FAQ’s

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is the process of inducing a trance state.  Trance is a natural phenomenon whereby we are more able to access our inner resources.

It is the natural harnessing of Focused thought where conscious and subconscious resources are both utilised to reach a specific goal.

This is a powerful condition brought about by selective thinking, a state of mind which involves total concentration on a thought or idea whilst remaining in complete control.

In this state, we are more open to ideas or suggestions and during hypnotherapy, these suggestions encourage a reassessment of our current thought processes to promote positive change.

Can hypnotherapy help children?

Absolutely. Children have excellent imaginations which makes them particularly good under trance and hypnosis. Many child related issues can be attributes to a level of anxiety, so helping them to feel relaxed and confident can show positive results in a range of issues, even if they do not want to talk about the problem. Parents are fully involved in the process and welcome to remain in the treatment rooms during sessions should they wish. Please feel free to contact me if you would like further information.

Can you make me cluck like a chicken?!

Only if your subconscious mind thinks this to be in some way helpful to you… Highly unlikely! Contrary to what you may see on the television, I personally only use Hypnosis and trance for therapeutic purposes, not for entertainment. Your mind will only ever accept suggestions which are considered beneficial to you. So, whilst hypnosis is certainly a powerful and fascinating phenomenon, I cannot make you do anything that you do not want to do.

Trance is, in most cases, entirely safe and can be stopped by the client at any time, should they so wish.

(There are some situations where trance may not be appropriate.  However, this would be discussed during the initial consultation.)

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Simply put, yes! The level of susceptibility and depth of trance may vary from person to person, but everyone has the ability to enter a trance state of altered consciousness.   We do it many times throughout the day.   Examples of natural waking trance:

– Day dreaming

– Passing through this stage whilst drifting off to sleep

– Reading a book or watching a film

– Listening to a piece of music and being reminded of a memory.

– Daily tasks which are well rehearsed and where the subconscious takes over. E.g , tying shoelaces and driving. This would once have been a conscious effort where you have to think about every element as you learn. With time and practice this becomes embedded in the subconscious mind, resulting in it being second nature to us and something we do automatically.

Will I be ‘asleep’ under hypnosis?

No, although some people may feel like they are asleep, they are actually in an altered state of consciousness and fully aware of their surroundings. They are able to bring themselves back to full wakefulness whenever they so wish and will open their eyes when I ask them to do so at the end of the session. Research with EEG machines has compared brain activity during sleep and trance states. Sleep will show active delta wave patterns, yet trance shows active alpha waves consistent with a relaxed waking person. Alpha wave patterns are present when we are problem solving and being creative. They are even considered to be a natural antidepressant!