
What Makes Therapy Work?
What Makes Therapy Work?
What Makes Therapy Work?
Beyond techniques or tools, therapy works best when it feels safe, real, and human.
Beyond techniques or tools, therapy works best when it feels safe, real, and human.
Beyond techniques or tools, therapy works best when it feels safe, real, and human.
July 12, 2025
July 12, 2025
July 12, 2025



More than just techniques.
Beyond techniques or tools, therapy works best when it feels safe, real, and human. You can learn strategies from a book or a podcast, but real change often happens in a space where you feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. That sense of safety creates the foundation for deeper exploration.
The power of the relationship.
Research consistently shows that the most important factor in therapy isn’t the specific method — it’s the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. When there’s trust, you can share the parts of your story you’ve kept hidden, explore the feelings you’ve avoided, and take the risks needed for growth. Without that connection, even the best tools can fall flat.
“It’s not the method that heals — it’s the relationship that makes the method work.”
A space that’s truly yours.
Therapy offers a rare kind of space — one that belongs entirely to you. In that room (or on that call), you don’t have to perform, please, or protect anyone else’s feelings. That freedom allows you to explore your thoughts and experiences honestly, which in turn leads to insights and shifts that stick.
The role of trust and consistency.
Trust takes time to build, and so does change. Regular sessions create a rhythm where you can track progress, revisit old patterns, and keep moving forward even when things feel slow. Consistency builds momentum, and momentum helps you carry what you learn in therapy into the rest of your life.
Bringing it together.
So, what makes therapy work? It’s the combination of a safe, respectful relationship, a space where you can be fully yourself, and the steady rhythm of showing up for the work. Techniques matter, but they come alive when there’s trust, openness, and genuine human connection.
More than just techniques.
Beyond techniques or tools, therapy works best when it feels safe, real, and human. You can learn strategies from a book or a podcast, but real change often happens in a space where you feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. That sense of safety creates the foundation for deeper exploration.
The power of the relationship.
Research consistently shows that the most important factor in therapy isn’t the specific method — it’s the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. When there’s trust, you can share the parts of your story you’ve kept hidden, explore the feelings you’ve avoided, and take the risks needed for growth. Without that connection, even the best tools can fall flat.
“It’s not the method that heals — it’s the relationship that makes the method work.”
A space that’s truly yours.
Therapy offers a rare kind of space — one that belongs entirely to you. In that room (or on that call), you don’t have to perform, please, or protect anyone else’s feelings. That freedom allows you to explore your thoughts and experiences honestly, which in turn leads to insights and shifts that stick.
The role of trust and consistency.
Trust takes time to build, and so does change. Regular sessions create a rhythm where you can track progress, revisit old patterns, and keep moving forward even when things feel slow. Consistency builds momentum, and momentum helps you carry what you learn in therapy into the rest of your life.
Bringing it together.
So, what makes therapy work? It’s the combination of a safe, respectful relationship, a space where you can be fully yourself, and the steady rhythm of showing up for the work. Techniques matter, but they come alive when there’s trust, openness, and genuine human connection.
More than just techniques.
Beyond techniques or tools, therapy works best when it feels safe, real, and human. You can learn strategies from a book or a podcast, but real change often happens in a space where you feel seen, heard, and accepted without judgment. That sense of safety creates the foundation for deeper exploration.
The power of the relationship.
Research consistently shows that the most important factor in therapy isn’t the specific method — it’s the quality of the relationship between client and therapist. When there’s trust, you can share the parts of your story you’ve kept hidden, explore the feelings you’ve avoided, and take the risks needed for growth. Without that connection, even the best tools can fall flat.
“It’s not the method that heals — it’s the relationship that makes the method work.”
A space that’s truly yours.
Therapy offers a rare kind of space — one that belongs entirely to you. In that room (or on that call), you don’t have to perform, please, or protect anyone else’s feelings. That freedom allows you to explore your thoughts and experiences honestly, which in turn leads to insights and shifts that stick.
The role of trust and consistency.
Trust takes time to build, and so does change. Regular sessions create a rhythm where you can track progress, revisit old patterns, and keep moving forward even when things feel slow. Consistency builds momentum, and momentum helps you carry what you learn in therapy into the rest of your life.
Bringing it together.
So, what makes therapy work? It’s the combination of a safe, respectful relationship, a space where you can be fully yourself, and the steady rhythm of showing up for the work. Techniques matter, but they come alive when there’s trust, openness, and genuine human connection.
— Anna Keller, Therapist & Founder of ClearPath
— Anna Keller, Therapist & Founder of ClearPath
— Anna Keller, Therapist & Founder of ClearPath
our journal
our journal
our journal
More insights for you.
More insights for you.
More insights for you.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Explore more reflections, guidance, and practical tools to support your growth and well-being.
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH integrates evidence-based CBT methods with hypnosis and mindfulness techniques.
Hypnosis in CBH helps you enter a calm, focused state of attention where it can feel easier to learn, rehearse, and reinforce the new skills we are working on.
You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. Hypnosis simply creates the mental space and clarity needed to practise change more effectively.
What happens in a CBH session?
What happens in a CBH session?
Sessions generally follow a clear structure:
A brief check-in on how things have been since last time
Exploring what’s been getting in the way of the change you want
Learning a CBH tool tailored to your goal
Guided hypnosis or mindful practice to embed that skill
Agreeing a small, achievable action to practise between sessions
Think of CBH as a training process: each week you gain tools, build confidence, and strengthen new habits with support.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation.
Many people start noticing progress within 5–12 sessions, especially with consistent practice between sessions.
