Hypnotherapy FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers about Hypnotherapy
How can hypnotherapy help me?
Hypnotherapy can be used to help with almost any problem. We frequently help people stop smoking, lose weight, conquer phobias, manage stress, increase self-esteem, and overcome anxiety and depression.
Are there any adverse side-effects to hypnosis?
There are no side-effects to hypnosis. It’s an entirely positive experience, the benefits of which can be enjoyed immediately. You’ll be in complete control throughout the process, able to stop at any time and cannot be made to do anything, or accept any suggestions, you don’t want to.
What if I cannot be hypnotised?
Any person who is open to the idea can be hypnotised. The exceptions being those who do not wish to be hypnotised or those under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. In these cases the hypnotherapist would not attempt hypnosis. Feeling unconscious is a common expectation – in fact, you’ll usually feel a state of increased awareness and feel completely in control.
Will I remember what has been said to me?
The majority of clients dip in and out of hearing what is being said to them during hypnosis; however your subconscious mind remembers everything clearly. It’s very similar to the way you feel just before falling asleep, when you’re totally relaxed but fully aware of everything around you. You’re neither asleep nor fully awake. If there were unfamiliar noises you’d open your eyes and deal with the situation – and the hypnotic state is very similar. You’ll hear everything around you.
Will I lose control during the session and become trapped in a hypnotic state?
No. You are in complete control throughout and can stop the session at any time. During hypnosis you’ll be fully aware and hear everything that’s said to you. A hypnotherapist cannot take control of your mind but assists you, through suggestion, in taking control of your life and the habits you wish to change. My role is to guide you into a hypnotic state and continue guiding you throughout the treatment, whether you choose to follow remains entirely up to you.
The therapist’s role
My role as your therapist is to guide you into hypnosis and help you discover these inner resources. I’ll help you reach your goals as quickly as possible while ensuring the changes you make are manageable and sustainable. This process will enable you to become the person you really want to be and achieve your full potential.
How does hypnosis work?
Using a combination of visualisation, positive suggestion and analysis we’ll explore the root cause of problems and find solutions – while you enjoy a relaxing, trance-like state. It’s a safe, powerful and effective form of self-healing.
How will I feel during hypnosis?
You’ll feel relaxed – in a dreamy state; a bit like daydreaming. Feelings of euphoria are common, and you’re unlikely to feel `hypnotised’. Many people sit waiting for it to happen’ during the hypnotic state – expecting to be asleep or feel fundamentally different. In fact, the opposite is probably a better description. During hypnosis you are in a state of increased awareness, you may be aware of your eyelids flickering, (rapid eye movement) or your body may feel particularly light or heavy. You may experience a warm tingling in the hands or feet. Sometimes, you may have the strange sensation you cannot feel your body at all. You may feel you don’t want to move, even though you know you can, not wanting to come out of the pleasant, relaxed state that you’re in. Time may also seem to pass quickly.
You may experience a combination of some or all of these. This is due to the transition from the conscious state to the subconscious state and the release of tensions from your body. Remember – whatever you experience is perfectly natural, personal and a uniquely pleasant experience.
Will you make me do silly things?
Absolutely not! Whilst in a hypnotic state you would never do or say anything which you wouldn’t normally do, or which went against your moral code. Stage hypnotists who encourage people to do silly things for entertainment have usually briefed the participants before going on stage and they’re fully prepared to do silly things and comply with any requests. However, you’re choosing to undergo Hypnotherapy for therapeutic reasons and therefore there’s no need for you to behave in any way that is silly or `entertaining’.
What is hypnosis and what makes it so powerful?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness we all experience on a daily basis. For example: when we’re engrossed in a book, emotionally involved in a film, or simply daydreaming – we’re in this state. Have you ever driven to a familiar destination without any recollection of how you got there? It often happens when we’ve travelled a route so many times that our subconscious has been able to drive while our busy, conscious mind has taken a back seat for a while.
This shows just how resourceful our subconscious mind is. It’s what makes hypnotherapy so powerful. While you’re in this pleasant, relaxed state you’re able to access your subconscious mind and your inner resources, resolving conflicts and making the changes you want. It can help you take control of your life and become happier, more relaxed and confident.
