Stopping Clear Minds Hypnotherapy: What you need to know

About Clear Minds Hypnotherapy

Clear Minds Hypnotherapy is a UK-based clinical hypnotherapy practice that specialises in helping clients overcome a wide range of psychological and behavioural challenges through evidence-based hypnotherapy techniques. Founded and operated by qualified clinical hypnotherapists, the service focuses on treating conditions such as anxiety, stress, phobias, weight management, smoking cessation, and sleep disorders. The practice operates from multiple locations across the United Kingdom and offers both face-to-face sessions and online consultations to accommodate different client preferences and geographical constraints.

The service distinguishes itself through its use of solution-focused hypnotherapy, which combines modern psychotherapy techniques with traditional hypnosis. This approach aims to help clients achieve their goals by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Each therapist within the Clear Minds network holds professional qualifications and memberships with recognised hypnotherapy bodies, ensuring that clients receive treatment from properly trained practitioners who adhere to established ethical guidelines and professional standards.

Most importantly, Clear Minds Hypnotherapy operates on a session-by-session basis for many clients, though they also offer package deals and subscription-style arrangements for those seeking ongoing support. The flexibility of their service model means that cancellation procedures can vary depending on how you initially engaged with their services. Keep in mind that understanding your specific agreement type is crucial before initiating any cancellation process, as this will determine your notice requirements and any potential financial implications.

Plans, features and pricing structure

Clear Minds Hypnotherapy offers several different engagement models, which is something I've seen cause confusion when people try to cancel. First, let's break down the typical options available so you know exactly what you might be cancelling.

Individual session packages

The most straightforward option is the pay-as-you-go individual session model. Clients book and pay for single sessions, typically ranging from £60 to £120 per session depending on the therapist's experience level and location. These sessions usually last between 50 and 90 minutes. The advantage here is that there's no long-term commitment, but the per-session cost is higher than package deals.

Next, there are block booking packages where clients purchase multiple sessions upfront at a discounted rate. Common packages include three-session, six-session, and ten-session bundles. These typically offer savings of 10-20% compared to individual session pricing. However, here's where cancellation gets tricky: many practitioners have policies about refunding unused sessions from these packages, and you'll need to check your specific agreement.

Subscription and membership programmes

Some Clear Minds practitioners offer monthly subscription models, particularly for clients requiring ongoing support for chronic conditions or long-term behavioural change. These subscriptions might include a set number of sessions per month plus additional benefits such as email support, access to recorded relaxation sessions, or priority booking.

Additional features and services

Additionally, Clear Minds Hypnotherapy often provides supplementary resources as part of their packages. These might include personalised audio recordings for home practice, worksheets and goal-setting materials, progress tracking tools, and telephone or email support between sessions. When cancelling, it's worth noting that access to digital resources typically terminates immediately or at the end of your notice period, so make sure you've downloaded anything you want to keep.

From my experience processing wellness service cancellations, the pricing structure at hypnotherapy practices like Clear Minds can be quite personalised. Your therapist may have offered you a bespoke package based on your specific needs, which means your agreement might not match the standard options I've outlined. This is precisely why reviewing your original agreement documentation before cancelling is absolutely essential.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding the legal framework around your cancellation rights is crucial, and this is where many people make costly mistakes. Let me walk you through the key elements you need to know about Clear Minds Hypnotherapy's terms and your UK consumer rights.

Standard contractual terms

Clear Minds Hypnotherapy, like most professional therapy services, operates under terms and conditions that you would have agreed to when first engaging their services. These terms typically cover appointment scheduling, payment requirements, confidentiality agreements, and importantly, cancellation and refund policies. Most practitioners require at least 24 to 48 hours' notice for individual appointment cancellations to avoid charges for the missed session.

For package deals and subscriptions, the cancellation terms are usually more complex. Many agreements specify a minimum commitment period, often three to six months, during which you cannot cancel without forfeiting the remaining value or paying a cancellation fee. Keep in mind that these terms must be clearly communicated to you at the point of purchase to be enforceable under UK consumer law.

