Emotional health
Hypnotherapy to stop or cut down drinking
Hypnotherapy can help you break free from the compulsive thoughts and habits that lead to drinking, and build the motivation to stop or moderate.
How hypnotherapy helps with alcohol
In a 2018 randomised controlled trial, people in alcohol treatment who had five sessions of hypnotherapy did as well as those who had motivational interviewing, an established approach. At one year, 82% of the hypnotherapy group reported not drinking, compared with 54% of the comparison group (Shestopal & Bramness, 2018). The trial was small, with 31 people, so that difference was not statistically significant, and larger studies are needed. But it is an encouraging sign that hypnotherapy has a real place alongside alcohol treatment.
Hypnotherapy also has good evidence for relieving anxiety (Valentine et al., 2019), and for many people anxiety is exactly what the drinking has been trying to manage.
How drinking becomes a habit
People come to rely on alcohol for many different reasons. For some it is routine: the drink after work, at the weekend, with certain people. For many others, alcohol has become a way of dealing with stress, difficult emotions, anxiety or depression. Alcohol reduces anxiety while you are drinking, but once it wears off the anxiety comes back stronger, which makes another drink feel like the answer. Over time that cycle becomes automatic.
If you have recognised that alcohol is causing you problems, give yourself credit. That is the first step in getting your health and wellbeing back.
What we work on
- Building the motivation, determination and positive attitude to stop or cut down
- Identifying and healing the emotional triggers that lead to drinking
- Breaking routines such as the drink after work, at social occasions or under stress
- New ways to unwind at the end of the day
- The stress and anxiety that may sit underneath
- Sleep without relying on a drink, and confidence in social situations
How sessions work
After a free 15–30 minute consultation, you work with Tim in person in Farringdon, central London, or online. Standard sessions are one hour, and the first appointments may be double sessions to get things moving. You are given self-hypnosis to use between sessions. Tim is happy to work alongside your GP, local NHS alcohol services or a support group. After 7 hours (usually five sessions), any further sessions for the same issue are £97.50 an hour: see the halve-fees promise.
Why Tim
Tim Dunton has over 20 years' experience and has been training since 2004. He is a member of the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), an Advanced and Ericksonian Hypnotherapist, and a Master Practitioner of NLP trained by its co-founders, Richard Bandler and John Grinder. He has helped celebrities, film producers, sportspeople and business leaders. More about Tim.
Can hypnotherapy help me stop drinking?
It can help with the triggers, cravings, anxiety and motivation behind drinking. A small 2018 trial found it did as well as an established approach, motivational interviewing.
Do I have to stop completely?
Not necessarily. Some clients want to stop, others to moderate. You decide the goal at the start, with medical advice if you drink heavily.
Can I come while I'm still drinking?
Yes. If you are dependent, your GP should be part of the plan for cutting down safely.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical course | Usually around five sessions (7 hours) |
| Session length | 1 hour (first appointments may be 2 hours) |
| Format | In person in Farringdon, London EC1, or online |
| First step | Free 15–30 minute consultation |
| Fee | £150 an hour online, £195 in person; see prices |
Hypnotherapy works alongside medical care. Please see your GP about any medical condition, and keep taking prescribed medication unless your doctor advises otherwise.
The research
- Shestopal I, Bramness JG (2018). Effect of Hypnotherapy in Alcohol Use Disorder Compared to Motivational Interviewing: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy 9(5):368. Full text
- Valentine KE, Milling LS, Clark LJ, Moriarty CL (2019). The efficacy of hypnosis as a treatment for anxiety: a meta-analysis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis 67(3):336–363. PubMed 31251710
Individual experiences vary. See also addiction and all psychological problems Tim works with.
Related treatments
A free, no-obligation 15–30 minute call by phone or video. Or call 07975 653893.