FAQs about Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy

Below are the most frequently asked questions about hypnosis and my services. If you have a question that isn't listed here or you would like more information on any of thes questions, please let me know; my contact details are found on the contact page.

You can find the answer to any of these questions by simply clicking the link.

• Not sure about hypnosis? 
• Can anybody be hypnotised?
• How many sessions of hypnotherapy will I need? 
• How long does a session last?
• How often do I need to come?
• How much does it cost?
• What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?
• Whats the next step?

Not sure about hypnosis?

Our state of conscious awareness changes throughout the day quite naturally. Everyone changes their conscious state dozens of times a day - try and get someone's attention if they are absorbed in the television or a good book!

Hypnosis describes a range of naturally occuring states of altered conscious awareness which may vary from momentary distractions to much enhanced states of relaxation to very deep states of inward focus and awareness. And that is all it is – totally natural and there is nothing magical about it. You can guess from what I've said that hypnosis is not the same as being asleep!

In terms of therapy hypnosis is merely a relaxed state. It's very pleasant and you will hear everthing that is said to you. In this relaxed state your mental processes are far more flexible and potentially far more powerful in effecting change than those we can acheive in most everyday states of active conscious awareness.

The great benefit to you is that in such altered states the therapist’s suggestions or stories can 'go under the radar' of the concsious mind and speak directly to your unconscious mind. The words placed there will provide you with new perspectives; new ways of looking at your particular problem. Hypnosis is one of the best learning places ever!

You are always in control during a hypnotherapy session. It is your trance and you will come out of trance if asked to do something that is contrary to your own morals and values. This explains both why a hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you don't want to do under hypnosis and that you must want to change your behaviour patterns.

Finally, you'll be pleased to know that you will always wake up! As I said above, hypnosis is not sleep and no matter how 'deep' into trance you go, it is impossible to stay there!

Can anybody be hypnotised?

Some say that 95% of people can be hypnotised by one therapist and the other 5% by someone else! I'm not sure about that. Different people simply require a different methods to enable relaxation to occur. 

Essentially, anyone can be hypnotised if they want to be and have an ability to concentrate. So it may not be so helpful for very young children or people with certain mental disabilities.

How many sessions of hypnotherapy will I need?

Hypnotherapy is an effective therapy that can bring about rapid and lasting change. I will want to help you get good value for money and we will regularly review your progress together.

Everyone comes to see me with a different issue so it's impossible to be precise but many habits can be resolved in three to six sessions while more complex issues may require ten to twelve sessions. You will be advised at the end of your assessment session.

How long does a session last?

Your assessment session will last up to 75 minutes. Each subsesequent session lasts 50-55 minutes. If you are travelling a long way, 2 hour sessions or longer can be arranged. (See also personal breakthrough sessions.) Therapy for smoking cessation is a one-off session of 2½-3 hours (or a one hour session followed by a 2 hour session.

How often do I need to come?

I generally see people once a week. This will depend on the type of problem and on progress made. I find that a gentle approach with a week in between sessions allows time for integration of new ideas and perspectives. Also, clients will see changes happening in that time. 

Change requires time to develop and once clients are comfortable to 'go it alone', I encourage them to do so. It is of course possible for old habits to reappear in the rare event of that happening it is absolutely right to come for a chat and some reinforcement. Remember, there is no such thing as failure - only feedback!

For busy people, it's possible to focus on an issue for some hours to achieve your desired outcome - a breakthrough session.

How much does it cost?

Introductory assessment sessions cost £50. All subsequent sessions cost £50. Payment is by cheque or cash at the end of each session. Telephone consultations cost £50, to be paid by cheque prior to your consultation. You can also pay via PayPal and you do not need a PayPal account to use this facility. The fee for a breakthrough session is £600.

What happens if I need to cancel an appointment?

That’s fine, but please give me at least twenty-four hours notice to cancel or re-arrange appointments, otherwise you will be liable for the full fee.

What is the next step?

Please go to the contact page, pick up the phone or send an email and be curious! What would it be like if…?