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FAQs
Trying hypnotherapy for the first time or working with a new therapist can be daunting. Read on for more information about how the process works. Please contact me if you have any further questions. I'd be happy to answer them for you via phone, text or email. There's no obligation or hard sell, just honest information. I will never try to persuade you to book a session.
How does hypnotherapy work?
The honest answer is that scientists aren't entirely sure of how hypnosis works. The best description is that it allows you to reach a deep state of relaxation, letting your mind to be more receptive to postive suggestions. By reframing your thought patterns it is possible to achieve noticible and lasting changes.
Is it safe?
Hypnosis is a natural, gentle and drug-free process. For most people, as long as the hypnotherapist is fully qualified to treat the issue, then it is perfectly safe. Hypnotherapy is not however suitable for people with certain medical conditions or those taking some medications. At the first session, I will take a medical history to ensure you are suitable for treatment. As a member of the National Hypnotherapy Society, I am bound by their code of ethics and as such if it is not safe to treat you, I will tell you and signpost you to where you can get appropriate help.
What happens during a session?
Our first session is mainly a conversation. It's is your chance to tell me about yourself and why you are seeking hypnotherapy. The more I can learn about how your problem affects you, the easier it is for me to personalise your treatment plan. It's also your chance to ask me any questions you may have. I will then suggest a treatment plan and we can discuss the way forward. I may also deliver a short relaxation so you can experience what hypnotherapy will feel like. At the end, if you're happy to go ahead, we can book in further sessions.
After that, a typical session is 50 minutes. We start by you having an opportunity to talk to me about the impact of your previous session. what has worked for you and what hasn't. I then deliver an induction (to guide you into a hypnotic state) and deliver the script where I make suggestions relating to your issue.
What does hypnosis feel like?
It might surprise you to know that you've probably already experienced hypnosis without realising. Have you ever driven a familiar route and arrived at your destination without remembering exactly how you got there? Or got so involved in a book or a film that the ordinary world just slipped away? That was a form of self-hypnosis, where your brain was in a particular state of relaxation. It feels like being in a really calm and relaxed state, although it is not the same as sleep. It can affect people differently. Some people might report feeling light and floaty or heavy and grounded. Some people report being aware of the hypnotherapist talking but not able to remember exactly what is being said while others are able to carry on a conversation. It all depends on you and how deep a state of relaxation you reach. After coming back to full alertness, people generally report feeling a sense of calm and wellbeing. You might feel a bit 'spaced out' for a few minutes afterwards, so its best to allow a bit of time before heading back out into the world.
Will I be in control?
Yes. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis . My role is to guide you into the state of relaxation. As I begin hypnosis remind your subconcious that you are in control and that you can come back any time you need to. Your subconcious is stong and will not let anyone overide it. If for any reason, you want the hypnosis to stop, you will simply come back to alertness. At the start of each session, I will explain to you what is going to happen so that you are fully informed and can give your consent.
Can a hypnotherapist make me do something I don't want to do?
Definitely not! Because the client is in control of the process, it is not possible to hypnotise someone to do something they aren't willing to do. The ususal question I'm asked (thanks to TV hypnotists) is 'can you make me cluck like a chicken?' Again the answer is no - unless of course that is what you've come for help with. Stage hypnotists will have likely selelcted volunteers on their susceptability to go along with the entertainment. I suspect most participants didn't need much persuasion to join in. On the reverse side though, it does mean that if a client comes for help with say smoking but deep down they don't really want to give up, then it is less likely to work. I can't make someone give up an unhelpful habit if they aren't ready.
Can I have my sessions online?
I offer online via Zoom as well as in person. Online sessions can be just as effective as in-person for some issues. To work online, you will need to have certain things in place, such as a quiet private space where you won't be interrupted and access to reliable internet. For more details see here.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on the issue you would like help with. Some issues are straightforward and only require a couple of sessions while others may need more. Sometimes clients come for one issue, but during our consultation they realsie they might be struggling with more than one problem. The minumim amount for effective treatment would be two sessions (including the inital consultation) and it would be unusual to to require more than six. Hypnotherapy is not the same as psychotherapy or counselling. Although we may treat disorders such as anxiety or sleep, it is not intended to be long-term. The aim is to give you the tools to deal with your issues.
What if I can't attend an appointment?
What if I have a complaint?