how i can help you
Frequently Asked Questions
General Hypnotherapy questions
What is hypnosis and is it safe?
Hypnosis is a safe and very natural state, for us to be in similar to daydreaming. The experience of hypnosis can be described as a state of focused attention. During our daily lives we naturally drift in and out of hypnosis e.g. while reading a book or watching a film.
Do I give up control if I’m hypnotized?
No, you remain in control throughout the process. Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, a bit like being absorbed in a film, sport or book and you can emerge from it whenever you wish.
How does it feel?
Most people describe the experience as deeply relaxing and quite enjoyable.
How does it work?
The hypnosis or trance reduces anxiety, by way of guided relaxation and visualisation. Whilst in a deeply relaxing trance, your subconscious can focus on the positive aspects of your life and move you towards your goals.
Do I have to talk about my past?
No. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is focuses on the present and the future not the past, this is how it is It is different from other types of hypnotherapy. It is not necessary to dig into your past to facilitate positive lasting changes in your life.
What to expect in a session – with you
The first part of the session is the psychotherapy and the second part is the hypnosis part. You will be invited to relax in a chair or on a couch, where you will be guided into a trance like state, allowing your mind to absorb and reflect on the things discussed in the session.
How do individual hypnotherapy sessions work?
These sessions last for approximately 60mins.
The first half of the session is the psychotherapy part, where we will discuss your goals and progress. This part of the session will have a positive focus on the present and the future. We will work together as a team to move you, toward your goals.
Remember I do not need to go into your past to help you move forward in a positive way.
The second part of the session is the trance part. You will be asked to lie on a couch, bed, or floor and cover your body with a light blanket to aid relaxation.
You will hear soft background music and I will guide you slowly and gently into a trance. All that is required of you here is to completely relax and enjoy the trance as much as possible.
While the trance experience may feel like a sleep or a daydream, it is instead a very deep rest and therefore a soothing relaxation is experienced on a deeper level.
I use a gentle mix of positive suggestions and metaphors to help your brain develop, new and positive pathways empowering you to achieve your aims.
When the trance part of the session is over, I will gently guide you back into full awareness and allow you to adjust.
In general, people feel lighter, brighter, and very relaxed after the trance. The positive focus of the sessions plus the deep relaxation your brain experiences during the trance will leave you feeling refreshed.
You will be perfectly able to drive, study, return to work and get on with your day.
How does a Stop Smoking session work?
This is an intense 2-hour session. There is no initial consultation needed for this session.
The first part of the session explains how the brain works in relation to smoking. I will explain the psychology behind the habit and how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can stop you from smoking for good.
We will look at your reasons for smoking and you will learn why the brain tricks you into thinking that you need to smoke. We will also unveil the many myths connected to quitting smoking. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy will enable you to quit smoking in a safe and natural way.
By exploring your motivations for quitting smoking, you will use your imagination to your advantage, by envisaging a smoke-free future. For the trance part of the session, you will be asked to recline in a comfortable chair or couch and be covered by a light blanket to aid relaxation. You will be asked to close your eyes. There will be soft background music playing and I will talk to you to gently induce a trance for around 45 minutes. This is very
comfortable and deeply relaxing experience.
The combination of the psychotherapy in the first part of this session and the hypnosis or trance part allows your subconscious to effectively rewire itself. During the trance, the positive suggestion and metaphors used will help your brain process and absorb the session information on a deeper level, allowing your brain to really get the message to stop the habit.
How does an online session work?
How to prepare for the online session
A quiet and private space for the duration of the session where you will not be interrupted.
For the first half of the session most people sit in a comfortable chair at a table or desk. A fully charged device or plugged into a charger.
A comfortable area of the room where you can lie down, for the trance part of the session. This could be a bed, sofa, or yoga mat on the floor.
A pillow and a blanket.
The device positioned so that we can still see each other.
Internet and devices?
All you need for your online session is a stable internet connection and a quiet space where you will not be interrupted.
For your computer, tablet, or phone, make sure both video and audio options are turned on.
Headphones are highly recommended.
I will send you a zoom link ahead of our session all you need to do is click on the link and follow the instructions.
Does online therapy work just as well as in person?
A study conducted by the University of Zurich in 2014, analysed the effectiveness of face to face treatment for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in comparison with internet based therapy.
The study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that treating depression via online therapy is equally as beneficial as in person therapy.
A further study in 2018 study conducted by Neurogastroenterology Unit, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester, UK. The study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found online hypnotherapy to be highly effective in the treatment of refractory Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
How does the Initial online Consultation work?
The initial consultation is a free and no-obligation session that takes around 50-60 minutes. It is a chance for us to have a chat about what you are seeking to achieve and how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you. I will take some background details including any relevant medical history.
I will also advise you on how many sessions you are likely to need for positive change.
In this session, I will explain how the brain works. You will gain an understanding of how the brain works and more specifically, exactly how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can help you as an individual. I will explain what happens to the brain and will discuss what happens during trance and make sure you have any questions answered.
All of our sessions are respectful and confidential. You will also get my sleep hypnosis recording, again free of charge. I am fully committed to a high-quality, up-to-date professional and ethical practice. I therefore will make sure the consent form is signed and that you understand how your data will be utilised and protected in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).
What issues do people come in for?
Solution focused hypnotherapy can help with many situations including the list below and many more.
- Abuse recovery
- Addiction
- Adoption issues
- Anxiety
- Assertiveness
- Binging drinking
- Bruxism
- Burn out
- Confidence
- Depression
- Dentist anxiety
- Driving anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Exam nerves
- Fears and phobias
- Injection anxiety
- Interview nerves
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Motivation
- Narcissistic abuse recovery
- Pain
- Panic attacks
- Public speaking
- Trauma, PTSD and CTSD
- Travel anxiety
- Panic attack and
- Relationships
- Self esteem
- Skin conditions
- Sleep issues
- Social anxiety
- Sports performance
- Stage fright
- Stop Smoking
- Stop vaping
- Stress