I thought that it might be helpful to add this page to my website, The following are genuine questions that I have been asked many times over. If your question is not answered on this page, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Q: What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
A: Hypnosis is a natural state between being asleep and awake. You will feel very relaxed and be aware of everything I say to you.
Q: Will you get me to do anything I don't want to do?
A: Absolutely not. You are always aware of what is happening and you remain in control of all your faculties at all times.
Q: Does hypnosis work for everyone?
A: There is only a very small percentage of people that hypnotherapy is not suitable for - people suffering from epilepsy, bi polar conditions, very young children and the mentally ill.
Q: How long will it take to work for me?
A: Because hypnotherapy is so relaxing everyone feels the benefits from it straight away.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: It very much depends upon the individual, some people find one session is enough, others require more. I always recommend two sessions, the main therapy session and a follow up to ensure your continuing wellbeing.
Q: How long does the appointment session take?
A: It can take 2 to 3 hours for the first appointment. Around 2 hours for the second. Most therapists only offer hourly slots which means your therapy can take months rather than weeks.
Q: Do you charge by the hour?
A: No, I charge per session. You will pay the same price per session whether it takes one hour or three!
Q: Can you cure me?
A: Everyone has the power within them to 'cure' themselves. I give you the guidance and teach you the techniques to empower you to do just that.
Q: What will make the therapy work for me?
A: If you have the desire to change and are willing to put in the effort and the time, it will work for you!
Q: I've put up with this problem for so long, I'm not sure that anything can help!
A: Many of the people I see have had their problems for years, just like you. It's never too late to make those changes.
Q: I asked my doctor about hypnotherapy and he said 'don't bother.'. Why is that?
A: The truth of the matter is a doctor cannot give you a pill to cure a psychosomatic problem. Anti depresants, for instance, may help in the short term, but they tend to 'mask' the symptoms rather than clearing them and they can be addictive. The NHS in general is becoming more aware of the advantages and benefits of alternative therapies - for example, they have now set up the NHS Directory of Complementary and Alternative Health Practitioners, of which I am a member.
If you are in any doubt, however, always seek medical advice.
Q: I want to give up smoking, why don't you do it in an hour?
A: To ensure the best results possible I treat the whole person, not just the 'part' that wants to stop smoking, this takes longer than just an hour - on average expect your therapy session to last around 2.5 hours - for your continued wellbeing and peace of mind, I also offer a free back up session should you require it.
Q: I tried one session of hypnotherapy to stop smoking in the past but it didn't work, why?
A: You may have required further sessions, one isn't always enough (that's why I offer a free back up session). There could be other reasons too - what was your motivation for giving up? Did you really want to stop at that time? It's never too late to try again.
Q: How do hypnotherapy CD's help?
A: The content of the CD is designed to be extremely relaxing. The direct and indirect suggestion throughout the CD targets the subconscious mind, when it is listened to for a prolonged period of time, usually 4 weeks (it takes around 21 days for a habit to form) the repetition has a very powerful affect, helping you to let go of negative thoughts and habits, allowing you to make the changes you want to make.
Q: Why do you make a personal CD for me after you've seen me the first time - wouldn't a general CD do just as well?
A: General CD's made for relaxation, smoking cessation and weight issues are good, and work well for some people. However a personalised CD is even more powerful. Because I don't make the CD until after I've seen you for the first session, I can use your visualisations, motivation, words thoughts and ideas in the content - because your subconscious mind can then relate to what is being said it has a far more direct approach, enabling you and empowering you to make positive changes on a deeper level. Use of the CD also cuts down the number of therapy sessions you may require, making the treatment far less time consuming and far more affordable.
Q: Can hypnotherapy work for physical problems?
A: I believe that everyone has an amazing ability to 'heal' themselves, some are more aware of this power than others. Positive visualisation can enhance healing on a deep level - so, yes it can help physical problems.
Note: I would always advise you to seek medical advice before undertaking any alternative therapy for a medical condition.
Q: Can hypnotherapy really stop you feeling pain?
A: Yes, it can. Again it is harnessing the power of the mind (mind over matter if you like). Pain management techniques can be used very effectively for child birth for example. It is a fact that surgeons have performed operations on patients that have recieved hypnosis instead of drugs.
Q: Can you treat children with Hypnotherapy?
A: Yes, you can. Children as young as 6 years old can be treated. I personally only treat children as young as 15. Some hypnotherapists, however, specialise in treating younger children - always ensure that the therapist you choose has excellent qualifications and is a member of a well known overseeing body such as the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR).