Frequently Asked Questions

What does being in a trance feel like?

The experience is different for each person. Most people feel a deep sense of relaxation. Some people have described it as feeling light and weightless, others feel their body as heavy and very comfortable. Some also compare it to being in a meditative state. You should be able to hear what’s being said. Some people can hear and concentrate on every word, whereas others drift in and out knowing that the session is being recorded so they can listen to whatever they may have missed later. Being an inwardly focused state, it’s also a state of high receptivity.

Will I lose control?

No, you will remain in control. This is not stage-hypnotism. You won’t be behaving like an animal or anything. This is for professional and therapeutic use only. Just like in the waking state you can pick and choose what thoughts you listen to and take on-board. Even in a relaxed hypnotic state of mind, you are still able to hear what is said and make decisions for yourself.

TOP 10 MYTHS

1. A hypnotist will make you do embarrassing things.

FACT A clinical hypnotherapist would never do this. A stage hypnotist, on the other hand, do so because it is expected of them as an entertainer. Participants normally agree to be involved in the act. Clinical Hypnotherapy is only used to help fulfil therapeutic goals by enabling the subconscious to make positive changes.


2. I can't be hypnotized because my mind is too strong. Only weak people can be hypnotized.

FACT This has been proven to be untrue. An open mind is actually a strong mind. It depends on what people think the experience will be like. It is not something that is “done” to you. Many people are aware of everything that is being said and if they don’t agree with something, they can reject that idea just as if they were wide awake.

3. Hypnotists swing a watch to hypnotise a subject.

FACT This is outdated these days and rarely used. It is more like a guided relaxation exercise.

4. What if I fall asleep and have no memory of the session?

FACT Hypnosis is often found to be very relaxing and occasionally some people may drift off to sleep. However, most people are able to relax and also listen clearly to every single word. There are medical studies that show that even in deep hypnosis a person is still aware and are concentrating at some level. The hypnosis session is recorded so that it can be listened to as homework to reinforce the benefits, so if someone falls asleep it doesn’t matter.

5. Someone else will be in control of my mind?

FACT No, not at all. You will remain in control. Just like in daily life, you choose what thoughts you listen to and are able to ignore suggestions that you may not agree with. Even if you are in trance, you are able to make decisions and choices for yourself. It is said that "all hypnosis is ultimately self-hypnosis" and it is you who is in control.

6. You can remain permanently stuck in hypnosis.

FACT You can’t get stuck. You might be so deeply relaxed that you may not wish to open your eyes straight away as you are enjoying the feeling so much. It is a bit like watching television and zoning out where you don’t notice things around you but you become aware as soon as you hear someone mention your name, your focus comes back instantly.

7. You’ve never been hypnotized.

FACT Many people think they’ve never been hypnotised but in reality, we often go into a trance-like state almost daily. Like when we are daydreaming, or driving long-distance or even watching television. The meditative state is similar to being in trance.

8. If I can hear the therapists voice during the hypnosis then it hasn’t worked.

FACT No not at all. That is a big misconception. Even in hypnosis, you should be able to listen and follow the hypnotherapists’ voice to listen to ideas and suggestions offered. Even if someone is in a light trance, the effects can still be as effective.

9. A hypnotist cured me in one session!

FACT Many people have heard this and this can lead to unrealistic expectations. It is not a magic pill. The person may have considered the changes they have wanted to make for some time and therefore was more receptive and willing to make the changes. Often a problem has been around for so long that it’s a deeply ingrained pattern and therefore more than one session is suggested to help enable lasting significant change.

10. Hypnosis comes from the "Supernatural."

FACT Hypnosis is a very natural state that has been studied scientifically and proven to have significant benefits and successful outcomes. Hypnotherapy is based on many years of clinical research and helps people to focus their mind on the ways they would prefer to think rather than being stuck in old patterns and unhelpful behaviours. When a person is calm they are more open to new ideas and have clarity. For example, it is known that some people listen to classical music whilst studying to help them relax and therefore concentrate better. Hypnotherapists are not magicians. (Although the results can feel magical :)

What happens in a session?

In the first session, we discuss in detail what has been happening for you and what you would like to gain from your session. I may take a few confidential notes at this time. We also discuss Hypnotherapy and answer any questions you may have.

A combination of Clinical Hypnosis, Strategic Psychotherapy and NLP may be used. You will be guided to help quieten your mind and thoughts, by focusing on your breath.

Your session is unique to you and is tailored specifically for your needs. Having your case details and the changes you would like to make, I will then begin to help construct new patterns and more helpful ways of processing your thoughts.

You will then be directed gently back from your internal experience to the room. Time may then be spent then talking about your experience. You may be given tasks as homework to reinforce the session and a copy of the session for you to listen to at home. (Never listen to it when doing work, driving or operating machinery). If you have a smartphone, I can record the hypnosis directly into your phone. Please use earphones to listen to the recording. This is only for use by you.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the person and the presenting issue. For some individuals, one session is all that is required. Other times it may take three or more to reinforce the new pattern of behaving or thinking.
I would suggest having the first session to see how it feels and then you can decide whether to upgrade to a package.

How long does a session take?

Please allow about 90 minutes  for the first session. This is to get a good understanding of the issues you are having and to ensure your desired outcomes are established. Subsequent sessions last about 45-60mins.