Therapist in Colchester

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. CBT and EMDR  in Essex & Suffolk

Practical, forward-looking support for anxiety, stress, low mood, phobias, addictions, OCD and trauma. I offer Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, CBT or EMDR in a calm, supportive setting in Ardleigh, near Colchester, as well as online. Start with a free 50-minute initial consultation where we can meet and work together to see which therapy would be best for you.

Face-to-face and online appointments available across Essex, Suffolk and beyond.

Book your Free Initial Consultation

 

 

 

 

 

photo of Brian ODonnell - hypnotherapist and founder of Brian Odonnell Therapy

Welcome to
Brian O'Donnell Therapy

I understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, especially when life feels affected by anxiety, stress, unwanted habits, addiction, trauma or a lack of confidence. 

I became a therapist because I believe people are often far more capable of positive change than they may currently realise. I offer three therapies. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR. Unlike many therapists I invite potential clients to a completely free, in person or online, 50 minute consultation. Here we can spend time together talking about what you would like support with and which of the therapies I offer would best help you. 

Book your First Consultation     More About Brian

 

 

 

 

What Is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern, positive therapy approach that looks towards your preferred future rather than repeatedly revisiting past problems. It combines focused conversation, an understanding of modern neuroscience and gentle hypnosis, also known as trance, to help support meaningful change.

Rather than asking you to analyse every detail of what has gone wrong, I will help you identify what you would like to be different and the small, realistic steps that can move you towards that goal. Hypnosis supports relaxation and allows the conscious and subconscious mind to work together more effectively.

Therapist taking notes during a solution focused hypnotherapy session.

 

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy focuses on:

Looking towards the future rather than dwelling on the past

Building practical, achievable solutions.

Understanding how the brain responds to stress and anxiety.

Combining neuroscience with hypnosis.

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Reducing unhelpful negative thinking patterns.

Creating helpful new habits and responses.

Helping the conscious and subconscious mind work together.

As a solution focused therapist, I have developed each course of therapy to the individual. While many clients work with me for around 8–12 sessions, some people need fewer sessions and others may benefit from longer-term support.

More on Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

 

 

 

 

What Can I Help With?

At Brian O'Donnell Therapy, I support people facing a broad range of emotional and behavioural challenges. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be used alongside your own determination and goals to help you feel calmer, more in control and better able to make positive changes. Whether you are struggling with a specific concern or simply want to improve how you feel day to day, I will provide personalised support.

A person seated on a sofa engaged in a therapeutic conversation, showcasing a comfortable therapy environment.

 

Anxiety Hypnotherapy

Anxiety hypnotherapy can help you understand stress responses, reduce overwhelming thoughts and develop calmer, more useful ways of responding to everyday situations.
 

Anxiety Hypnotherapy

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Relaxed hands clasped together in a therapy setting, representing calmness and focus.

 

Stress Management

Learn practical ways to manage pressure, improve relaxation and protect your wellbeing when work, family or life demands feel too much.

  

Stress Management

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Young woman sitting on a sofa, appearing thoughtful or pensive.

 

Depression Support

Depression therapy can help you focus on manageable positive steps, rebuild motivation and support improved emotional wellbeing. It is important to speak with your GP or healthcare professional where appropriate.
 

Depression Support

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Young woman in a therapy session expressing concern while a therapist takes notes.

 

Phobia Treatment

Phobia treatment can help you gradually change your response to a feared situation, object or experience in a safe, structured and supportive way.
 

Phobia Treatment

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A man engaging in a therapy session, sitting on a sofa in a comfortable room.

 

Addiction Therapy

I offer addiction therapy for people who want to understand and change unwanted patterns of behaviour, while focusing on their goals for a healthier future.
 

Addiction Therapy

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A person breaking a cigarette in half, symbolizing cessation of smoking.

 

Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

Stop smoking hypnotherapy is designed to support you in breaking the habit and strengthening your motivation to
live smoke-free.
 

Stop Smoking Hypnotherapy

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Young woman holding a vape device, looking thoughtful while wearing a yellow shirt.

