FAQs

We now know that we are not our thoughts, but we are in charge of what thoughts we choose to think. Our reality is shaped by the way we think. What we think forms our emotions and affects our behaviour. How we behave impacts what we experience, and these experiences make up our reality. So if we want to change our reality, we need to change some aspects of how we think.

Ultimately, until we can change the way we think about things, nothing will change in our lives. As Albert Einstein said, “ The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”.

Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps you to think in a different way by offering you a different perspective and invites you to explore alternative options. It enables you to change old, unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving and to replace them with new ones, allowing you to make positive, lasting changes in your life. The aim is to create new and beneficial neural pathways in the brain. When you are in a relaxed state of trance, we are able to access the subconscious mind which will put to work your own amazing inner resources to help you with all kinds of issues and challenging situations.

During the initial consultation there is no hypnosis. I will simply ask you questions to assess your situation and what you want to achieve. I’ll then explain to you a little about how the brain works in relation to your issues, and if and how hypnotherapy can help you. I should also be able to tell you approximately how many sessions you are likely to need, although this can vary quite a lot from person to person.

Each weekly session after that involves much more than hypnosis. The first part of each session involves talking therapy where we focus on what you would like to achieve and on getting your mind into a positive state. Then I guide you into a relaxed state of Hypnosis so that we can consolidate what we have discussed, allowing your subconscious mind to come up with the solutions that are just right for you.

The type of therapy I practice is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and does not involve analysing painful memories from the past. Most of my clients are quite relieved to hear this. If you have experienced unpleasant events, we acknowledge they happened and can discuss if you feel you need to initially, but our main focus is to help you get from where you are to where you want to be, in a positive state of mind. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern approach and is very much based on neuroscience research, which shows that the brain produces the most beneficial chemicals for us when we are in a positive state. When you are in this ideal state, we use trance to help you to come up with your perfect solutions to feel better and bring out your best self.

Unfortunately we only have imaginary magic wands. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process between the therapist and the client and together we build a supportive therapeutic alliance.  Ultimately change happens because you want it to and you are prepared to take the necessary steps to make it to happen. I will work with you every step of the way to help you to decide on and achieve those changes. Ultimately though, hypnotherapy helps you to find your own magic within you.

Actually, we all experience the Hypnotic state in our everyday lives.

Have you ever driven home and not remembered anything about the journey, or been engrossed in a book and not been conscious of time passing? If so, you’ve been in a state of focused attention, not unlike the feeling of being hypnotised.

During Clinical Hypnosis you will be guided into a similar state so that beneficial suggestion can be directed towards your subconscious mind.

Most clients emerge from hypnosis feeling relaxed, refreshed and positive.

Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention. In this relaxed state, your mind is more responsive to suggestion. In a clinical, therapeutic setting, the suggestions are designed to be beneficial to help you change unhelpful thought patterns.

The state of Clinical Hypnosis is quite “ordinary”– it’s not unlike daydreaming – you can often hear everything that is being said whilst in a deeply relaxed state.

Hypnosis in the past has certainly been portrayed in some sensational ways, in the interests of entertainment. Contrary to the images seen in films, books and the media, modern Clinical Hypnosis does not involve the therapist taking control of your mind – no one can Hypnotise you against your will.

You can rest assured that nobody can make you do anything you do not want to – your subconscious mind will simply reject any suggestion that is inappropriate for you.

You are always in control.

Hypnotherapy can be tremendously effective for children with many different issues as they are already used to using their imaginations and have a great ability to visualize and create their preferred future with a little help from a trained therapist. However, we do not recommend using hypnosis for children under 6 years old.

All information that you give me is handled in the utmost confidence. You will be treated in a friendly and professional manner and with respect. Client confidentiality is of the utmost importance.

As a member of the leading International professional associations listed below, I am bound by their codes of ethics and regulations. These can be read by clicking on their logos.