Frequently Asked Questions

I have never been hypnotised before, what is involved in "hypnotising " someone?

Any new experience can feel daunting at first. I really do understand that.
However, contrary to what you may have heard, the unvarnished truth is that hypnosis is merely a narrowed focus of attention that allows a deep sense of relaxation. It’s a trance like state; similar to day-dreaming which we all slip into each day…for some it’s while they are washing up that the mind goes off on a tangent, others lose themselves in the paper or the TV.

During your hypnotherapy session you will be asked specific questions designed to elicit all the steps of the unwanted behaviour or habit. Then you will merely sit in a comfortable chair and listen as you gradually relax. The truth is though, that everyone enters a hypnotic state many times during the day. For instance when day dreaming, reliving a past event or planning for the future

What if I cannot be hypnotised

You won’t pay me.

I have been told I am too strong minded to be hypnotised.

I wish I had a penny for every time I have been told this. It is way past its sell-by date. There are many daily situations that are intrinsically hypnotic for example:

• Have ever been engrossed in a really good book, and then, looking up; been surprised to find that hours have gone by.
• Or maybe you have been driving home from the office, via a route that you have taken many times before and while you were driving you have been mulling over work or home problems and once arrived home, cannot remember anything about the journey
• What about that commute? Does the sound of that train send you off into a world of your own?
• All the above are natural hypnotic states. As are being engrossed in a video game or a film.

The bottom line is its almost impossible to not enter a trance state many times each day. Any time that you are not mentally here in the present, in this now space, is a hypnotic state as it doesn’t exist. That holds true for worries and concerns about past or future events also.

Is it true that under hypnosis I will lose all control?

People quite reasonably believe this, seeing first hand the effects of stage hypnosis on a person. However, the fact is you cannot be hypnotized against your will.

Of course the stage hypnosis would have you believe that is was a form of mind control. It’s in their best interests to mystify the science and to shock the audience. Who wouldn’t be surprised to find themselves running around in their underpants trying to make love to a broom?

But the point is, as a volunteer is likely to know what could happen, their implied consent is given at the time of agreeing to volunteer. If not they will simply not go into a trance state. And that is why a stage hypnotist needs so many volunteers at the start of the show.

And that’s my point. There is nothing that any hypnotist can make you do that you wouldn’t want to do and that is exactly why no-one will ever make me quack like a duck in public or croon like a poor Elvis imitation.

What if I am unable to wake up?

Again, as you are the one in control, if you are really tired and enjoying the sensations of relaxation you may decide to fall asleep, it’s not unheard of, (although it has never happened to me yet) but I am trained to monitor the sessions and will know exactly how deeply relaxed you are. Whilst it is true that some people decide to obtain the maximum benefit from a deep trance relaxation, they just need a few minutes longer to return to full beta consciousness that’s all.

I have been told that the hypnotist will be able to plant other suggestions in my mind without my knowledge or consent

Then you have been misinformed. Your unconscious mind, the part that is working at breathing and regulating temperature whilst you sleep is the part of you that is monitoring the session. If a Hypnotherapist was unprofessional enough to try and implant something, you would simply wake up.

It’s exactly the same process as when you are fast asleep. Your unconscious mind is still monitoring your environment, and its why, regardless of how deeply asleep you may be, a loud or unfamiliar noise will bring you awake with shocking swiftness

Is Hypnosis dangerous?

Hypnosis is no more dangerous than day-dreaming. And just like you wouldn’t drive a car if you were not alert, neither should you listen to self help audio tapes or CD’s whilst driving, operating machinery or doing anything that requires your focused attention.

How do I know if hypnotherapy can help?

Before any agreement to accept a client I offer a free 30 minute consultation during which we will explore all your issues and agree a suitable strategy. If for any reason either of us believes that you would not be helped by hypnotherapy than we will simply stop there.

What happens if my problem is not suitable for hypnotherapy?

I will endeavour to point you in a more suitable direction

Is it true that Hypnotherapy can cure anything?

No it can’t. Be very wary if anyone tells you differently. Hypnosis is a tool, a resource that a therapist can use to speak directly to both the unconscious & sub-conscious mind. It’s a marvelous way of learning or re-learning old or new skills on a permanent basis, although as everyone is unique, they will, just like schoolchildren or babies, learn at their own rate.

The bottom line though is it still requires commitment from the recipient, if it is to be successful… it’s not magic, and it’s not about passing the responsibility for your behaviour or habit on to the therapist. After all, if you are not fully committed to your own treatment, don’t you think your unconscious mind will be the first to know?

Can hypnotherapy be used instead of medication?

Any reduction of medication issued by a GP needs to be discussed with your GP of course. However, the short answer is of course yes. For instance, if with my help you are able to cure your insomnia you will no longer be taking sleeping pills would you?

What happens to the information I give during a session?

There are only two things I am allowed to disclose to a third party:

1. You have threatened to commit suicide or
2. You have threatened to hurt another person.

Everything else MUST be kept completely confidential.

Occasionally I may need to discuss certain aspects of a case with a supervisor to ensure that I give you the best assistance possible, however in such instances all names and personal details are withheld.

Can Hypnosis be used to make a person confess to something they have done

You mean like a human lie detector test… if only that were so, my poor partner would be forced to “fess up” on command, and wonderful as that fantasy may be, it simply doesn’t work. Add to that the fact that hypnotherapy sessions are confidential and cannot be used in court and you will begin to see exactly why it is not used as a form of lie detector.

If I can get my partner there can you hypnotise them?
First of all, hypnosis works best with individuals who are coming for their own reasons not because they are being "nagged " or bullied into coming.

Occasionally a smoker or a snorer will be pressured into coming to a session by a partner or family member, but during the pre-hypnosis check this will come out and the truth is there is absolutely no point in working with them as I would be wasting their money and my time and reputation as they would simply resist and wake up

My advice, people change when they are ready and not before. It has been my experience that many people dig their heels in when they are being pushed. Maybe you could simply outline some of the more positive benefits they may experience without the problematic behaviour or habit and leave it at theat. You never know, they may just surprise you.

Why can I not find my problem listed?

There are simply too many issues that hypnosis can help…the list would be endless. If you problem is not listed, simply contact me on the contact form provided to see if I can help you.

How would I book an appointment?

Complete the contact form on the website or alternatively telephone me on any of the listed telephone numbers. Should you get the answer phone this merely means that I am busy with clients, please leave a message and include your contact telephone numbers and I will get back to you as soon as I can

What if I can’t make the arranged appointment?

There is a cancellation fee if the required 48 hours notice has not been given. You will of course be given a copy of our terms and conditions during your initial consultation.

If you have any further questions you would like answered please contact us