Frequently Asked Questions
When people undertake therapy of any sort, they often have many questions. Here are some of those I am most frequently asked by clients, however if you have any other queries, I am always happy to answer them so please do contact me.
What is Hypnosis?
The terms 'Hypnosis' and 'hypnotherapy' are often used interchangeably but they actually refer to different things. Hypnosis is the process of inducing a state of deep relaxation, commonly known as a 'trance'. It can be brought about by oneself, as in self-hypnosis, or by another person and it allows access to the unconscious mind.
What is a trance and what does it feel like?
A trance is perhaps best described as a state of deep relaxation combined with very focused attention and heightened awareness. It is a completely safe, natural occurrence and one which we all experience on a daily basis without actually realising it. Examples of natural trance state include drifting into a daydream or becoming so absorbed in a task or a book that you do not realise someone is speaking to you. The experience of a trance will differ for everybody as we are all individuals, however common sensations people report are a feeling of deep peace and relaxation, feeling heavy or light, mild tingling and feeling ‘floaty’. Trance is a relaxing and pleasureable experience which leaves you feeling refreshed, re-energized and positive.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy refers to the use of hypnosis to bring about therapeutic goals. A trained therapist will use techniques such as progressive relaxation to guide the client into a trance so that their conscious mind can relax and their unconscious mind can come to the fore. The therapist can then use a variety of techniques and suggestions to encourage new ways of thinking or behaving, leading to positive and productive changes the client wishes to make.
Will I lose control?
No. When in trance, you will be completely aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times and you also have complete control of whether and when you enter, deepen and end the trance state.
It is likely that fears about loss of control stem from misconceptions about stage hypnosis, where people are ‘made’ to do embarrassing things, however, these people are willing volunteers who are completely aware of what is expected of them and they could choose to ignore the instructions if they wished to.
Is Hypnotherapy safe?
Yes it is. Trance is a perfectly natural, safe state which you already experience in your everyday life. It is not induced through the use of drugs or 'mind control' and you cannot get 'stuck' in a trance because you remain in complete control at all times. As with any form of treatment or therapy, it is best to choose a qualified and registered hypnotherapist so you can be sure they have achieved a high standard of training and that they adhere to strict ethical codes of conduct.
Does Hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy does work for most people and most issues most of the time. It is not a 'miracle cure' or a 'magic wand' that will solve all your problems it is a means of people harnessing their own resources and motivation to help them achieve their goals. We all have the ability to change ourselves but sometimes we need help to access our skills and my role as a hypnotherapist is to facilitate this, helping you to make long-lasting and productive changes that will truly enhance your life.
Do you offer guarantees or success rates?
This is a natural question that people ask when coming for treatment, however, in accordance with professional guidelines, I don't offer these for several reasons. Hypnotherapy, like all forms of treatment, including medicines, works differently for each individual. No two people and no two issues will ever be identical so offering a guarantee about what will definitely be the result of treatment is irresponsible and unethical.
Equally, I do not offer claims about success rates because it would be impossible to verify these unless every client was monitored for the rest of their life. Also, the view of what constitutes success is subjective and will vary from one person to another so any claims actually hold little value. Ultimately, hypnotherapy is a highly personal experience and it will be different for everyone. What I do guarantee is that I am dedicated to bringing all my knowledge, skills and experience to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and that I am committed to acting in your best interests at all times.
When people undertake therapy of any sort, they often have many questions. Here are some of those I am most frequently asked by clients, however if you have any other queries, I am always happy to answer them so please do contact me.
What is Hypnosis?
The terms 'Hypnosis' and 'hypnotherapy' are often used interchangeably but they actually refer to different things. Hypnosis is the process of inducing a state of deep relaxation, commonly known as a 'trance'. It can be brought about by oneself, as in self-hypnosis, or by another person and it allows access to the unconscious mind.
What is a trance and what does it feel like?
A trance is perhaps best described as a state of deep relaxation combined with very focused attention and heightened awareness. It is a completely safe, natural occurrence and one which we all experience on a daily basis without actually realising it. Examples of natural trance state include drifting into a daydream or becoming so absorbed in a task or a book that you do not realise someone is speaking to you. The experience of a trance will differ for everybody as we are all individuals, however common sensations people report are a feeling of deep peace and relaxation, feeling heavy or light, mild tingling and feeling ‘floaty’. Trance is a relaxing and pleasureable experience which leaves you feeling refreshed, re-energized and positive.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy refers to the use of hypnosis to bring about therapeutic goals. A trained therapist will use techniques such as progressive relaxation to guide the client into a trance so that their conscious mind can relax and their unconscious mind can come to the fore. The therapist can then use a variety of techniques and suggestions to encourage new ways of thinking or behaving, leading to positive and productive changes the client wishes to make.
Will I lose control?
No. When in trance, you will be completely aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times and you also have complete control of whether and when you enter, deepen and end the trance state.
It is likely that fears about loss of control stem from misconceptions about stage hypnosis, where people are ‘made’ to do embarrassing things, however, these people are willing volunteers who are completely aware of what is expected of them and they could choose to ignore the instructions if they wished to.
Is Hypnotherapy safe?
Yes it is. Trance is a perfectly natural, safe state which you already experience in your everyday life. It is not induced through the use of drugs or 'mind control' and you cannot get 'stuck' in a trance because you remain in complete control at all times. As with any form of treatment or therapy, it is best to choose a qualified and registered hypnotherapist so you can be sure they have achieved a high standard of training and that they adhere to strict ethical codes of conduct.
Does Hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy does work for most people and most issues most of the time. It is not a 'miracle cure' or a 'magic wand' that will solve all your problems it is a means of people harnessing their own resources and motivation to help them achieve their goals. We all have the ability to change ourselves but sometimes we need help to access our skills and my role as a hypnotherapist is to facilitate this, helping you to make long-lasting and productive changes that will truly enhance your life.
Do you offer guarantees or success rates?
This is a natural question that people ask when coming for treatment, however, in accordance with professional guidelines, I don't offer these for several reasons. Hypnotherapy, like all forms of treatment, including medicines, works differently for each individual. No two people and no two issues will ever be identical so offering a guarantee about what will definitely be the result of treatment is irresponsible and unethical.
Equally, I do not offer claims about success rates because it would be impossible to verify these unless every client was monitored for the rest of their life. Also, the view of what constitutes success is subjective and will vary from one person to another so any claims actually hold little value. Ultimately, hypnotherapy is a highly personal experience and it will be different for everyone. What I do guarantee is that I am dedicated to bringing all my knowledge, skills and experience to helping you achieve the best possible outcome and that I am committed to acting in your best interests at all times.
