FAQ

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy. If your have a question that isn’t addressed here, either post your question in the comment box at the end or contact me.

 

  1. Usually people find it an enjoyable experience and very relaxing. The more you have hypnotherapy the quicker you tend to enter a relaxed trance state. Some people experience their limbs feeling heavy, some feel like they are floating and generally feel relaxed and refreshed after a session. You are in control at all times and aware of what is going on. Being in this relaxed state releases endorphins which are good feeling hormones, it also lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system.
  2. This is a common myth about hypnosis. But in fact ,all hypnosis is self-hypnosis: the hypnotherapist accepts the role of facilitator or guide. You choose to enter in to a hypnotic state, to continue in or to come out at will. If you can concentrate and follow simple instructions you can put yourself into a state of hypnosis necessary to bring about personal change.

  3. Everyone goes in and out of trance all day. Have you ever for example, driven home from work and not remembered the journey as your mind was elsewhere? Or been reading a book and your mind has drifted off? Hypnosis is very like daydreaming, you are not asleep, but in a pleasant altered state of awareness where you are relaxed and focused on your thoughts. Approximately 90-95% of people can be hypnotized. Willingness, desire, belief, expectation and motivation have a profound influence over “hypnotizability”.

  4. During hypnosis you are not asleep or unconscious but are in fact in a state of heightened awareness- like meditation. Relaxation can aid hypnosis but is not an essential requirement: hypnosis can occur when either standing or sitting and with your eyes open or closed. There simply needs to be a willingness to engage in the process and to follow the instructions of the hypnotherapist in initiating the hypnotic state.

  5. Hypnotherapy can be effective whether you are deeply relaxed or not: in fact many hypnotherapists choose to work in a “light trance” state. Hypnosis is a learned skill: some people find they are initially better at it but everyone can improve with a little practice. The mind does not have to be quiet, still or empty which makes hypnosis initially an easier skill to learn than meditation.

  6. Those who are strong-willed are thought to be easier to hypnotise rather than the other way around – contrary to common assumption.

  7. If you were left in a hypnotic state you would simply fall asleep or get bored and wake up. You cannot get “stuck” in hypnosis. Even if the hypnotherapist were to leave the building and forget about the client , the client would either drift into a natural sleep for a few minutes or would open their eyes and emerge from the hypnotic state.

  8. During hypnosis you will neither be asleep or unconscious and will always come out of a hypnotic state when you wish.

  9. You cannot be made to do anything against your will in hypnosis – you always have choice and control.

  10. Hypnosis is not a truth serum: you will always be aware, in control and have a choice over what you say (or don’t say).

  11. Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness, focus or concentration. The “critical factor” of the mind protects you, ensuring that your morals, beliefs and values are kept intact, and ensures only positive suggestions are accepted into the unconscious. In addition Persephone uses “permissive” hypnosis, in which the unconscious mind is invited and encouraged to allow positive suggestions, rather than other more traditional, authoritative approaches.

  12. My intention is to help you resolve your problem and not entertain, stage hypnosis is a totally different entity. You won’t do anything you don’t want to do.

  13. You will only talk about things you want to and will be aware of what is happening at all times. Everything that is discussed in your session will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

  14. Yes, most people drive themselves to the appointment and are fine to drive after their session.

  15. Confidentiality is maintained in compliance with the Data Protection Act (1998) and to comply with the UKCP and NSHP code of ethics on confidentiality (see My Accreditation).

  16. In the first session we will talk about your issue and what you would like to achieve and you can ask me any questions you may have. The first session normally takes around 60 – 90 minutes. The next session will be designed specifically to use the information you have given me and we will work together using a variety of techniques to start resolving your problem.

  17. A session can last anything between 50 – 75 minutes depending on the type of therapy you choose. We will agree on the length of therapy sessions you want at your Consultation.

  18. Change can be fast with hypnosis, with some clients noticing dramatic changes after only one session. On average it’s a course of 6 sessions; some clients need more, some need less, this depends solely on the individual and the problem they wish to work through.

  19. Most clients get the results they want, but no hypnotherapist can guarantee a miracle cure. Every individual is different and some clients can take longer to respond to hypnotherapy than others. Above all, you have to genuinely want to change for it to work and to commit to the process of change.

  20. Ethical hypnotherapists train for one year and undertake 450 hours of level 4 NVQ equivalent standard tuition in that time. In comparison, hypno-psychotherapists train over a minimum of 4 years and undertake 1800 hours of Masters Degree level tuition. Unlike a hypno-psychotherapist, a hypnotherapist is also not trained to deal with deep psychological issues or psychiatric illness!

  21. Client confidentiality is my priority. Engaging in therapy can be daunting and often people feel that they wish to keep the fact that they’ve visited a therapist confidential – even from family or friends. The UKCP has, in the past, forbidden the use of testimonials as it considers that clients may feel obliged or pressured to provide a testimonial for their therapist, especially in the context of a therapeutic relationship, and that would breach the UKCP Code of Practice and Ethics. Other governing bodies, particularly hypnotherapy, NLP or coaching bodies, have far less strict policies on such matters. Consequently, you will know that your protection and safety are paramount when you choose a UKCP Registered hypno-psychotherapist.

Summary

  • All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
  • Hypnosis is a way of utilizing the untapped potential of your mind – positively. It does not have any religious affiliation and does not require any particular belief system.
  • Hypnotherapy is a process of mutual participation between therapists and client: the hypnotherapist works to create the most effective and powerful session for you based on the information you give and the goals you wish to achieve.
  • Self-hypnosis is a lifelong skill and you can continue to use the benefits of self-hypnosis , to aid relaxation, reduce stress, and to enhance your life long after you have left the hypnotherapist’s office.
  • Hypnosis can be used alongside other interventions, including medication.