Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis. It is completely natural and safe, with no harmful side effects. It is nothing like stage hypnosis, and you remain aware and in control!
What is Hypnosis?
In simple terms, hypnosis describes a state in which someone’s body becomes completely relaxed, which their mind is calm, concentrated and aware – rather like being totally absorbed in an exciting movie. We all go into these natural trance states every day – daydreaming, forgetting chunks of a car journey or getting wrapped up in a book. A hypnotherapist’s voice and visualisations can gently guide you into this wonderful relaxation, which often produces a tremendous sense of well-being.
How does it work?
In hypnosis, the mind is more receptive to positive suggestions and it is possible to access the area of the mind beyond the normal level of conscious awareness – the subconscious or inner mind. Our mind works on two levels. We make decisions, think and act with our conscious mind, while our subconscious is the automatic facility of the mind; controlling our habits, behaviour patterns and containing all our memories. In hypnosis, we can communicate directly with the subconscious.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Yes. Hypnosis is like day-dreaming. If you can let your mind drift off and relax in your normal life, you’re capable of being comfortably hypnotized.
What happens during the session?
First of all there is a detailed consultation during which you are able to talk things over in complete confidence and give details of your problem(s). This is often therapeutic in itself. A course of treatment will then be suggested, the number of sessions that are required will depend upon a number of factors such as the type of problem, its depth and severity.
Usually then hypnosis will be discussed with you and any questions you may still have about hypnosis answered. You will be asked to sit back comfortably and then led gently into hypnosis. The therapist voice will then lead you into a very deep state of relaxation it is normal to experience a sensation of heaviness or lightness in your limbs. The first part of the session is generally very pleasant.
The therapist will have access to a wide range of techniques to help you with your issue and will use different techniques such as imagery working with the part or aspect of the problem that requires treatment Sessions can last between one hour to two hours depending on your requirements. It is also recommended to wear comfortable clothe to ensure greater comfort throughout the session.
Will I go to sleep?
No, although almost all hypnotists/hypnotherapists use the word ’sleep’ during an induction, it is purely a signal to get the mind to relax very deeply, sometimes referred to as ‘hypnotic sleep’ You may look as if you are asleep but your mind will remain very clear and in control.
In fact your will be in a state of heightened awareness focusing on your inner world and reality rather than unconscious. In the therapeutical context the aim of the hypnotherapist is to bring into the open your own inner wisdom and this can only be activated if you are fully conscious.
Will a moment arrive when I am not under control?
No, quite the opposite. This is the biggest, most widespread myth about hypnosis. Powerful changes are made but only ones that you want. In fact, you will enjoy a definite feeling of increased control.
Nobody can be hypnotized against their will. There is a myth that weak willed or simpler people respond more easily. In fact, statistics show that hypnotisability usually increases with intelligence.
So how will I know I’m under?
People go in and out of trances every day and are not aware of it. Have you ever travelled from A to Z by car and wondered how you ended up at your destination? This was an altered state of awareness.
You just feel mentally very, very calm and content, relaxed, focused, and alert, sounds initially become extremely intense as though planes or trains are literally in the room with us and then they drop as background noises. Another component is that everything slows downtime distortion is very common at the end of the session you might feel time went by unusually quickly or slowly.
You may experience initially your throat becoming very dry and sometimes your body temperature will drop slightly. It is though a very relaxing and refreshing experience.
Will I remember anything afterwards?
Yes, almost certainly you will. Even people, who have been able to have operations under hypnosis, and have felt no pain, will often chat about the experience afterwards (and during!). Occasionally people recall very little or nothing, rather like occasions when you cannot recall much or any of a dream.
