Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to contact@citytherapysolutions.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Unless we've mutual agreed an adjustment, sessions are approximately 50 minutes. This is a standard 'therapeutic hour'.
My parents called me Lisa, but my mother wanted it spelled: Liza. This obviously created unnecessary confusion. When I first opened City Therapy Solutions, I tried using "Liz" but it never fully felt right. In 2025, I applied to have my name officially changed to Lisa. Bye bye 'zed'.
First, it doesn't fit my values or personal philosophy to build myself or my name into becoming 'a brand'. I am me. I love what I do, but I am not my business.
"City" is fitting as I chose to specialise in stress, anxiety and burnout - all very common to City of London workers. I worked in the finance industry so understand these issues well and have lots of therapy experience treating these. Also, my original therapy rooms are off City Road in Islington.
More importantly, I wanted my business name to convey that I am a solution-oriented counsellor. Most clients see therapists as they have some difficulty in need of some form of resolution.
For some, the solution to someone wanting to vent about their family relationships may be as 'simple' as actively listening and providing emotional support to help process things. For others, the solution may be to work through unresolved issues and require solutions (i.e. planning therapeutic interventions) to help cope, accept or change something within the client's control. There are many possible solutions to help resolve issues.
For me, counselling has a clear aim (whatever that is), we both know what it is and we agree, together, on therapeutic solutions towards meeting that aim. So it's important to me to focus on 'Solutions'. I want both of us to know what we'll do together will be helpful to you.
Hypnosis poses no danger in a safe setting where hypnosis can be the appropriate focus. For example, if we're doing a hypnotherapy session in a room, you're online or listening to a recording in your home, you can ensure it's safe. However, if you're listening to a hypnosis recording whilst walking, driving or on the London Underground, these settings introduce unnecessary risk of accident from missing your tube stop to bumping into things.
You are in control of whether you want to be hypnotized and the depth of your level. Often the level of depth will depend on how trusting and comfortable you feel at the time. You might fall asleep, especially if you're already tired. I have during recordings, but woke up during the rousing phase and felt great.
Statistically, about 10-20% of the population are naturally 'highly suggestible' . I worked with one highly-suggestible client online and found that person more difficult to rouse from hypnosis. It took about 30 seconds longer as I repeated, with increasing volume. She had very good results and we problem-solved steps I could take if she feel asleep.
Whilst training, it was suggested it might be 'riskier' to work with those who've experienced psychosis (i.e. perhaps too 'highly imaginative' in breaking with 'reality'). However, other researchers suggest there's no additional risk (Wagstaff, 2006). Regression may pose risks, which is why I'm hesitant about using this (see related FAQ)
NO! I cannot (and would want to!) control you or take away your free will. The best description of being a good hypnotic state is like feeling on the verge of falling asleep. You are aware you're of your surroundings and starting to drift off.
Having been in hypnosis myself using generic recordings, I can say that when I heard a suggestion that didn't suit me, I was able to think to myself "What?! No, I don't think I agree with that.... hope the next statement is better....' (and it was). You are awake enough to still decide. The benefit of personal hypnotherapy is we craft everything specifically to you BEFORE the hypnosis.
As the safeguarding risks and complexity is substantial, I currently do not accept clients who are:
- Seeking substance misuse treatment (i.e. addiction) or where substance use may impact therapy. (i.e. attending sessions under the influence, smoking/vaping during sessions etc.)
- In a 'crisis' state. (i.e. actively planning/attempting suicide etc.).
At this time, I do not offer hypnotherapy for the following:
- Smoking cessation (aka stop smoking)
- Fertility issues
- Work specifically targeting the recovery of past memories
Whilst it might be interesting to offer some of these, I lack training in delivering hypnotherapy for these specific issues. I'm hesitant to work with goals specifically aimed at retrieving past memories as neither of us could confirm the accuracy of the information being recalled. I believe memories would resurface organically during therapy if/when it's the right time for clients to allow past memories into their awareness. In my experience, such things should not, at sometimes cannot, be forced.
The cost of a counselling and hypnotherapy sessions are outlined on the Options page. I am currently open to offering a reduced rate for students or those on low income (with evidence). Please contact me for more information .
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