What is hypnosis?
It’s a state of increased relaxation and focused attention. Your mind will be more responsive, allowing you to make changes to your thoughts, emotions, behaviours and sensations. It is a very natural state, and similar to day dreaming. We all self-hypnotise many times every day…reaching a destination and not remembering the journey? Watching the television and becoming deeply absorbed in what you are watching? Getting lost in a good book? These are all forms of self-hypnosis.
Is it what you see on television?
Absolutely not. Stage Hypnosis involves taking a volunteer into a deep trance very quickly, known as a rapid induction. Hypnotherapy is a much more gradual process, at a lighter level and with emphasis on relaxation. You’ll be aware of what is being said, but you’ll be so relaxed that you probably won’t even have your eyes open!
Can anybody be hypnotised?
Potentially yes, but nobody can be hypnotised against their will. As mentioned above, most people self-hypnotise many times every day.
Is success guaranteed?
No. No therapy can ever guarantee success. However, I would add that, with the Solution-focused approach, we treat from many angles; we help with sleep, we work to reduce stress and we engage positivity.
Will I fall asleep?
It’s unlikely. You may be in a deeply relaxed state – muscles relaxed, slow, deep breathing, eyes closed and maybe a slight drop in body temperature – but you will still have a level of alertness. Even though you may appear to be asleep, you are likely to respond when the hypnotherapist invites you to open your eyes.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnotherapy is completely safe. You will remain in control at all times. Although you are relaxed, you are still aware of what is happening and you would be able to stop the session at any time.
Is it confidential?
Sessions are confidential, and session notes are stored securely, in line with GDPR requirements. There are a couple of exceptions, but these are safeguarding issues, and they would be discussed with you during the Initial Consultation.
What happens during the Initial Consultation?
This is where we gather information, so that we have a clearer picture of the issue. I will explain how parts of the brain work, in relation to the issue, and I will arrange for you to access my audio download. I will also give a hypnotherapy demonstration.
Does it work online, or do you have to be in person?
Hypnotherapy can be carried out in person or online – it works very well online. I offer hypnotherapy for PTSD in person only, but that’s just my preference. I can also visit your home.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No. It is a natural state of relaxation and the worst that would happen would be that you would just wake up naturally when you are ready.
Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely. I am insured to work with children aged 8 and over. It is particularly beneficial for anxiety issues.
How many sessions will I need?
Hypnotherapy is a unique experience for everybody and results will vary according to the individual and their issue. A Stopping Smoking session can often be carried out as stand-alone session, and a simple phobia can often be treated as a three or four session package. A rough guide – and it’s only a rough guide – is six to eight sessions for an issue, but some people achieve great results after three or four sessions, and some people need a few extra sessions. I always aim for as few sessions as needed, and we can discuss this during the Initial Consultation.
Is Hypnosis a New-Age Therapy?
Many people are surprised to learn that hypnosis existed thousands of years ago, as a form of sleep therapy carried out by Priests in Sleep Temples across Egypt, Greece and through to India. “Hypnos” is the Greek word for “Sleep”.