Hypnotherapy FAQ - The Myths and the Realities

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is quite simply a state of mind. It is not sleep, it is not being unconscious or out-of-control – these are rather misleading images portrayed by film, stage and TV. In fact, hypnosis is a very natural state of mind that we all enter into several times a day.

Hypnosis has often been described as a state of relaxation whereby your mind can become more focused on a particular thought or idea. Most of us experience a constant stream of jumbled thoughts throughout our daily lives. Hypnosis allows us to filter out the “noise” for a while.

We all spontaneously enter hypnotic states everyday, without realising. Imagine the last good movie you became engrossed in...or a good book you just couldn't put down... you were possibly so focused on these that you may have forgotten all the things going on around you.

That's really all there is to hypnosis. Hypnosis is very natural and is used as a ‘tool’ for the much more important ‘therapy’ part of the process.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? Hypnosis is the state that a person experiences. Hypnotherapy is using that state for beneficial purposes.

What is hypnotherapy?

In hypnotherapy you are guided into hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.

How exactly does hypnotherapy work?

The therapist uses a form of words that encourages the mind to relax, giving you access to your subconscious and allowing you to suggest things to it. But the key point is that it is you who allows your mind to go into this state; a hypnotherapist can neither induce it nor keep you in a state of hypnosis against your will. Going into hypnosis relies on your interest and willingness to be guided into this different state of consciousness.

How can it help me?

Many people find hypnotherapy helps them get on top of one particular aspect of their lives, such as improving their confidence and self-esteem; feeling free from anxiety and panic attacks; tackling a specific challenge such as public speaking, an interview, or a driving test; achieving long-term goals such as reducing their weight, stopping smoking or nail-biting; beating a fear; or simply moving on from not believing they can succeed. It is basically a form of life coaching.

How many sessions will I need?

There is, of course, a considerable variation in the difficulty of the various problems, and there is no general rule which makes it possible to say how much improvement can be achieved and in how much time. The simpler problems can at times be overcome completely in one session; hypnosis can be extremely effective. More deeply rooted problems may take longer.

During your initial consultation I will be able to give you some idea of how many sessions you may require. As a guideline, resolving simple habits may take only one or two sessions whereas hypno-analytical work is typically completed within six to twelve weekly sessions. Smoking cessation is typically completed in one session of around 90 minutes.

How long does a session last?

A session will usually take one hour. A stop smoking session will normally take 90 minutes.

What will a session be like?

Each session is specifically tailored to the individual and their specific issues.

I may teach and encourage you to learn and use techniques outside of the hypnotherapy session. If you practise these, it will enable you to move on much more rapidly.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

All hypnosis is really self-hypnosis, in that you allow yourself to drift into it, easily and effortlessly. The experience is open to anyone who desires it. If you want to, you can.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes, anyone can be hypnotised as long as they want to be. A hypnotherapist cannot force a person to go into hypnosis against their will. As trance is a natural state for human beings anyone can be hypnotised. Hypnosis is essentially the induction of the naturally occurring mental state of trance. However, there are some people for whom clinical hypnotherapy is not the most appropriate therapy, for example, those with certain neurological conditions and anyone diagnosed with a psychotic illness.

Will I be aware of what’s happening?

Yes, you will be aware of everything that is happening, in fact if anything you will be more aware of what is going on around you. Although your eyes are closed your other senses tend to increase their awareness and sensitivity.

How does it feel?

It tends to be a very “normal” experience, a bit like day-dreaming, but with the added benefit of an unparalleled sense of relaxation and calmness. Hypnosis can feel so natural that the person experiencing hypnosis may not actually be aware that they are in trance. Most people just simply feel very relaxed.

Will I remember what happened during hypnosis?

You will be aware of everything around you, and remember most, if not all, that happened in the session. Occasionally your mind will wander during part of a session and it will be difficult for you to recall events during this period, but you will remember events around this period.

Will I lose control?

Some people are afraid that they will 'lose control' or 'give up their power' in hypnosis, but nothing could be further from the truth. When hypnosis is used for therapeutic purposes, it is nothing like what you see on stage. Though you are deeply relaxed, you are aware at all times and definitely in control.

At no time can you be made to do anything against your will, morals, beliefs, principles or ethics. There is no question of being controlled, manipulated or influenced whilst in a hypnotic state.

In fact, you will remain in control of all your faculties except one. You will be able to hear, see, feel, taste, and speak. The single exception is the critical faculty, the part of you that normally puts up resistance. If you're given a suggestion that pleases you and which seems emotionally and morally reasonable, you will accept it.

