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Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnotherapy

What is hypnosis?

 

Hypnosis is the process of inducing a trance.  It enables access to the unconscious mind.  Whilst the conscious mind may hold negative thought patterns the unconscious mind is more open to suggestion. This means that suggestions can be accepted and acted upon leading to deep, long lasting changes.  

 

What is a trance?

 

A trance is a naturally occurring state which has been experienced by everyone at some time.  It occurs when the mind becomes highly focused allowing the therapist to give suggestions directly to the unconscious mind without distractions.  You may have experienced this when you become engrossed in a film or book and lost track of time or when doing a repetitive task such as mowing the lawn.  It is the same state which you experience whilst daydreaming.

 

Will I say or do things I don’t want to?

 

You remain in control throughout the whole process of therapy.  The aim of therapy is to achieve the things you want and I will work with you to achieve that.  You will not have to reveal anything that you don’t want to and hypnosis will not force you to do so.  You will remain aware of yourself and your surroundings whilst in trance and will be able to talk to me if you wish.  You will be free leave trance whenever you wish and hypnosis cannot make you do anything against your will.  I explain the aims each session and encourage my clients to ask questions so that you can feel confident about the whole process.

 

What is Hypnotherapy?

 

Although the terms hypnosis and hypnotherapy are used interchangeably they are not the same thing.  Where hypnosis is used to help a person make changes to their thoughts and behaviour it is rightly known as hypnotherapy.  It is the therapeutic use of hypnotic trance which is described as hypnotherapy.  For more information on what hypnotherapy is please click here.

Is hypnosis safe?

 

The trance state is completely natural and safe.  You cannot get stuck in a trance as you are able to leave the trance state whenever you wish.  Hypnotherapy is safe when carried out by a therapist who is properly trained, insured and a member of at least one professional organisation so that codes of conduct are followed.

 

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

 

As trance is a naturally occurring state it can be experienced by anyone who wishes to.  If you have a desire to enter trance then you will do so easily.  If you resist going into trance then it is impossible to hypnotise you against your will.  Where an individual has severe learning difficulties or is very young (under 5) this type of therapy is not suitable.

 

What will it feel like?

 

The trance state is relaxing, peaceful and pleasant.  Individual experiences vary with some individuals noticing a lot of internal sensations and some noticing very little.  Often the experience is so relaxing that people look forward to their next session so that they can experience the deep sense of calm and peacefulness again.  On leaving trance you will feel refreshed, relaxed and positive.

 

How long does it take?

 

Your initial appointment lasts around 90 minutes and will involve me getting to know as much as possible about you and your issue. Usually you will not experience trance during this first session but this will vary dependent on the issue or issues which you have attended about.  Subsequent sessions will last 60 minutes.  

 

Each client varies in terms of the number of sessions needed and this will also vary with the issue being treated.  This means that it is impossible to state exactly how many sessions will be required at the first session.  As a guide the average length of treatment is 3 to 6 sessions.  Smoking can sometimes be tackled in one longer session and more complex issues such as depression are likely to require more sessions. Hypnotherapy is a fairly rapid therapy when compared to other forms of therapy such as counselling or CBT which may require over 10 sessions .  

 

The end point of therapy will be negotiated between us and I will ‘terminate therapy at the earliest time, commensurate with the good care and continuing welfare of the client' (National Council for Hypnotherapy ethical guidelines).  You are free to leave therapy at any point if you wish to do so.

 

Will it work for me?

 

Hypnotherapy works for most people most of the time.  No two people are the same and so therapy works differently for different people.  Therapy is is a process which you must engage in fully in order to obtain results. It is not a miracle cure and it will not make you change if you don’t want to.  However, if you desire change and enter into the process with an open mind then hypnotherapy can help you to make changes you never thought possible.

 

Do you offer Guarantees or Success Rates?

 

No ethical Hypnotherapist can offer a guarantee that you will succeed as therapy is a complicated process involving effort from both client and therapist.  It is also difficult to judge success as this may be judged differently from one client to another.  I can guarantee that I will always work with your best interests in mind with all of my knowledge, experience and skills to help you achieve the best results possible.  

 

The provision of success rates poses similar problems. These could only be provided after long term follow up on large numbers of clients.  Even if this were possible the rates would hold little meaning as each client responds differently and therefore the techniques used will vary from client to client even where the presenting issue is the same.

 

Why not give me a call.  I will answer all of your questions and there is no obligation to book an appointment.