Hypnosis is often perceived as a strange and mysterious mind controlling technique that has been likened to the evil Svengali. But this is not what happens in reality. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring process. We go into trance every day. Do you remember the last time you were engrossed in a good film or an interesting book? Or are you a daydreamer? Perhaps you have driven somewhere in your car but couldn’t remember getting there. You were probably in a trance with all these experiences.
Hypnotherapy involves relaxation and visualisation. It links with the subconscious mind where positive suggestion is introduced to encourage the change that you desire.
What conditions can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy has been found to help with many conditions including:
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Nail biting and other habits
- Fears
- OCD
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Mild depression
- Skin problems
- Blushing
- Bruxism (grinding teeth)
- Insomnia
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Weight management
- Sexual problems
- Lack of self esteem
- Lack of confidence
- Pain management
- Anger management
- Relationship problems
- Grief/loss
- Smoking cessation
Hypnotherapy can help with performance issues including:
- Sports performance
- Exam nerves
- Learning to drive
- Improve your memory
- Presentation skills
- Speaking in public
Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy. I am not a doctor so I do not make a medical diagnosis. This means that I will work with you and your doctor if required. I accept referrals from your doctor or dentist. As with any complementary therapy you should not stop any medication without discussing this with your doctor first.
What can I expect if I decide to use your hypnotherapy services?
You can expect a professional service that aims to meet your individual needs.
What happens if I choose your service?
I recognise that each of my clients is unique. You will tell me what you need during the free initial consultation and I will use that information to suggest a suitable programme of treatment.
But first we need to get to know each other to decide if we can work together. I will need to ask you a few questions including the reasons why you are seeking therapy. The information that you give me is treated as confidential unless I feel that there is a serious risk to you or others. As I offer complementary therapy I will need to inform your doctor if you have a medical problem.
You will need to know about the therapy that I offer so I will answer all your questions.
If you decide to use my service we will agree on a date and time to meet. Payment is made before treatment commences.
At the treatment consultation I will ask you more detailed questions including questions about your health, medications, the name of your doctor and your contact details before starting the treatment.
During the session I will guide you into a state of deep relaxation. This will allow your mind to relax and I can make positive suggestions to your subconscious mind. In some cases I may use hypnoanalysis. This means that I will ask you questions during hypnosis or ask you to think about something in the past. I will tell you what I will do before we start. You are always in control during the process. This feeling of deep relaxation is very pleasant.
I will ask you how you feel before you leave. We will book further dates if necessary.
I will ask you to complete an evaluation sheet at the end of the course of treatment.
Is hypnotherapy safe and are there any side effects?
Hypnotherapy is generally thought to be safe when practised by trained hypnotherapy practitioners. The British Medical Association since 1955 has endorsed hypnotherapy.
However, recall of past memories while in a hypnotic state may not be accurate and may cause emotional or psychological distress. People often say that they feel much better after releasing past emotions.
Occasionally clients will not remember being in a trance.
Is hypnotherapy unsuitable for some people?
Hypnotherapy is not suitable for very young children or anyone with a severe mental illness. It's also not advised for people with epilepsy.
Hypnotherapy Myths
Myth number 1.
Will I be asleep during hypnotherapy?
No. You are in an altered state of awareness. It’s a form of relaxation. This can feel a bit like daydreaming. Some people say they haven’t been hypnotised after a session but this is because they had the misconception that they should go into a deep sleep.
Myth number 2.
I will lose control when under hypnosis?
No. This is a common myth. No one can be hypnotised against his or her will. You have the ability to talk, move or come out of trance if you wish to. Hypnotists often joke by telling people that if this myth was true they could be rich by making their bank managers give them money!
Myth number 3.
Can I open my eyes when I am having hypnotherapy?
Yes but most people feel so relaxed that they can’t be bothered to open their eyes.
Myth number 4.
I might reveal my secrets under hypnosis?
No. You are in control. You will not tell me anything that you do not want me to know. If people could be made to tell their secrets the police would use hypnosis all the time when interrogating suspects!
Myth number 5.
I might get stuck in Hypnosis.
No. You can choose to come out of trance anytime. If you were left alone you may sleep for a while but you would wake up on your own. Even if the hypnotherapist died while you were in a trance you would still be able to awaken on your own.
Myth number 6.
Isn’t it only weak -minded people who can be hypnotised?
No. Studies have shown that intelligent people are actually easier to hypnotise. And it doesn't matter if you're sceptical of the process or not. Most people who are suitable for hypnotherapy are able to relax, focus their mind and to go into at least a light trance.
It is also possible to hypnotise school-aged children.
Myth number 7.
I am scared that you will make me do strange things like bark like a dog?
No, definitely not. Only stage hypnotists use hypnotic techniques in entertainment. You are in control. I am a professional hypnotherapist and I want to help you make positive changes in your life. I follow a strict code of conduct.
