How does hypnosis work?

The trance state that occurs during hypnosis represents an altered state of awareness where the inner unconscious part of the mind becomes more accessible. So just as in daydreaming our attention shifts from the outside world to our own inner thoughts and realities.  This area of the mind is the source of many of our habits and problems as well as a reservoir of knowledge, learnings and potentials.  Beneficial suggestions given to the unconscious mind during hypnosis will be accepted far more readily and can promote new and positive behaviours and attitudes.

What does being hypnotised feel like?

The experience of hypnosis is a perfectly natural state and one that we all experience several times in a day. Drifting off to sleep, being totally engrossed in a book or simply day dreaming are all trance states where there is a sense of detachment from reality. There is a sense of being awake and aware but somehow not quite there.

Will I be asleep during hypnosis?

No, although your eyes will close, your breathing will slow down and your whole body will relax your mind will be very much awake. You will be able to talk and answer questions so you need to be able to hear me.

Will I always be in control?

Absolutely, no one can be hypnotised against their will or persuaded to do anything against their wishes. You can do anything under hypnosis that you can do in the normal alert state. So you can talk, you can open your eyes and you can get up and end the session at any time. You and I work in a therapeutic partnership and you are free to accept or reject whatever I suggest.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

No one can be hypnotised!  All hypnosis is self hypnosis. The therapist is merely the guide who leads the patient into the trance.

Will I always be able to come out of hypnosis?

Yes, whenever you choose. Just as when you are day dreaming or driving a car on automatic pilot you will awake quite naturally. At the end of the session you will hear me suggesting that you wake and you will always do so when you are ready.

What about stage hypnosis?

Stage hypnosis is for public entertainment and volunteers are by definition willing participants. They are carefully selected to be compliant performers and take part for fun. Most come in a group and have probably consumed some alcohol beforehand - a great disinhibitor!  Hypnotherapy is private and confidential and entirely for the benefit of the patient.

How many sessions will I need?

Stopping smoking requires 1 session only and most other problems can generally be resolved in 3 to 6 sessions

How long is a session?

Sessions normally last for about an hour however the first session will be longer to allow for a case history to be taken. A stop smoking session will take from 1 and a half to 2 hours.