Frequently Asked Questions
What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
There is nothing mysterious about hypnosis – the result of a series of well-understood and tried and tested psychological techniques. Hypnosis is 100% safe and can be profoundly relaxing – you don’t fall asleep or lose consciousness and you will be able to hear my voice at all times. You will be fully aware of everything that’s happening. Most important, you remain in full control!
This state of relaxation – together with suggestion and visualisation – secures positive changes in the way you feel, helping you move forward by banishing negative feelings and emotions and replacing them with more positive thoughts and beliefs.
Being hypnotised is just like daydreaming, or the feeling you experience before nodding off to sleep. Many people experience feelings of well-being and feel both mentally and physically calm, but again, fully aware what’s happening.
At the same time, your thoughts will be focused on the suggestions that will help you move forward by letting go of negative feelings and emotions. As your focus increases, your mind will become open to new ideas. What happens during the session is specific to your individual needs, and whatever we talk about will remain confidential.
One of the most exciting things about hypnotherapy is the speed with which positive change can be achieved. Hypnosis often provides a short cut to recovery, which is one of the reasons why so many people benefit from it.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
Ninety per cent of hypnotherapy is… therapy – the hypnosis is just the way the therapy is delivered. The conversation we have at the beginning of the session will help me understand what you want to achieve. This can sometimes be time-consuming, but it’s important if I’m to help you move forward. Almost any issue can be overcome in a way that is entirely natural and comfortable. This is especially helpful with stress or anxiety related issues – as most are.
It might surprise you to know that the mind works more on imagination than it does on reality or logic. If our minds worked logically all the time, there wouldn’t be any need for therapists! Negative feelings and emotions reside in the imagination – but the imagination can also be a powerful resource which helps create a more healthy and optimistic sense of who you are, and what you can achieve.
Using hypnosis, we can change the way you think about things, and by doing that, we can change the way you feel about them, and also feel about yourself. Once you have control over that, you’ll soon forget about the things that used to bother you, because the change can be natural, easy and automatic. We will work on the things we talked about and this is when the real ‘change work’ takes place.
Hypnosis reinforces everything we’ve decided on in the discussion we have at the start of her session. This discussion is the beginning of change. In hypnosis you will be aware of a growing sense of confidence and positivity. Hypnotherapy sometimes involves some ‘mental gymnastics’ – Working together, we will find a solution. I will guide you, but you will be in the driving seat at all times. Even if challenges arise in the future, you will still have the tools and techniques to back on track.
How should I prepare for the session?
It’s best not to eat a large meal or drink strong coffee or alcohol before your session. I also advise wearing comfortable clothing. If you wear contact lenses, you might be more comfortable if you remove them. All you need is a comfortable chair to sit in. All that matters is that we are able to see and hear each other.
How many sessions of hypnotherapy will I need?
Most hypnotherapists spread the treatment over three or four sessions, but this is not how I work. I believe in getting results for the client in one session and I can address most issues in one session. This means that sessions can last from two to three hours, but in that time we will absolutely get where we need to go. After all, what can we possibly discuss next week that we can’t talk about this week? There is no time limit and you will have my full attention for as long as it takes.
Is hypnotherapy suitable for children?
Hypnotherapy for children and young people is effective and safe. Children respond very well to hypnosis as they are naturally quite imaginative. I am willing to see children providing there is a responsible adult attending – usually a family member.
Hypnotherapy can be very useful for overcoming exam stress, improving concentration, and helping with low self-esteem. Also with confidence, perspective and anxiety in teenagers.