What is hypnosis?

A natural state of absorbed concentration combined with heightened awareness. People experience this state naturally throughout each and every day. Common examples might include, day dreaming, when you are totally immersed in a book or TV show, engrossed in a favourite hobby or when driving. There is no one particular hypnotic feeling as such and everyone experiences it in a slightly different way, so most people don't normally realise when they have entered the state. They just feel very pleasantly comfortable. Hypnosis is simply a state of mind, in much the same way that happiness is a state of mind.

One common misconception is that hypnosis is some form of magic or supernatural power, this is simply not true. Hypnosis is a perfectly normal and natural state of mind that almost anyone can enter at will.

All hypnosis is really self hypnosis, which means that the hypnotist is guiding you into hypnosis, rather than doing hypnosis to you, therefore you always have control and a choice over what happens.

What is hypnotherapy?

In hypnotherapy you are guided into the state of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes. It is literally therapy done while in the state of hypnosis and can be thought of as an effective and speedy form of psychotherapy. Hypnotherapy can change your patterns of behaviour and perceptions, enabling irrational fears, phobias, habits, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome. With the help of the hypnotherapist, you are able to look at problems differently and maybe discover solutions to problems that had been missed before. A hypnotherapist will use their knowledge of psychology to effect change and promote wellbeing.

The British Medical Association approved hypnotherapy as a valid medical treatment in 1955 and the American Medical Association followed in 1958.

What if you can’t hypnotise me?

The only people who can’t be hypnotised are those who can’t understand the instructions, those who are completely inebriated through alcohol or drugs or those who don't want to be hypnotised. Everyone else can be hypnotised, but the depths and response levels do differ from person to person.

Are these depths important then to the success of the therapy?

Yes, which is why we generally tailor the therapy to your needs and according to the level of hypnosis that suits best. Some forms of therapy may require different depths of hypnosis.

I don’t like the idea of having my mind controlled.

Again, don’t worry. It won’t be. On the contrary, you will always remain in control, but the skill of the hypnotherapist is to work within your control and still bring about change at a deep level.

As mentioned above all hypnosis is really self hypnosis, which means that the hypnotist is guiding you into hypnosis, rather than doing hypnosis to you, therefore you always have control and a choice over what happens.

Am I aware of what is happening?

Yes, you will remember the details of the session(s), in fact it feels so normal, that many people feel that they weren't hypnotised. You just feel very pleasantly relaxed, much like when you day dream, you don't realise you're doing it until you've stopped!

So I am not asleep then?

Not at all. You will just be very relaxed and your awareness will be enhanced, not dulled. Often you may feel as if you have not been under although in actual fact you have been hypnotised.

Will I be made to do silly things like those you see on stage or TV? And are there any bad side effects?

No, of course not! You will always be treated with the utmost respect, and your confidentiality will be safeguarded. That is why we do on a controlled environment to ensure your best interests are always aminted. Also, do remember that our profession is to make you better, not to make a fool of you.

Is there any cause for concern?

No, hypnosis is a proven therapeutic tool and is perfectly safe, with no harmful side effects.

Can you guarantee me a cure?

Nothing in life is guaranteed, and it is not considered professional or ethical to offer one. There are many factors in your life which are outside of my awareness and influence which can affect the results. However, you can be assured that as a professional therapist, we can indeed guarantee that w will bring all our skills, knowledge, experience and ongoing training to bear in bringing you lasting relief in your problem. It is important to realise that therapy is not a magic wand which 'zaps' the problems away, it is a relationship were we both work together to help you change. Therefore the more involved and committed to the treatment you are, generally the better the results will be.

Why would I need a therapist? Can’t a good friend help me? Why would I need to see someone like you?

Several reasons. First your friend is not trained to deal impartially with such problems. Any hurt or upset or problem you have may also affect your friend, who being close to you, would not have the detachment necessary to help you to deal with the emotional content of the problem professionally. Also a good hypnotherapist works at your deeper psychological levels in order to deal with the problem at deeper levels.

How can I be sure that you are the right therapist for me?

We offer a Free Initial Consultation which usually last about 30 minutes. This gives us the chance to discuss your problems more fully and gives you the chance to think things over, if you wish, before finally making up your mind. It is absolutely essential that you feel comfortable with your therapist. A good therapist will respect all this. It also gives me the chance to determine whether I am the best person to help you, it is after all my job to make you feel better, not worse. If I don't believe that I can help you, I will not waste your time, and may refer you on to someone with more relevant experience.

Are drugs or gadgets like swinging watches or rotating spirals used?

No, today the psychological process of going into hypnosis is now more fully understood and the therapist does not need to rely on such gimmicks. In modern hypnotherapy, the therapists voice and words are all that are used to guide you into an altered state by helping you to focus your thoughts and relax you body.