What’s the difference between what you do and the hypnosis that I’ve seen on stage or on TV?
The hypnosis that I use is not the same as what you might have seen on stage or online. I can’t get you to walk like a chicken, or do something you don’t want to. I’m not in control of your mind. It’s simply a guided relaxation technique, a bit like a daydream or listening to a bedtime story. You are in control the whole way through and could come out of trance at any stage if you wanted or needed to. I can’t make you do anything that you don’t want to do. While it is true that during trance, we are more open to suggestions, if I did suggest something that clashed with your innate beliefs or values your brain would simply ignore it.
Should I be worried about the hypnosis?
There’s no need to be worried about hypnosis. Hypnotic state (trance) is normal. We all, without realising, go in and out of trance during our day. For instance, you’re washing up and staring out the window thinking of something else. It’s a bit like a daydream, I just create the conditions so that you can experience that feeling for longer and use it to help you make positive changes in your life. You are in control throughout and could come out of trance at any stage if you wanted to.
Will I have to talk about my past?
Absolutely not, Solution Focus Hypnotherapy (as the name suggests) doesn’t involve looking back into the past. If you have experienced painful events, we acknowledge that they have happened and concentrate on where you are now and where you want to get to.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No, the hypnotic state (trance) is very normal, we all go in and out of this state during our normal day without even noticing. It’s that feeling of drifting off, a bit like a daydream. Often when you’re driving, you’re thinking about something else, or you simply don’t remember the last 5 minutes of your journey but you’re still in control of your car. Should you need to become fully alert during trance then you would be able to do this a bit like snapping yourself out of a day dream.
Am I safe to drive afterwards?
Yes, you will be in control the whole way through and after our session.
What’s your cancellation policy?
A full refund will be given as long as you have given notice 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Is everything confidential?
I abide by the Code of Conduct, Ethics and Performance policies of both the NCH (National Council for Hypnotherapy and AfSFH (Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy) and as such uphold the highest standards of confidentiality. All information about you is treated with the utmost care and will not be discussed outside our session, unless you give specific permission for me to do so. I may discuss during my own professional supervision sessions a client, but all the information that could identify that client is removed.
How many sessions will I need?
This very much varies from client to client and depends on the issues that the client is looking for help with. As a rough guide, following the initial consultation, the average number of sessions can be:
- Depression and anxiety 8 to 12 sessions
- Specific phobia 3 sessions
- Smoking cessation 1 session (but a longer session lasting between 90 mins to 2 hours)
Do online sessions work as well as face to face?
Yes, online works as well as seeing someone face to face. It also means that you don’t have to travel to an appointment so it takes less time out of your day. I normally do the online sessions via Zoom, all you need to have is a stable internet connection and a device with a camera.
How do I chose the right hypnotherapist?
In terms of looking for a hypnotherapist, please double check their qualifications before you book. Currently, it’s a completely unregulated industry. I very much hope that this will change soon, but, in the meantime, it’s vital that you ensure that the hypnotherapist you’re going to work with has the necessary qualifications.
For instance, I graduated as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist from CPHT in Edinburgh. CPHT is considered as one of the UK’s leading Hypnotherapy Schools. I have both the Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH) and the Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma (HPD) – only 20% of hypnotherapists have the HPD qualification.
I work with clients over a number of weeks not just a one-off session. The only one-off session I do is for clients that want help to stop smoking. If someone is offering one-off sessions for anything else I would think twice.
I’m also a member of two professional bodies, both the Association of Solution Focused Hypnotherapists (AfSFH) and the National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH). As such, I have to abide by their Code of Conduct and Ethics, and ensure that I continue to do CPD (continuing professional development). I’m fully insured and DBS checked. When you’re looking at booking sessions with someone, if they don’t indicate that they have the appropriate qualifications ask and if not, I would suggest you look elsewhere.