UK consumer rights and cooling-off periods

Here's something critical that many people don't realise: if you purchased your hypnotherapy package or subscription online, by telephone, or anywhere other than face-to-face at the practitioner's premises, you have a 14-day cooling-off period under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. During this period, you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund.

However, there's an important caveat. If you've already received hypnotherapy sessions during this 14-day period and you agreed to begin treatment before the cooling-off period ended, the practitioner can charge you for the sessions you've received. This is a proportionate charge based on what's been provided. Most importantly, the business should have informed you about your cancellation rights before you entered the contract. If they didn't, your cooling-off period may be extended to up to 12 months plus 14 days.

Notice periods and refund entitlements

Beyond the cooling-off period, your cancellation rights depend entirely on the terms you agreed to. Subscription-based arrangements typically require written notice, commonly 30 days before the next billing cycle. This is where postal cancellation becomes crucial because you need proof of when you provided notice.

For prepaid packages, refund policies vary significantly. Some practitioners offer pro-rata refunds for unused sessions minus an administration fee, whilst others have strict no-refund policies once you've used any sessions from the package. I've seen cases where clients lost hundreds of pounds because they didn't understand these terms before purchasing.

Medical and exceptional circumstances

Additionally, if you need to cancel due to medical reasons, relocation, or other exceptional circumstances, many practitioners will be more flexible than their standard terms suggest. It's worth explaining your situation in your cancellation letter. However, don't rely on goodwill alone—always follow the formal cancellation process to protect your rights.

Why postal cancellation is your most reliable option

After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you that postal cancellation using Recorded Delivery is the gold standard for protecting yourself legally and financially. Let me explain why this matters specifically for hypnotherapy services.

The proof of delivery advantage

When you send a cancellation letter by Recorded Delivery, you receive a certificate of posting and the recipient must sign for the delivery. This creates an indisputable paper trail showing exactly when you sent your cancellation notice and when it was received. This is absolutely critical when notice periods are involved because the date of receipt determines when your cancellation takes effect and when you stop being charged.

I've seen countless cases where clients claimed they cancelled by email or phone, only to be told the business has no record of it. They then faced additional charges for another month or lost their refund entitlement because they couldn't prove they'd given proper notice. With Recorded Delivery, you have physical proof that stands up in any dispute, including small claims court if necessary.

Why email and phone cancellations fall short

Email seems convenient, but it has serious limitations. First, emails can genuinely go to spam folders or be overlooked in busy inboxes. Second, even if you have a sent email in your outbox, you cannot prove the recipient actually received and read it unless they reply confirming receipt. Third, some businesses' terms and conditions specifically state that cancellations must be in writing by post, making email insufficient regardless of whether they received it.

Phone cancellations are even more problematic. Unless the call is recorded and you receive a cancellation reference number, you have no evidence the conversation ever happened. Staff members may misunderstand your request, forget to process it, or leave the company taking knowledge of your cancellation with them. Most importantly, if a dispute arises weeks or months later, it becomes your word against theirs.

Meeting legal requirements for written notice

Many service contracts, particularly for ongoing subscriptions or memberships, legally require written notice. In UK contract law, "in writing" traditionally means physical written communication unless the contract explicitly includes electronic communication. By sending a postal letter, you're guaranteed to meet this requirement regardless of how the contract is worded.

Keep in mind that the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and related regulations provide specific protections for consumers, but these protections only help you if you can demonstrate you followed the proper cancellation procedures. Postal cancellation with proof of delivery ensures you've met every possible requirement.

Complete step-by-step guide to cancelling by post

Now let's get into the practical process. I'll walk you through exactly how to cancel your Clear Minds Hypnotherapy service by post, covering every detail to ensure nothing goes wrong.

Step one: gather your documentation and information

First, locate all documentation related to your Clear Minds Hypnotherapy service. This includes your original contract or terms and conditions, payment receipts, booking confirmations, and any email correspondence. You need to identify your client reference number or account number if you have one, the name of your specific therapist or the practice location you've been attending, and the exact date you started the service.

Next, carefully review your contract to identify the required notice period, any minimum commitment terms you agreed to, the refund policy for unused sessions or subscription periods, and the specified cancellation procedure. Make notes of the relevant clause numbers so you can reference them in your letter if needed.

