FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis can be best described as an altered state of consciousness, during which our subconscious mind is more open and receptive to suggestions that are given.   Everyone has experienced a hypnotic state to greater or lesser degrees throughout their lives without even realising it. We drift in and out of different levels of awareness many times a day, absorbing information on a subliminal level as well as consciously.

For instance the period late at night as you begin to drift off to sleep but where you are still conscious and are still aware of sounds in or around your home is an altered state of consciousness akin to the hypnotic state. A similar situation occurs when you daydream. If you are a car driver you have probably noticed on odd occasions when you have been on a journey and suddenly realised that you have travelled a distance between two points and you cannot recall what you saw or what happened, this too is a form of hypnosis

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is the treatment used to achieve a desired result while the client is under hypnosis. 

How does it feel to be hypnotized?

Everyone is different.  Some people say that their body feels like a lead weight, others say they feel as though they're floating away.  Most people will agree that it's a lovely feeling because they are more relaxed than they have ever been before.

Are there any side effects from hypnosis?

The only side effects are the beneficial ones of feeling more relaxed afterwards and feeling more positive about whatever it was you sought hypnotherapy for.  Hypnosis is a perfectly natural state.

Can I be hypnotized against my will?

No, anyone can resist whereby it won't work. The hypnotherapist cannot make you do or say anything that you would not normally do. Hypnosis is cooperation between two people - your therapist showing you the way and you can choose if you want to go there or not.  

Will I give away any secrets whilst I am hypnotized?

No, you won't say or do anything at all that you don't want to.  If you were given suggestions that you didn't morally agree with you would come out of hypnosis.

Will I be asleep?

You will be aware of everything that is happening and being said the whole time, however you will be so deeply relaxed that you may find yourself drifting into different levels of awareness.  Remember, your subconscious mind is active throughout and it is this that your therapist is working with.

Will I remember the Session?

That depends how deep in hypnosis you are, but generally most people do remember either everything or certain parts of the experience.  You will find that suggestions which have been given to you in hypnosis will resurface in your conscious, thinking mind after your hypnosis and these will be the thoughts that produce positive changes in your behaviour or way of thinking and feeling.

Can I get Stuck in Hypnosis?

Absolutely not, hypnosis is totally safe when undertaken by a skilled professional, if the hypnotist walked out of the room and left you, the only things to happen would be a) You would drift off to sleep and wake as normal a while later or b) You would open your eyes to see what was happening.

What about confidentiality?

Your confidentiality is assured at all times.  Therapists rigidly adhere to rules and guidelines as defined by the various institutions that they are members of. Nothing is ever discussed with anyone else unless  permission has been given to do so

How will I be placed under hypnosis?

You will close your eyes when you feel ready to and be guided into a gentle relaxed state by your therapist who will use various methods depending on your personality.  Often you will be asked to imagine a beautiful evocative location, somewhere where you feel totally relaxed and safe,  where you will be guided step by step to relax more and more. Going into hypnosis should prove to be both a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Do I have to remember things from my past in order to recover from my problem?

Not necessarily; different therapists have varied approaches, but if the cause of your problem is a repressed memory (one that you are unable to remember consciously), then bringing it back into conscious awareness can help you to view the problem from a different perspective and so feel differently about it.         

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Almost everyone can be hypnotised there are those who cannot, and indeed should not be hypnotised and these are the mentally impaired, children under 8 years of age and anyone under the influence of drink or drugs.

I went to a hypnotherapist once before and it didn't work.  Does this mean I'm not able to be hypnotized?

The most common reason for failure to induce trance is lack of rapport.  To overcome this problem, you need to feel that you instinctively like trust and feel confident with the therapist you choose.

Does my doctor have to refer me?

No, but some doctors can and do refer their patients to hypnotherapists

Are Drugs used?

No, not at all, the power of your mind is the only thing we use.

Is there a minimum age for Hypnotherapy?

Ideally 18 as the starting point for this particular therapy because of the techniques used however for basic fears and phobias such as driving test nerves, exam nerves, fear of spiders, nail biting etc a younger individual is no problem.