Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

What is Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a wonderful power for good. The experience of hypnosis is unique to each individual although it usually involves some common phenomena; physical and mental relaxation, facial flush, fluttering eyelids, heaviness or lightness in the limbs, etc. Hypnosis or trance is an entirely natural state, which the average person drifts in an out of hundreds of times a day, when daydreaming, reading a good book, watching a movie or carrying out any repetitive task. Hypnosis can also be intentionally induced by a hypnotist. When used by an ethical clinical hypnotherapist, the enormous power of hypnosis for healing and growth can be realised. It allows us gain access to our subconscious mind, with all the beliefs and memories it has stored, and also to programme ourselves with the beliefs we would like to hold; positive, constructive and empowering beliefs that will bring us closer to the life we choose to live. Repressed traumatic memories can be identified and processed, harmful and limiting beliefs can be recognised and released, and personally desired goals can be visualised as fully realised, bringing them closer to reality. Back to top

What does hypnosis feel like?

The experience of hypnosis is unique to each individual, although it usually involves some common phenomena; physical and mental relaxation, facial flush, fluttering eyelids, a feeling of heaviness or lightness in the limbs, etc. Back to top

Will I be aware of what is happening?

Yes. Many people who’ve been through hypnosis believe it didn’t work for them, because they never “went under”. This is based on the common misperception that a hypnotic trance is like being asleep. In reality, the trance state is one of deep mental and physical relaxation. You remain conscious at all times, fully aware of your surroundings and what is happening. You just feel more tranquil and inwardly focused than you would be in normal waking consciousness. Back to top

Can anybody be hypnotised?

Yes, anyone of sound mind who wants to be hypnotised can be hypnotised. The only requirement is the ability to follow simple instructions and focus your attention. Back to top

What are the dangers of hypnosis?

In and of itself hypnosis is not harmful. In fact one of the benefits of hypnosis, is that it is a natural state with no unpleasant side-effects. The state of hypnosis could be described as a dream or trance state in which the hypnotised individual is extremely relaxed and their subconscious mind is therefore more accessible to them. Back to top

Could I be made do anything against my own will or nature, or say something that I shouldn’t?

Not at all. A hypnotic trance is just an altered state of consciousness in which you are much more relaxed than in normal waking consciousness. You maintain awareness of your surroundings, you can hear anything going on around you and the hypnotherapist’s voice. You are basically deeply relaxed. You are in no way under the control of the hypnotherapist facilitating the trance state. If something were to happen which made you uncomfortable you would immediately snap out of the trance state and react. If you were asked to do something that went against your own values or better judgement, you would be aware of this and could simply choose to ignore the request. Back to top

Can “normal” people undergo Hypno-psychotherapy and Psycho-analysis?

Of course. Psycho-analysis has no equal where the search for insight in to the self is concerned. Many people choose hypno-analysis when they want to come to a deep understanding of how their life experiences have shaped them. This requires motivation and a willingness to put in the work between sessions. A course of hypno-analysis will be completed within 8 - 12 weekly sessions, and will include your own personalised hypnotherapy recording with which to practice self-hypnosis at home. You’ll also learn the life-enhancing skill of self-hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is also an excellent technique to use when working toward personal development goals. This could take anything between 1 to 4 seesions depending on the goal you have in mind, and again will include your own personalised hypnotherapy recording. Back to top

How many sessions will I need?

This can vary. Each person is unique and will experience a problem in their own unique way. In general, the simpler problems like; nail-biting, slimming, smoking, phobias and pre-test nerves etc. can usually be resolved through “suggestion therapy”. This should take 1-3 sessions. More deep-rooted nervous disorders, especially those accompanied by depression and or anxiety, will require “analytical” rather than “suggestion” therapy. This usually consists of 8-12 weekly sessions, and it ensures that the underlying cause of your symptoms are uncovered and worked through. Back to top