Hypnotherapy FAQs
What is hypnotherapy?
Whilst it can be refreshing and enjoyable to simply be in hypnosis, by itself the experience is not therapeutic. Hypnotherapy effectively works with our inner self (unconscious) which stores our inner resources as well as many of our problems. Hypnotherapy applies therapeutic techniques during hypnosis to help clients maximise potential, change limiting beliefs and behaviours and gain insight, powerfully dealing with fundamental beliefs which guide us in our everyday lives. By changing those beliefs, you are able to change your life. The techniques often work faster in hypnosis and thus therapy can take place quicker and more smoothly.
How does hypnotherapy work?
Our beliefs, behaviours, self-images and habits are located in our subconscious mind which is also stores our immense strengths and knowledge. Hypnosis helps you to naturally and effectively access your subconscious mind enabling the use of techniques to unleash your potential, change unwanted habits and behaviours and obtain solutions to problems and concerns.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy can be used to generate change, addressing a variety of medical and psychological conditions, problems and experiences, anxieties and habits. This can include working with a wide range of conditions, such as phobias, pain, anxiety, stress, tension headaches, weight control and smoking. In addition, if you wish to enhance your performance, whether in sport or creativity, at work or simply your general confidence, hypnotherapy can be highly beneficial. Hypnotherapy can help you gain new insights, become more aware of inner resources, or even kick-start a new regime.
Do online hypnotherapy sessions work the same as in-person hypnotherapy?
Whether we meet online or in-person, you will be able to access the most appropriate hypnotherapy for your needs. How we meet does not impact on the provision of hypnotherapy. There are some considerations though. Online work may be more helpful if you don’t want to, or are unable to travel to an in-person session. Alternatively, if you have a busy home or office environment, with lots of distractions or interruptions, then coming to an in-person session may help you focus more.
When is hypnotherapy not appropriate?
It is advisable to avoid hypnotherapy if you have severe depression, psychosis, or unstable epilepsy. However, there are other talking therapy options that I offer that may be more appropriate, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy and Mindfulness approaches.
How long is a hypnotherapy session?
Each hypnotherapy session is generally one hour in duration. Smoking cessation sessions may be two hours.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?
There is no set answer to how many sessions you will need to get optimal benefits. It depends on many factors, including the nature of the condition or goal you wish to work on, any underlying factors, how much you engage and how quickly you are able to integrate change. As a rough guide, for either issue, I will often see clients for 3-6 sessions, although some can be more, others slightly less. An approximation of the number of sessions anticipated can often be given during the first session.
How do I get hypnotherapy?
To start your hypnotherapy change-work process, simply complete my consultation form. I will then contact you and we will arrange your first session. Then, to confirm your session, you will pay your session fee at least two working days prior to the session.
How long does it take for hypnotherapy to work?
Hypnotherapy is a collaborative therapy. That means that you will need to work with me in the session, rather than me 'doing therapy to you'. You will start to develop skills and strategies in the first couple of sessions, if you choose to engage.
How long do the hypnotherapy benefits or effects last?
The effects can be long-lasting or permanent, as suggestions are made directly to and with the co-operation of your subconscious mind. Your actions highly contribute to your ability to make changes. By putting into practice the new ways of thinking and doing, you will be able to leave old habits, behaviours and thoughts in the past and move forward. In addition, I teach you self-care and maintenance strategies so that you are able to address any unforeseen challenges.
What is the first hypnotherapy session like?
Your first session will start with a detailed discussion of pertinent details relating to you, including your lifestyle and the condition, issue, habit or desired outcomes you wish to work on. This will build on the information you give in your consultation form.
We will then consider goals for therapy and how hypnotherapy approaches may help before commencing your hypnotherapy change-work.
Some of the hypnotherapy work will seem as though we are simply chatting (conversational hypnosis) and for other work, formal hypnosis (eyes closed) will happen.
Throughout the session, any questions you may have, including those relating to hypnosis and hypnotherapy can be answered. The session will then proceed with some hypnotherapy work and finally, any tasks and activities (homework) are then discussed and agreed.
In subsequent sessions, we will discuss any challenges and your progress, and then review the plan for therapy before continuing.
Why do I suggest homework and self-care activities?
The work we achieve during the session can be enhanced, reinforced and developed by tasks and activities that you can do between hypnotherapy sessions (and will often reduce the number of sessions you need!). This may be a combination of self-hypnosis, breathing exercises, and alert tasks and activities.