Frequently Asked Questions
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern brain based therapeutic approach that integrates solution focused psychotherapy techniques, current neuroscience research, and hypnosis to support positive change. It is important to acknowledge that client commitment and the desire to change is required and that individual results/success may vary and cannot be guaranteed.
Will I lose control when I’m hypnotised?
No. Hypnosis is simply a state of very deep relaxation, similar to daydreaming or losing yourself in a good book. You stay aware throughout and are always able to respond, move or speak if you need to.
Can I be hypnotised against my will or without my consent?
No. Hypnosis needs your willingness to take part. The stage hypnosis you might have seen relies entirely on participants wanting to play along. In a therapy setting, nothing happens without your consent.
Can I get “stuck” in trance?
No. You won’t be unconscious, so you can bring yourself out of the trance at any point. Some people even want to stay a little longer, since it’s such a pleasant feeling to be that relaxed, but you’ll respond naturally to your therapist’s cues to open your eyes and return to full awareness.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes. Hypnotherapy is a well established, gentle approach, and I’m a member of the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, the National Council for Hypnotherapy and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, and hold a current DBS certificate.
What can hypnotherapy treat?
Solution focused hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of things, including anxiety, stress, panic attacks, sleep problems, phobias, low confidence, pain management and habits such as smoking. If you’re not sure whether it’s right for what you’re dealing with, feel free to get in touch and ask.
Does hypnotherapy work?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern, brain based approach that combines solution focused psychotherapy with current neuroscience research and hypnosis. It’s important to say that it does ask something of you too. Your commitment and your genuine wish to change both play a part, and results will always vary from person to person.
Can hypnotherapy make things worse?
Solution focused hypnotherapy is a gentle, gradual approach, and for most people it feels calming rather than difficult. We work at your pace, and you’re always in control of how quickly we move.
What can I expect from a session?
Sessions are relaxed and conversational. We’ll spend some time talking about how things are going and what you’d like to change, before moving into a period of hypnosis where you’ll simply sit or lie back and listen to my voice. There’s no pressure and nothing you need to do except relax.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you’re looking for help with. Many things respond well to six to eight sessions, though some need more and others less. Smoking or vaping cessation, for example, is usually done over two x ninety minute sessions held a week apart.
Will I be alright to drive after a session?
Yes. There are no after effects beyond feeling more relaxed, so you’ll be perfectly fine to drive home.
Isn’t it all a bit “mumbo-jumbo”?
Not at all. Solution focused hypnotherapy is grounded in neuroscience. We use current understanding of how the brain works to bring about real emotional and behavioural change, not mystery or stage tricks.