Additionally, check your payment method and recent statements. Note when your last payment was taken and when the next payment is scheduled. This helps you calculate your notice period correctly and ensures you're not caught out by an unexpected charge whilst your cancellation is being processed.

Step two: calculate your notice period accurately

This is where many people trip up, so pay close attention. If your contract requires 30 days' notice, you need to count 30 days from when your letter is received, not from when you send it. Recorded Delivery typically takes one to two working days, so factor this in.

For subscription services that bill monthly, you generally need to ensure your notice is received before the billing date to avoid being charged for another month. Here's a pro tip: if your next billing date is 15th March and you need to give 30 days' notice, your letter should be received by 13th February at the latest. I always recommend sending it at least a week earlier than necessary to account for any postal delays or processing time.

Keep in mind that "working days" and "calendar days" are different. If your contract specifies working days, weekends and bank holidays don't count. When in doubt, assume calendar days and send your letter earlier rather than later.

Step three: prepare your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to be clear, professional, and include all necessary information. Most importantly, it should be unambiguous about your intention to cancel. Here's what to include in your letter:

Start with your full name and address at the top, followed by the date. Then include the recipient's name and address—the specific Clear Minds Hypnotherapy location or therapist you've been working with. Use a clear subject line such as "Formal Notice of Service Cancellation" or "Cancellation of Hypnotherapy Package."

In the body of your letter, state clearly that you are cancelling your service, including your client reference number or account number. Specify what you're cancelling—whether it's a subscription, package, or ongoing appointment arrangement. Mention the date you wish the cancellation to take effect, ensuring this complies with your notice period requirements.

Additionally, reference the relevant terms and conditions clause if you know it. Request confirmation of your cancellation in writing and specify what you expect regarding refunds if applicable. Include your contact details for them to reach you and sign the letter if printing it, or type your full name if using a letter-sending service.

Step four: addressing your letter correctly

This is absolutely critical—send your letter to the correct address. For Clear Minds Hypnotherapy, you need to send your cancellation to the specific practice location or therapist you've been working with, as this is typically a network of independent practitioners rather than a single centralised office.

Check your original contract, booking confirmations, or invoices for the correct postal address. If you've been attending sessions at a specific location, that location's address is usually where cancellations should be sent. If you've been receiving online sessions, your therapist should have provided correspondence details including a postal address for formal communications.

Here's a crucial point: if you cannot find a specific address or if your therapist operates from multiple locations, contact them by phone or email first to confirm the correct postal address for cancellations. Make a note of when you requested this information and who provided it. This protects you if there's any later dispute about where you should have sent your letter.

Step five: send your letter via Recorded Delivery

Once your letter is ready and correctly addressed, you have two options for sending it with proof of delivery. The traditional method is visiting a Post Office and sending your letter via Royal Mail Recorded Signed For service. This costs around £3.35 for a standard letter and provides online tracking plus proof of delivery when the recipient signs for it. Make absolutely certain you keep your proof of postage receipt—this is your evidence.

Alternatively, services like Postclic allow you to send tracked letters digitally without visiting a Post Office. You upload your letter content, specify the recipient address, and the service prints, envelopes, and posts your letter with tracking. This saves time and provides digital proof of sending and delivery. The tracking reference is stored in your account, so you won't lose that crucial piece of paper. For people with busy schedules or limited mobility, this option is particularly valuable.

Most importantly, regardless of which method you choose, send your letter early in the week. If you post on Friday, it may not be delivered until the following Tuesday due to weekend delays, potentially affecting your notice period calculation.

Step six: track delivery and keep records

After posting your letter, use the tracking number to monitor its progress. Royal Mail Recorded Delivery provides online tracking that shows when your letter was delivered and who signed for it. Check this within three to four days of posting.

Once delivery is confirmed, take screenshots or print the tracking information showing the delivery date and signature. Store this with your proof of postage and a copy of your cancellation letter. This complete set of documents is your cancellation evidence pack.

Keep in mind that the delivery signature might not be from the specific person you addressed the letter to—it could be a receptionist or colleague. This is completely fine and legally sufficient. What matters is that the letter reached the business address on a specific date that you can prove.

