Frequently Asked Questions
It is a therapy in it’s own right and qualified Hypnotherapists regularly work with people on a wide range of conditions such as; pain, anxiety, fears and phobias, IBS, public speaking, weight management, quit smoking, confidence, performance anxiety, nail biting and many, many more.
People like you who are motivated and looking for ways to overcome their problem issue do very well as they discover strategies to manage their reactions and responses to what’s happening. We often talk about managing or mitigating ‘triggers’.
The benefits of shifting ‘stuck’ mental and emotional patterns are far reaching. All aspects of life and relationships improve, focus and clarity of mind improves, personal goal setting, working life smoothes out. Does the thought of tapping into that part of your thinking and emotions and feelings fill you with a sense of wonder and excitement? You CAN be more open to the helpful suggestions and strategies that bring about a much wanted release and peace – now and into the future in your life.
Hypnosis probably feels different for everybody. Many hypnotists (researchers & clinicians) use elements of relaxation procedures, so people commonly associate a feeling of relaxation with hypnosis. Different people have all sorts of bodily responses to relaxation instructions – some feel as though their body is very heavy, whereas some can feel very light, almost as if they were floating. Mentally, again people have all sorts of responses. People typically report feeling very focussed or absorbed, often effortlessly so. Since instructions for imagery are often used, people can have very vivid imaginative experiences – many report feeling ‘as if they were there’.
You will never say anything that you wouldn’t already conversationally mention while in the waking conscious state.
Call us to discuss your needs and aims with Hypnosis
Most people have an idea of Hypnosis based on movies or stage shows, but that is entertainment. Clinical Hypnosis does not induce you to do something contrary to your moral, religious or personal values. Also, you will not divulge information that you would not ordinarily do so in normal conversation. Your personal secrets are safe!
A typical appointment is comprised of discussion, revision, guided relaxation using guided breathing and muscle relaxation. The process continues as you rest. People often say they feel rather detached and floaty at this stage, even though they can hear every word that is being said. That they could easily speak if they wanted to, but they feel too relaxed to do so. A lot of the suggestions for resolution and problem solving (that were discussed at the start of the session) can be incorporated at this stage. The conclusion brings you back to the present moment of now… “every day in every way it gets better and better…. back and wide awake and ready to go about your day.”
Clinical Hypnotherapy delivered by your trained and accredited Therapist is always safe and respectful and above all, ethical. Nobody can make you do something silly or do anything you don’t want to do. Stage shows and theatre is just that entertainment.
Hypnosis is a safe process. You may feel that you have ‘nodded off’ during a session. However, the Trance State is not sleep and you would be awake and alert to your surroundings as required. Sometimes though, you may have a feeling of drifting off into the ‘zone’. Just like zoning out when you are relaxing listening to the TV or listening to some music. To an observer it may look like sleep because suggestions of relaxation are commonly given, but the state is more like restful wakefulness, a so called ‘active alert’. Some people find that as they practice Self Hypnosis at home, they do relax and go into a restful sleep. Sleeping on, is always safe and appropriate to do so if that is what you are aiming for.
There is no evidence that anybody can become stuck in hypnosis. The worst that might happen could be that you fall asleep – and wake up un-hypnotised and very rested! (this however will never happen in clinic during a therapy session). In fact, the main difference between sleep and hypnosis is that in the hypnotic state you are aware and can hear and think clearly (an increased state of awareness if you will). Imagination and memory are enhanced.
In some instances Hypnotherapy may not be indicated for those who are already being treated with severe mental health syndromes such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, those with dementia or for those who use drugs and alcohol. Some people who experience heightened anxiety from trauma are also advised to seek advice from their primary physician.