Frequently Asked Questions
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective therapy with no unpleasant side effects, and which does not use of any kind of medication or drugs. It is as safe as falling asleep. It is more common to describe hypnosis as deep relaxation with the use of suggestions and guidance from the hypnotherapist as to where your subconscious mind needs to focus. There is nothing harmful about relaxation. Many people have received great benefit from the experience. But please note that it should not be regarded as a substitute to medical examination, diagnosis or treatment, and if you are already taking medication you should continue to do so.
Thousands of positive experimental and clinical research studies on hypnosis have been published. It was recognised as an effective treatment by the British Medical Association and American Medical Association as far back as the 1950’s and more recently, as a treatment for obesity by the American Psychological Association and for Irritable Bowel Syndrome by the National Institution for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) for the NHS.
Can anybody be hypnotised?
Most people can be hypnotised if they are willing, but nobody can be hypnotised against their will. Nor does being hypnotsied show that a person is weak minded; it only indicates their willingness to participate in the process of hypnosis.
Will you be in control of me?
No.
In the sessions, you remain completely in control throughout – you could get up and walk away if you felt like it during a session – but you should feel relaxed enough to not bother! If you cannot imagine reaching your goal without outside help at the moment, then that is when hypnotherapy can help. We will work together to help you to reach your goal until you feel comfortable with your new changes and feel ready and able to act freely without my help.
Will you make me bark like a dog?
Comedy stage hypnosis has very little to do with Clinical Hypnotherapy and has been shown to foster misconceptions which can prevent people from benefiting from treatment. Clinical Hypnotherapy is very different and it would be unethical for a Clinical Hypnotherapist to practice the type of tricks on their clients that a stage hypnotist employs. Our job is to work with our clients to effect positive changes in behaviour that they want to achieve.
Are you unconscious when hypnotised?
No.
You will feel physically and mentally relaxed and will be aware of everything that is happening around you and said to you. You will be able move if you want to, although you’ll probably feel far too relaxed to want to bother. And you can talk whilst in trance too – but don’t worry, you can’t be made to say anything against your will, and you can even tell lies whilst in trance if you want to. Your secrets are intact!
What does being in a trance feel like?
It varies from person to person. Some people feel very little different from normal, and may even find it hard to believe that they have been hypnotised. Others, as mentioned above, feel very relaxed, and may find that they feel either heavy or light, or that parts of their body have faded away. Some may experience a lovely ‘floaty’ feeling, or ‘see’ colours / images. It is a different experience for each person and you will reach different levels of trance each time.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No!
At the end of each session, you are brought out of trance by the hypnotherapist. If for any reason the therapist did not do this, then you would simply come round by yourself whenever you were ready to.
Will I be asleep in the session?
You might feel so relaxed during the session that you could fall asleep! This is fine though, as the suggestions that your hypnotherapist gives to you during the session are still processed by your unconscious mind whilst you sleep.
What is Online Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is every bit as effective done over the internet with a live hypnotherapist. We use Zoom which is the most secure online virtual platform. When you make your appointment your Hypnotherapist will send you a link to Zoom which you should click on a few minutes before your appointment and follow the instructions. You do not need to download any particular software or to sign up to Zoom but you can if you wish. The benefits of hypnotherapy in your own home is that you can relax fully in your own familiar surroundings. So if you wanted to lie down on your sofa or bed during the hypnosis part of the session that would be fine, similarly if you wanted to sit at a desk that would be fine also. The therapist needs to see you so as long as you have an Ipad, tablet or laptop and can prop it up for the hypnosis part of the session that would be ideal.
I’m still not sure
Please ask for an initial consultation to discuss your issues further. No trance work will take place at the initial consultation if you do not wish to be hypnotised and no charge will be made if you are not happy to proceed. At the initial consultation you will be given lots of opportunity to ask any questions you may have about hypnotherapy before committing yourself. You will be given the time to discuss your issues in an entirely confidential environment and together we will decide the best course of action.
How many sessions will I need?
This is very difficult to predict as each person is different and will respond differently to hypnosis, although as a rough guide most people start to see results within 2- 6 sessions. Until we use hypnosis though, we have no way of telling how effective it will be for you.
There is no limit to the number of sessions you can have as we offer both short and long term therapy.
How often are the sessions?
Sessions can be arranged to suit you and your budget. As a rough guide, we find that appointments work best 1 to 2 weeks apart, certainly in the initial stages. Longer periods between sessions can lessen the momentum as more time is spent “catching up” each time. As the therapy progresses it is quite common for the need for fortnightly sessions to lessen and they can become three weekly or monthly. Some clients then choose to end completely or to continue to come monthly to “check – in” until they feel able to finish completely. Even when ended, there is always the option to come back at a later date. The initial consultation session lasts about 90 minutes and subsequent sessions last up to an hour.
Call 07787 807 609 to book your appointment or book online below:-