What if I can't be hypnotised? (and other frequently asked questions)

I get lots of questions about hypnosis, and there are quite a few misconceptions about how it works. So here are some of the answers for you. Don't be afraid to contact me if you have more!

 

What happens during the appointment?

Initial appointments are 70 minutes long (75 minutes for smoking). The first half of the session we talk about what you want to change in your life, and how you want to feel. Sometimes we focus on just one thing (such as nail biting). Other times we may talk about the bigger picture of your life, how stressed you are, how often you have fun, that kind of thing. 

The second part of the session is the hypnosis itself. You recline in a very comfortable black leather recliner. You have the option of wearing headphones and glasses that provide binaural beats and isochronic pulses to help you get into the hypnotic state. This equipment is not essential to the hypnotic process but my clients generally love it. It helps to block out the outside world and put you into a safe little hypnotic bubble!

 

Then you just relax and listen to my voice.  It's a bit like a guided meditation or daydream. I use the information you've given me in the session to weed out the negative thoughts and fill your mind with positivity and motivation. You are still in control, but your subconscious mind is more open to change.

 

At the end of the session you will probably feel very relaxed. Over the next few hours and days you will notice changes, sometimes dramatic, sometimes subtle, in the way you think feel and act.

 

What if I can't be hypnotised?

Have you ever driven a familiar journey and arrived at your destination without remember the whole drive? Or been so engrossed in a movie or book that you don't hear someone talking to you? That's hypnosis. We go in and out of trance quite naturally.

 

If you are worried that you are not susceptible to hypnosis, you can relax. I have all sorts of techniques and technology to help you to get into the perfect state. You certainly don't have to go into a deep trance for hypnotherapy to change your life for the better. 

 

Will I lose control of my mind?

Definiately not. You will be in complete control the whole time. If I were to suggest anything strange or unpleasant to you, you would snap out of the hypnotic state instantly. Your mind accepts what I say only when I'm telling you things I already know you want to hear.

 

What if I fall asleep?

It's perfectly ok to fall asleep. I see lots of exhausted, stressed people. If you are able to relax enough to fall asleep during the session that is a great thing. Snoring is ok too! Your subconscious mind will still absorb what I say, and I will wake you up at the end.

 

How many sessions will I need?

This is completely up to you. You don't have to commit to multiple sessions, you can try just one session then decide if you want to continue. I find with phobias that 1-3 sessions are required. Smoking is usually just 1 session, sometimes with a top up session a few months or years later if needed.

 

Weightloss and stress can be 2-6 sessions, it really depends on what behaviours thoughts and actions you want to change. I also have clients that come every few weeks or months on an ongoing basis because they just love the way it feels, and they like to keep their lives sailing smoothly. For those people it's like getting a regular massage. It improves your life and feels good, even if there is nothing specifically wrong.

 

My problem is really small or silly. I should be able to resolve it myself. Should I still try hypnosis?

Don't ever feel that your problems are silly, I help people with all sorts of issues, if it's something that's stopping you from loving life, then it's something I can help you with. No problem is too big or too small.

 

My problem is really big. Can hypnosis help?

If you are suffering from major trauma or your problem is a diagnosed mental illness, then I suggest you see your GP or a psychologist/psychiatrist first. That said, I have lots of clients that are working with a GP/psychologist/psychiatrist but are also seeing me at the same time. If you're not sure if hypnosis is right for you, please get in touch and we can work it out together! I won't do anything to undermine the work you are doing with a medical professional.

 

Will I have to tell you all my secrets?

No. you can tell me as much or as little as you like about your situation. I don't ask you any questions while you are under hypnosis so you don't need to worry about revealing too much.

 

But does it work?

Yes! There's lots of research on the effectiveness of hypnosis. It's used in hospitals and medical facilities around the world. I help all sorts of people stop smoking or drinking, eat more healthily, exercise more, feel relaxed in social situations, improve their studies, stop biting their nails, the list goes on and on. It's not magic, it doesn't have a 100% success rate (just like doctors don't cure everyone that walks through their doors) but it's very successful for most people. If you have questions about your specific situation, please email me or use the link at the bottom of this page to book a free 10 minute phone consult.

 

Thanks

Louise White