What's the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses the process of hypnosis to suggest new thought or behaviour patterns for various types of emotional or behavioural problems. Because the subconscious mind is more receptive during hypnosis, a hypnotherapist can suggest new responses to situations which, when combined with your participation, can have a positive and lasting effect.
What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
There are no specific feelings associated with being hypnotised as everyone experiences it differently. Most people feel deeply relaxed and find that they feel very calm afterwards as well.
How is hypnosis induced?
There are many different ways to induce hypnosis and I use the most appropriate approach for you as an individual. Some of the most common methods include being asked to relax various muscles in the body, gazing at an object or point on the wall or ceiling, or imagining relaxing scenes such as walking through a meadow or along a beach. Drifting into hypnosis as part of a hypnotherapy session is usually a very pleasant and relaxing experience and not like anything that is usually associated with the more dramatic stage hypnosis shows and TV programmes.
Can hypnotherapy cure my problem?
Most people generally respond very well to hypnotherapy and it can provide long lasting and permanent results. However, the success of hypnotherapy depends upon many factors including the problem for which you are seeking help, your motivation and commitment and the level of rapport with your therapist along with many other things. Because of this, no responsible hypnotherapist would make any promise of a cure. What I can promise is that using all my knowledge, skills and experience, I will do my best to help you achieve your goals.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions required will depend on the problem or issue as well as how you respond to therapy. Anywhere between one and six sessions is quite common, although some problems may require more.
Is hypnosis dangerous?
Hypnosis is a natural and safe state of mind and hypnotherapy can be a very positive and beneficial experience when carried out by a properly trained and experienced therapist.
Will I be under the control of the hypnotherapist during the session?
Absolutely not. This is probably one of the most common beliefs about hypnosis and usually stems from what people have seen or heard about stage hypnosis as well as the popular portrayal on TV and in books of 'The Hypnotist' as a sinister character who has absolute power and control over their subjects.
During hypnotherapy, you will not be asleep and will be able to hear everything that is said. It's a common belief that hypnosis involves some sort of magical sleep where you are unaware of what's happening around you. This is not the case. Because hypnotherapy involves responding to suggestions made by the therapist, it is important that you hear what is being said in order for you to take the suggestions on board and for therapeutic change to happen.
So it's not like stage hypnosis then?
No. Whilst both stage hypnotists and hypnotherapists use hypnosis, the way in which it is used is completely different. Stage hypnosis is, what it says; hypnosis carried out on a stage. It is used as a form of entertainment and is for the benefit of the audience and volunteers taking part. Those who go to a stage show are usually well aware that the people on stage will be asked to do funny and sometimes embarrassing things. The volunteers who are chosen to go on stage by the hypnotist are there because they have chosen to be and it's their choice entirely to follow the hypnotist's suggestions.
Hypnotherapy is used to help people with a wide range of problems in a safe and appropriate manner which is for their benefit. You cannot be hypnotised against your will. For hypnosis to happen, you have to want it to happen.
What happens if I get stuck in hypnosis?
You cannot get stuck in hypnosis. It is an altered state of awareness from which you will return to full alertness either by yourself, or when asked to by the therapist. Even if something were to happen to the therapist whilst you were hypnotised, then after a while, you would either wonder why they had stopped talking and 'wake up' by yourself or alternatively, if you were tired, you would simply fall asleep and then wake up as normal after a short while.
Will I reveal personal things that I don't want to?
You will be aware of everything you say during hypnosis and so you cannot be made to discuss things that you do not wish to. However, it is important to remember the reason why you are seeing a hypnotherapist. In order for you to benefit fully from hypnotherapy, the therapist needs to know about the problem or issue including any relevant background information and contributing factors. Hypnotherapy is a two-way process and it is important that you feel you can trust and have confidence in your therapist.
Will I remember everything?
Because you are aware throughout, you will usually remember everything that you experience during hypnosis. Sometimes people do find that they can't consciously remember it all afterwards, but the subconscious mind remembers everything. This is quite normal and is similar to forgetting what someone has just said because your attention was elsewhere rather than concentrating on the conversation.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
