FAQs There are always questions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy and the ones that crop up the most I've tried to answer below:
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a process which helps to bring about change by using hypnosis
What do hypnotists use the word ‘trance’? Trance is just another word to describe a state of mind, we go into a trance for example when we daydream.
What if I get stuck in a trance? You'll be glad to know that this just isn't possible - with clinical hypnosis you are in control and can get up and walk away at any time.
What is hypnosis like? Hypnosis is a relaxation process which allows us to focus on our internal thoughts and beliefs and distracts us from what is going on in our external world. This helps us connect to our subconscious mind and encourages new thoughts, feelings and behaviour which can remain with us when the hypnosis session has ended.
What if I don’t wake up? You don't go to sleep, instead you are comfortably relaxed but focused, which means you remain in complete control at all times.
Do you play music or use strange sounds? No.
Do I have to lie on a couch? No, you will sit in a chair in the position you feel most comfortable with.
Can someone ‘sit-in’ with me? Someone may join you for the initial discussion, but it's usually best practice for you to be take part in the treatment on your own since content of the session is confidential to you, the client.
Can I drive afterwards? Yes.
Will I remember everything from the session? You will remember everything from the session but the content of the script you might not, which is quite normal and safe.
What are the side-effects? There are no side-effects.
Are results guaranteed? Hypnotherapy has a high success rate and whilst I guarantee total commitment to help you during your session(s) hypnosis itself cannot be forced upon you to work, against your will - hypnosis needs your commitment to change as much as the therapy.
How many sessions will I need? In most cases 3 sessions are recommended. However, smoking cessation is normally done in one, two hour session, or two, one hour sessions on different days whichever is preferable.
Can you teach me about self-hypnosis? Yes. This can be a useful step in supporting your therapy and afterwards.
I find it difficult to relax can you help me with this? Yes, there are a variety of ways using hypnotherapy that can help you relax or go to sleep when you need to?
I keep thinking about things and can even wake up in the middle of the night and start worrying. Can you help me regain control? Yes. Hypnosis can help relax you and put these looping thoughts in check.
How to Choose a Hypnotherapist
Hypnosis can be a powerful means of change, however, since anybody can claim to be a hypnotherapist its important to ensure you choose a person who is suitably qualified, experienced, and a member of a reputable professional body. With this in mind here are a few guidelines:
Check out The National Hypnotherapy Society’s websitehttp://www.nationalhypnotherapysociety.org/therapists the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council & General Hypnotherapy Register http://www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council http://www.cnhc.org.uk websites to check that the hypnotherapist you have chosen is registered, properly qualified and insured, or to find a hypnotherapist for treatment.