Frequently Asked Questions

What is hypnosis like?
Each person has different sensations during hypnosis, but you can expect to experience a deep feeling of relaxation, coupled with an awareness of everything that is going on. Similar states occur when you are engrossed in a good book, or idly day-dreaming.

Your mind will be fully alert, and you will be able to hear everything the hypnotherapist says. You will not be 'asleep' as such, and - if you desire to - you will remember everything that happens while you are in the trance.

 

What is meant by conscious and unconscious mind?
Your conscious mind is that part of your mind that you are aware of as you think and plan and perceive the world around you. This is your short-term memory which can hold thoughts from minutes to hours. Your conscious mind is concerned with the here and now.

The rest is your unconscious or subconscious mind: your long term memory. The unconscious mind stores all your knowledge, beliefs and experiences; some of which you can recall easily when needed, whilst some remains less accessible but still drives your behaviours.

The conscious mind can be compared to the tip of an iceberg and the unconscious mind to the nine-tenths of the iceberg which is submerged underwater.

 

 Will I be in control?
Yes. You will remain in control at all times.

This concern is often voiced by those who have watched stage shows and wondered – quite understandably – if they could be made to ‘do that’.

In hypnotherapy, you and the practitioner work together as a team to promote positive enhancements and you will only accept suggestions that your unconscious mind considers beneficial. You will not accept any suggestions that do not fit into your own moral and ethical framework.

 

Will I divulge confidential information?
Just as when you are in an alert state you will be aware that you have a choice whether to verbalise your thoughts. You remain in control.

 

Will I have to talk in detail about my past?
One of the advantages of hypnotherapy is the possibility of working in a content free way, which means that there is no need for the therapist to know the full details of your issue.

 

Can everyone be hypnotised?
Virtually everyone can be hypnotised – but only if they want to be.

If you want to make a change in your life and seek assistance from a hypnotherapist, then you would want to go easily into trance, and so you will.

 

Are there side effects?
Hypnosis is completely natural, so the only side effects are the pleasant by-products of improved well-being.

These normally include sleeping better, feeling more confident and having a more positive outlook.

 

How long does it take?
Sessions are normally around an hour and a half in length. However, the first session is always longer, as there is more to discuss.

Some conditions can be treated in just one session, such as stop smoking, some take many more. The average is around three to five sessions, earning hypnotherapy its reputation as a rapid therapy