FAQs

There are a number of definitions of hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural, though altered, state of mind. We all enter some form of hypnosis several times a day, like when we are driving and pass a turn-off because our mind is wandering. We can also go into the state of hypnosis when engrossed in a movie or TV show. Additionally, everyone goes through natural, altered states before falling asleep, and while awakening. Therefore, most people can enter hypnotic relaxation easily, provided they want to, and provided they feel comfortable with the hypnotic process AND the hypnotherapist.

Traditional therapy addresses issues at a cognitive level, which many of life’s problems require. When a difficult decision is required then competent professional help is absolutely essential. As an example, hypnotherapy is not a replacement for marriage counselling but when it comes to changing habits or ingrained behaviours that are regulated by the subconscious then hypnotherapy shines. Hypnosis is not a “magic cure” for all life's problems, however, and should not be regarded as such.

Hypnosis has a number of benefits and uses, the most common of which are listed below:

• anger management
• stress relief
• stop smoking
• eliminate phobias
• change harmful habits
• improve concentration
• pain management
• treat depression

Pain is an indication that something is wrong and the cause of it should be diagnosed by a qualified professional. You should only seek hypnotherapy for pain management after receiving the appropriate referral from your GP. Hypnosis to reduce pain has an excellent track record and is often called “hypnotic pain management”.

Most people can be hypnotised to various degrees if they want to. Even those who believe they can’t be hypnotised often enter states of hypnosis whilst engrossed in a good movie or TV programme, although they may easily resist a formal hypnosis if they choose to.

If they did then every hypnotherapist would have a 100% success rate after just one session. A smoker doesn’t stop smoking immediately after being hypnotised, nor does someone break a lifetime’s worth of bad habits overnight. The job of a hypnotherapist is to empower people to achieve their desired goals and help them take control over their own lives. The person seeking treatment must choose to change otherwise success is unlikely, so it is they who hold the power rather than the hypnotherapist.

This is a common misperception which often stems from watching entertainment TV programmes about hypnosis. We can all resist suggestions that are against our will, particularly if we have a strong emotional desire to resist. It is entirely possible to lie whilst under hypnosis and none of us would wish to unknowingly reveal our deepest secrets.

This depends on the scale of your particular problem. Hypnotic CDs will only provide general results which may not necessarily work for you, whereas a hypnotherapist will listen to you and understand your needs before offering personalised treatment just for you.

Many people have found it helpful to learn self-hypnosis and it can be useful when supplementing a professional hypnotherapy programme. In cases of managing stress or breaking bad habits, teaching you self-hypnosis might even be part of the sessions.