Fareham Counselling Centre · Hampshire

Counselling & CBT for Insomnia & Sleep Issues Hampshire

Practical support to settle a busy mind at night — in Fareham or online across the UK.

When you are exhausted but cannot switch off

You lie down tired, and your mind wakes up. Or you drop off, then find yourself wide awake at 3am, running through tomorrow or replaying today. The more you try to sleep, the further away it seems to get.

Insomnia is very common, and it is very treatable without relying on tablets. With a CBT therapist or hypnotherapist in Fareham, or online, you can calm a racing mind, reset your sleep pattern, and look forward to bedtime again.

A woman sleeping peacefully at night
Sleep can be relearned. Even after years of poor nights.

Does this sound like your nights?

Insomnia can show up in different ways. People come to us from Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton and Gosport with things like these.

Taking ages to fall asleep Waking in the night Waking too early A racing mind at bedtime Clock-watching Dreading going to bed Tired but wired Struggling through the day Stress keeping you up Anxiety at night Nightmares and other sleep problems

Short spells of poor sleep are normal. If it has been happening several nights a week for a month or more, it is worth getting support.

Park it for tomorrow

A busy mind is one of the biggest causes of sleeplessness. Try this simple technique from CBT for insomnia: write a worry down, and give it a place to wait until morning.

Nothing you type is saved or sent anywhere.

Tomorrow's list

These will still be here in the morning. You do not need to hold them tonight.
  • Nothing parked yet.

Everything is parked. Now your only job is to rest.

Many people keep a notepad by the bed for exactly this. Therapy builds on small techniques like this one, night by night.

Six things you can try tonight

These come from CBT for insomnia, and they work best when you keep them up for a few weeks.

Same time every morning

Get up at the same time each day, even after a bad night. It is the anchor for your body clock.

Bed is for sleep

Keep screens, work and worrying out of bed, so your brain links bed with sleeping.

If you cannot sleep, get up

If you have been awake a while, go somewhere calm and dim until you feel sleepy, then go back.

Turn the clock away

Checking the time only adds pressure. Let the alarm do the job of watching the clock.

An hour to wind down

Dim the lights and do something calm before bed, so your mind knows the day is ending.

Watch the caffeine

Tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks can keep you alert for hours, so try to avoid them after lunch.

How therapy can help you sleep

NICE recommends CBT for insomnia as the first treatment for long-term sleeplessness, ahead of sleeping tablets.

When to see your GPIf you snore loudly or stop breathing in your sleep, if your sleep problems came on with low mood, or if you take sleeping tablets and want to cut down, please speak to your GP. Therapy can work alongside their advice.
A woman sleeping under a night sky with the moon
★★★★★

“Helped me learn to take time for myself and relax. I can’t explain how it works, but it just does. An hour of uninterrupted relaxation. … It has really helped me.”

Michelle, Southampton
NICE recommendedCBT for insomnia
From £90CBT and hypnotherapy, 50 minutes
In person or onlineFareham, Hampshire, or by video
No tablets neededSkills that last

Questions about insomnia treatment

A woman smiling at home, feeling rested
What is CBT for insomnia?
CBT for insomnia, often called CBT-I, is a structured programme that helps you change the habits and thoughts that keep you awake. It includes resetting your sleep pattern, making bed a place for sleep again, and calming a busy mind.
How long does it take to work?
Many people notice a difference within a few weeks, and a course is often around six to eight sessions. Sleep can feel a little worse at the very start while your pattern resets, then it usually improves.
Can hypnotherapy help me sleep?
Yes, many people find it very helpful. Hypnotherapy uses deep relaxation to calm your body and mind, and you are often given a recording to listen to at bedtime. It can be combined with CBT.
I take sleeping tablets. Can I still have therapy?
Yes. Therapy works well alongside medication. If you would like to reduce or stop sleeping tablets, please do this with your GP, as some should not be stopped suddenly.
What is the difference between this page and "sleep problems"?
This page is about insomnia: difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Our sleep problems page covers other difficulties, such as nightmares and disturbed sleep.
Can I have sessions online?
Yes. CBT for insomnia and hypnotherapy both work well by secure video, at the same price as in person.
How much does it cost?
CBT and hypnotherapy are £90 for a 50 minute session, and counselling starts from £72. Your first 15 minute call is free. See all our prices.
A tree at sunset under the first stars

Better nights can start this week

A free, confidential 15 minute call. Tell us about your sleep, and we will match you with the right therapist.

Book my free call Call free 0800 970 4776
Free, confidential, no obligation