Together, we review progress regularly and adjust our plan so you feel supported and not overwhelmed.
You are always in charge of how long you continue.
Can CBH be done online?
Can CBH be done online?
Yes, absolutely.
CBH can be just as effective online as in person, because the core elements (learning skills, practising focus, reviewing progress) translate extremely well to video sessions.
All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and headphones if possible.
Whether you are in Paris or elsewhere, you can access therapy in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes.
Hypnosis used in CBH is not about losing awareness or control; you remain fully conscious and able to stop at any time.
There is no stage hypnosis and nothing happens without your consent.It is simply a guided way of focusing attention so you can practise new responses with less interference from stress or overthinking.
Is CBH right for me?
Is CBH right for me?
CBH is a great fit if you are an adult who wants practical support with:
Anxiety, excessive worry or “what-if” thinking
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Low self-esteem or confidence
Overthinking and rumination
Phobias (flying, animals, etc.)
Habits you want to change
Sleep difficulties
CBH is a supportive, skills-based therapy. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness and is not suitable if you:
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Experience psychosis or hallucinations
Have high-risk clinical depression or active suicidal thoughts
Require medical or psychiatric intervention
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH integrates evidence-based CBT methods with hypnosis and mindfulness techniques.
Hypnosis in CBH helps you enter a calm, focused state of attention where it can feel easier to learn, rehearse, and reinforce the new skills we are working on.
You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. Hypnosis simply creates the mental space and clarity needed to practise change more effectively.
What happens in a CBH session?
What happens in a CBH session?
Sessions generally follow a clear structure:
A brief check-in on how things have been since last time
Exploring what’s been getting in the way of the change you want
Learning a CBH tool tailored to your goal
Guided hypnosis or mindful practice to embed that skill
Agreeing a small, achievable action to practise between sessions
Think of CBH as a training process: each week you gain tools, build confidence, and strengthen new habits with support.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation.
Many people start noticing progress within 5–12 sessions, especially with consistent practice between sessions.
Together, we review progress regularly and adjust our plan so you feel supported and not overwhelmed.
You are always in charge of how long you continue.
Can CBH be done online?
Can CBH be done online?
Yes, absolutely.
CBH can be just as effective online as in person, because the core elements (learning skills, practising focus, reviewing progress) translate extremely well to video sessions.
All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and headphones if possible.
Whether you are in Paris or elsewhere, you can access therapy in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes.
Hypnosis used in CBH is not about losing awareness or control; you remain fully conscious and able to stop at any time.
There is no stage hypnosis and nothing happens without your consent.It is simply a guided way of focusing attention so you can practise new responses with less interference from stress or overthinking.
Is CBH right for me?
Is CBH right for me?
CBH is a great fit if you are an adult who wants practical support with:
Anxiety, excessive worry or “what-if” thinking
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Low self-esteem or confidence
Overthinking and rumination
Phobias (flying, animals, etc.)
Habits you want to change
Sleep difficulties
CBH is a supportive, skills-based therapy. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness and is not suitable if you:
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Experience psychosis or hallucinations
Have high-risk clinical depression or active suicidal thoughts
Require medical or psychiatric intervention
Your questions.
Answered.
Not sure what to expect? These answers might help you feel more confident as you begin.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is CBT and how does it work?
Therapy isn’t just for crises. It’s for anyone curious about growth, clarity, or navigating life’s changes with more support and self-awareness.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
What is Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH)?
CBH integrates evidence-based CBT methods with hypnosis and mindfulness techniques.
Hypnosis in CBH helps you enter a calm, focused state of attention where it can feel easier to learn, rehearse, and reinforce the new skills we are working on.
You remain fully conscious and in control at all times. Hypnosis simply creates the mental space and clarity needed to practise change more effectively.
What happens in a CBH session?
What happens in a CBH session?
Sessions generally follow a clear structure:
A brief check-in on how things have been since last time
Exploring what’s been getting in the way of the change you want
Learning a CBH tool tailored to your goal
Guided hypnosis or mindful practice to embed that skill
Agreeing a small, achievable action to practise between sessions
Think of CBH as a training process: each week you gain tools, build confidence, and strengthen new habits with support.
How many sessions will I need?
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and situation.
Many people start noticing progress within 5–12 sessions, especially with consistent practice between sessions.
Together, we review progress regularly and adjust our plan so you feel supported and not overwhelmed.
You are always in charge of how long you continue.
Can CBH be done online?
Can CBH be done online?
Yes, absolutely.
CBH can be just as effective online as in person, because the core elements (learning skills, practising focus, reviewing progress) translate extremely well to video sessions.
All you need is a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and headphones if possible.
Whether you are in Paris or elsewhere, you can access therapy in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Will I be in control during hypnosis?
Yes.
Hypnosis used in CBH is not about losing awareness or control; you remain fully conscious and able to stop at any time.
There is no stage hypnosis and nothing happens without your consent.It is simply a guided way of focusing attention so you can practise new responses with less interference from stress or overthinking.
Is CBH right for me?
Is CBH right for me?
CBH is a great fit if you are an adult who wants practical support with:
Anxiety, excessive worry or “what-if” thinking
Stress, tension and difficulty relaxing
Low self-esteem or confidence
Overthinking and rumination
Phobias (flying, animals, etc.)
Habits you want to change
Sleep difficulties
CBH is a supportive, skills-based therapy. It does not diagnose or treat mental illness and is not suitable if you:
Are in an acute mental health crisis
Experience psychosis or hallucinations
Have high-risk clinical depression or active suicidal thoughts
Require medical or psychiatric intervention

