Frequently asked Questions
"What is a Hypnotherapist?"
A Hypnotherapist induces the hypnotic state in a client to increase motivation or alter behaviour patterns through hypnosis. Through client consultation the nature of the problem is determined prior to preparation to enter the hypnotic state.
"What is ypnotherapy?"
Hypnotherapy is a combination of Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. The Psychotherapy in itself is extremely beneficial and its effects are enhanced by the application of Hypnosis, which enables the subconscious mind to make beneficial changes.
"What am I to expect?"
Many people believe that Hypno therapy is something that is 'done' to them, that they explain their issue to the therapist who then simply hypnotises their problem away, as if by magic. Therapy is a collaborative process and it is important to understand that change happens because you want it to and because you are prepared to take the necessary steps to allow it to happen.
"What is the Initial Consultation?"
This session lasts for about an hour and is free. No treatment takes place during the Initial Consultaton as this session is designed to assess what you want to achieve, to explain how hypnotherapy can help you and to give you an indication of how many sessions will be required and to dispell any fears or concerns you may have.
"What is Psychotherapy?"
There are many different types of Psychotherapy, all of which aim to help people overcome stress or emotional problems. Psychotherapy involves talking together to help clients overcome their difficulties. It is often referred to as a 'talking therapy'.
"What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?"
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process and it is important to understand that change happens because you want it to and because you are prepared to take the necessary steps to allow it to happen.
"What happens at a therapy session?"
After your Initial Consultation subsequent sessions involve much more than Hypnosis. During the first part of each session we will talk about the progress you have made and you will be encouraged to express yourself positively, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Being aware of things that you have been pleased to notice about yourself between sessions. You will be helped imagine your preferred future - a future where you have a more useful perspective on the quality of your life. You will then be guided into a comfortable and relaxed state of Hypnosis so that we can consolidate what we have discussed.
"What is NLP?"
NLP is the abbreviation for Neuro Linguistic Programming and is the applied psychology system invented by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. Having studied many great names in therapy – Milton Erickson, Virginia Satir and Fritz Perls, they came up with a model of how these people thought, felt and acted so that they could pass on their extraordinary interpersonal skills to other people, thus creating a whole system that helps people to make personal change very effectively and quickly.
It is based on understanding how the language we use, the images we create and the beliefs and values that we hold interact with our brain and nervous system creating programmes that affect all aspects of our lives.
"Will you be able to control me during or after a session?"
You are always in control, throughout the whole session. The therapist and client work together as a team and you cannot be made to do anything that you are not comfortable with either during the session or afterwards.
“Is it safe?”
Hypnosis is simply a state of being, similar to when you are just falling asleep or waking up; it is a condition of focused relaxation. Under hypnosis you are always conscious and you always maintain the innate ability to make behaviour and emotional decisions.
“Will I need someone to take me home?”
You will feel absolutely fine after your treatment, in fact more relaxed and alert than before and you will be able to return home, or to work, as appropriate without any concerns.
“Will I know what’s going on whilst I am in hypnosis?”
Yes you will. Hypnosis is merely a focus and is a natural brain wave state that we enter into many times a day, for example during the daytime whilst we are day-dreaming or perhaps going for a bike ride or walking the dog, watching the TV or reading a book or magazine. Whilst you are in hypnosis your senses and awareness are heightened and you will be in control of yourself at all times. In the event of an emergency you would respond rapidly and appropriately.
“What do I have to do?”
All you have to do is follow the Hypnotherapist’s instruction who acts as a facilitator for you. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis and all you need is the belief that it can be done and a desire to do or accomplish something.
“Will I do anything silly, or something that I don’t want to do?”
It cannot be emphasised enough that the person being hypnotised is always aware of what is happening and is in complete control of themselves at all times. There is no ‘Svengali – effect’ with hypnotherapy.
If you have seen a Stage Hypnotist or films then do not be put off. People who get up on the stage really want to do the crazy things that are being suggested to them and this is their opportunity to just do it and have the excuse to act out these crazy things. Rest assured you will only do what you want to do. You will not do anything that goes against your fundamental moral code.
“What does it feel like?”
Hypnosis feels good and is good for you. It has been claimed by many that one hour of hypnosis feels equivalent to getting eight hours of quality sleep. Clients often comment about how 'ordinary' their sessions feel, it is not unlike 'day-dreaming' and you will probably hear every word spoken. In fact, you could think of it as guided day-dreaming. Every session of hypnosis will feel different and sometimes you may not even remember your session. You may feel as if you are floating, maybe sinking down, you will feel very comfortable, very calm and so very relaxed.
We all experience the hypnotic state in our everyday lives - have you ever driven home and not remembered anything about the journey, or been engrossed in a book or television programme and not been conscious of time passing? Have you been out jogging or walking and seem to have got home again without being aware of how long you have been out? If so, you have been in a state of focused attention, not unlike the feeling of being hypnotised. During hypnosis you will be guided into a similar state so that beneficial suggestion can be directed towards your subconscious mind.
“Will I have to remove any clothing?”
No, although you will be asked to remove your shoes in order to lie on the couch, under a blanket and you may prefer to remove any outdoor clothing.
“How does Hypnotherapy compare with other complimentary therapies?”
“Research shows that there is more evidence for Hypnotherapy than any other Complimentary Therapy…., by using hypnosis people can perform prodigious feats of will power and self healing”. The Health Education Authority.
“Are you a member of any professional bodies or organisations?”
I am a member of the Association for Solution Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy and a Registered Member of the National Council of Psychotherapists. A Registered Hypnotherapist on the General Hypnotherapy Register and registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Coundil. I practice in accordance with the ethical and professional codes of conduct of these bodies and maintain comprehensive Public Liability and Indemnity Insurance. In addition I am a Member of the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Practitioners Details of these code can be found at:
Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy
www.AfSFH.com
National Council of Psychotherapists
www.natcouncilofpsychotherapists.org.uk
National Council for Hypnotherapy
www.hypnotherapists.org.uk
The General Hypnotherapy Register
www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com
