Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnotherapy

How does hypnotherapy work?

Hypnotherapy is a heightened state of focused attention and concentration. You are in a deep state of relaxation that allows you to be more open to suggestions to increase your health and well-being.

Hypnosis can feel wonderful and natural. It can feel very familiar. It is a relaxed state, which we pass through first thing in the morning and before we go to sleep at night.

In hypnosis, the conscious mind steps aside when in a trance, and the subconscious mind steps forward, it is alert and listens to the suggestions made by a trained therapist.

The suggestions are usually processed by the individual's subconscious mind, and for many, the therapy starts to work.

When you are in a relaxed and focused state, you can use hypnotherapy to solve problems and achieve goals.

Does hypnotherapy work?

Research shows how effective hypnotherapy can be. A 2022 study on paediatric patients in a children's hospital found that hypnotherapy appeared to help create "an overall improvement in symptoms" in 76% of more than 200 individuals with complex symptom disorders. www.forbes.com/health/mind/what-is-hypnotherapy

Can I be made to say anything against my will?

The answer to that is no. You cannot be made to say or reveal anything against your consent while in a hypnotised state. If a suggestion is stated that you do not agree with, or value, you will reject that statement. You are in control, you can come out of a trance if you choose. It is your choice to accept or reject a suggestion.

How many sessions do I need to see results?

This depends on the individual. The average course of treatment is around 4 to 6 sessions. However, for a stop-smoking or a phobia client, it may take 1 or 3 sessions, again this depends on a person's situation.

Can I fall asleep in a hypnosis session, and does it still work?

Some of my clients have fallen asleep when they are in a hypnotic trance or very relaxed. Hypnotherapy can still work if a client falls asleep. If you tend to fall asleep when listening to an audio it may be a sign that you are tired. If you are seeking behavioral changes, it may be best to listen when you are not tired or when lying down. However, if you are listening to hypnosis to deal with a sleep issue and you fall asleep, that is fine.
Check out the link for further information.

https://www.hypnosisdownloads.com/faq/fall-asleep

What happens in the consultation and first session?

The consultation session is usually an opportunity to get to know your situation better and as well as going through the standard paperwork. I will focus on what you want to achieve. I will also do your first hypnosis so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Some have asked, can hypnotherapy help my partner, friend, or a family member to deal with weight issues, or stop smoking, or other issues?

Change is mainly effective when the person themselves decide, that they want to make alterations to their lifestyle. You can encourage your friend or family member to seek help, but they have to be the ones to engage with the therapist in their program for treatment.

What medical condition or situation when you should not have hypnotherapy?

Although hypnosis is generally considered safe, there are some conditions when it should not be performed. It is unsuitable for a person to receive hypnotherapy if they are under the influence of alcohol and if they have consumed unprescribed drugs.

Please check with your GP if you have any one of the following conditions before having hypnotherapy;

Personality disorders,

Epilepsy,

Heart conditions, and

Psychotic disorders such as Schizophrenia and Psychosis.

Do I need to do anything between each session?

It depends, you may have tasks to complete, or you may be provided with an audio to listen to in between sessions. However, you may not need to do anything.

I hope my answers have helped. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Valerie x

14 June 2023