Frequently Asked Questions and Fears
Have you thought about hypnotherapy before but weren't sure how safe or effective it was?
This is not an unusual thought but with the correct information you will find out that it is very effective for a wide range of conditions. So please read on...
Maybe you have seen people performing silly acts in films or television programmes during stage hypnosis. Just like most people you want to be in control. You will be. I am a hypnotherapist- I DO NOT DO STAGE HYPNOSIS.
So why is hypnosis often perceived as a strange and mysterious mind controlling technique?
It's because hypnosis has been likened to the evil Svengali and other films and media hype. 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.
Maybe you have recently become interested in hypnotherapy because of things you have heard about or seen on the television?
The interest in hypnotherapy is certainly increasing and there is a growing body of research and evidence showing that it can help people with a variety of issues. Recently ther has been television coverage for weight reduction, performing operations and relationship problems with hypnotherapy.
I have recently read that Kate Moss is seeking hypnotherapy.
Perhaps you have read that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence confirms that hypnotherapy can help with the symptoms of IBS.
Hypnotherapy is used all over the world and is now supported by a lot of reasearch and evidence. I specialise in hypnotherapy for IBS.
How does hypnotherapy work?
It is not known exactly how hypnotherapy works but the results can be amazing. Some people think that it is a way of focusing the mind while other people think that it is an altered conscious state similar to the time just before you go to sleep. Hypnotherapy is used by doctors and therapists all over the world. I aim to answer all your questions and provide further information and evidence if requested.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnotherapy is generally thought to be safe when practised by trained hypnotherapy practitioners. The British Medical Association since 1955 has endorsed hypnotherapy.
However, not all hypnotherapists are trained to the same standards, so beware. This is because the UK doesn't have any legislation to control hypnotherapists. So make sure you check out any therapist that you decide to use.
I am fully qualified and registereed with the hypnotherapy Society and General Hypnotherapy Register. Both these organisations ensure that their members are qualified, insured and follow a code of conduct. Added to this I also have had considerable other training, I attend professional supervision and I keep updated.
Are there any side effects?
Recall of past memories while in a hypnotic state may not be accurate and may cause emotional or psychological distress. However, people often say that they feel much better after releasing past emotions.
Occasionally clients will not remember being in a trance or will be surprised how the session has flown past.
Some people tell me that they experience positive side effects. For example, some clients say that they have slept very well after their first hypnotherapy session even though the original issue was not related to insomnia.
Is hypnotherapy unsuitable for some people?
Hypnotherapy is not suitable for very young children or anyone who is unable to listen and understand. I would not use hypnotherapy for clients with severe mental illness or those people under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. I would always want to consult with the client's doctor before hypnotising a client with epilepsy.
What happens during hypnotherapy?
I invite you to sit in a relaxing chair and I talk to you in a hypnotic way. You do not go to sleep but we know that hypnotised people's brain waves slow down. Hypnotherapy usually involves relaxation and visualisation. It links with the subconscious mind where positive suggestion is introduced to encourage the change that you desire.
So what conditions can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy has been found to help with many conditions including:
Hypnotherapy can help with performance issues including:
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Sports performance
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Exam nerves
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Learning to drive
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Improve your memory
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Presentation skills
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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. Everything that you tell me is kept confidential unless there is a serious risk to you or others or if I am requested to release information in a court of law.
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 may 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.
You should be well motivated to change.
If you decide to use my service we will agree on a date and time to meet. Payment is made before treatment commences or during the consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the condition that you would like help with and your motivation to change. For people wanting to quit smoking I offer help with one 2 hour session. Most other conditions require around 3 sessions. Long standing problems like weight reduction can take more sessions, 5 is not an uncommon number of sessions to help with weight problems. I often ask clients to listen to a relaxing CD or do some simple exercises between sessions as I find this can speed up the process. If you are willing to do this between session the number of sessions could be reduced. An estimate of the number of sessions will be given to you at the initial consultation.
What happens at the first consultation?
At the first 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.
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. You can also move any other part of your body if you want to.
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.
Do you have any other concerns that I have not mentioned above?
For a free 30 minute consultation to answer any other questions contact me today. Telephone 01202 248468 or email linda@awakenthechange.co.uk
Hypnotherapy is provided in Bournemouth, Dorset. Visits to other surrounding areas possible.
Awaken the Change
Hypnotherapy Counselling EFT
