Hypnosis is a very pleasant experience.  I have written this Q&A as some people are apprehensive about it or have mistaken views about what it is, what it does and who is in charge.  Most of the misapprehension comes from stage hypnosis and films where people appear to be taken over and do things beyond their will.  These are vastly exaggerated for effect and bear no resemblance to Therapeutic Hypnosis where you are in charge and it is done entirely for your benefit.

Hypnosis Q&A

Q: What is Hypnotherapy?

A: Hypnotherapy is quite simply making best use of an altered state to talk direct to the unconscious mind. The unconscious is in control of all your automated processes and can adapt them to give you a healthier and happier life. The unconscious is also our survival system and has a gatekeeper to keep out anything that might be harmful. This is why trusting your therapist is a major factor in whether you can work together effectively. Genuine rapport between you is the main thing to look for in selecting a therapist.

Q: Can I be hypnotised?

A: Yes, providing you want to be (apart from those with contraindicated reasons).  I have never yet been unable to help someone to the sufficient state to work with them and deliberately take on people who think they are unable to or who have tried before and it did not seem to work.

Contraindications (unsuitability for treatment)

• Individuals suffering from dementia
• Individuals with psychotic disorders or taking anti psychotic medication
• Very young children
• Drug addicts
• Anybody evidently under the influence of alcohol
• ‘Educationally challenged’ individuals
• Anybody with comprehension difficulties

Q: Do you wave a pendulum in front of me?

A: No, but I could if you want me to! Whilst many Hypnotherapists may do various eye tiring techniques I do not.  I simply ask you to close your eyes and take you through a mutually pre agreed relaxation process.

Q: How do you put me into trance?

A: I don’t put you into trance, you do.  This is your trance I only help relax and guide you.

Q: What if I’ve never been in a trance before?

A: You undoubtedly have, but might not have realised it. Every day we all go in and out of trance states, reading a book, watching TV, driving whilst concentrating on other things, any time we daydream or concentrate on something whilst ignoring our surroundings.  We often don’t realise we have been in an altered state until we come back into full consciousness.

Q: How will I know I am in trance?

A: You might not. It is simply a relaxed state and experiences differ, you may either hear everything or drift in and out of other thoughts.

Q: Do you know if I am in a trance?

A: Yes.  I will be able to see from physiological changes when it is suitable to work with you on the things we have agreed. If I am doing that work then you are in a suitable state.

Q: Can you make me do anything I don’t want to.

A: Quite simply NO. This is your trance and you are in control.  You are able to come out of it at any time you want. Your unconscious has a gatekeeper and it will only allow whatever we have agreed.

Q: I have seen stage hypnotists force people to do stupid things how does that work?

A: Stage hypnosis is for fun, not therapy.  The stage hypnotist only works with people who volunteer and are in effect giving permission to put them in amusing situations.

Q: I am concerned about you affecting my free will - can you?

A: No. You can come out of trance at any time you want and if you disagreed with anything you would do so. 

Q: What if I don’t come out of trance?

A: You always will.  I regularly work over Skype and if the connection dropped you would gradually come back into “normality” just as we awake after sleeping. 

Q: Can you make me go back into trance by clicking your fingers?

A: Only if that is what we agreed, and even then only in appropriate situations.  However, I never do this, it is unnecessary because it takes very little time to induce a hypnotic state and it becomes faster each time! 

Q: How does a mental process affect physical problems?

A: Our physical and mental processes are so intertwined that it is impossible for one to work without the other. If I tell you to lift your index finger now, your brain will understand that and convert it to language your body understands.  The same happens with every cell in our body.

Q: Are you telling me it’s all in my head?

A: No, definitely not. The phrase “All in your head” implies that you could have had control over it or deliberately brought it on. Using hypnosis can correct things at the unconscious level, changing things you had no control over to an altered process that is automated to fit the new desired state.

Q: Is Hypnosis dangerous?

A: No. Hypnosis on its own is just a relaxed state. Hypnosis is one of the “tools” that allows access to intervene in things that will be beneficial to your well being.  The gatekeeper system of your unconscious is a survival system designed to protect you.  It rejects or refuses unhelpful interventions.

  

If you have a question not answered here please use the contact page and get in touch, Regards, Steven