What is hypnosis like?
Hypnosis is just like being cosy and dreamy in bed when you have just woken in the morning. There is an awareness of surroundings, but a willingness to drift with the images that appear like dreams. It is an enjoyable state of deep relaxation in which the subconscious mind is ready to accept suggestions that bring about desired changes.
Am I unconscious during hypnosis?
No, you will be aware of everything that's happening. However, you will be in a deeply relaxed state. Most people find the experience very pleasant and comfortable and say they would have liked to have stayed there for longer.
Can you make me tell you anything under hypnosis?
No, I can't. You are always in control. If you don't want to say anything then I can't make you.
Can you make me do anything you want, like being a chicken or a dog?
This kind of thing is reserved for entertainers and extraverts who like to show off and play pretend games. It has no place in serious clinical hypnotherapy. Hypnosis can reduce inhibitions but it still can't make you do anything you don't want to do.
How long is a session?
A free initial consultation is always offered to determine if hypnotherapy will help you. These sessions last for approximately 45 minutes.
Each session thereafter is approximately 60 minutes in duration.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions will vary from person to person as each persons needs are different. This number will vary according to the nature of your present issues and the depth to which you would like to explore these issues.
How much does hypnotherapy cost?
My fees are charged on a ‘sliding scale’ – to allow access for all.
The fee generally ranges from £10.00 to £60.00 per one hour session.
The first or initial session will always be free.
How confidential is counselling?
I aim to provide a safe, comfortable and confidential counselling and therapy service for clients.
All sessions will be private and confidential. Confidentiality is maintained within the ethical and practice guidelines of the hypnotherapy society (www.hypnotherapysociety.com).
How long does a cure produced by hypnosis actually last?
This depends on how much subconscious change is brought about in the first place. Hypnosis helps to make the change process easier and more natural so that the desired changes seem effortless. If a change has been made to a flawed fundamental belief system, then the cure will be permanent and last for a life-time. If only superficial changes have been made, then it might be only a few days or weeks. This however will still allow a window of opportunity to occur in a person’s life for change to happen. Those people who are motivated to change have the most success.
Does it always work?
No, no more than any other form of medicine, complimentary OR orthodox does. If I detect our session together are not benefiting you, you will be released so that you may seek the help you need. Sometimes another hypnotherapist might produce the desired result where the I could not, because of the different client/therapist 'mix'.
What ethical, legal and moral issues are involved in the use of hypnosis?
From a professional point of view, hypnosis should be used ONLY for the benefit of patients and clients - and not for any other reason at all. I do work in accordance with the code of ethics set out by the Hypnotherapy Society. For more information go to www.hypnotherapysociety.com
Can it do me any harm?
Hypnosis is as safe as falling asleep. Hypnosis is deep relaxation with suggestion and guidance from the hypnotherapist as to where your subconscious mind needs to focus. There is nothing harmful in relaxation. Many people have received great benefit from the experience.
Is there anybody who should not be hypnotised?
To a large extent, it depends on the sort of therapy being employed. Some argue that anybody suffering from epilepsy should never be hypnotised, however no literature has cited an epileptic fit being triggered by hypnosis. That said i f you suffer from epilepsy, then I do not advise hypnosis other than under the supervision of your medical doctor or a psychiatrist.
Where psychotic individuals are concerned, I am not skilled or experienced to work with them. Regression/analytical therapy is also best avoided with pregnant women and heart attack/stroke victims.
Are you able to see children?
I am sorry but I am unable to offer counselling to families and children.
Do you treat addictions?
I do not see those who are addicted to substances as this is a specialised area.
