Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can anyone be hypnotised?
A: Anyone can be hypnotised if they want to be. However a therapist would not try to hypnotise someone who is drunk, has taken drugs or who has a psychiatric condition.
Q: What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
A: You will simply feel pleasantly relaxed, a bit like you feel just before you fall asleep.
Q: Will I remember everything afterwards?
A: Most people remember most or all of the experience. You will find that suggestions which have been given to you in hypnosis will resurface in your conscious mind after the session. These will be the thoughts that produce changes in your behaviour, thinking or feeling.
Q: Could I get “stuck” in hypnosis?
A: No one has ever remained in hypnosis indefinitely. Even if something were to happen to me during the session, you would still come out of the trance once I had stopped speaking and the rapport was broken.
Q: Will I lose control and be made to do things I don't want to do?
A: Absolutely not. You will remain in control at all times. Remember that all the volunteers on TV and stage hypnotist shows know exactly what they are letting themselves in for when they volunteer. They may do things that they wouldn't normally do but that doesn't mean that they don't want to do them or enjoy performing in front of an audience.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Only beneficial ones. You will feel more relaxed and positive afterwards.
Q: Does it always work?
A: No, it only works if the client is sufficiently motivated in their desire for change and wants to be hypnotised.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: You are unique and so your treatment plan will be. The number of sessions needed will depend on you and your particular problem. This is discussed at the free initial consultation prior to any treatment.
Q: How often will I need to see the therapist?
A: This depends on the type of problem and on the progress made. The therapist will usually see you weekly. However some clients have fortnightly or monthly sessions, depending on their circumstances.
Q: What is NLP?
A: NLP (neuro linguistic programming) explores the relationships between how we think (neuro), how we communicate (linguistic) and our patterns of behaviour and emotion (programmes). It is a set of tools and techniques that use the power of words and imagination to help you change.
Q: What is CBT?
A: CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) is a combination of cognitive therapy which helps with thinking processes such as unwanted thoughts, attitudes and beliefs and behavioural therapy which focuses on your behaviour in response to those thoughts. The therapist and client work together to identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that are maintaining the symptoms.
