Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about Hypnotherapy, or working with me? See below for many frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered below please don't hesitate to contact me.
How do you maintain confidentiality?
My clients' notes and contact information stay confidential—no sharing with anyone. However, in rare situations, I might be obligated by law or in the client's best interest, especially if there's an immediate risk to them (like suicidal thoughts) or to others (like concerns about harm to children). Sometimes, I discuss cases with my clinical supervisors to ensure I provide the best support. Rest assured, they're also bound by the same responsibility to keep things confidential.
Is hypnosis safe?
Hypnosis and trance are entirely natural and safe experiences. In fact, you probably encounter trance-like states in your daily life without even realizing it.
It's crucial to understand that getting 'stuck' in a hypnotic state isn't possible—you would naturally revert to your regular state of consciousness after a brief period, even if I stepped away!
Throughout the process, you remain aware of yourself and your surroundings, and you have the ability to end the trance voluntarily at any moment. Speaking is always an option, giving you full control of your experience.
Do hypnotherapists offer guarantees?
No ethical hypnotherapist would promise a guaranteed 'cure'—it goes against our principles. Hypnotherapy isn't a one-size-fits-all magic fix. Whether it's hypnotherapy, cognitive therapy, chemotherapy, or any other approach, effectiveness varies from person to person, and success isn't guaranteed.
What I assure you, however, is my unwavering dedication. I bring forth my knowledge, experience, skills, and sincere effort to address the problem, always keeping your best interests at the forefront.
In the end, successful therapy hinges on a collaborative partnership. Your active involvement and commitment are crucial components for achieving desired outcomes.
What does hypnosis feel like?
The experience of hypnosis varies, but it's like finding yourself in a super relaxed and focused state. Picture the feeling of being absorbed in an awesome book or movie, where everything else sort of fades away. You're still aware of what's happening around you, but your attention is laser-focused on the suggestions or images I share.People often describe it as a calm and serene vibe– definitely not a loss of control, more like being in a really concentrated and receptive zone. Some might feel a bit light or heavy in their limbs or maybe a tad tingly. How deep you go into relaxation and how you respond can depend on factors like how open you are to the process, how much trust you have in me as your guide, and the specific techniques we use.
In the hypnotic state, people can experience profound mental, physical, and emotional relaxation, contributing to a therapeutic atmosphere. To echo the words of Dr. Milton Erickson, a respected figure in hypnotherapy, it is a period where "individuality can flourish."
Is hypnotherapy for children safe?
Hypnotherapy for children and young people is recognized as both effective and safe. Kids often respond positively to hypnosis due to their natural imagination and greater use of their subconscious minds than adults.This approach can effectively tackle various common childhood issues such as exam stress, sleep problems, bed-wetting, phobias, and low self-esteem.Do I need to do anything in between sessions?
I sometimes give clients simple and manageable assignments (e.g. keeping an eating diary for weight loss). Usually, any work you do in between sessions is of direct benefit to you, and sometimes it is to help me and you understand the problem better.
How will you hypnotise me?
How many sessions will I need?
This is a hard one. Discovering the ideal number of hypnotherapy sessions is as unique as your fingerprint, shaped by factors such as your specific concern, personal openness, and goals.What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic practice that uses guided hypnosis to help you reach a trance-like state of focus, concentration, diminished peripheral awareness, and heightened suggestibility. This state is similar to being absorbed in a book, movie, music, or even your thoughts or meditations. While in a trance, you are more responsive to an idea or image but still in "control."
I use hypnosis and mindset techniques to help you change your thoughts, feelings and behaviours at a deeper than conscious level, the subconscious level (also known as the unconscious), where we automatically respond. The beliefs we all hold about ourselves, both positive and negative, are stored within our subconscious mind, as are many of our behaviours, patterns and habits. These behaviours can be protective and valuable, but where they are unhelpful, you can change them.
Turning your attention inwards allows you to discover and utilise resources within yourself that can help you achieve desired behavioural changes or better manage pain or other physical concerns. Eventually, you'll learn how to address your state of awareness on your own and, in doing so, gain greater control of your physical and psychological responses.
Will I lose control?
No. Hypnosis is a streamlined state of focused attention, similar to when you are absorbed in a book, a film or a hobby.
You have the ability to emerge from hypnosis at any time if you wish. I am simply your guide, taking you on a journey. Realising that you are in control and can make changes yourself can be very empowering.
The more often you choose to go into hypnosis, the easier it is to relax into the process, secure in the knowledge that you remain in control and can end a session of hypnosis at any point should you wish to.
What will happen in a hypnotherapy session?
We'll start with a comprehensive discussion so I can understand your reasons for seeking therapy and your desired outcomes. This sets the foundation for our sessions—no fluff, just a straightforward conversation about your concerns.
I'll provide a clear explanation of hypnotherapy, outlining our method of collaboration and what you can anticipate during our sessions. Post-consultation, we'll move into hypnosis using an approach tailored to your preferences. The results might be subtle, given the nature of working with your subconscious, but you're likely to experience a positive shift.
From then on sessions will be a combination of you sharing your experiences, me posing relevant questions, and incorporating hypnotic suggestions while you're in a relaxed state.
It's a practical and strategic approach toward achieving your therapeutic goals.
What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?
On my website, and when we meet in person, you’ll hear me mention neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). In essence, NLP recognizes how our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs shape our actions.
The foundations of NLP emerged in the 1970s through researchers modelling what works to drive change. Richard Bandler and John Grinder closely studied experts like renowned family therapist Virginia Satir. They incorporated her parts work method into NLP, where clients visualize negotiating with conflicting inner selves. Additionally, they adapted Fritz Perls’ empty chair technique to resolve polarized thinking.
I’ve undergone intensive training to apply NLP tools in my hypnotherapy practice. Together, we can explore the patterns of thought feeding unwanted habits, anxiety or low self-esteem. For instance, we may unpack self-critical narratives convincing you that you lack inherent strengths or abilities - when the opposite is true!
Once we bring limiting programmes to light, the real transformation unfolds. We can challenge stories of unworthiness and reconstruct empowering identity narratives instead. I’ll help you envision your confident, resilient self fully aligned with your goals.
The key is consistently overriding self-doubts with self-affirming mindsets until positive habits feel automatic. Brain science shows neurons that fire together wire together. So, by putting NLP techniques for self-mastery into practice, you integrate the identity and unconscious beliefs necessary to thrive.