What is Hypnosis?

Understanding Hypnosis.

The more you understand about hypnotherapy, the more effective it is.

How Do You Define Hypnosis?

Hypnosis uses naturally-occurring psychological (mental) and physiological (physical) states for long lasting therapeutic change.

  • Be Curious

  • Be Open Minded

  • Be Prepared For Real Change and Achieving Your Goals

Who Can Be Hypnotised?

Everyone can be hypnotised. Like any new skill hypnosis requires practice. We will use appropriate skills exercises to facilitate your journey.

Will I Be In A ‘Trance’?

Hypnotic ‘trance’, is also a common misconception, simply it is an increased ability to respond to positive suggestions, usually accompanied by relaxed attention to the ideas being suggested.

Will I Remember What Happens?

Hypnosis is definitely NOT a state of sleep or unconsciousness. Around 90% of people report being aware of everything that happens, relaxation helps but is not essential to hypnosis.

What is Hypnotic Suggestion?

Hypnotic suggestion is a means of experiencing certain helpful ideas at a level profound enough to directly influence our emotions and behaviour. Hypnosis can help you to progressively improve your habitual feelings and behaviour. It enables changes to thoughts, emotions, and behaviours to be embedded at your core.

What Is My Role In Hypnosis?

It’s a collaborative process in which you allow yourself to follow the guidance of the therapist by using your imagination to evoke positive emotions and rehearse behaviour change. Think of being invited to dance, the therapist will take the role of lead, but you make the choice to come to the dance floor - where you actively perform your steps and movements.

Will I Still Have Control?

Hypnosis is definitely NOT a state of external mind control. You cannot be made to do anything against your will. On the contrary, normally you must WANT to accept suggested ideas and ACTIVELY imagine responding to experience their effects. All suggestions made will be agreed in advance and be only of positive influence and benefit.

How Is What You Do Different To Stage Hypnosis?

Comedy stage hypnosis has very little to do with clinical hypnotherapy and generates misconceptions. Take what you see on television with a generous pinch of salt. I promise not to make you dance or cluck like a chicken.

Is Hypnosis Safe?

Hypnosis is completely safe when used in a responsible and professional manner. There are only positive, not negative side effects from hypnosis. Nobody has ever been ‘stuck’ in hypnosis.

What Evidence Is There For Using Hypnosis?

Thousands of positive experimental and clinical research studies on hypnosis have been published. It was recognised as an effective treatment by the British Medical Association (BMA) and American Medical Association (AMA) in the 1950s and, more recently, by the American Psychological Association (for obesity) and NICE guidance (for IBS) used by the NHS.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Hypnotherapy usually requires more than one session. It is however probably one of the most rapid forms of psychological therapy, clinical studies show the average is usually 4-6 sessions.