Hypnotherapy for English speakers

Welcome. If you’re looking for English-speaking therapy in Amsterdam, I offer hypnotherapy sessions designed to support you with anxiety, addiction, trauma, and emotional challenges. I work with international clients and expats seeking therapy in English, whether you’re navigating life abroad or facing long-standing inner struggles. 

 

What is hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a powerful and experiential form of therapy. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it doesn’t just engage the conscious mind — it works with the deeper, subconscious layers where beliefs, memories and emotional patterns are stored. This allows us to access the root of recurring struggles and create space for lasting change.

 

In sessions, we work with techniques like:

 

  • Visualisation – to access inner clarity and healing

  • Regression – to gently process unresolved pain from the past

  • Parts therapy – to reconnect with inner parts such as the inner critic, perfectionist or child within

 


Why work with the subconscious mind?

Hypnotherapy can be helpful for issues like addiction, anxiety, panic attacks, compulsive behaviours, low self-worth, trauma, emotional overwhelm, physical pain, and sleep problems.

While I work with a wide range of issues, my main areas of focus are addiction and anxiety. These sometimes intertwine — patterns like porn use, emotional dependency or substance use are frequently ways of coping with deeper unrest, shame, or fear.

Many of the thoughts, emotions and behaviours we struggle with are shaped by unconscious patterns — formed through early experiences, protective mechanisms and unresolved emotion. Dr. Milton Erickson, a pioneer in modern hypnotherapy, saw it as a deep well of creativity, intuition and healing potential. By working with the subconscious, we can uncover and transform what’s beneath the surface. Whether you’re in active addiction, in recovery, or dealing with intense anxiety or emotional overwhelm — hypnotherapy helps bring awareness, regulation and lasting change.

 

👉 In this blog, I explore the emotional and relational impact of porn addiction.

What to expect from a session

Hypnotherapy is not a quick fix — it’s not about closing your eyes and having your problem magically disappear. Instead, it’s a dynamic and respectful process — grounded in safety, collaboration, and emotional depth. In our sessions, we don’t just analyse what’s wrong. We explore how your system has adapted over time, what needs to be felt, and what wants to be restored. Whether we connect with a wounded inner child, soften a harsh inner critic, or revisit a key moment in your past, we always work with care and grounding.

 

About me

My name is Erik Willems. I’m a certified hypnotherapist and registered member of the NBVH, with a private practice in Amsterdam since 2009. I also work as a group counselor in addiction care at ITMYS in Hilversum, and specialise in supporting people struggling with compulsive patterns, anxiety, shame, and trauma.

In addition to therapy, I have a background in theatre as a writer, director and teacher. I continue to teach stage performance at the Conservatories of The Hague and Amsterdam — and find joy in bridging creativity and healing in my work.

Practical details: fees & insurance

I offer both live and online sessions. A hypnotherapy consultation is 75 minutes and costs €125,- After the consultation you can pay with Tikkie or cash and you will receive the invoice by email. If you have additional insurance (aanvullende verzekering), there is a good chance that the (Dutch) health insurer will (partly) reimburse hypnotherapy. 

 

 

If you have any inquiries or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to reach out.
I'm here to assist you on your journey, so don't hesitate to get in touch.