Step seven: follow up and confirm cancellation

Next, wait five working days after delivery, then follow up to confirm your cancellation has been processed. You can do this by email or phone, referencing your letter dated [date] sent by Recorded Delivery and delivered on [date]. Ask for written confirmation that your service has been cancelled and clarify the effective cancellation date and any refund you're entitled to.

If you don't receive confirmation within ten working days of delivery, send a follow-up email or make a phone call. Keep a record of all these communications. Persistence is important here—don't assume everything is fine just because you sent the letter. I've seen cases where letters were delivered but not processed due to staff oversight or administrative backlogs.

Step eight: monitor your bank account

Finally, keep checking your bank account or payment method to ensure no further payments are taken after your cancellation date. If you're charged after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank immediately to dispute the payment. Provide them with your proof of cancellation—your Recorded Delivery evidence and cancellation letter copy.

Additionally, if you paid by Direct Debit, you have protection under the Direct Debit Guarantee Scheme. You can request your bank to reverse any incorrect charges and block future payments. For credit card payments, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may provide additional protection if you're in dispute about refunds for services not received.

Common reasons people cancel and what to expect

Understanding why others have cancelled can help you anticipate potential challenges and prepare accordingly. From my experience handling these cancellations, here are the most common scenarios and what typically happens.

Financial constraints and affordability issues

The most frequent reason people cancel hypnotherapy services is cost. Ongoing sessions or monthly subscriptions can represent a significant financial commitment, particularly if results take longer than expected or if personal circumstances change. Hypnotherapy isn't typically covered by NHS services, so it's an out-of-pocket expense that becomes difficult to justify during financial hardship.

When cancelling for financial reasons, be honest but brief in your letter. You don't need to provide extensive personal details, but mentioning that you can no longer afford the service may encourage the practitioner to process your cancellation smoothly and potentially offer a partial refund if one isn't automatically due. Keep in mind that practitioners understand that financial situations change and are usually sympathetic to these circumstances.

Lack of perceived progress or results

Another common reason is that clients don't feel they're making sufficient progress toward their goals. Hypnotherapy outcomes can be subjective and vary significantly between individuals. Some people respond quickly whilst others need more sessions, and occasionally the approach simply doesn't work for someone.

If this is your situation, expect that your practitioner may want to discuss your concerns before processing the cancellation. They might suggest adjusting the treatment approach or trying additional sessions. You're under no obligation to continue if you've decided to cancel, but be prepared for this conversation. Most importantly, if you're cancelling a prepaid package due to lack of results, review whether your contract includes any satisfaction guarantees or outcome-based refund provisions.

Relocation or practical accessibility issues

Moving to a different area, changes in work schedules, or transportation difficulties often make continuing with a specific practitioner impractical. This is usually the smoothest cancellation scenario because the reason is clearly beyond your control and not a reflection on the service quality.

When cancelling due to relocation, mention this in your letter and specify your moving date. Practitioners are typically understanding and may waive strict notice period requirements or offer refunds more readily. Additionally, they may be able to refer you to another practitioner in your new area if you wish to continue hypnotherapy elsewhere.

Medical or personal circumstances

Health issues, family emergencies, or significant life changes sometimes make continuing therapy inappropriate or impossible. These circumstances warrant compassionate handling, and most reputable practitioners will accommodate reasonable cancellation requests.

You don't need to disclose sensitive medical details in your cancellation letter, but indicating that you're cancelling due to health or personal reasons often results in more flexible treatment regarding notice periods and refunds. Keep in mind that if you're cancelling because the hypnotherapy is causing adverse effects or exacerbating existing conditions, you should mention this clearly as it may constitute grounds for a full refund regardless of standard terms.

Switching to alternative treatments or providers

Some clients cancel because they're transitioning to different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling, or medication-based treatments. Others simply want to try a different hypnotherapist whose style or specialisation better matches their needs.

This is a straightforward cancellation reason that rarely causes complications. You don't need to justify your choice in detail—simply stating that you're pursuing alternative treatment options is sufficient. However, be aware that if you're switching to another practitioner within the same network or organisation, there may be options to transfer your package rather than cancel and lose value.