Will I be forced to accept suggestions?

No. Your mind is very protective of you and you will not accept any suggestions that go against your morals or beliefs. An ethical hypnotherapist would only offer suggestions that are of benefit to you.

All the suggestions offered to you will relate directly to discussions you have had with your therapist and will focus on what you genuinely wish to achieve.

How can I find out more before committing myself?

I offer a free initial consultation, lasting 30-40 minutes. During this meeting, your symptoms/issues are discussed and you have the opportunity to ask further questions. You are under no obligation to proceed with hypnotherapy.

The initial introductory appointment is given free of charge. This is so that you can judge for yourself (without obligation or cost) whether you want to pursue therapy. It also gives me an opportunity to establish the most suitable therapy for your needs, and best way I feel that I can assist you to overcome your problems in the shortest possible time.

What should I expect during hypno-analysis?

While under hypnosis, a person may be able to access past events that they have ‘forgotten’ (or suppressed). A hypnotherapist trained in advanced techniques will use analytical skills to bring these ‘hidden’ memories to the surface so that past negative programming and negative beliefs can be examined and their effect on the psyche neutralised…

These negative memories are often caused by judgemental parents, insensitive teachers, relatives or peers and can have a deep effect on a person’s life.

Hypno-analysis can reveal the causes of certain issues, create understanding and modify self-doubts and beliefs, enabling individuals to achieve their full potential.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Yes. Hypnosis has fascinated psychologists and medical professionals for over a century and has been subject to a great deal of rigorous testing and research. It promotes the awareness of the importance of our thoughts on our reality. Habitual negative thoughts can be replaced by realistic and positive thoughts so that we can enjoy a calm, relaxed and confident lifestyle.

Is hypnotherapy legally recognised?

‘Hypnotism’ is legally acknowledged and defined by the Hypnotism Act 1952, in the UK Book of Statutes. In their 1892 Hypnotism Report, the British Medical Association (BMA) officially recognises the hypnotic trance: ‘The Committee, having completed such investigation of hypnotism as time permitted, have to report that they have satisfied themselves of the genuineness of the hypnotic state.’ The Committee also acknowledged that ‘as a therapeutic agent hypnotism is frequently effective in relieving pain, procuring sleep, and alleviating many functional ailments’ (BMA, 1892).

In 1955 a follow-up report was commissioned which endorsed the findings of the original 1892 Committee, and added the conclusions that ‘hypnotism is of value and may be the treatment of choice in some cases of so-called psycho-somatic disorder and psycho-neurosis. It may also be of value for revealing unrecognised motives and conflicts in such conditions.’

Is hypnotherapy like stage hypnosis?

Not at all. Stage hypnotism is largely showmanship with a very small amount of hypnosis. Techniques are used to select people who are highly suggestible.

Is hypnosis safe?

Absolutely. There are no known records of anyone having been physically or mentally harmed as a direct result of hypnosis itself. It is utterly impossible for anyone to get ‘stuck’ in hypnosis.

What if there’s an emergency?

If something were to happen that requires full conscious attention, for example if a fire alarm were to sound, then the trance state would be spontaneously terminated. Even in the deepest trance, you remain in full control with an awareness of what is happening.

Will hypnosis make me say things I wouldn’t otherwise?

Be assured that your subconscious will only communicate what you're ready to reveal, and only what will bring clarity to your understanding in the here-and-now.

Can Hypnosis make me do something against my will?

Absolutely not. This is probably the biggest myth of all. You will never do anything, or accept any suggestion that violates your morals or values. Stage hypnotists appear to make people do outrageous things while hypnotised, but the truth is that the stage hypnotist chooses his subjects very carefully, ensuring that they are very willing participants.

What if I don't wake up?

No one has ever got stuck in a terminal state of hypnosis. It simply cannot happen. If the hypnotist left the room, or if you were listening to a tape and the power went out, you would either fall asleep and wake up naturally, or your subconscious mind would detect that there is no voice guiding you and bring you to conscious awareness.

I am a contact lens wearer, what should I do?

Due to the amount of time that the eyes will be closed, contact lenses should be removed.

Will I be able to drive afterwards?

Absolutely.

Important Information:

Hypnosis can help a wide range of health problems, but if you are suffering from pain, illness or injury you must consult your doctor first. Please do not stop taking any medications without consulting your doctor.

For more information, contact me