Can I be hypnotised ?
Yes, virtually anyone is able to experience hypnosis as long as they want to. A hypnotherapist can not force you to go into hypnosis against your will.
Will I remember what happened during hypnosis ?
No and Yes. Like any other experience you will remember some things but not necessarily all of it. For example when you listen to a speech or lecture you may begin listening to the person speaking but you never remember everything that has been said. It is a fact Some scientists say we only retain about 30% of what we hear unless we take written notes to aid our memory.
Will I know what is happening ?
Yes, in fact if anything you can be more aware of what is happening. Although your eyes are closed your other senses can increase their awareness and sensitivity.
Will I lose control ?
You remain in control at all times. The hypnotherapist does not have control over you and if you decide to open your eyes and walk out, then you will be able to.
What happens if the hypnotherapist has a heart attack ?
Should this unlikely event occur, you will open your eyes and act as you would do at any other time if this had happened.
Is it dangerous ?
No, you are perfectly safe as hypnosis is a naturally occurring process anyway.
What is being in hypnosis like ?
It is quite an ordinary and everyday experience. Daydreaming is like being in hypnosis. When you are reading a book on a train and are oblivious to other noises and passengers, that is hypnosis. We experience hypnosis throughout our day whether we are aware of it or not.
So what is hypnosis ?
Hypnosis is that time when we may be working at the office but our mind is elsewhere. Often when a colleague or friend sees you like this they will say ‘ Hey, wake up you’re in a trance’ ! Now although this is a saying which we use without necessarily thinking about it, the phrase ‘in a trance’ is actually very accurate. You have been in a trance or hypnosis and have been perfectly safe and when you decided to return from your daydreaming you did.
Will I be forced to accept suggestions ?
No. Your mind is very protective of you and you will not accept any suggestions that go against your morals or beliefs and certainly a professional hypnotherapist is not going to make them either.
How many sessions will I need ?
This all depends on the problem or change that you want to make. For stopping smoking it is usually one session lasting about 90 minutes. For anything else it can range from 1 to 10 sessions. The hypnotherapist can see two different people who have the same problem. One person might need two sessions and the other might need four sessions. The reason for this is that we are all unique and react differently.
What is the difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy ?
Hypnosis is the state that a person experiences. Hypnotherapy is using that state for beneficial purposes.
So how can being in hypnosis help resolve a problem ?
When we are in hypnosis we are more relaxed, physically and mentally. When this occurs our mind operates more efficiently and effectively. An example of this is when you try and remember someone’s name. Its on the tip of your tongue but you just cant get to it. Afer you stop trying and may be five minutes later the name comes back to you. The difference here is that you were putting your mind under tension trying to force it to remember. However when you stopped and thought of something else, you allowed your mind to relax and the name came to you. When the mind and body are relaxed we have better access to our memories. We are a product of our memories and past experiences. Sometimes we need to return to a memory in order to resolve what happened for our peace of mind before we can move on in the future.
How long does a session last ?
Usually it will be for 60 minutes. A stop smoking session will normally take 90 minutes.
How can I find our more before committing myself ?
The hypnotherapist at the Connaught Practice, offers a 30 minute initial consultation. This is when more details are taken of your circumstances and you can ask any further questions. You are under no obligation to proceed with hypnotherapy. In order to help you come to a more informed decision the consultation is free.
How often will I need to see the hypnotherapist ?
This depends on the type of problem and on the progress made. If you require 2 or 3 sessions the hypnotherapist will normally see you once a week. However some clients see the hypnotherapist once a fortnight or even once a month depending on their circumstances.
What should I do next ?
You can email Steven Harold or telephone him on 07481 002213 for an informal chat.