Frequently
Asked Questions
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a naturally occuring state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. We often experience natural hypnosis on a daily basis. Examples include:
- Have you ever driven on a familiar route and your mind is focused on something else and you arrive at your destination with little conscious memory of the journey? This is often nicknamed as “highway hypnosis”.
- Have you ever read a great book or watched an amazing movie and felt so engaged by the narrative and with your heightened suggestibility you emotionally connected with the story with laughter, sadness, fear etc?
- Have you ever daydreamed and became so deeply absorbed in your own thoughts that you’ve lost awareness of your surroundings?
- Have you ever seen a person walking and so engaged with their mobile phone such as scrolling through social media with the continuous stream of information, visual and auditory stimuli creating a focused and suggestible and they have no sense of what’s going on around them? This is often nicknamed as “digital hypnosis”.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a technique utilising hypnosis to achieve specific therapeutic goals. It involves guiding individuals into a focused state where they are more open to suggestions to help the individual make positive changes to their mental and emotional wellbeing.
What does hypnosis feel like?
By definition, hypnosis is NOT a state of relaxation, but as many issues are related to stress or anxiety, we often create a profoundly relaxed state to assist clients in making the changes they want. Most people report feeling very relaxed or pleasantly lethargic. Many clients are surprised at how “normal” the experience feels, as many have been conditioned by movies or television to think there is a “magic feeling” that suddenly washes over you. Your mind will be alert and perceptive of the suggestions it is receiving. Your focus will be directly on your experience or the words of the suggestions you are receiving. At times you may feel deeply relaxed or feel like you are floating or even profoundly feel like you are just sitting in a chair.
Is hypnosis mind control?
The hypnotherapist does not control your mind, rather your mind is controlling you. Under hypnosis a reasonable person cannot be made to do anything against their moral or ethical principles, as their higher/ subconscious mind would not allow this.
Clinical hypnotherapy is about enabling a person to access their abundant internal resources within their higher/ subconscious/ powerful mind.
The hypnotherapist is like a guide to help you make the changes you want to make for yourself.
It’s important to note that hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, and individuals cannot be made to do anything against their will while in a hypnotic state. Additionally, individuals can come out of hypnosis at any time if they feel uncomfortable or choose to do so.
I’m afraid of losing control
Hypnosis is a state of mind that requires consent. You will be aware of what the hypnotherapist is saying during the session and cannot be made to do against your own morals. You cannot be made to tell secrets or discuss anything without your consent whilst experiencing hypnosis.
A common misconception of hypnosis involves a potential client thinking that they may be “too strong-willed” to be hypnotised. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The stronger your ability to focus, use your imagination and concentrate, the faster and easier you will go into your hypnosis.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
You should ensure your hypnotherapist has the appropriate training from recognised and approved providers. As hypnosis is a naturally occurring state, at worst, nothing will happen.
However, if you have any psychological conditions (refer to FAQ “When hypnotherapy is not suitable”) then please seek advice from your medical provider before engaging in hypnotherapy.
Health and safety of clients is the priority.
When hypnotherapy is not suitable
If you have the following conditions, please seek advice from your medical specialist and referral for clinical hypnotherapy.
- Alcohol Psychosis
- Bipolar
- Drug Psychosis
- Epilepsy
- Chronic Heart Condition
- Pathological Personalities
- Senility
- Schizophrenia
- Suicidal Tendencies
- Other psychological conditions
My mind is too strong to be hypnotised
Intelligent people with the ability to focus, concentrate and use their imagination are able to go into hypnosis relatively quickly and get great results. It is not a sign of being gullible or weak of character to go quickly into hypnosis. Hypnosis is not a struggle or battle of the wills. Want it to happen expect it to happen and watch it happen. You’ll be amazed at just how strong your mind really is.
Will you make me act like chicken or do something stupid?
This is in the realm of stage hypnosis for comedy and entertainment purposes. People who volunteer for stage hypnosis are accepting and expecting that they may do funny or silly things on display in public for the purpose of entertainment. As with any profession, ethical boundaries and health and safety considerations are paramount.
However hypnosis can be applied to help you overcome fears and anxiety such as being on stage, public speaking and
give you confidence!
My friend tried hypnotherapy and it didn’t work, what went wrong?
The success of your hypnosis experience depends on your willingness for change, rapport and skills of the hypnotherapist. It is by no means a magic wand. You are responsible for your change. The hypnotherapist is your guide. For example, if a smoker doesn’t want to quit and is only seeing a hypnotherapist because their partner / spouse / doctor has insisted, then that person is not prepared to accept suggestions for positive change. If the smoker has a genuine desire to quit, then they are ready for success.
How many sessions are required?
I work with clients for at least three sessions as I’ve found it’s the best way to get results for my clients. This is due to
- When we first meet, it’s normal to be a little cautious during the first session.
- Often the issue you want to work on is not the real underlying issue and it takes more than one session to figure this out.
- Your mind and body need time to implement the positive changes, especially when these issues have been impacting you for a long time.
- As we work and collaborate together over the sessions, you’ll become more familiar and understanding of the hypnotherapy process.
- We want to make the changes gradually so they last permanently.
Sessions run up to an hour and can be in person or online.