Insider tips from former Clear Minds clients

Having processed numerous cancellations and spoken with many former clients, I've gathered valuable insights that can help you navigate the cancellation process more smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

Timing your cancellation strategically

First, timing matters more than most people realise. If you're on a monthly subscription, calculate exactly when your letter needs to arrive to prevent being charged for another month. I've seen people send cancellation letters just two or three days before their billing date, not realising their contract requires 30 days' notice from receipt. They then face an unexpected charge and feel frustrated, but they're contractually obligated to pay.

Here's a pro tip: if you're approaching the end of a minimum commitment period, wait until you've fulfilled it before sending your cancellation letter. Cancelling early won't release you from the commitment and just creates unnecessary back-and-forth. Mark your calendar with the exact date your minimum term ends and send your cancellation letter to arrive shortly after that date.

Additionally, consider the timing of your last session. If you have prepaid sessions remaining, you might want to use them before cancelling rather than relying on getting a refund. Refund policies often favour the business, and you may receive less money back than the sessions are worth. Schedule your remaining sessions, use them, then send your cancellation letter to prevent any future charges or rebooking.

Documentation is your best protection

Next, I cannot stress enough how important thorough documentation is. Before you even send your cancellation letter, create a dedicated folder—physical or digital—containing every piece of paper or email related to your Clear Minds Hypnotherapy service. This includes your original contract, all payment receipts, appointment confirmations, any correspondence about changing terms, and promotional materials that influenced your purchase decision.

When you send your cancellation letter, add your proof of postage, tracking information, delivery confirmation, and a copy of the letter itself to this folder. If you make follow-up calls, write down the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. If you send follow-up emails, save them. This documentation becomes invaluable if any dispute arises about whether you cancelled properly, when you cancelled, or what refund you're entitled to.

Keep in mind that you should retain these documents for at least six years, which is the limitation period for contract disputes in England and Wales. I know it seems excessive, but I've seen disputes emerge years after cancellation when people discover they're still listed as clients or when historical charges suddenly appear.

Understanding what you're actually entitled to

Many former clients have told me they didn't fully understand their refund entitlements until after cancelling, which led to disappointment and frustration. Before you cancel, carefully calculate what you should receive back. If you've prepaid for ten sessions and used three, you might assume you'll get 70% of your money back. However, your contract might specify that the discount you received for bulk buying only applies if you use all sessions, meaning you'll be charged the full individual session rate for the three you used, significantly reducing your refund.

Most importantly, if you're entitled to a refund, your contract should specify how long the business has to process it. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, refunds for cancelled services should generally be provided within 14 days, but contractual terms may specify different timescales. If your contract doesn't specify, the 14-day rule applies. Make note of this deadline and follow up promptly if it passes without your refund being processed.

Dealing with retention attempts professionally

Former clients frequently mention that they received calls or emails trying to persuade them not to cancel after their cancellation letter was received. This is standard practice in subscription-based services, and whilst it can feel pressuring, it's not necessarily inappropriate. Practitioners may genuinely believe they can address your concerns and help you achieve your goals.

Here's how to handle this: if you're absolutely certain about cancelling, politely but firmly reiterate that your decision is final. You can say something like, "I appreciate your concern, but my decision to cancel is final for personal reasons. Please proceed with processing my cancellation as requested in my letter dated [date]." You don't need to engage in lengthy discussions or justify your decision repeatedly.

Keep in mind that if retention attempts become excessive or pressuring, this may constitute harassment. Make a clear written request for them to stop contacting you except to confirm your cancellation has been processed. If contact continues, you can report this to trading standards or relevant professional bodies that regulate hypnotherapists.

The Postclic advantage for stress-free cancellation

Additionally, many former clients have mentioned wishing they'd known about services like Postclic before going through the cancellation process. The traditional method of writing a letter, finding an envelope, visiting a Post Office during working hours, and keeping track of a small paper receipt can be surprisingly stressful and time-consuming, particularly when you're already dealing with the reasons you're cancelling in the first place.

