Chronic Pain Support
Hypnotherapy for chronic and persistent pain
Living with ongoing pain can be exhausting. When pain becomes chronic, it often affects far more than the body — sleep, mood, confidence, work, relationships, and quality of life can all be impacted.
Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, drug-free approach to supporting people living with chronic or persistent pain by working with how the brain and nervous system process pain signals. It does not dismiss pain as “imaginary” — instead, it recognises pain as a real experience shaped by the nervous system.
Understanding chronic pain
Chronic pain is usually defined as pain that lasts longer than three months or continues beyond expected healing time. It may be constant or intermittent and can occur even when medical tests show no ongoing tissue damage.
This does not mean the pain is not real.
It means the nervous system may have become sensitised, continuing to send pain signals even when the original injury has healed.
How hypnotherapy can help with pain
Hypnotherapy has a long history of being used in pain management and is increasingly supported by modern research. Under hypnosis, the body enters a deeply relaxed state in which the nervous system can shift out of constant threat mode.
Hypnotherapy can help by:
reducing pain intensity
calming the nervous system
easing muscle tension
reducing fear and anticipation around pain
improving coping and emotional resilience
supporting better sleep
Many people find that as the nervous system settles, pain becomes more manageable — and sometimes significantly reduced.
Pain and the nervous system
Pain is processed by the brain, not just the body. When the nervous system is under ongoing stress — due to trauma, anxiety, illness, or long-term strain — pain signals can become amplified.
Hypnotherapy works directly with the subconscious and autonomic nervous system, helping the body feel safer and reducing the need for constant protective signalling.
This approach is particularly helpful when pain is influenced by:
stress or anxiety
trauma or medical trauma
long-term illness
fatigue or sleep disturbance
Conditions commonly supported
Kate works with people experiencing a wide range of pain-related conditions, including:
chronic back or neck pain
nerve pain
migraines and tension headaches
fibromyalgia
pelvic pain
pain associated with medical procedures
IBS-related pain
persistent pain with no clear medical cause
If you are unsure whether hypnotherapy may be appropriate for your pain, this can be discussed during an initial consultation.
A respectful, collaborative approach
Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical care and works best alongside appropriate medical support. You will never be told that your pain is “all in your head”.
Instead, sessions focus on:
supporting the body’s natural regulation
reducing suffering associated with pain
restoring a sense of control and agency
helping you feel calmer and more resourced
Each session is tailored to your experience and needs.
Online and in-person pain support
Sessions are available:
online, and
in person in Chichester and West Sussex
Many people with chronic pain find online sessions particularly supportive, as they can remain comfortable in their own space.
Online and in-person pain support
Sessions are available:
online, and
in person in Chichester and West Sussex
Many people with chronic pain find online sessions particularly supportive, as they can remain comfortable in their own space.
Considering hypnotherapy for pain?
If pain has become part of daily life and you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or worn down by managing it alone, hypnotherapy may offer a supportive next step.
You are welcome to get in touch for a free initial consultation to explore whether this approach feels right for you.