Frequently Asked Questions

Q How does hypnosis work?

Our minds work on two levels - the conscious and the subconscious (or unconscious).
We make decisions, think and act with our conscious (logical) mind. The unconscious mind controls our habits. Sometimes, we want to change something but find it difficult. Quite often this is because the conscious and the subconscious minds do not agree - it can seem like you are having an argument with your self. For example you may find your self thinking "I don't want that biscuit, yes I do, no I don't" / "I don't want a cigarette, yes I do, no I don't , have one, don't have one" / "I don't know why I do this, I don't want to"/ "A part of me wants to change, but another part of me doesn't seem to want to"…these are all examples of disagreements between the two parts of the mind. In hypnosis we can communicate directly with the unconscious mind - without logical thought getting in the way. We can change the unconscious part of the mind so that the two parts of the mind agree. That means you no longer feel as if you are having a fight or disagreement with yourself. Doing what you really want to do just becomes easy and natural. This is why it is so quick and easy to change habits of a lifetime with hypnosis.

Q What is the difference between Advanced Hypnotherapy and Traditional Hypnotherapy?

Traditional hypnotherapists use suggestions in hypnosis. Research has shown that 70% of us do not respond to hypnotic suggestions alone. Often these suggestions need to be repeated many times - which means lots of sessions - often 10 or more - or needing to play a suggestion tape everyday.

Suggestions can and do "wear off" and so the "problem" can grow back again.

Modern hypnotherapists do not rely on suggestions! Up to five different techniques (incorporating NLP ) are used in a structured way. This means the success rate is much higher.

You will notice a significant change in fewer sessions - usually between one and five.
These changes are usually permanent.

Advanced hypnotherapy literally "re-programs" your subconscious mind with the new behaviour.
So the problem does not "grow back"

Q How Many Sessions Do I need?

One to stop smoking (occasionally a back up is needed)
For other therapies, generally, between 3 to 5 sessions.
Sessions are approximately one hour (to one hour and a quarter) and are usually a week apart.

Q Can Everyone Be Hypnotised?

Yes, as long as you are capable of following simple instructions. The only thing that can stop people going into hypnosis is fear - (fear of the unknown, fear of what to expect etc.) which is why time is always spent initially answering all your questions and ensuring you feel completely comfortable with everything before we proceed.

Q Will I be Asleep?

No. Hypnosis is the Greek word for "sleep" but you do not "go to sleep". Modern hypnotherapy is interactive and requires you to work with the therapist and respond by talking and answering questions during the session. This would not be possible if you were "asleep"!

Q Will I Remember What Happened?

Yes. You will remember what is said and what you have said.

Q Will all my secrets come out?

If there is something that you do not wish to share with the therapist for whatever reason, then you do not have to. During your session, you have control to say if something is private and you would rather not discuss it. Hypnosis is not a truth serum! You can rest assured anything you DO say during a session is kept confidential.

Q Will I "lose control"?

You are fully aware of everything during a session, so you are in just as much control as you would be whatever else you were doing. A hypnotherapist does not need to, wish to or want to control you during the session! We just work with you to achieve the results you want.

Q I have seen a stage hypnotist and I am concerned that you could make me bark like a dog, or do something I would not normally do.

You CANNOT be made to do anything that you would not feel comfortable doing. You CANNOT be made to do anything against your will. You CANNOT be made to bark like a dog, act stupidly or do anything that you would not normally do.

Stage hypnosis is for entertainment and the audience are there to be entertained. People from the audience are not FORCED to take part, they are invited up on stage and go voluntarily. They volunteer. They know if they go up on stage they may be asked to do silly things and so if they are not comfortable with that, they either do not go up in the first place, or they soon go back to their seats!

Q I am worried I may not "wake up" from hypnosis

Being in hypnosis is like being in a "day dream". It is just like you have been resting in a chair, or lying down, without being asleep. Have you ever heard of anyone getting "stuck" or not waking up from a daydream or a rest? Even if the therapist left the room and did not came back - (which would never happen anyway!) - you would soon just return to your usual waking state - just as you would if you were resting with your eyes closed in a chair at any other time.

Q I find it difficult to relax, do I need to relax to be hypnotised?

No. You do not need to be relaxed in order to be hypnotised. Relaxation is one of the methods that can be used, but there are several others.

Q What does it feel like to be hypnotised?

There is no particular feeling in hypnosis. It can feel relaxing. It probably feels the most like being in a day dream. It is a natural state for us to be in - as we all have day dreams! We are in and out of our "own little world" several times a day. In hypnosis we call that state a "light trance" but in actual fact it is the same as being in a day dream. Common examples of this are: if you are driving, or riding a bike, and you happen to be "miles away" or in a world of your own you don't notice the traffic lights have changed from red to green (until somebody "beeps" you!) If you happen to be watching a film and are carried away with the characters, you almost feel that you are there with them. If you are reading a book and are absorbed in the story, imagining all the things you read really happening. If you are listening to some music and are so absorbed in that, perhaps you didn't notice it got dark outside, or that time had passed by quite so quickly.
If you have ever been in a "world of your own", or a day dream, or fantasy, then you have already been in a "light trance". You do not need to be in a deep trance state for this therapy to work.

Q How will I know I am hypnotised?

Most people cannot tell the difference between the hypnotised and waking states. Some people feel very relaxed and lethargic, other people feel a lightness. One thing that people do notice is an inexplicable change in their daily behaviours.

Q Does it work?

For most people, yes. Hypnotherapy is NOT a magic wand, and nothing can be 100% guaranteed. You must be committed to wanting to change. The hypnotherapist cannot MAKE you do something you do not really want to do in the first place. But as long as you genuinely want to change, and are ready to change, but need some help to do so, then this type of hypnotherapy can help you to achieve those changes easily. (Sometimes where years of other therapy has failed.)

Q Is it safe?

Yes. Hypnosis is a safe and natural therapy.
We cannot change your personality, or who you really are. But we can change the habits and behaviour patterns that you want to change.

Q Are there any side effects?

Unlike taking medication, there are no side effects. This is a natural therapy. Using what we already have - the power of our own mind.

Q I am frightened or worried by the thought of hypnosis - could you still help me?

Yes. It is important that we deal with any concerns or worries first, so that you feel comfortable with everything. When you feel comfortable, we can use hypnosis, if you still do not feel comfortable about it, then there are several other ways to help too (such as other therapies and techniques - counselling, emotional freedom technique, NLP etc.) without necessarily using hypnosis. However, hypnotherapy is often the shortest route to fixing many problems.

Q Can I bring my friend or partner with me ?

If your friend or partner wants to come in with you for a consultation or to sit in with you while you have a therapy session - please ask your therapist.

Q My friend and I have the same problem - can we have our therapy both at the same time?

Please note that even if two people share the same problem - no two people are exactly the same. For that reason - we do not do "shared therapy" - even if we are using the same techniques for the same problem - those techniques will be uniquely tailored to suit each person - and so no two sessions are exactly the same. We find, in our experience, shared or group therapies have a lower success rate.

Q Will hypnosis compromise my religious beliefs?

There is no reason for it to. Hypnosis works with the power of your own mind to help you to make the changes you want. This is not a New Age or spritual healing therapy. It does not involve any "past life regression".
Many people with various backgrounds and beliefs have all benefitted from this type of therapy.

Q Do you offer past life regression?

This is not part of the regular therapy offered. However, if you are particularly interested in this and want to experience it, then please discuss it at your consultation.

If you have any other questions not answered here, please ask by phone or e-mail.