Hypnotherapy & hypnosis - Hypnotherapy FAQs

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation in which your subconscious mind is very alert and your everyday ‘chattering’ conscious mind is resting.

When you're in this relaxed frame of mind, your brain wave frequency slows down to between seven and fourteen cycles per second. This makes you more susceptible to suggestion.  But don't worry - you'll only carry out those suggestions that you wish to.  You can't be made to do anything against your wishes.

Hypnosis is often described as using the power of your imagination in a certain way. Despite its apparent simplicity hypnosis has long been viewed as a valuable method for changing unwanted habits and behaviours.

You can go to the hypnosis explained page if you'd like to read the full article on hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is simply the use of hypnosis in a therapeutic setting. By guiding you into a state of relaxation, hypnotherapy can help you access your subconscious mind to bring about positive change. It can help you reach your personal goals that were previously out of your reach. The effectiveness of hypnotherapy is in direct proportion to your wish to change.

I'm a firm believer in 'goal orientated therapy'. This means that you decide what you would like to achieve and we work together to find ways of making it possible. Goal orientated therapy focuses on the future rather than focusing on past events.

Although the bulk of my therapy sessions are goal orientated, it's very helpful to spend time dealing with any underlying issues that may be blocking your progress. To do this we can use hypno-analysis. I've trained in both suggestion therapy and hypno-analysis.

You can go to the hypnotherapy explained page to find out more about hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is suggestion therapy?

Suggestion therapy is exactly as you would imagine it - it uses relaxation and carefully worded positive suggestions to help reprogram your inner mind. Although the concept is very simple it's surprisingly powerful. Suggestion therapy can work wonders but sometimes it's not enough. We'd then combine it with other methods such as hypno-analysis.

Scroll down to read more about hypno-analysis.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is hypno-analysis?

Hypno-analysis is a special type of hypnotherapy which uncovers the cause of the problem, allowing us to deal with the emotional baggage that we all carry around. It treats the underlying problem instead of trying to control it or cover it up. Hypno-analysis can help us understand ourselves better. It's very good for looking at - and trying to make sense of - any stubborn underlying issues.

I carry out my hypno-analysis treatments in a way that's gentle and straightforward, yet very quick and effective.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What problems can hypnotherapy treat?

Hypnotherapy is used to deal with all kinds of conditions ranging from emotional issues such as insomnia, stress, fears and phobias, to physical problems such as pain relief and skin conditions. Hypnotherapy has helped countless people stop smoking.

It's a very effective treatment for issues like anxiety, lack of self-confidence and helping people reach their goals. Hypnosis has been used to help people suffering from illnesses: for example, cancer and IBS. The list of issues that hypnotherapy can deal with is virtually endless.

A hypnotherapy treatment can help you tackle the problems that you're struggling to cope with on your own.

I specialise in the treatment of:
	hypnotherapy to help you stop smoking
	hypnotherapy for stress management
	hypnotherapy for lack of self confidence
	hypnotherapy to help you cope with anxiety and panic attacks (including Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

To find out more please go to the full list of the problems treated by hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is self-hypnosis?

Self-hypnosis is simply hypnosis that's self-induced.  It's the process of guiding yourself into a hypnotic state.  Self-hypnosis can also refer to the process of entering hypnosis by means of listening to hypnotherapy or relaxation CDs, or other means that don't require the presence of another person.

Self-hypnosis makes it easy for you to tap into the power of your inner mind. I normally teach you a very rapid self hypnosis technique during your second session.

You can find out more by reading the full article on self-hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is the difference between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis?

Is hypnotherapy the same or similar to stage hypnosis? In some ways, yes. Both hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis use the power of suggestion, but with very different outcomes! The aim of hypnotherapy is to help you overcome your problems, whereas stage hypnosis is done solely for entertainment purposes. In this respect stage hypnosis is very different from hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is hypnosis which is carried out by a therapist in a private, safe environment, and it's aim is to help you deal with your difficulties, find solutions to your problems and gain a better understanding of yourself. The sole purpose of stage hypnosis is to amuse and entertain.

A stage hypnotist often uses some of the tricks and stunts employed by stage magicians. This creates the impression that he or she is in control of the volunteers taking part in the show.  This simply isn't true! All the volunteers are willing participants who are simply following suggestions, not commands.  They carry out the hypnotist's suggestions because they choose to, not because they have to. Many of them tend to be extroverts who would behave in a similar fashion after a couple of drinks!

To find out more see the full article on stage hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Is hypnosis the same as hypnotherapy?

Yes and no! There different kinds of hypnosis. One is stage hypnosis. The others are self-hypnosis and hypnotherapy. In essence all use hypnosis. It’s just that they use hypnosis in different ways for different purposes. When people refer to hypnosis, they sometimes mean stage hypnosis, not hypnosis used in a therapeutic context. 

