Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often referred to as a trance. This state allows individuals to explore thoughts, feelings, and memories that may be contributing to their phobias. 

Yes, hypnotherapy is generally considered safe when conducted by a trained and certified professional. It is a non-invasive approach that does not involve any medications or harmful techniques. It is NOT confrontational in the way some phobia treatments are and is often seen as relaxing and even enjoyable.

The number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the  phobia. Some people may experience significant improvement in just a few sessions, while others may need more time to work through their fears. 

Hypnotherapy can help individuals confront and reframe their fears by accessing the subconscious mind. It allows for the exploration of the root causes of the phobia and can promote relaxation and positive suggestions to reduce anxiety associated with the fear. 

There are two different kinds of phobia, simple and complex. How many sessions you might need depends on which type you have. A simple phobia is something like spiders, water, buttons etc. This would normally take 4 sessions to treat. The Initial Consultation followed by an anxiety reducing session, a rewind session where the phobia is removed and a reframe session where the phobia is replaced  positively. Complex phobias vary in treatment time, see question 5.

At the Initial consultation questions are gone through to establish the nature and depth of phobia to be treated. And then advise is given on possible number of sessions needed but it is always client led.