Modern life keeps many of us in a constant state of pressure mentally switched on, physically tense, and finding it hard to properly rest. Over time, stress can build into persistent anxiety, low mood, disrupted sleep, and a sense that your mind never fully “powers down”.
This is a structured, professionally-led guided relaxation group designed to help you feel calmer, clearer and more in control. Sessions use solution focused techniques alongside guided trance relaxation methods, commonly used within Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, to support the brain and body to settle, recover and reset.
It’s calm, evidence-informed, and designed to give you practical tools you can use in everyday life.
Each session gives you time to slow down, regulate your stress response, and build healthier mental habits without pressure to talk about personal details in a group setting.
People often attend to help with:
– Stress and overwhelm
– Anxiety and racing thoughts
– Difficulty switching off or sleeping
– Confidence and emotional resilience
– General wellbeing and nervous system reset
– Exam stress and academic pressure(particularly helpful during revision and assessment periods)
What to expect in a session
Sessions follow a clear structure so you know what’s coming, and you can relax into the process:
– A calm welcome and gentle settling-in
– A brief solution-focused element to support positive direction “What’s been good?”
– Guided trance relaxation(deep mental and physical calm)
– A smooth return to full alertness before leaving
There’s no expectation to share personal history, no judgement, and no pressure to “perform” relaxation, just a safe and supportive space to practise it.
Session details
Sessions are one hour every Wednesday evening at 7pm. (Additional session times will be added shortly due to high demand).
To help you feel comfortable, yoga mats, blankets and pillows are available, but you are very welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Refreshments are included, with tea and coffee available.
Parking is available on request (please enquire in advance).
Helen Brimson is a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist with over seven years’ experience, offering both face-to-face and online sessions in Bristol and North Somerset. Alongside her clinical work, she works with businesses and their staff to support wellbeing, resilience and positive change, and is also a speaker on mental health and wellbeing.
Oliver Newton is a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist, offering both face-to-face and online sessions. He is also the Director of CPHT, overseeing a network of 26 hypnotherapy training schools (including Bristol), continuing the legacy of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy training founded at The Clifton Practice and supporting the next generation of hypnotherapists across the UK.
Feedback from previous groups
Previous participants have described the sessions as “a safe, supportive space that helped them feel calmer, more settled, and more able to cope with day-to-day challenges. People have reported improvements in anxiety management, sleep, self-care, and confidence, and described the structure of the sessions, including focusing on what’s been good, practical calming strategies, and guided relaxation, as genuinely helpful in reducing mental overload and preventing anxious thoughts from escalating. Several attendees said the group became a valued weekly anchor, contributing to a stronger sense of resilience and emotional stability over time.
Why solution-focused?
Solution-focused approaches are designed to help people move forward without needing to analyse problems in depth. The emphasis is on what helps, what’s improving, and what strengthens emotional resilience over time.
In these sessions, the guided relaxation supports your nervous system to settle, while the solution-focused elements help reinforce calm thinking patterns and create momentum outside the session too.
Ready to feel calmer and more in control?
Join Relax by The Clifton Practice and give yourself a practical weekly reset, in a calm space, with professional guidance and structure.
Book your place or get in touch to find out more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this hypnosis?
The guided relaxation uses Language patterns and techniques commonly found in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, but it is not stage hypnosis. You remain aware, in control, and able to stop at any time. The aim is simply to help your mind and body settle into a calmer state.
What if I can’t relax?
That’s very common, and absolutely fine. There’s no “right way” to relax. The sessions are designed so that even if your mind feels busy, your nervous system can still benefit from the process over time.
Will I be asked to speak in the group?
No. There is no requirement to speak or share personal details. Some people choose to contribute briefly; sharing their “what’s been good this week” others prefer to listen. Both are completely acceptable.
What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothing. Yoga mats, blankets and pillows are provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. Everything else is taken care of.
Is this suitable for students and exam stress?
Yes. Many students find the sessions particularly helpful during revision periods and exams, as the techniques support calm focus, emotional regulation and better sleep.
How many sessions should I attend?
Some people notice benefits after a single session, while others prefer to attend regularly and use the group as a weekly reset. You’re welcome to attend as often as feels helpful.