Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnosis is a pleasant, natural feeling of deep relaxation with a state of heightened awareness. It uses the natural power of your own mind to facilitate change, relieve symptoms and alter unwanted behaviour patterns. Hypnotherapy is non-addictive and safe, with no unwanted or unpleasant side effects. It is a way to free yourself from old conflicts and injuries, replacing them with fresh strategies that can realise your full potential. It allows you to let go of your emotional past and rebuild yourself, making you a stronger, more emotionally stable and powerful individual. Through hypnotherapy you can take control of your life and future. Hypnotherapy has also been described as the removal of conflicts which have arisen between the conscious mind (which analyses, and performs logic tasks) and the subconscious (which contains all your memories and knows all about you). Such alteration can resolve psychological problems, bad relationships, lack of confidence and unhappy situations of the past that are no longer relevant. Hypnotherapy can and will change your life for ever.

No, you will be fully aware at all times during hypnosis even though you will have your eyes closed. You will be completely relaxed, but in an altered state of consciousness with a very narrow focus of attention. You can stop the hypnosis at any time, if you feel at all concerned.

Yes. Hypnosis is just a state of deep relaxation, so you will always be aware of what is happening. Hypnosis does not involve being asleep or put in a trance, as many people believe.

Yes. Most patients hear and recall everything the hypnotherapist says during a hypnotherapy session. The hypnotherapist will often repeat the main points later as a memory trigger. You will only not remember information, if that is agreed between yourself and the therapist before treatment starts.

With a couple of exceptions, yes. But only if they want to be. All that is needed is your co-operation and desire to be hypnotised. The ‘exceptions’ are people who are inebriated or whose mind functions are otherwise impaired.

Absolutely, yes. The hypnotherapist will explain the therapy and how it works, so that you are comfortable about it.

People’s experiences differ. Some describe sensations of floating or lightness, others of sinking into soft fleecy clouds. Some experience the feeling or visualisations of being on a tropical beach, or in a beautiful garden. In a few cases, patients’ hands or feet rise spontaneously because they feel weightless. Being hypnotised may not feel as you thought it would, but that does not mean you are not hypnotised.

Yes, any good therapist is bound by a strict code of practice and ethics of the highest standard. After therapy is finished, all information is stored securely for practice matters only.

Yes. And more than that, a Hypnotherapist is a non-judgemental professional, working to resolve what are often deeply worrying, sometimes even embarrassing, concerns. You will find hypnotherapy a positive, beneficial experience.

No. You can open your eyes at any time you wish and you are always in complete control of yourself and your body.

No. Hypnotherapists have no wish to control their patients. In fact they work to return control to patients whose illness, anxiety or condition is an indication of loss of control.

Absolutely not, hypnosis only continues with your co-operation. You are in complete control over what you do and say. Hypnotherapy has nothing to do with stage hypnosis as used in the entertainment industry.

No. Drugs or tablets are not used. The natural power of the mind is used to relieve symptoms and alter unwanted patterns of belief and behaviour.

No, there are no unwanted side effects from the treatment.

Yes, usually from eight years old onwards provided they can understand what is being said and are intelligent and imaginative.

Please wear normal everyday clothing that you’re comfortable in. Hypnotherapy involves no physical contact or re-arrangement of clothes.