FAQS
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FAQS *
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No, there are no strict dress codes; you can wear any clothes you like as long as you feel comfortable and at ease in them.
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Most people can visualise. You might think you cannot, but visualising is easier than you might think and it can develop over time.
A small percentage of people cannot visualise; this is called aphantasia. If you are in this situation, no worries, the visualisations can be adapted.
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Yes, sophrology is a safe practice. It is a non-invasive method that combines relaxation, breathing techniques, and gentle visualisation exercises designed to promote mental and physical well-being. Most people experience no adverse effects during or after sessions. However, as with any therapeutic approach, individuals with specific medical conditions or severe mental health issues should consult their healthcare provider before starting sophrology. It is important to work with a qualified sophrologist to ensure the practice is tailored to your needs and conducted safely.
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Sophrology and Hypnosis: What’s the Difference?
Sophrology and hypnosis are two distinct therapeutic approaches, but they share some common ground.Sophrology focuses on consciousness and the body, using dynamic relaxation and visualisation exercises to strengthen self-confidence and improve stress management.
Hypnosis, on the other hand, targets the unconscious mind, aiming to modify thought or behavior patterns through direct or indirect suggestions. It is often used to treat specific issues such as phobias or addictions.Key Differences:
Goals
Sophrology aims for overall well-being and personal development, while hypnosis is often more targeted toward specific problems.Approach
Sophrology is generally more active, involving physical and breathing exercises. Hypnosis may involve a deeper trance state and greater passivity.Consciousness
Sophrology focuses on a wakeful, aware state, while hypnosis can lead the individual into a modified state of consciousness.Methods
Sophrology uses dynamic relaxation, visualisation, and breathing techniques. Hypnosis uses verbal suggestions and may induce a trance-like state.Common Points:
Altered States of Consciousness
Both methods induce altered states of consciousness, though the depth may vary.Complementarity
These approaches can be complementary: hypnosis can help remove inner blocks, while sophrology can enhance action and well-being.Benefits
Both can offer benefits such as stress reduction, improved sleep and concentration, and increased self-confidence.In summary, Sophrology is a holistic, body-centered approach, while hypnosis is often more targeted, using the unconscious mind as a lever for change.
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Sophrology and psychotherapy both support mental well-being but differ in their methods and focus. Sophrology is a body-mind approach that uses breathing, movement, and visualisation to promote relaxation, self-awareness, and resilience, suitable for stress and anxiety management, confidence-building, and everyday balance. Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a talk-based process to explore emotions, behaviours, and past experiences, often used to treat psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. While psychotherapy works through reflection and dialogue, sophrology empowers through conscious practice and sensory experience.
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Sophrology shares similarities with meditation and mindfulness but it’s a distinct method with its own structure and approach.
Here’s how it differs:
Guided and structured: Sophrology follows a clear sequence of dynamic exercises, combining gentle movement, breathing, visualisation, and body awareness. It’s more active than traditional meditation, which is often still and silent.
Goal-oriented: Sophrology is typically used with a specific focus in mind, like improving sleep, reducing anxiety, preparing for childbirth, or boosting performance. It’s not just about awareness but also about building inner resources.
Body in movement: Unlike seated meditation, Sophrology includes simple, intentional movements that help reconnect body and mind, especially helpful for people who find it hard to sit still or stay focused.
Easier for beginners: Many people find Sophrology more accessible because it’s fully guided and uses short, focused exercises. You don’t need to “clear your mind” or sit in silence for long periods.
In essence, Sophrology is a practical, modern method designed to help you feel more balanced, resilient, and present, whether you’re new to mind-body practices or looking for something more dynamic than meditation alone
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Yes, Sophrology works very well online and is just as effective as in-person sessions for most people. You’ll receive the same personalised guidance, support, and tools, all from the comfort of your own space. Many clients enjoy the flexibility and find it easier to integrate the practice into daily life.
To get the most out of your session, it’s helpful to have a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. You don’t need anything special, just a chair, a little room to move, and a stable internet connection.
Whether in person or online, Sophrology is adaptable, and I’ll guide you through each step to make sure you feel at ease and fully supported.
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A Sophrology session feels deeply calming, gently energising, and often surprising in its simplicity.
You’ll be fully guided through a combination of breathing exercises, light body movements, and visualisations, all designed to help you reconnect with your body, calm your mind, and shift into a more balanced state. Most people feel more present, grounded, and relaxed by the end of the session and even say they feel lighter or clearer.
You stay fully conscious and in control the entire time — there’s no need to lie down or “zone out.” Whether you’re sitting or standing, the exercises are accessible and can be adapted to suit your comfort and energy levels.
Each session is also tailored to your personal goals, whether that’s managing stress, improving sleep, preparing for an event, or simply taking time for yourself.
It’s a bit like pressing “pause” on a busy day and walking away with more clarity, calm, and focus.
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Yes, Sophrology is increasingly supported by scientific research, particularly in Europe, where it’s widely practised in healthcare, education, and corporate wellbeing.
Originally developed by neuropsychiatrist Alfonso Caycedo in the 1960s, Sophrology was designed to combine Western science (like neurology and psychology) with Eastern practices (such as mindfulness and yoga breathing). Its methods are based on how the brain and body respond to relaxation, visualisation, and conscious movement.
Studies have shown that Sophrology can be effective in areas such as:
Stress reduction and burnout prevention
Improving sleep and emotional regulation
Performance enhancement in athletes and students
Anxiety and pain management (especially in pregnancy, chronic illness, or surgery preparation)
While more large-scale studies are still needed, Sophrology is already used in Swiss, French, and Spanish hospitals, schools, and companies, and its popularity is growing in the UK for its practical, adaptable, and evidence-informed approach to mental wellbeing.
For example Sophrology is offered in French cancer-centres (e.g., Institut Curie) to help manage anxiety, fatigue, nausea, and sleep issues .
One notable example is a randomised controlled trial published in Actas Españolas de Psiquiatría (2020), which evaluated a 4‑week structured Sophrology program in primary care patients with moderate to high anxiety.
You can explore the full study here:
🔗 Effectiveness of a 4‑week Sophrology program… (ResearchGate) -
Yes, I offer sessions in both English and French.
I’ve been living in the UK for over 17 years and completed my professional training in Sophrology here. I work comfortably in English with clients from diverse backgrounds.
At the same time, French is my native language, and I’m happy to guide sessions entirely in French for those who prefer it. Whether you're more at ease in English or French, we can work in the language that suits you best.
If you’d like to know more about Sophrology, feel free to get in touch, I would be happy to answer your questions.