Frequently asked questions

What is hypnotherapy?

The term “hypnosis” comes from the Greek word hypnos, meaning “sleep.” This is in fact a misnomer. People under-going hypnosis are not in fact asleep. More correctly, hypnosis is being in a state of deep relaxation.

Qualified hypnotherapists use proven techniques to bring about deep relaxation, which results in an altered state of awareness. This is also known as a trance. It’s a natural phenomenon. You’ve probably already experienced it. Most people recall occasions when feeling ‘captivated’ or ‘fascinated’ by something without being aware of it. Examples include driving and not able to recall the whole journey, or being absorbed in a good book, watching a movie, making love. These are all altered states of awareness. It is when you are in this highly suggestible state that I can help you to bring about your desired changes to thoughts, feelings and behaviours. In this state your thoughts become more focused and responsive to positive suggestions.

The process works at the unconscious level free from the intrusion of everyday, concerns, decisions or the re-playing of old thoughts. In this relaxed and safe state reflection and reframing can take place. Using the right technique chosen especially for you, options for the future can be explored, negative thoughts reduced and positive ones reinforced.

Hypnosis is a completely safe and proven complementary therapy for a wide range of disorders.

What happens during a visit to the hypnotherapist?

During your visit, I will invite you to tell me about your needs or concerns and then I will take a full case history (including any relevant medical conditions). I will explain what hypnosis is and how it works.

Your first full session will take approximately 90 minutes and during this time we will work together to agree your desired outcome and develop a tailored treatment plan to meet your specific needs.

Typically, a session will start with a series of relaxation exercises, including breathing control and letting go of critical thoughts. You may feel asleep and awake at the same time. I will invite you to imagine a favourite place of relaxation where you feel most at ease. Within this safe place you will become more relaxed, free from the intrusion of critical thoughts. You will be responsive to the positive suggestions and equipped to make the changes necessary to achieve your desired outcomes.

I will also teach you self-hypnosis techniques for you to use at any time to reinforce the positive behaviours and achieve your desired outcome. I’ll then restore you to full consciousness ready to get on with life and a new you.

Will I be in control?

Yes. With me, you are always in control and retain your own free will throughout the whole process.

Will I lose control?

No. You remain in control at all times. Hypnosis is a voluntary state that you can choose to stop at any time. You will not do or say anything that you do not wish to do.

Is it right for everyone?

Hypnosis has the capacity to work for the majority of patients, but some are more susceptible to suggestions than others particularly those who are willing to use their imagination.

From my experience, patients who are fully committed to the process and who feel confident in the therapist benefit most.

Hypnotherapy is not used alone for deep seated psychological disorders where the expertise of a qualified psychiatrist or psychotherapist is required. See below.

When should I seek help before seeing a hypnotherapist?

If you have any type of mental health problem, suffer from severe stress or anxiety, addiction, eating disorder, insomnia or serious illness, you must seek advice from your doctor before engaging a hypnotherapist.

You should always seek advice from your doctor first if you have an undiagnosed physical problem causing you pain or discomfort.

You shouldn’t use hypnotherapy if you suffer from psychosis or certain types of personality disorder. * Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them. This might involve hallucinations or delusions. * Personality disorder is a condition in which an individual differs significantly from an average person, in terms of how they think, perceive, feel or relate to others.

Is the session confidential?

Yes. As a qualified hypnotherapist, I am bound by a professional code of ethics that guarantees client confidentiality.

The only exception is if I have reason to believe that you are likely to cause harm to yourself or others. In which case I will seek confidential advice from my assigned supervisor. All professional hypnotherapists have a nominated supervisor for such cases.

What hypnotherapy is and isn't