Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to help create positive changes in your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. It works by guiding you into a deeply relaxed state where your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to positive suggestions and therapeutic interventions. This allows us to address the root causes of issues and install new, healthier patterns of thinking and behaviour.

Hypnotherapy can be effective for a wide range of issues including anxiety and stress, weight management, phobias and fears, confidence building, sleep disorders, habit breaking, sports performance, exam nerves, and many others. It's particularly effective for issues that have a psychological or behavioural component.

Yes, hypnotherapy is recognised by major medical organisations including the British Medical Association and the American Medical Association. It's used in hospitals, medical centres, and by healthcare professionals worldwide. I'm registered with professional bodies including the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).

Clinical hypnotherapy is completely different from stage hypnosis. In therapy, you remain fully aware, in control, and focused on healing and positive change. There's no entertainment aspect, and you won't be asked to do anything embarrassing or against your will. The goal is therapeutic benefit, not entertainment.

Yes, hypnotherapy is completely safe when practiced by a qualified professional. There are no reported cases of harm from clinical hypnotherapy. You remain aware and in control throughout the session and can emerge from hypnosis at any time. It's a natural state similar to daydreaming or deep relaxation.

Absolutely. You remain fully in control throughout the entire session. You can't be made to do anything against your will or moral values. You'll be aware of everything happening and can choose to accept or reject any suggestions. You can speak, move, or even end the session at any time.

No, it's impossible to get stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state that you drift in and out of daily. If a session ended abruptly, you would either emerge naturally or drift into normal sleep and wake up normally. Your mind has natural protective mechanisms that keep you safe.

No, you won't reveal anything you don't want to share. You maintain your moral and ethical boundaries during hypnosis. The therapy is focused on helping you achieve your goals, not uncovering secrets. Everything shared in sessions is strictly confidential according to professional ethical standards.

Hypnotherapy has no negative side effects. Most people feel relaxed and refreshed after sessions. Occasionally, people might feel emotional as they process changes, but this is a normal part of the healing process. Any emotions that arise are handled supportively within the therapeutic process.

Research shows hypnotherapy to be highly effective for many conditions. Success rates vary by issue and individual, but studies indicate significant improvement in 80-90% of anxiety cases, excellent results for phobias and habits, and strong success rates for confidence building and weight management. Individual results depend on motivation, commitment, and the specific issue being addressed.

This varies by individual and issue. Some people notice changes immediately after the first session, while others see gradual improvement over several sessions. Issues like confidence building or weight management may develop over 4-8 weeks, whilst certain phobias might show quicker results. We'll monitor progress together throughout treatment.

Results can be permanent, especially when you actively participate in the process and practice any self-hypnosis or techniques provided. The changes made at the subconscious level tend to be long-lasting. Occasionally, people may need a "booster" session to reinforce positive changes, particularly during times of high stress or major life changes.

While most people respond well to hypnotherapy, occasionally someone may not respond to traditional approaches. In such cases, we can try different techniques or approaches. Sometimes the timing isn't right, or there may be underlying issues that need addressing first. I'm committed to finding an approach that works for you or referring you to other appropriate professionals if needed.

Most people can be hypnotised to some degree. However, the depth of hypnosis varies between individuals, and deep hypnosis isn't always necessary for effective therapy. Those who are highly analytical, have certain mental health conditions, or are under the influence of substances may find it more challenging. The key is finding the right approach for each individual.