Services and FAQs
I offer the following styles of hypnotherapy and counselling. One or a combination of these approaches may be appropriate for you:
- Suggestive hypnotherapy
- Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)
- Humanistic/client centered counselling
- Integrative Parts therapy
- Gestalt Dialogue
- Hypnotherapy for dealing with weight management, repetitive/destructive habits
- Regression therapy (age regression or regression to a specific time/event).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does hypnosis work?
Although it has ancient origins, still today there's a lot of mystery surrounding hypnosis. The hypnotic state is actually very common - it occurs naturally when we daydream, are totally absorbed in something or function automatically. Freud referred to the conscious and subconscious minds as being like an iceberg - the conscious is only 10% (the tip of the iceberg) which is whatever we are aware of with our five senses in the present moment - this part of the mind is logical, analytical and critcal. The majority is the subconscious; the 90% that is hidden out of sight, and this is where all our past experiences, memories, habits, motivations, beliefs, values, creativity and imagination live. By turning focus inward, taking conscious control of breathing and getting into a feeling, rather than thinking mode, a relaxed state occurs and the subconscious mind becomes more accessible. Here judgement can be suspended, the passing of time may feel distorted and we become more open to new ideas, solutions and change. Clinical hypnotherapy is the application of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.
What does it feel like to be hypnotised and can I be controlled?
Everyone is unique - some people are more visual, auditory or feeling (kinaesthetic), though they can also be any combination of these. There's a common misconception that hypnotherapy is similar to the hypnosis shown in stage shows. This definitely has nothing to do with therapy! Times when we are doing things on auto-pilot e.g. when driving, and totally absorbed in something to the exclusion of everything else - creating, reading, watching a movie - produce a similar feeling.
It's said that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, and it is the state between being awake and asleep. The experience can be different for everyone, but you can't be controlled or made to do anything you don't want to. In fact, you could get up and walk away at any time; however being in this relaxed state is likely to feel very soothing and positive. Some clients say they see colours and have dream-like experiences; most say that the time in this state felt like it went much more quickly than it actually did. How deep you want to go is totally up to you and it's not necessary to be in a full trance state for it to be effective; some people say they remain quite aware throughout and still receive its benefits. You also don't need to hear or remember everything that's said for it to be effective, as the subconscious takes in what it needs and is ready for.
Will you and hypnotherapy be the magic cure that fixes me?
Hypnotherapy can be powerful but as with any therapy, hypnotherapists are facilitators - the actual work can't be done for you, since we can only truly fix ourselves. It's like you can't expect to get physically fit, without putting in any effort; this also applies mentally and emotionally. Hypnotherapy is magic in a way that it has the potential to offer alternative ways of dealing with issues and the focus is on forming new connections to create different thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This also teaches skills that can be used in future, though openess and commitment are needed to produce the best results for lasting change.
What happens at the first session?
The first part of the session is spent getting to know a bit about you and what has brought you to therapy. The hypnosis part of the session can take 15-30 mins; it begins with being guided into a relaxed state to move away from our constant thinking, and more into feeling mode. This creates the best environment for the subconscious mind to open, and be more receptive to new ideas and positive suggestions. After working through a process that's customised for you and your situation/goal and some relevant exercises, you are then brought back into your aware/awake state, and we debrief your experience. We then review the session and go over what to focus on and practise in your everyday life.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on a number of factors, since everyone is unique and takes on new experiences/learnings at their own pace - it's usual that an effect will be felt after the first session, and this may be all some people need or want at that time. However realistically when ways of thinking/feeling/behaving have become firmly established over many years (e.g. for managing weight or a habit/addiction like smoking) - though it's possible, it can be challenging for this to disappear immediately. So successf is more likely with the development of a mutually agreed plan to put in place over a certain period of time (such as a month), involving certain steps to gradually progress towards, and this may involve 2-3 more sessions. Effort, commitment, support and practise all contribute to creating the optimum conditions for lasting change.
Is there anyone that hypnotherapy is not suitable for?
It is not recommended for those with severe depression, epilepsy, psychiatric disorder/s or high alcohol and/or drug use.
Questions are always welcome.