions for those in active treatment or recovery are adapted to the individual’s energy and needs. The work is deeply respectful of how much the body and mind are carrying, and is paced accordingly.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Calming the anticipatory anxiety around treatment can be transformative. Nausea is significantly driven by the conditioned fear response — hypnotherapy interrupts this cycle at a neurological level, making treatment more bearable.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

GUT–BRAIN AXIS · BLOATING & DISCOMFORT · STRESS FLARE-UPS · CONFIDENCE AROUND FOOD

IBS is now widely understood to involve a strong connection between the brain and the gut. Gut-directed hypnotherapy works with this connection, helping to calm the nervous system so the body can settle into a more balanced rhythm — and it is increasingly used alongside medical care.

Studies suggest that up to 86% of people with IBS may experience significant improvement with gut-directed hypnotherapy. This builds on Professor Peter Whorwell’s landmark trials at the University of Manchester, and NICE recognises hypnotherapy as a valid option for refractory IBS. These findings are based on published research, and individual results vary.

HOW SESSIONS HELP

Sessions are calm, gentle and unhurried, using guided relaxation and calming imagery directed toward the gut to ease discomfort, bloating and stress-related flare-ups, and to rebuild confidence around food and daily life. You will leave with simple tools to use between sessions.

More conditions I work with

Childbirth & HypnoBirthing

Hypnotherapy for birth reduces fear, teaches the body to release rather than resist, and builds genuine confidence ahead of labour. Many clients report shorter, calmer, and more manageable births.

Insomnia & Sleep Disorders

Racing thoughts, hypervigilance at night, and broken sleep patterns are addressed at the root. Sessions retrain the nervous system’s relationship with rest, rather than simply masking the problem.

Skin Conditions (Psychodermatology)

Eczema, psoriasis, and urticaria are profoundly affected by psychological state. Hypnotherapy reduces the itch-scratch cycle and stress-driven flare-ups, and has clinical research support in this area.

Eating & Appetite

Addressing the psychological relationship with food — emotional eating, restriction, and disordered patterns — from within, rather than through willpower or deprivation.

Smoking Cessation

One of the most recognised applications of clinical hypnotherapy. Sessions address the psychological habit loops and identity beliefs around smoking, not just the cravings.

Tinnitus & Hyperacusis

The distress caused by tinnitus is significantly magnified by anxiety. Hypnotherapy cannot remove the sound, but can profoundly reduce the suffering — by changing the brain’s emotional response to it.

Blushing & Social Anxiety

The self-consciousness cycle that drives blushing and social avoidance is one hypnotherapy addresses directly — removing the fear of the symptom, which so often drives the symptom itself.

Fertility & Reproductive Wellbeing

Supporting those navigating IVF, fertility challenges, or pregnancy loss. The psychological burden is immense and frequently underacknowledged. Sessions provide nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and hope.

IBS Hypnotherapy

When your gut feels unsettled, everything can feel harder

Living with IBS can be unpredictable and draining.

Symptoms can come and go without warning, affecting not just your digestion, but your confidence, your plans, and how safe you feel in your own body.

Over time, the gut and nervous system can become more sensitive to stress, creating a cycle where the body feels on alert even when you’re trying to relax.

A different way of working with IBS

IBS is now widely understood to involve a strong connection between the brain and the gut.

Hypnotherapy works with this connection by helping to calm the nervous system, so the body can move out of a heightened stress state and into a more settled, balanced rhythm.

This is known as gut-directed hypnotherapy and is increasingly used alongside medical care.

What it can support

This approach may help with:

reducing gut discomfort and sensitivity
easing bloating and abdominal tension
calming stress-related flare-ups
improving confidence around food and daily life
supporting a greater sense of ease in the body

What a session feels like

Sessions are calm, gentle, and unhurried.

You remain aware and in control throughout — hypnotherapy is simply a focused state of relaxation.

We may use:

guided relaxation
calming visualisation
suggestions that support comfort and ease
simple tools you can use between sessions

The research

Studies suggest that up to 85% of people with IBS may experience significant improvement with gut-directed hypnotherapy.*

This builds on Professor Peter Whorwell’s landmark gut-directed hypnotherapy trials at the University of Manchester, and NICE recognises hypnotherapy as a valid option for refractory IBS.

This approach is informed by research into the brain–gut connection, the stress response, and clinical hypnosis.

A gentle note

This is not about forcing the body to change.

