FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

How long does each session last?

Each session lasts for approximately one and a half hours.

How many sessions will be needed?

It does depend on what the problem is, and how you respond. On many occasions, noticeable improvement is evident after only a few sessions. The therapist’s aim is to empower you to move forward, and to give you the skills to do so. There is no commitment to keep coming for therapy when you feel things have improved sufficiently.

Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy? What’s the difference?

Hypnosis is a particular state of mind. We all experience this state at some point every day, a pleasant, relaxed state, such as when we’re absorbed in something like a good book, or just daydreaming, or perhaps sitting gazing into the distance in some favourite place.

The only difference between this daily hypnotic or ‘trance’ state, and what you will experience in sessions with a therapist, is that you will be guided to help find answers to those things troubling you, and to identify resources within yourself to do so.

The hypnotic state is especially useful for focusing attention on your unconscious mind: that part of you which creates dreams and allows you to use your imagination. By ‘tapping into’ it, you can also begin to enlist its help in identifying where the problem lies and how to deal with it.

Hypnotherapy is the use of the hypnotic state, along with specific techniques to explore, along with you, where the problem lies and formulate new strategies to tackle it.

So we work, from the beginning, in partnership.

So what, actually, happens in a session?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception! The therapist will NOT get you to do things you don’t want to do, or which are out of character. You remain conscious, and aware of what’s going on in the room, at all times. But you are sitting in a relaxed position, on a comfortable chair, and your attention is attention is focused inwards

When, with guidance, you have achieved a hypnotic state, the therapist will talk to you, ask you questions, make suggestions, guide you through possible solutions.

So… just talking then?

Yes, but with particular emphasis on helping your unconscious mind to find solutions and make changes.

The therapist has a range of techniques to choose from, and these are selected specifically with the needs of each individual in mind. For example, guided imagery and visualisation, metaphor, or techniques derived from NLP, (Neuro Linguistic Programming) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, to help you re-evaluate unpleasant and difficult experiences, and move forward.

When working with you in the initial interview, the therapist will, of course, encourage you to elaborate on the problem you are facing, so as to get as much information as possible on how to help.

At each session there will be time for more discussion, about changes, what you are feeling, how things are going, etc. In therapy itself, the therapist is likely to do the bulk of the talking, while always checking with you, periodically, how you are feeling.