Frequently Asked Questions and other Information

Hypnotherapy is therapy utilising a hypnotic state. Hypnotherapy allows a therapist to communicate directly with the subconscious of the client. The subconscious holds all our patterns of learned behaviour – from walking and talking to driving, cycling, smoking and eating chocolate when we feel the need for comfort! The subconscious more readily accepts suggestions for change and new patterns of behaviour when in a hypnotic state which is why most hypnotherapists will spend some time verbally relaxing your body and mind before using techniques specifically targeted at the subconscious. Hypnotherapists don’t always use hypnosis with their clients – we sometimes use other talking techniques, interactive techniques or methodologies.

You may have heard the word ‘sleep’ used during hypnosis – this is simply a word hypnotists use to assist the process. You will definitely not be asleep –conversely you will be extra alert and receptive as together we tap into your powerful imagination to begin creating new neural pathways from which to build new habits, new beliefs and more beneficial states of mind. Hypnosis can look like sleeping to an onlooker as sometimes you will have your eyes closed and sometimes your body will be relaxed. You will be able to move, speak, cough, scratch an itch or if you really want to, get up and walk out! That has never happened to me as clients usually enjoy and benefit from the process, which leads to the change they desire.

Feel free to telephone me to discuss this. There are certain instances whereby I would ask your GP to give permission for hypnotherapy.

Yes. As with all other therapies, I will only be duty bound to discuss your case with a health professional if you tell me you are going to cause harm to yourself or somebody else.

Hypnosis is different for everybody and also depends on the issues you want to address. If you need help with anxiety or relaxation, you should naturally feel more relaxed as we go along. If you need help with motivation or confidence, you will definitely feel more alert and focused.

No. Stage hypnosis is very different to therapeutic hypnosis. All the participants are there because they want to take part and do silly things. A hypnotist or hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do. You have to want to make changes in order for hypnotherapy to work.

No! The only person who can change your mind is you. Being in hypnosis means you can change your mind more easily but only if you want to. I can make suggestions to you that will help you achieve your goals more easily – but if you don’t like any of my suggestions or feel they are against your values, you can choose to ignore them.

Only if you want to! You will be totally aware and in control of everything you say and do.

No. It can help if you remember but it’s absolutely not necessary. Some people have traumatic events in their past which they have ‘blocked out’ for a reason. Positive results can be achieved by connecting with either a feeling, thought, sensation or image which you think may be linked to a past event – or even simply the desire to be free from the limitations that past trauma has caused.

Absolutely. Although you should NEVER listen to hypnosis recordings whilst driving.

The simple fact is that you cannot.

General appointments are around 1 hour, with Smoking Cessation appointments being up to 2 ½ hours.

Payments for sessions should be made at least 48 hours before your appointment time please, either by telephone or using the payment link provided. Your full fee will be refundable for cancellations before this time. Late cancellations will be subject to discretion.

This really depends upon you . I never oversell sessions – my mission is to get you back on track as quickly as possible and ensure you feel more in control of yourself and more resilient to cope with life’s challenges. I will teach you strategies and techniques along the way which you can use at home , and for those clients who practise these techniques, change comes faster and is more permanent. Some of my clients like to book two or three sessions and others prefer to take one at a time. Here’s a rough estimate of session numbers.

Phobias: one – occasionally two sessions.
Smoking : usually one session – occasionally two.
Confidence/Performance: two to three sessions.
Anxiety: 3-4 sessions.
Weight Management: 3-4 sessions.
Pain: 2-3 sessions.
Insomnia: 2-3 sessions.
Habits : 1-2 sessions.
IBS: This is the only condition where I will require you to book 5 sessions.

I also run group sessions for Anxiety, Weight Management and stopping smoking.