FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTiONS
WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
The term hypnosis comes from the Greek word hypnos which means sleep. However, hypnosis is actually very different to sleep. Hypnosis has been defined as ‘a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind’
WHAT IS HYPNOtherapy?
Hypnotherapy occurs when a trained professional utilises the hypnotic state of their client to encourage wanted and beneficial change. Hypnotherapy is a psychological therapy that attempts to address the client's subconscious mind. A variety of therapeutic approaches can be used whilst the client is in a hypnotic trance. These may include analytical techniques, indirect/direct suggestion, visualisation, storytelling, metaphor or symbolism.
how should i choose a therapist?
One of the most important things when undergoing any kind of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. This is particularly important in hypnotherapy since the effectiveness of the treatment can be greatly enhanced when the client has confidence and trust in the therapist. For this reason, I offer a free initial telephone consultation before you book for a paid session, so that you can make an informed choice. If you are unsure whether hypnotherapy is right for you, I am happy to talk you through your options.
can i be hypnotised?
Virtually anyone can be hypnotised, however this is very much linked to whether you are willing to be hypnotised. This is often dependent on your relationship with the therapist as well as your desire and need for change. Depth of trance can vary from person to person, but most research shows that the depth of trance achieved does not directly correlate with how beneficial the results may be. Even if you do not feel as though you have been hypnotised, beneficial change can still take place. As each person is different, the number of sessions required can also vary. Hypnotherapy cannot claim to be a magic cure. You need to be personally motivated to change for hypnotherapy to be effective. However, for those people accessing it willingly and openly, at the right time for them and with a suitable practitioner, realistic results are certainly achievable.
what happens in a hypnotherapy session?
Your first session will last approximately 60-90 minutes. We will start by taking a full history, so that I can ensure I have all relevant details about you and the issue you are presenting with. I will talk you through the process and what to expect. Then, we will complete the appointment with a simple hypnotherapy session focusing on relaxation and ego-strengthening, so that you can experience hypnosis and are aware of what to expect on subsequent sessions.
The number of further sessions will vary, but most clients can expect to undertake between 3-5 sessions of approximately 60 minutes. In these subsequent sessions, we will work together to employ techniques which will help you to make beneficial changes. The approaches employed will be tailored to each client and their desired outcomes.
Smoking/vaping cessation is usually carried out in a single session lasting approximately 2 hours.
will you make me do something i don't want to do?
Absolutely not. I am not a stage hypnotist. No dancing, making chicken noises or any other such nonsense has any place in a therapeutic environment.
Regardless of how deep a trance you enter into, you will remain in full control of your actions and behaviour. Any hypnotised person cannot be made to do anything that goes against their will, their usual ethical or moral judgement or their religious belief. (Yes, that's right - all those people on stage are actually voluntarily acting in that way!)