Frequently Asked Questions

Many of my clients over the years have asked the same questions regarding hypnosis.  So here is a selection of the most commonly asked questions I have encountered.  I hope they answer most of yours. 

1)   WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, where the subconscious mind is open to suggestions for positive change.  Hypnosis triggers the 'relaxation response' in the body and helps to lower anxiety levels.  In trance you are not asleep, but in a very relaxed state.  Yapko defines the process as influential communication, with the client and hypnotherapist working together to achieve the clients goals.  Clinical hypnotherapy has stood the test of time, and has a proven and well documented history of effective results with a large variety of problems and conditions.

2)   WHERE DOES HYPNOSIS COME FROM?

Hypnosis was historically used by various ancient cultures, and in more recent times was from the Psychodynamic 'Medical Model', and then the newer and more person centered 'Ericksonian Utilisation Approach'.  Hypnosis can be combined with any counselling approach and can achieve excellent results.

3)   HOW DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?

The client needs to pay attention and focus.  Relaxing back in a comfortable recliner chair, with their eyes closed, the client is guided in and out of trance as they listen to my voice.  The first time can take up to 10 minutes to hypnotise someone, with subsequent sessions taking only 10 to 30 seconds.  The first trance is quite light for 90% of people, but all following trances are usually quick and deep.  The other 10% of the population will go into a very deep and relaxed trance on the first session.  Post hypnotic suggestions are used in trance, so that those suggestions will continue to work long after the trance process has been completed.  Hypnosis treats the symptoms and the causes, so that the positive changes made can last a lifetime.

4)   WILL I BE FULLY CONSCIOUS?

A hypnotised person is not unconscious.  They are fully aware of what is going on and are mainly conscious of the hypnotherapist's voice.  They are in a very deep, comfortable state of relaxation, but their senses are hyperaware.  When in this state people are more susceptible to positive suggestion than they would be when normally awake.  They are certainly not in a passive, zombie like trance.

5)   WHAT IS THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND?

All of our storage processes are in the subconscious, and any experience you have ever had or thought about in your conscious mind is stored in your subconscious.  The subconscious mind is a normal waking part of the mind, and is therefore a normal mental state.  The subconscious mind is different from being unconscious, which is a physical state.  The subconscious does not analyse data, but stores it and helps to recall it. 

6)   WHAT WILL HYPNOSIS FEEL LIKE?

You will feel very comfortable and totally relaxed.  Hypnosis is like daydreaming in an altered state of consciousness, and you will experience some very pleasant feelings of comfort and wellbeing.  In hypnosis you are totally conscious and very aware of what the hypnotherapist is saying. 

7)   WHAT HAPPENS IF I FALL ASLEEP?

If a client falls asleep during the hypnotic process, they will not hear the post hypnotic suggestions, and their session will have been wasted.  Generally, if someone falls asleep, the hypnotherapist will gently tap them on the shoulder to awaken them and then resume the hypnotherapy session.  Hypnosis is a state between waking and sleep and is similar to meditation.  

8)   WILL I BE IN CONTROL?

You will remain in control of yourself at all times.  You are also able to wake yourself up at any time should you wish to do so.  Hypnosis is maintained by mutual co-operation.  In trance, you would not do anything that you woulnn't choose to do normally.  Remember, in trance your body is very relaxed, but your mind is hyperaware which means very aware.

9)   WILL I BEHAVE LIKE PEOPLE DO UNDER STAGE HYPNOTISTS?

People often mention stage hypnotists with a sense of excitement and concern.  The main diffenence here between stage hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy, is that stage hypnotists are only accredited for entertainment, whilst the clinical hypnotherapist is trained to work with people and their problems.  It is also a whole different environment, because when people go to a show, they want to be entertained.  They either go to have fun and go up on stage or to watch others with the hypnotist.  When people come to see a counsellor/hypnotherapist, they are looking for assistance with serious problems and concerns in their lives.

10)  IS HYPNOSIS SAFE?

Hypnosis is natural, drug free, fast, safe and effective.  Your subconscious chooses the level of trance that it feels comfortable with.  Therapeutically you only need a light to medium level of trance to achieve good results.

11)  CAN I GET 'STUCK' IN TRANCE?

You cannot get 'stuck' in trance, at the very worst, you will simply fall asleep and wake up when you need to.  Clinical hypnotherapists are very well trained, and as clinical members of our professional associations, we are bound by a strict code of conduct.  It is impossible for you to be 'stuck' in trance.  It simply cannot happen.

12)  AM I TOO 'STRONG WILLED' TO BE HYPNOTISED?

Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be, all you need to do is co-operate with the hypnotherapist to receive positive benefits for your problem.  The only people who cannot be hypnotised are those who do not want to be hypnotised. eg: Someone who is not ready to give up smoking, gambling or whatever.