Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is often manifested as a natural state of deep relaxation and concentration with heightened awareness, although it does not have to be complete relaxation. You are not asleep nor is there any possibility you would lose control. It uses the subconscious to enhance the power of the mind to aid the improvement of both your physical and mental health.

Simple problems like smoking, some phobias, nail biting etc, often respond quickly to hypnotherapy. More deeply rooted problems take just a little longer, however they respond well. Hypnosis has no addictive or damaging side effects.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the application of therapy during hypnosis, to change or modify behaviour patterns that we wish to change, such as the compulsion to smoke, gamble, drink, etc.   It can help in the cure of phobias such as the fear of spiders/insects, fear of flying, fear of injections, etc.   It can help with motivation, confidence building, life planning, decision making,

reducing/managing stress, and overcoming anxiety and panic attacks.   It can also be very effective in helping with pain control

Hypnotherapy deals with Psychosomatic problems - that is, problems of the mind that are rooted in and controlled by the subconscious mind.   We always do what our subconscious mind tells us even if it goes against reason and logic.   Hypnotherapy therefore bypasses the conscious mind to allow the positive life affirming suggestions for change, of our own choosing, to be fed to our subconscious mind directly, for us to act upon.

Hypnotherapy, and more precisely, hypnotic suggestions, have a cumulative effect, so over time there is a build up of suggestions being reinforced in the subconscious mind that it will act upon, and will do so more rapidly than if you were feeding the suggestions to your conscious mind.

For problems where a causal event, or events, may exist in the past, hypnoanalysis is often used initially in order to find these events and the associated emotional energy and unperformed motor actions associated with them.   This frees the individual from the grasp of the outdated and now obsolete (possibly never really needed at all) protecting thought patterns, false instincts and past conditioning. Following this release, healing suggestions, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are used to build on the individual's desire for positive change to strengthen and support them as they move forward into a better future.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be. Those who do not want to be hypnotised cannot be.

For example, there are those who should not be hypnotised, those suffering from epilepsy, those under the influence of recreational drugs, those who suffer from psychiatric type disorders (Psychosis) and children under five.

Should I Stop Having Medical Treatment or Taking Pills?

Hypnosis is not a substitute for prescribed medications. Hypnosis will work with the medication and help reduce its necessity.

Can I Be hypnotised/who can be hypnotised?

Yes you can be hypnotised!   About eighty five percent of people find it easy to enter hypnosis. The other fifteen percent need a slightly different approach. Those who have difficulty being hypnotised usually find this is because of fear or nervousness.

I would say that virtually everyone can be hypnotised if they have a good therapist and wish to cooperate with them in order to work on the problem(s) with which they are presenting.

What does hypnosis feel like?  

I know how it feels to me, but it feels different to some people than to others.   I would explain it as a relaxed easy feeling and a heightened state of awareness.   Sometimes you may be prone to drift away for a while, just like day-dreaming, and you might just as easily be concentrating on your therapist's voice.   Your good therapist will ensure you get the very best from your hypnotherapy session and will guide you in everything you need to know.

Will I need to do anything between sessions?

Usually there will be assignments or activities that will aid the treatment and help strengthen the effects of the hypnosis. This will usually take the form of a CD to listen to and /or written materials to read and ponder.

How long does each session last?

Usually about an hour, however some sessions may need to be longer.

Can I eat and drink beforehand?

Yes but light, and no alcohol.

What sort of clothes should I wear?

Anything comfortable.

What would happen if I am not woken up?

You would probably doze for 10 to 20 minutes and then wake with no ill effects.

Can hypnosis relieve pain?

Yes - however pain often has a good reason for existing and therefore should not be used for pain relief unless a doctor has been consulted.

Will I have to re-live distressing experiences?

For most treatments   No. However for very deep-seated problems it may be necessary.

Will the symptoms return if I stop having treatment?

The aim is to deal with the problem completely within the sessions. However if the problem is in need of continuous treatment then self-hypnosis is a better option than further sessions.

Can hypnosis be dangerous?

No. Hypnosis is a state half way between sleep and awake. In itself, its only effect is to get you very relaxed and open up communications to your sub-conscious.

How will I be hypnotised?

In most treatments the therapist will talk you through a way of relaxing suitable for you and assist you in finding a working state of hypnosis.

How will I know that I am hypnotised?

You will feel calm and relaxed. Also the therapist may use a test to check on the level of trance.

Will I be unconscious?

No! Therapeutic hypnosis does not take away your will power or your ability to control your mind. You will be able to hear, think and remember all. You will not allow anything that you do not want and if there is an emergency you will come out of trance immediately.

What do I have to do?

You will need to co-operate and this is the only way that the treatment can work.

How many sessions will I need?

It is hard to generalise. Each person is different and each problem needs individual treatment. However most problems are treated with between 3 and 6, sessions.

Are there any side effects?

YES - more relaxed, less tension and probably sleep better. There are no harmful residual effects.

Hypnotherapists do not control your mind!

Hypnotherapy empowers you to take control of your mental resources to bring about changes you want.   You are always in control during hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and the therapist cannot make you do anything against your will, or that is not within you as and individual to do.   With a little work, a good therapist, and a client who wishes to make changes and is motivated, will be able to achieve success in most cases.

Hypnotherapy can help to address many problems including:

A few more notes:

I talk to people about hypnotherapy nearly every day and it's great when I discover someone who is a 'natural' - the ideal hypnotherapy client.   But more often it takes a measure of guidance to ready them for a great hypnotherapy experience.

Think things through

Have you taken time to think things through?   Mental preparation is very important.   I define mental preparation as giving thought to what changes will take place once you've implemented a decision.   How will your life no better?   What are you prepared to do to see your goal realised?   Practicing self-hypnosis should be part of the process, and I'll teach you how to use this powerful tool for yourself.   It requires only a few minutes a day.

See it Happen

Can you imagine yourself better off?   How does that look to you?   If you can imagine what is possible then change can happen more quickly.

Be Open Minded  

Proceed positively and learn about the basics of what hypnotherapy is and how it works.   Knowledge will erase fear or apprehension and set up realistic expectations.

What is Psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a therapy that involves the examination of behaviour and it requires action to solve problems. Behaviour can be said to be anything we do. It can be any action; any thought or thought pattern, what you may say, a memory, a sensation or an emotion. Work is in fact anything we do that requires some degree of effort and this therapy requires the cooperation, desire and work of the client. This includes changing any behaviour, habits or usual actions causing problems, restrictions or distress in life.

Psychotherapy and Counselling have a great deal in common but counselling is not the same as psychotherapy. Counselling usually brings about a realization or helps a person to reach a decision.   A Psychotherapist helps or facilitates as you create changes in your personal environment that bring about the desired change in your life.

Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy are not magic but it sometimes feels magical when you begin to realize the desired changes in your life!