FAQ’s

FAQ’s on Hypnotherapy

If your question or concern is not answered here, please feel free to contact Frances.

What is hypnosis?
Opinions vary on the exact definition of this natural state of mind. First of all, contrary to what many people believe, hypnosis is not always a trance state or a sleep state even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping. Hypnosis is really a natural state of mind and is an important part of everyday life. Whenever our mind wanders, daydreams or is focused on something, such as reading a book, driving a familiar route, or watching a film, we are in a state of hypnosis.

Will I be ‘under’, or ‘out of control’ during the session?
No. Do we give up control of our mind to someone else when we are reading a book or watching a film? In situations like this you are in a hypnotic trance, although you still have the power to emerge from that state if wished. Whatever or whomever hypnotises you; you always have the power to ‘awake’.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You are in control and you decide how deeply into hypnosis you wish to go.  A hypnotherapist is a guide and helps you on a journey, but the change can only be made by you.

Often the realisation that you are in control, and that you can create change yourself, is very empowering. You’ll find that the more often you go into hypnosis, aware that you doing it, the easier it is to let go, secure in the knowledge that you can always stop a session if you feel uncomfortable.

Will I lose control?
No – you remain in control at all times. The hypnotherapist does not have control over you and if you decide to get up and walk about or end the session you can do so.

Because you are in control, you cannot be made to do anything against your will or violate your own values or accepted patterns of behaviour. You can speak, move, open your eyes or do anything else you would like to do… …..fully alert and fully in control at all times. You DO NOT have to be in a ‘stage hypnosis’ type of trance – just a very light, relaxed state.

Can I get stuck or lost in hypnosis and be unable to wake up?
No, nobody can ever get stuck in hypnosis. You cannot ‘get lost’ while being hypnotised. There is no place to ‘get lost’ to. You do not leave your body or your mind behind and go off somewhere. Just think – hypnosis is a natural and quite normal state to be in from time to time.

You still have awareness and you will be able to respond to the therapist if required to. You are in control at all times and will be working in partnership with the therapist to achieve the result that you want. Only a light trance is required to affect lasting change. If you were left in a hypnotic state you would simply fall asleep or get bored, get up and leave!

Can a hypnotherapist make me do something against my will, then make me forget it?
No, you will be aware of everything that is said and done throughout the session and you can reject any suggestions given to you. Should you be given a suggestion which is against your values or beliefs, you just won’t do it. You’ll simply come out of this state all by yourself. It’s that simple.

How does hypnosis feel?
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind; people are often surprised that they hear every word and could get up and walk out of the room at any moment. Unless you enter a deeper state, you may not feel any different, just very relaxed.

It’s similar to drifting off to sleep at night; that stage when you are not quite awake and not quite asleep. You may feel a sense of weightlessness or you may feel heaviness as all your muscles relax. Everyone experiences it differently, and your therapist will be able to reassure you and help you relax and enjoy the experience.

Most people are surprised at just how relaxing it is.

What will happen in a hypnosis session?
Your hypnotherapist will take a detailed history and with some conditions may request permission from you to write to your GP, to let them know you are having hypnotherapy.

They will then discuss your goals and what you would like to see or feel at the end of your sessions.

Using a range of different techniques your hypnotherapist will relax you, make you feel comfortable and work with you towards achieving your goals.
After a session you may feel uplifted, lighter and very relaxed. Often change is very subtle, as your hypnotherapist will be working with your subconscious mind, or you may notice a very positive shift in how you are feeling.

How many sessions will I need?
One session may be enough to help some symptoms. Others will need more sessions. The number of sessions will vary from person to person as each person’s needs are different. This number will vary according to the nature of your present issues and the depth to which you would like to explore these issues. Your therapist will discuss the number of sessions with you at your first appointment.

Part of the session will be spent teaching you techniques such as self-hypnosis which will be of benefit to you for the rest of your life.

Do the effects last?
Yes, changes achieved through my therapy are effective and lasting. There will be no reason for you to revert to old ways of acting or thinking.

How confidential is counselling?
All sessions will be fully private and confidential. Confidentiality is maintained within the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council’s (GHSC) code of ethics.

Does it always work?
No, no more than any other form of medicine, complimentary or orthodox.  Hypnotherapy is particularly suited to motivated people who are willing to work towards their goals.

Can it do me any harm?
No, hypnosis is as safe as falling asleep. Hypnosis is deep relaxation with suggestion and guidance from the hypnotherapist as to where your subconscious mind needs to focus. There is nothing harmful in relaxation. Most people receive great benefit from the experience.

What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is the state that a person experiences. Hypnotherapy is using that state for beneficial purposes.

I want to stop smoking.  Do you offer any ‘guarantees?’

I do not offer guarantees – and no professional therapist should. YOU need to accept some responsibility for your smoking habit, and you need to put some effort in if you want to stop – nobody can do it for you. I can help you a great deal, but only you can make any guarantees.  Hypnotherapy is not magic- it can help you to achieve many things in life, but none of these things can be guaranteed, because it depends on how much effort you, the client, puts in.  I offer free follow-up support for a month as needed.