Frequently Asked Questions

What does being Hypnotised feel like?

It is a very pleasant feeling of mental and physical relaxation. You are not "asleep" and your conscious mind may still be very alert. You can be aware of everything that is said and done throughout.

We have probably all entered a state of Hypnotic trance previously, whether it was during a daydream, being engrossed in a TV program, a film or a book, or if we find ourselves losing track of a journey and suddenly realising we have reached our destination. Many people worry after a session that they were "not really Hypnotised” as they were expecting to experience some kind of weird or eerie sensation or loss of control.

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What happens when you Hypnotise me?

We will induce the Hypnotic state of relaxation using the most appropriate method for you, and employ a suitable therapeutic intervention to address the problem and help you to start initiating the changes you want. There are many different styles of induction available, so there will always be one that suits you.

Once an appropriate degree of relaxation has been reached, we can use a variety of therapeutic techniques to help you achieve your goals.

Post-hypnotic and confidence boosting suggestions may also be given to help you if appropriate. We may also teach you self hypnosis techniques that you can practice at home.

Finally we will bring you out of trance, and may give you some 'homework', such as periods of self hypnosis or a task to complete.

Most people will remain completely aware throughout, but should experience a pleasant feeling of mental and physical relaxation. Everybody is a unique individual and may describe the experience differently, however it is always a relaxing and pleasant experience. You would most likely be able to open your eyes and leave the trance state at anytime you choose (although that would not necessarily be desirable in achieving the goals). In fact many people say that they experience a heightened state of awareness during Hypnosis. You will always be in complete control throughout and can never be made to accept suggestions that are not appropriate or desirable to you.

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Is it safe?

You, the patient, are always in total control. There is no question of being manipulated, or that you will go so deep that you will not remember what you said. A person in Hypnosis is not 'asleep' - they are often more aware of what is taking place than usual and their senses function more efficiently than normal. Anybody (except the truly mentally subnormal, very young children and inebriates) can enter the Hypnotic state. People who have a fear of 'being put under' or 'blurting their secrets out' have a misconception of what Hypnosis is for therapy purposes and consequently need have no such fears.

The only time Hypnosis could be dangerous is where a person has misused drugs before being hypnotised.

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Can I get stuck in a Hypnotic state?

No. Again, Hypnosis is a very natural and normal state and cannot hold anyone against his or her will. If a client were to go so deep as to enter a truly unconscious state (a very rare occurrence), they would simply go into natural sleep and awaken when they were rested. It is impossible for anyone to be `left or lost` in Hypnosis.

After Hypnosis, a person awakens naturally, just as they do after sleep! If the therapist were to leave before counting them awake, the subject would eventually realise that the session had ended and would awaken on their own. Sometimes the subject feels so relaxed that they don't want to open their eyes. If that happens they can usually be awakened quite easily by gently reminding them that we charge by the hour!!

During the session, if there were an emergency, or the subject no longer wished to participate, they could easily awaken themselves at any time.

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What if I'm under a doctor's care or taking medication?

If you have any questions about whether or not Hypnosis will help or conflict with a present medical condition, ask your GP.

In fact with some treatments, we will insist that you consult your GP or dentist in advance, or ask for your GP’s details before progressing. For example, it would be undesirable to remove pain which is a result of an unknown physical condition, before the physical condition has been analysed, otherwise the that condition could deteriorate unchecked to bring about long term problems.

The interesting reaction of Hypnosis on medication is that, over long periods of time, it tends to "potentiate" medication, which means if you're currently taking medication, after a series of Hypnosis sessions, you may find that you need less amounts of it, or a lesser strength of the drug. Hypnosis can often complement traditional medical care and better or more informed doctors favour it. Especially for pain relief and anaesthesia. It can act as an adjunct to medical treatment. Remember that only a Doctor can change your prescription so do keep them informed of what you are doing.

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Do I need to keep my eyes closed?

Generally, once in Hypnosis it's fine to open your eyes from time to time to check where you are. Usually people do not feel the need for this.

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Is it expensive?

No, it is a very cost effective solution. Hypnotherapy is considered to be a “Brief Therapy” which means that only a few sessions are needed to be effective.

Each session lasts approximately one hour and costs £60 with the exception of smoking cessation treatment which is a double (approximately 2 hours) session and costs £120.

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What if I can’t be Hypnotised?

Nearly everybody can be Hypnotised but only if they want to be. People can’t be Hypnotised against their will and even when Hypnotised, they can still reject any of the suggestions given if they are not appropriate.

During the initial consultation, the therapist will determine the most appropriate techniques for you. There are many different techniques and it will always be possible to find an approach that allows sufficient induction to proceed with therapy. The key ingredients are motivation, imagination and an open mind.

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Are there side effects?

Yes, you sleep better and feel more confident about everything.

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Will I remain in control?

You will hear everything, which is being said, but do not need to listen. Everything you wish to take on board you will.

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What if I don't believe in Hypnosis?

It doesn't matter if you believe in Hypnosis or not, you still can be Hypnotised.

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Yes if you wish. Most people feel more comfortable on their own, but it is entirely up to the individual.

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How many sessions will be required?

Stopping smoking is achieved in one session. However, for all other problems it depends on your level of motivation and imagination. Hypnotherapy is a “brief therapy” and can bring about very rapid so expect to see major changes in 3-5 sessions.

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Will I remember anything?

Amnesia is a common Hypnotic phenomena and can happen spontaneously. Generally the client retains as much recollection as is required for improvement.

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Will I go back into my past?

Not necessarily. Regression is a technique employed by most Hypnotherapists but not automatically; not all treatments require regression.

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Does it really work?

Clinical Hypnotherapy has been proven to bring positive psychological and physiological change for the majority of people who undergo therapy with a suitably qualified and experienced Hypnotherapist. The majority of our clients come via personal recommendation from previous clients, who have experienced major improvements in their lifestyle as a result of their therapy.

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Is Hypnotherapy right For Me?

Hypnosis is an effective method of resolving problems that may trouble you. Painless and safe, it is the preferred method for many enlightened people today.

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Is it guaranteed to work for me

Everybody is unique, and unfortunately nothing is totally guaranteed when dealing with psychological or medical conditions. However we will do our utmost to utilise all possible resources in helping you to reach your goal. However Hypnotherapy is not a magic wand that can perform miracles. It does involve your own commitment and motivation to succeed. For example, with weight reduction, you will still not be able to eat a plate of cream cakes everyday whilst losing 10 stone in a week !! However we will use Hypnotherapy to teach you the skills to help you control your eating, to enjoy healthier foods and help find the time and motivation to exercise.

As with all good weight control techniques we will not only want to give you the ability to attain your target weight, we also aim to give you the skills to maintain that weight.

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What if I don't really want to stop smoking?

We have never met a smoker who really wanted to stop, if they did they would not need extra help. Hypnosis can help you become someone for whom smoking is a thing of the past - it does not change your personality, nor make you anti-smoking, you just stop smoking yourself.

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