Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and absorption. People often compare aspects of it with becoming absorbed in a book, daydreaming or the relaxed period before sleep, although the experience varies from person to person.
What happens in hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses that focused state therapeutically. I will usually guide you into a comfortable, relaxed state and then use conversation, imagery and suggestion in ways that relate to what we have agreed you want to change.
You remain aware of what is happening and you cannot be made to do something against your will. Hypnotherapy depends on cooperation between therapist and client.
What might we work with?
Hypnotherapy may form part of work with anxiety, confidence, habits, sleep, fears and phobias, smoking cessation, performance concerns and other difficulties where thoughts, expectations and learned responses play a role.
Tailored rather than scripted
I do not believe that everybody with the same presenting problem needs exactly the same session. We first understand what is happening for you, and the hypnotherapy is then shaped around your needs and the wider therapeutic work.
Hypnotherapy alongside psychotherapy
Hypnotherapy is one of the tools I use. Sometimes it is central to the work; at other times psychotherapy, counselling, BWRT® or a combination of approaches may be more useful. We decide that together rather than asking you to choose in advance.
Common questions about hypnotherapy
Will I be unconscious?
No. Hypnosis is not a general anaesthetic. Most people remain aware of the therapist’s voice and of what is happening around them, although attention may become absorbed and the experience can feel deeply relaxed.
Can you make me do something I do not want to do?
No. Therapeutic hypnosis is collaborative. You can reject a suggestion, speak, move or end the process if you choose.
What if I do not feel “hypnotised”?
There is no single sensation that proves hypnosis is happening. Some people feel very relaxed; others feel focused or simply notice that imagery becomes easier. You do not have to achieve a dramatic trance state for the session to be useful.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on what you want help with and how the work develops. I do not prescribe a fixed number before understanding the problem. We review progress together.