 

Stop Vaping Hypnotherapy

If vaping no longer feels in your control, I can help you work towards stopping and creating healthier routines.


 

Stop Vaping Hypnotherapy

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A focused adult man listening attentively during a therapy session.

 

Cocaine Addiction Therapy

Cocaine addiction therapy is a specialist area of interest for me. I offer confidential, non-judgemental support focused on positive change and recovery goals.

 

Cocaine Addiction Therapy

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A man in a red sweater speaking to an audience in a bright room.

 

Performance &
​Confidence Coaching

Improve confidence, focus and performance in work, sport, study, public speaking or other areas that matter to you.
 

Confidence Coaching

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Other Therapy Services I Can Provide

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

I offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. CBT is a practical, structured approach that can support people experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, phobias and unhelpful habits.

Together, we can identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck and develop realistic strategies to help you feel calmer, more confident and better able to move forward.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

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EMDR Therapy

I offer EMDR therapy to support people who are struggling with the lasting impact of distressing or traumatic experiences.

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, is a structured approach that can help the brain process difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming in day-to-day life. It may be helpful for anxiety, trauma, phobias, low mood and distressing experiences, with sessions tailored sensitively around your individual needs and goals.

EMDR Therapy

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How Therapy Works

 

Friendly therapy room for solution focused hypnotherapy sessions in Ardleigh.

Free Initial Consultation

Your first appointment is a free 50-minute consultation. This is a relaxed opportunity for us to discuss what you would like help with and what you hope to achieve.

I will explain how the brain can respond to anxiety and stress, outline how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works, answer your questions and help you decide whether therapy feels right for you. There is no obligation to book further sessions.

Therapy session in a comfortable room with calming decor and a therapist's chair.

Solution focused hypnotherapy session for anxiety and stress management in a welcoming therapy room.

Weekly Solution Focused Sessions

Each session lasts around 55 minutes and usually includes approximately 30 minutes of solution focused conversation, followed by around 20–25 minutes of relaxing hypnosis or trance.

We will identify progress, explore what is working and use practical techniques that support lasting change. You remain in control throughout hypnosis, can hear what I say and can come out of trance whenever you wish.

Comfortable therapy room for solution focused hypnotherapy sessions in Ardleigh.

Solution focused hypnotherapy session number three, showcasing individualized client support and therapeutic techniques.

Positive, Lasting Change

As therapy progresses, clients often report improvements in confidence, sleep, motivation, emotional wellbeing and their ability to manage stress.

You may begin to feel calmer, more optimistic and more able to break unwanted habits.

Progress is personal, and I will adapt our work around your needs and goals.

 

Sessions are £60 each, or you can purchase
a block of six sessions in advance for £300.

Book your Free Initial Consultation

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In-Person and Online Appointments Available

Reed diffuser and potted plant on a wooden table in a cozy therapy room.

 

Face-to-Face Therapy in Ardleigh

I offer in-person appointments from my welcoming therapy room in Ardleigh, close to Manningtree and Colchester. The space is designed to feel private, calm and comfortable, allowing you to take time away from everyday pressures and focus fully on yourself.

If you are looking for a hypnotherapist in Ardleigh or a hypnotherapist near Colchester for anxiety, stress or addiction support, I am conveniently located for clients across East Essex and South Suffolk.

Woman in an orange sweater sitting on a couch with a laptop, wrapped in a blanket.

 

Online Hypnotherapy Sessions

Online sessions offer a flexible alternative if travelling is difficult, you have a busy schedule or you simply prefer the comfort of your own home. Sessions are held through Microsoft Teams using a secure, encrypted video-call setting.

You will need a quiet, private space, a comfortable chair or sofa, and a reliable internet connection. Online therapy can make solution focused hypnotherapy in Essex and Suffolk accessible wherever you are.

 

Why Choose Brian?

Personalised Therapy

Every treatment plan is designed to your needs, your circumstances and the changes you want to make.

