Hypnotherapy – Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Hypnotherapy?
What is Hypnosis?
What is Hypnotherapy?
Is Hypnosis safe?
What does hypnosis feel like?
Can I be made to do anything against my will?
Can anyone be hypnotized?
Will I lose control?
Will I get stuck in hypnosis?
How many sessions will I need?
How long does a session last?
How much does a session cost?
How do I book a session?

Why choose Hypnotherapy?

Because the changes are more effective, rapid, and long-lasting.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is often described as a focus on a single thought, idea or action.  It is a natural state of mind that we all experience at least twice a day as we go into and awaken from sleep.  We also enter a state of hypnosis when we are engrossed in a good book; when we’re daydreaming; whilst watching a gripping film; when we’re driving and don’t know how we got from A to B; or when we are performing a specific task or are engaged in a creative activity like painting or playing a musical instrument.  All of these are examples of an altered state of mind, when we’re focusing on something so intensely that everything else falls to the wayside.

Hypnosis is a way of stepping over or bypassing the conscious mind (intellectual, reasoning, logical mind) and accessing the unconscious mind (intuitive, resourceful, creative mind) to make powerful and profound changes to the thought processes, behavioural patterns, as well as the beliefs systems of an individual. It is often described as a ‘door’ opening from the conscious mind to the subconscious mind  as a way of gaining access to the untapped resources we all carry deep  within the recesses of our mind.  Mainly, hypnosis enables you to use your subconscious resources for changing your behaviour.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis or the altered state of consciousness  for a  therapeutic purposes. During the hypnotic state, which is characterised by a pleasant state of relaxation,  heightened imagination and sensory awareness,  the subconscious part of the mind becomes more accessible and increasingly receptive to new ideas, behaviours and suggestions which are designed by the hypnotherapist to bring about all the positive changes that the client wants to make.

Hypnotherapy has two parts to it:  Hypnosis and Therapy.  The hypnosis part is not a treatment in itself but a good way to prepare you to “open the door” and reach into  the subconscious part of your mind which controls your deeper thoughts and behaviour.  This is done through deep Relaxation Hypnosis which helps you to focus and think clearly.  When you are stressed, angry or anxious, you can’t think clearly as your emotions are out of your control. With hypnosis you can learn to slow down, relax your mind and body whenever you need to,  and therefore put yourself in a position where you can think clearly, take control, and help yourself to do whatever it is you want to do.  Therapy follows hypnosis, and this is a form of treatment through which all your unwanted behaviour eg bad habits, negative self-talk, phobias, addictions, or bad memories etc – can be dealt with once and for all.

Depending on the presenting problem, the nature and severity of the symptoms,  and the desired outcomes, therapy can take the form of  Positive Suggestions and/or  Hypnoanalysis and Regression Therapy to help you change yourself and your life so that you can think and act positively.  No other therapy can achieve all of this in such a short time, and with such long lasting effect.

Is Hypnosis safe?

Yes, it is a safe and natural state that we all go in and out of throughout the day, perhaps without even being aware of it. For example, if someone is trying to talk to you and you’re ‘miles away’ not hearing a single word, that is a trance or hypnotic state. Hypnosis and hypnotherapy is a safe, beneficial  and drugs-free treatment for emotional and psychological problems.  Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy practised by a trustworthy and professionally qualified therapist is completely safe with no harmful side effects. Hypnosis is proven to be a quick and efficient method for providing treatment for many emotional issues and for creating balance between mind, body and spirit.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Everyone experiences hypnosis differently and while there is no such thing as a ‘hypnotised feeling’, most people feel comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. It is common to feel a sense of heaviness of the arms or legs, or tingling sensation in fingers, or even a floating feeling.  Generally, it’s described as an enjoyable experience.

Can I be made to do anything against my will?

The hypnotherapist has no power over you at all, and can’t make you do things against your will.  If you feel uncomfortable with any suggestions made, you are able to reject them at will.  Hollywood hype would have us believe that a hypnotist can control and direct our actions, and that we can be made to do all sorts of unimaginable things under hypnosis.  This is absolutely false.  Your hypnotist is not some supernatural being with extraordinary powers.  He or she is human, just like you, and his or her art is to condition the human mind through positive suggestions to make things better for you -  by expanding your awareness of what is possible for you.

Can anyone be hypnotized?

Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be hypnotised.  You can’t be forced into hypnosis against your will, as all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  If  people believe and expect to be hypnotised then they will be – they’ll easily enter a deep state of relaxation and focused awareness.

Will I lose control?

Absolutely not, you will remain in control and aware at all times during the session.  One of the greatest myths about hypnosis is that while in hypnosis the individual will lose control and say or do whatever the hypnotherapist tells them to say or do, and that they won’t remember it afterwards.  This is not in the slightest bit true. In hypnosis you cannot be forced, manipulated, or programmed to do anything you do not truly want to say or do.  Hypnosis can only enhance and magnify your ability to achieve those things you truly want to achieve, whilst remaining fully in control.  All hypnosis is self-directed and self-controlled, and is based on an equal relationship between the therapist and client.  During the hypnotic state, you will be able to hear, speak,  and move easily and normally.

Will I get stuck in hypnosis?

No, this can’t happen.  At the end of the session the hypnotherapist uses an awakening suggestion that brings the client gently and naturally back from the relaxed state.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the type of problem and the progress being made.  Each person and each presenting issue is unique and therefore the number of session will vary.   Even people with similar issues may need different number of sessions.  While some simple problems such as smoking, breaking habits etc.  get resolved in a couple of sessions, other more deep rooted problems take longer – anything between 6 to 15 sessions.  Sessions take place weekly or fortnightly, again depending on the needs of the individual.

How long does a session last?

A single session is 1 hour and a double session is 2 Hours. There are daytime and evening appointments available, and you can view the times and location here.

How much does a session cost?

The fee for 1 hour Hypnotherapy & NLP Coaching is £65. The  Stop Smoking  program is £195 which includes 1 hour Assessment and 2 hour stop smoking session, plus 1 hour follow up or booster session (if required) at £65.  You can check the current fees here.

The Hypno-Band Weight Loss System is 5 sessions at £495 and includes Assessment, Intake and Follow-up Sessions.  Please see Hypno-Band for more information.

If you’d like to discuss any particular concern then please feel free to call 0118 947 6134 or 07846 989439 and find out how I can help.

How do I book a session?

If you’re seriously considering hypnosis & hypnotherapy to help you achieve your goals or to overcome some difficulty in your life, and you feel now is the time to do it, please do get in touch by calling 0118 947 6134 or 07846 989439, or send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

You can be rest assured that all enquiries are dealt with the highest discretion and in strictest confidence.

I look forward to hearing from you.