Postclic streamlines this by allowing you to send your cancellation letter entirely online with the same legal validity and proof of delivery as traditional Recorded Delivery. You simply type or upload your letter content, enter the recipient address, and pay the fee. The service handles printing, enveloping, and posting with tracking. Your proof of sending and delivery is stored digitally in your account, so there's no risk of losing that crucial Post Office receipt.

The digital proof is particularly valuable if you need to demonstrate your cancellation to your bank when disputing charges or if you need to take legal action. You can instantly access and share your delivery confirmation without searching through paperwork. For people who work full-time, have mobility issues, or simply want to minimise hassle during an already stressful process, this option is worth considering.

What to do if your cancellation is disputed

Finally, let's talk about what happens if Clear Minds Hypnotherapy disputes your cancellation or refuses to process it according to your understanding of the terms. This is rare with reputable practitioners, but it's important to know your options.

First, send a formal complaint in writing, again by Recorded Delivery, outlining the issue clearly. Reference your original cancellation letter, the delivery date, and the specific contract terms you believe entitle you to have your cancellation processed as requested. Give them 14 days to respond with a resolution.

If this doesn't resolve the matter, check whether your practitioner is registered with a professional body such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the General Hypnotherapy Register, or the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. These organisations have complaints procedures and codes of conduct that members must follow. Filing a complaint with the relevant body can be very effective in resolving disputes.

Next, consider using Alternative Dispute Resolution services. Many trade associations offer mediation services that can help resolve disputes without going to court. This is typically free or low-cost and much faster than legal action.

Most importantly, if the disputed amount is under £10,000, you can use the Small Claims Court system, which is designed for individuals to pursue claims without needing a solicitor. Your Recorded Delivery proof of cancellation and contract documentation will be your primary evidence. The court fee depends on the claim amount but starts at just £25 for claims under £300.

Learning from others' mistakes

Former clients have shared common mistakes that you can easily avoid. The most frequent error is assuming that verbal cancellation or simply stopping payment is sufficient. It isn't. Always follow the formal written cancellation process specified in your contract.

Another common mistake is cancelling in anger or frustration without first reviewing the contract terms. People send immediate cancellation letters demanding instant termination, only to discover they're contractually obligated to give 30 days' notice and pay for another month. Take time to understand your obligations before acting.

Additionally, many people forget to cancel their Direct Debit or payment card authorisation after cancelling the service. Even if your cancellation is processed correctly, the payment mechanism may remain active and result in charges that you then need to claim back. Once your cancellation is confirmed and any final payment has been taken, contact your bank to cancel the Direct Debit or payment authority.

Keep in mind that cancelling doesn't erase your obligation to pay for services already received. If you're in arrears when you cancel, you'll still need to settle that debt. Cancellation prevents future charges but doesn't write off existing ones.

Final thoughts on cancelling your hypnotherapy service

Cancelling Clear Minds Hypnotherapy or any professional wellness service doesn't need to be stressful if you approach it methodically and protect yourself with proper documentation. The postal cancellation method using Recorded Delivery remains the most reliable approach because it provides indisputable proof of when you gave notice and what you requested.

Remember that your consumer rights under UK law provide significant protection, particularly the 14-day cooling-off period for distance sales and the requirement for refunds to be processed promptly. However, these rights only help you if you can demonstrate you exercised them correctly, which is why proof of delivery is so critical.

Take time to understand your specific contract terms before cancelling, calculate your notice period accurately, and send your cancellation letter with enough time to spare. Keep comprehensive records of everything related to your service and cancellation. If you're entitled to a refund, follow up persistently until it's received.

Most importantly, don't let concerns about the cancellation process prevent you from ending a service that's no longer right for you. Whether you're cancelling due to financial constraints, lack of results, practical difficulties, or simply because you've achieved your goals and no longer need support, you have the right to end the service relationship. Following the process I've outlined ensures you can do so cleanly, professionally, and with full legal protection.

Services like Postclic can remove much of the administrative burden and stress from the cancellation process whilst providing the same legal validity and proof as traditional postal methods. Whichever approach you choose, the key is acting decisively, following the correct procedure, and maintaining clear documentation throughout. With these practices, you can cancel confidently knowing you've protected your rights and financial interests.