Frequently Asked Questions
There are many misconceptions surrounding hypnosis and the practice of hypnotherapy, which I am here to de-bunk!
Rest assured, I can promise you that therapy with me is nothing like what you may have seen on stage.
Whilst stage and TV shows are for entertainment, genuine hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis purely for therapeutic purposes.
Here are 10 of the most frequently asked questions that I get from my clients, to help put your mind at ease.
If you have any further questions that you would like answered, please don't hesitate to get in touch and I will be happy to help.
1. What is hypnosis?
2. How does being in hypnosis actually feel?
3. Can hypnotherapy harm me, or make me do something against my will?
4. Does hypnotherapy actually work?
5. How can I choose the right therapist to work with?
6. How do I know that you are the right therapist for me?
7. What is your approach/style to therapy?
8. What if I can't be hypnotised?
9. How does online hypnotherapy work?
10. Is online hypnotherapy the same as in person?
What is hypnosis?
Have you ever been driving and forgotten how you arrived at your destination? Or even simply ‘daydreaming’, engrossed in your thoughts while doing something else? These are both examples of hypnosis! Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that we all experience on a regular basis. It is often defined as a state of single focused attention.
I once heard someone describe hypnosis rather beautifully,
as a “deep presence within oneself”.
We get the mind and body into a state of complete relaxation, which then allows us to access the subconscious, where all change is possible.
How does being in hypnosis actually feel?
The hypnotic state will feel different for everyone, however a common factor of hypnosis is being deeply calm and relaxed, almost as if you are at one with the surface beneath you. It has also been compared to meditation, or that warm feeling right before you fall asleep.
Some people will remember everything, whereas others won’t remember a thing. Regardless of whether you remember or not (or even feel as though you may have drifted off to sleep!), your subconscious mind is absorbing everything said.
Can hypnotherapy harm me, or make me do something against my will?
This is one of the largest misconceptions surrounding hypnosis – any genuine hypnotherapist would never give suggestions to make you cluck like a chicken!
The short answer is no.
You are always in control and you willingly choose to accept any hypnotic suggestions. By the same token, you can also choose not to accept a suggestion too.
If you change your mind about the process at any time, you can still speak, move and open your eyes. Hypnosis is a very powerful tool, therefore when used in a positive way, by a genuine therapist, it can be positively life-changing.
Does hypnotherapy actually work?
A study by Dr Alfred Barrios stated that hypnotherapy was actually
93% effective after 6 sessions! So simply put, yes it really does work!
Sometimes, what we want consciously is still being sabotaged by our inner mind, the subconscious, because it has learned other ways of doing things. But using hypnotherapy, we can work with the subconscious and get all the parts of your mind working towards your goals.
However, its effectiveness depends on you as the client and your willingness to change, through engaging fully with the therapeutic process. This includes absorbing the hypnotic suggestions and carrying out any additional ‘homework’ tasks that may be beneficial for your progress.
There is no such thing as a magical or miracle cure, even with hypnosis. Yet with 100% commitment to change, that’s where the real magic happens!
How can I choose the right therapist to work with?
There are a few crucial things to look for when searching for potential therapists to work with.
Are they a registered member with a professional body?
Do they have real qualifications and carry out professional development (CPD)?
How do you feel when speaking to them?
Do you feel that you can trust and open up to them?
If you aren’t fully comfortable with the therapist, you are unlikely to enter hypnosis with them, so it is important to trust your gut instinct!
How do I know that you are the right therapist for me?
Working with a therapist who you feel you can trust is one of the most important factors in getting good results.
This is why I offer every client a free, no-obligation 30 minute initial consultation call, so that you can really get a feel for us working together.
Similarly, if I don’t feel that I am the best therapist for you, I can refer you on to another practitioner. This is to ensure that you are working with the best therapist for you, to get the best possible results.
What is your approach/style to therapy?
I believe that one of the most important elements of my approach is the therapeutic relationship that I build with my clients. Therapy with me is a safe space where you can truly be yourself and explore all that might mean.
You have the freedom to have, do or be anything that you can dream of!
Together, we will navigate your mind with plenty of kindness, compassion and understanding. From there, I can create a personalised treatment plan, incorporating your specific needs and goals for where you want to be.
Each session is collaborative, so you can tell me where you want our focus to go, whilst I can guide you with the right techniques to achieve the desired outcome.
What if I can’t be hypnotised?
Although this does depend on how you define hypnosis, I believe that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, therefore everyone can be hypnotised.
You must be entirely willing to enter hypnosis for it to be possible, as no one can force you against your will.
For example, if you are resistant to the process, dislike or distrust your therapist, then it may not work. Yet this doesn’t mean that you cannot be hypnotised!
It simply means that those conditions were not right for you.
Naturally, we are all unique and every person is different.
Some people may find it easier than others but it is possible for all.
How does online hypnotherapy work?
Once the session has been booked, I will send you a unique link for our Zoom call. All calls on Zoom are encrypted, which means that they are safe and confidential so that only we will have access. I will be in a private office as well, so you can have confidence that nobody will overhear our conversations.
When it is time for our session, simply click on the link to join our call.
Once the session has started, we will begin by gathering a background and exploring your needs. After this discussion, I’ll get you to find a comfortable place where you can sit or lie down and relax into hypnosis.
After your relaxation, you will feel refreshed and alert, ready to take on the day!
It is important that there are no distractions or disturbances (including phones, pets and children!) so you can get the most out of our time together.
Rest assured, I do have contingency plans in place, in the event that there might be internet connection issues, which we will arrange before conducting any hypnosis.
Is online hypnotherapy the same as in person?
Having online hypnotherapy is just as effective as seeing each other face to face!
You do not need me in the room with you, as long as:
You have a stable internet connection
You can accurately hear my voice (ideally with headphones)
You have a device (laptop, PC, phone, tablet) with a microphone and camera
You are in a comfortable and safe place, where you won’t be disturbed.