Solution Focused Approach

I focus on meaningful progress and practical next steps, rather than repeatedly returning to problems from the past.

Comfortable Environment

My therapy room provides a calm, welcoming setting where you can relax and speak openly without judgement.

 

Evidence-Informed Techniques

My approach combines modern neuroscience with established Solution Focused Hypnotherapy methods. I have completed my Solution Focused Hypnotherapy training and continue my professional development to keep
my knowledge current.

 

Flexible Appointments

Therapy should fit realistically around work, family and other commitments. I will aim to offer appointment options that work for you.

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Serving Colchester,
​Essex and Suffolk

Based near Manningtree, close to Colchester, I work with clients throughout East Essex and South Suffolk. As a hypnotherapist in Colchester's surrounding area, I welcome people travelling to my Ardleigh therapy room, while online sessions allow me to work with clients more widely.

Clients regularly come from:

  • Colchester
  • Ardleigh
  • Manningtree
  • Harwich
  • Clacton-on-Sea

  • Brightlingsea
  • Ipswich
  • Hadleigh
  • Sudbury
  • Felixstowe​

Whether you are seeking solution focused hypnotherapy in Colchester, an Ardleigh hypnotherapist, or online support from elsewhere in the region, I am here to help you take a positive next step.

 

 

 

 

Questions about my solutions-focused hypnotherapy in Colchester

How can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy help with anxiety and stress?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you understand how stress and anxiety affect the brain, reduce unhelpful thought patterns and develop calmer responses. Sessions focus on practical progress, achievable goals and building confidence in everyday situations.

Can hypnotherapy help me stop smoking or vaping for good?

Stop smoking and stop vaping hypnotherapy can support your motivation to break unwanted habits and establish healthier routines. Results vary between individuals, but therapy is focused around your reasons for stopping and the changes you want to make.

What happens during a Solution Focused Hypnotherapy session?

Sessions usually last around 55 minutes. They include approximately 30 minutes of solution focused conversation, followed by 20–25 minutes of gentle, relaxing hypnosis or trance to support positive thinking and new helpful responses.

Is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy effective for overcoming phobias?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help people gradually change their response to a feared object, situation or experience. Phobia treatment is approached safely, positively and at a pace that feels manageable for you.

Can hypnotherapy help with addiction recovery and breaking unwanted habits?

Hypnotherapy can provide confidential, non-judgemental support for unwanted habits and addiction recovery goals, including cocaine addiction. It focuses on identifying what you want to change, strengthening motivation and developing practical healthier patterns. Where appropriate, additional medical or specialist support may also be helpful.

How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need to see results?

Many clients choose a course of around 8–12 sessions, although this varies depending on your goals and circumstances. Some people need fewer sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapy plan will be specific to your needs.

Can Solution Focused Hypnotherapy improve confidence, motivation and performance?

Yes. Performance and confidence coaching can help you improve focus, motivation and self-belief for work, study, sport, public speaking and other important areas of life. Sessions concentrate on your strengths, goals and practical next steps.

Do I need to be hypnotised to benefit from Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a gentle, relaxed state used as part of the approach, but you remain in control throughout. You can hear what is said and can come out of trance whenever you wish. The solution focused conversation and practical techniques are also important parts of therapy.

Is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy suitable for depression and low mood?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy may help with low mood by supporting manageable positive steps, motivation and emotional wellbeing. If you are experiencing depression, it is important to speak with your GP or another healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms are severe or worsening.

Can I have hypnotherapy sessions online if I do not live near Colchester?

Yes. Online hypnotherapy sessions are available through Microsoft Teams for clients across Essex, Suffolk and further afield. You will need a quiet, private space, a comfortable place to sit or lie down, and a reliable internet connection.

 

 

 

Ready to Take the First Step?

Reaching out for support is a positive decision, and you do not have to have everything figured out before getting in touch. At Brian O'Donnell Therapy, your free 50-minute initial consultation gives you the chance to ask questions, discuss your goals and see whether Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is right for you, without any pressure or obligation to continue.

Arrange your Free Consultation

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