Hypnotherapy is really a form of powerful form of psychotherapy which uses hypnosis to create the correct conditions for positive change.  When we refer to self-hypnosis we usually mean ‘self-hypnotherapy’. Stage hypnosis, on the other hand is done to keep us amused by asking the more outgoing members of the audience to do something entertaining.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Who can be hypnotised?

In general, most people can be hypnotised assuming they want to be. Hypnosis requires your full agreement. It’s impossible to hypnotise anyone against their will. Some hypnotherapy techniques work better for some than others, just as you'll respond better to some hypnotherapists than to others.

It's worth bearing in mind that if you don't want to be hypnotised then you won't be. Most people can be hypnotised - with very few exceptions. These are people with a very low IQ, those under the influence of alcohol or drugs, very young children and people with certain psychiatric conditions.

Maybe you know someone who claims they can't be hypnotised. Usually this isn't true. In most cases what they really mean is that they don't want to be. They can never be made to against their will.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What does hypnosis / hypnotherapy feel like?

If you haven't been hypnotised before you're probably wondering what it feels like to be hypnotised. No two people will have exactly the same experience of hypnosis or hypnotherapy.

At the end of a hypnotherapy session most people say that they feel warm, safe and very comfortable. Some report feeling heavy, others light. You will feel relaxed, aware of what's being said and able to respond if necessary. The most accurate description is probably that it's similar to the pleasant feelings of mental and physical relaxation that you experience just before you fall asleep.

Find out more about the experience of being hypnotised by reading the full article describing what hypnotherapy / hypnosis feels like.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a hypnotherapist and a hypnotist?

Is a hypnotherapist the same as a hypnotist? A hypnotherapist is someone who uses hypnosis as a therapeutic tool.  Since a hypnotherapist induces the state of hypnosis in others, strictly speaking, he or she is a hypnotist. However not all hypnotists practice therapy and so a hypnotist isn't necessarily a hypnotherapist.

The term ‘hypnotist’ normally refers to a stage hypnotist i.e. a performer who uses hypnosis in order to entertain the audience.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Will I be unconscious during my hypnotherapy treatment?

NO. Some people mistakenly believe that hypnosis (or hypnotherapy) causes unconsciousness, but this isn't true! You're deeply relaxed during a hypnotherapy session and feel very comfortable but your subconscious mind is clear and alert.

At the end of your hypnotherapy session you'll come out from hypnosis as easy as coming out from a pleasant daydream.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Will I be asleep during my hypnotherapy treatment?

The word “hypnosis” is derived from the Greek word hypnos, which means sleep. Despite this scientists agree that hypnosis is not a state of sleep. Hypnosis is not sleep, but a form of heightened attention. You may look as if you're asleep but your mind will remain clear and in control. If you do become so relaxed that you actually do fall asleep, then your therapist is likely to very gently bring you up to a level of focused awareness that'll allow the session to continue as before.

One of the amazing things about hypnotherapy is that even if your hypnotherapist were to allow you to continue to 'sleep' you would still benefit from the session as much as someone who remembers every single word that was said.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What if I don't wake up from hypnosis /hypnotherapy?

Have you ever been stuck in a daydream and not been able to get out? Daydreaming is a hypnotic state. If you can come out of a daydream (which I'm sure you can) then you can easily ‘wake up’ from hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Will I be under the power of the hypnotist / hypnotherapist?

Many people believe that hypnosis and hypnotherapy are forms of mind control. They think that the hypnotist / hypnotherapist will control their mind and be able to command them to think and act in a certain way. Is that what you believe? Well you can breathe a big sigh of relief because, thankfully, that's not what hypnosis or hypnotherapy is about!

You won't lose self-control. You can't be forced to disclose any information that you wouldn't normally disclose. You'll be in charge of your thoughts, feelings and actions the whole time. You'll only accept those suggestions that are helpful and appropriate for you.

Most peoples’ misconceptions about hypnosis are based on stage hypnosis performances. In order to find out more about how the mind control myth is perpetuated see the full article on stage hypnosis.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Do you have to know all about my problem in order to treat me?

If your problem is personal you may feel that you don’t want to give the full details. Thay's quite understandable and perfectly OK. However, everything discussed is in complete confidence.  As a professionally accredited hypnotherapist I'm required to adhere to a strict code of ethics which covers client confidentiality.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Is hypnotherapy dangerous?

No. Hypnotherapy is very safe when practiced by a capable hypnotherapist whose aim is to help you. Your therapist may firstly ask you some detailed questions before deciding whether hypnotherapy is suitable for you.

During your hypnotherapy session you'll remain fully aware of what's going on. You'll be in full control at all times.  Hypnotherapy is natural and completely safe. You have already been in a state of hypnosis many times without realising it. Remember that hypnosis and hypnotherapy are natural everyday occurrences similar to relaxing or daydreaming!