It is about helping the nervous system feel safe enough to settle — and when that happens, the gut often responds.

If you’re ready

If you’re living with IBS and looking for a calmer, more supported way forward, I’d be glad to work with you.

*Based on published research into gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS. Individual results vary.

Clinical work that still feels human

Clinical hypnotherapy sessions at this level are evidence-informed, structured, and purposeful — but they are never cold or clinical in atmosphere. Every session begins with a conversation, and you’re gently supported and completely safe throughout.

For medical or health-related referrals, I am happy to liaise with your GP, specialist, or care team where appropriate. Hypnotherapy works alongside — never instead of — prescribed medical treatment.

A full consultation is necessary, which will take 1.5 hours.
Sessions are typically 50–60 minutes. Clinical programmes usually run between 4 and 10 sessions depending on the presenting issue.
Sessions are available in person in Poole, Dorset.
Everything discussed is held in strict confidence. No referral is needed — you can contact me directly.

Kind words from clients

Small shifts can make a big difference. Here’s what clients have shared.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Lyndsey Howe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I will start this by saying Lorraine has changed my life!! That is really no exaggeration. I suffered with very severe postnatal depression which led to years of health anxiety related to my daughter. As I got older the health anxiety then crept into my own world where I became obsessed with the idea that myself or my daughter were going to suffer some terrible illness. I went to Lorraine in desperate need of some help to relieve the stress, pressure and pain this condition was chasing as it was ruling my every day life. Through hypnotherapy and NLP Lorraine has reprogrammed my thinking and I no longer suffer the symptoms of health anxiety. The thoughts crop up, because she can’t wipe my brain, but I no longer dwell on them, they no longer upset or distress me, and they no longer impact how I live, feel or sleep. It’s truly magical. I am so grateful and have actually recommended two of my family members to see her, one of whom is now already engaging in her care and seeing huge benefits! Thank you Lorraine, you are so wonderful at what you do and I will be forever grateful 🙏🏻 💗
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   kate dolman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Lorraine with a fear of flying. She skilfully designed a series of sessions which included hypnotherapy and NLP. Every session was not only deeply relaxing and empowering, but also gave me practical tools to take away and practise. Each session built on the last and the final session pulled everything together. During the flight I was able to take control of my nerves an emotions, such an amazing feeling. I would definitely recommend Lorraine, she has taught me skills for life 🤩
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom Ruddell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seeing Lorraine has been transformational and profound for me, I would highly recommend to others, go with an open mind. She is warm, kind and easy to open up to. I’m on a necessary journey that wouldn’t be possible without Lorraine.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Juli H 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went to Lorraine for issues with IBS; nothing I had tried previously had had a long term effect. I was very sceptical. I found Lorraine to be a very warm and understanding person, she asked questions in a careful and supportive way. She explained the benefits of deep breathing and hypnotherapy and I have now had 3 hypnotherapy sessions. I feel so relaxed and energised after these sessions and to date have not had an IBS issue for 3 months - RESULT! Would fully recommend Lorraine.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was initially a bit cynical about trying hypnotherapy however due to the long waiting lists on the NHS for treatment I decided to try it.  I went to Lorraine with anxiety issues and a fear of vomiting and eating certain foods. From the moment I met with Lorraine she made me feel at ease,  I felt listened to and hopeful that my problems could be solved. At the end of my 6 sessions I have learnt a lot about myself , Lorraine has given me lots of information and techniques to take away with me. I am now getting back to my normal self , enjoying socialising again and eating food!  I feel so much more relaxed and haven’t had any anxiety issues. I would definitely recommend Lorraine and I am so thankful for all she has done x
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicola Greenwood 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lorraine is a very caring and extremely competent  hypnotherapist.  I have always found her to be professional and she always treats her clients with the utmost respect. She is very knowledgeable and approaches even the most sensitive issues with thoughtfulness and kindness. Lorraine goes above and beyond to help you find a solution.  I would definitely recommend her.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Debra Miles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lorraine is professional, curious and genuinely interested in helping to resolve any problems. She is kind and caring in nature. A beautiful soul whom i am proud to call my sister and best friend. I wish her every success in the future and looking forward to my next treatment.

Ready to explore what hypnotherapy can do for your health?

lorrainecooperhypnotherapy@gmail.com 07968 449353 Mon - Thurs 9am - 5pm Poole - Wimborne - Bournemouth and surrounding areas

Begin a new chapter in your life. I’d love to support you on your journey – Let’s talk

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