Many people have queries about hypnotherapy.  Some common questions are answered below.  If you would like more information, or have any other questions or concerns, please contact Vanessa, who will be very happy to help.

IS HYPNOTHERAPY LIKE STAGE HYPNOSIS?

To be brief, NO! Whilst both involve hypnosis, their aims, methods and outcomes are totally different: 

Stage hypnotists are working as performers, not as therapists.  They use hypnosis to encourage willing volunteers to act in particular ways purely for entertainment purposes. 

Hypnotherapists use hypnosis to help clients to change their thought patterns and beliefs purely for therapeutic purposes.  Hypnotherapy will not make you think, do or say anything against your wishes, and will not make you look foolish.  

CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTISED?

The vast majority of people can be hypnotised, provided that they wish to be.  As a client, you need to be willing to work with Vanessa to agree and achieve your goals through hypnotherapy.  You bring the desire to change, and Vanessa will bring the skills to help you to do so!

Some people find it easier to relax than others, and similarly some people are able to go into hypnosis more quickly and more deeply than others.  Most people find it gets easier with practice.  However, even a light trance can be sufficient to allow many therapeutic goals to be achieved, so most people can benefit from hypnotherapy.

HOW WILL I FEEL DURING HYPNOSIS?

There is actually no specific feeling associated with hypnosis. Most people feel pleasantly relaxed, but this may take slightly different forms for individuals. Being hypnotised can often feel like being in a daydream, or perhaps that warm comfortable state just before you fall asleep.

Your body should feel deeply relaxed, as you rest in a large comfortable chair.  Sometimes, you may remain aware of what is happening; at other times you may feel as though your mind wanders.  While you relax, Vanessa will be working to offer therapeutic suggestions to be accepted at a subconscious level. 

Despite individual variations, most people find hypnotheray an effective way to resolve isues.  Remember: what matters is not how hypnosis feels, but that the hypnotherapy works!

IS HYPNOTHERAPY SAFE?

Hypnotherapy is very safe when used by a qualified hypnotherapist. No drugs or medications are used, there are no side-effects, and hypnotherapy is not addictive.

As when daydreaming, although you are very relaxed, you remain in control at all times. If there was any need to respond to an emergency (such as a fire alarm), you would automatically leave the hypnotic state immediately and completely.

You cannot be forced to say, do or accept anything you are not comfortable with. You won’t suddenly reveal all your secrets.  And don’t believe sensationalist stories: you cannot get ‘stuck’ in hypnosis – just as you cannot get ‘stuck’ in sleep – you simply revert to normal waking awareness!  

Please also read our page on 'Safety'

Although hypnosis makes you feel wonderfully relaxed, you are not asleep, nor are you under control of the hypnotherapist. If you want to come out of hypnosis at any time, you simply choose to do just that.
 

WHAT IS ANALYTICAL THERAPY?

Sometimes events can leave uncomfortable memories. The client may be aware of these memories, or they may be repressed – pushed to the back of the mind and largely forgotten.  In either case, the memories may start to resurface and cause difficulties later in life.

These difficulties might include:

·         Low self-esteem

·         Fears and phobias

·         Chronic weight control issues

·         Relationship or interpersonal difficulties

Hypnotherapists can use age regression with clients who wish to throw light upon past events that may now be causing internal conflict. Clients are guided through past issues safely, so that they can view events from a less emotional viewpoint.  

Often, simply viewing past events from a more mature adult perspective is enough for clients to ‘put the past to rest’.  However, this may also be combined with suggestion therapy, to help the client to make changes to their attitudes and beliefs.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

NHS DIRECTORY OF COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE PRACTITIONERS
HYPNOTHERAPIST REGISTER                              HYPNOTHERAPY DIRECTORY          HYPNOTHERAPY REGULATORY FORUM