Since the 1950's both the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Council of Mental Health of the American Medical Association have regarded hypnotherapy as a completely safe practice with no adverse side effects. As long ago as 1955 the British Medical Association recommended hypnosis as a useful therapeutic tool which should be taught at medical schools.

Please make sure that your hypnotherapist has adequate training and experience. Don't be afraid to ask your hypnotherapist what his or her credentials are.

Ideally your hypnotherapist should have been trained in both suggestion therapy and hypno-analysis. It's obviously much better too, if your therapist has undergone hands-on training rather than studied only through a distance learning course. A therapist who has studied only through a distance learning course is free to practise hypnotherapy without ever having actually hypnotised anyone during their training!

Reputable hypnotherapists are usually members of professional hypnotherapy organisations and many are registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

Will it be safe for me to drive after my hypnotherapy treatment?

Yes! You'll come out of hypnosis feeling relaxed and refreshed. Your hypnotherapist will ensure that you're fully alert before you leave. If you can drive after having a refreshing rest, then you can drive after a hypnotherapy session!

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

What is the success rate for hypnotherapy?

Does hypnotherapy work? Hypnotherapy works for many people. Therapists and researchers claim success rates for hypnotherapy of greater than 90%. This is for professionally conducted hypnotherapy, followed up with self-hypnosis CDs and self-help exercises. So despite hypnosis being a very normal, natural state, it's much more powerful than most people imagine.

BUT....... hypnotherapy isn't a magical cure for all of life's problems. I hope it will work for you, but I can't promise miracles. Nor can I promise that you'll get the results you want. On the other hand, there's absolutely no reason why it shouldn't work for you, provided that you're willing to devote some time and effort. I know it can and does work!

If you're tempted to use hypnotherapy because you want someone else to take complete responsibility for your well-being without you being prepared to put any effort into the process, then you're certainly minimising your chances of success. You and your therapist must work together as a team. Both of you are required to put in effort and commitment to maximise your chances of success.

Unfortunately I don't have a magic wand!.....But hypnotherapy - often used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques - can offer you a very fast and effective way of helping you to make positive changes to your life, decide what your goals are and help you reach these goals sooner.

In order for hypnotherapy to work for you, you must genuinely want to change. Your motivation must come from you. You should go for hypnotherapy because you are committed to make the necessary changes, not because someone else has said you must. Your expectations must also be realistic. You should realise that hypnotherapy isn't a 'magic wand' approach and that all the changes you want may not happen immediately - although sometimes they do.

According to a research project conducted in the UK, hypnotherapy works so well that 9 out of 10 people who had received hypnotherapy treatment would recommend it to others. But don’t take my word for it!  Give it a go yourself!

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

How do I know that I have been hypnotised?

How do you know that you've been hypnotised?

“Did you really hypnotise me?” is a question I get asked sometimes. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy are very normal states similar to relaxing or daydreaming and so some people wonder if they have been hypnotised at all. You don't have to 'feel' hypnotised for your therapy to work.

There are people who say that they feel very positive and very relaxed at the end of their hypnotherapy session, and yet they wonder if they've actually been hypnotised. It’s simply that their expectation of what hypnosis should feel like was different from they actually experienced during hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is far from the mystical, psychedelic experience that some people expect!

Often the same people who wondered if they really had been hypnotised come back the following week and tell me about much more relaxed they've been feeling, how much more positive, confident etc. Were they really hypnotised? I think the results provide the answer!

So remember that it's not always essential to 'feel' hypnotised for your therapy to be very effective.

Hypnotherapy FAQs - Hypnotherapy and hypnosis frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results with hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy works very quickly. You'll probably begin to feel the positive results during, or immediately after, your first session. By the end of your first treatment you should be feeling less stressed and more optimistic that you can eventually overcome / learn to cope with your problem. 

This doesn't mean that one session is all it will take to sort out your problems. Please go for your hypnotherapy treatments with realistic expectations.

I'm sure you want to resolve your issues as quickly and effectively as possible, and this is what I aim to help you do. I'm confident that you'll benefit from your very first hypnotherapy treatment and so I offer you a guarantee.

People ask me how many hypnotherapy treatments they'll need. Some may require only one session to put them on the right track. However, most people benefit from attending for several sessions. This ensures that the problem is dealt with as fully as possible and is therefore unlikely to reappear in the future.

If you're coming for therapy with a complex or serious issue, you should be prepared to attend for up to six sessions. On rare occasions you may need more. Or you might be pleasantly surprised to discover that you're issue is sorted out in two or three sessions.

Some clients simply enjoy the chance to relax so much that they attend for top-up relaxation sessions several times a year. Think of this as similar to getting your car serviced regularly!

Hypnotherapy and the other psychotherapy methods I use generally achieve very rapid results compared to many other therapies. I use hypnotherapy in conjunction with other methods where appropriate, and find that this can significantly decrease the total number of sessions required.