WHAT IS MEANT BY AN INITIAL CONSULTATION?
During our first session together, I’ll take some basic information, then explain aspects of how the brain works, how issues can develop and, most importantly, how hypnotherapy can help. This will help with establishing how you can benefit the most from us working together. I’ll give you a link for a relaxation download to listen to in between our sessions. This will help enormously.
In following sessions we’ll work on how you want your life to be, and what small steps you can take towards your goal. I’ll then guide you through relaxation and trance.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN A NORMAL SESSION?
Solution focused hypnotherapy sessions involve much more than hypnosis – guided by the principles of Solution Focused Brief Therapy. In each session, we’ll discuss progress towards your goals and further achievable steps towards you sustaining your wellbeing. Working one to one gives us the opportunity to bespoke the trance session to your situation and preferences.
A fundamental outcome of our time working together is that you become self-sufficient in managing your wellbeing. Sessions will often include a discussion on how to apply key concepts in your everyday life. I’m happy to share any resources & references I have which may help you further. Typically, these will be drawn from the closely related fields of NLP and wellbeing psychology.
Will I LOSE CONTROL?
No.
Trance is a natural state we experience in the course of our everyday lives. Hypnosis is simply the act of achieving this state as and when you choose. As we work together, you will become highly adept at going in to trance – a skill that will stay with you thereafter.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
This is highly dependent on you and what you would like to address. Everyone is different – there are no right or wrong answers, just what is right for you.
Those experiencing the symptoms of anxiety, stress or depression typically ask to see me for between six and ten sessions, sometimes more – by which time they’re back on top of things.
For specific phobias, we have a four-session protocol based on our brain model and the highly effective Rewind technique. For those choosing this option, I’ll happily do an additional complimentary session
Smoking cessation is a single session which we allow up to two hours for.
CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTISED?
Generally, yes, as long as they want to be!
Whoever says they can’t be hypnotised is right, as you need to be a part of the process and you are always fully in control. Remember, it is a natural state. Hypnosis is simply achieving that state as and when you choose.
First & foremost, keep in mind that hypnosis / trance (I tend to use the term trance as hypnosis is a misnomer) is an experiential phenomenon. Just as you can only learn so much about playing the Saxophone by reading books – learning takes on a whole new dimension once you actually pick up the instrument – so you can only learn so much about hypnosis from reading about it.
Trance is ephemeral. Each trance is its own unique experience. Different people will experience trance differently at different times and circumstances. Each individual will experience trance differently at different times and in different circumstances. Going in to trance with a fixed expectation of what it will be like – or what it is meant to be like – is generally counterproductive. This is especially true for those in the early stages of learning this valuable skill. It is more effective to simply practice, observe, reflect and learn.
WILL I NEED TO RE-LIVE UPSETTING MEMORIES?
You only need to tell me what you want to tell me. Rather than analysing painful memories from the past, we will acknowledge that unpleasant events may have happened. Then we will work together to help you live the life you choose.
We can’t undo the past. We can’t change the past. We can’t erase memories of the past.
We can re-evaluate the past from our current perspective e.g. as an adult rather than as a child. We can choose to let to go of what no longer serves us well. We can learn to cope more resourcefully. We can choose to live in the present. We can develop our self-awareness, supporting us in living more fulfilling lives.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING HYPNOSIS?
The deep relaxation achieved during trance encourages your mind to identify and implement the right solutions for you. In Solution Focused Hypnotherapy we rarely use direct suggestions as you are the expert of your own life. You have the capability to identify and implement what is right for you. My role, as a hypnotherapist, is to create the conditions for this happening.
Recent neurological research has identified characteristic patterns of brain activity which relate to particular states. There are recognised patterns relating to problem solving, being in a state of panic, being very relaxed ect. There is also a characteristic pattern for being in trance: some of our brain gets extremely busy. This particular pattern goes a long way to explaining some of the common effects I see with my clients. We will develop this theme as you come to experience the brain model we use.
There are different generations of hypnotherapy.
I work with modern hypnotherapy. Sometimes, this is referred to as third generation. It builds on the best that previous generations have to offer. I also incorporate the latest research-based insight from Wellbeing Psychology
| Traditional | Ericksonian | Modern |
| Based on the misplaced concept of the hypnotist exerting their will over a weak-minded subject. What you see in the movies.
Characterised by the notion of the hypnotist having special powers. We don’t: but we do have the the skills to help you become your best self. |
Named after Milton H. Erickson and based on the concept of using relaxed states to by-pass your critical factor to achieve beneficial outcomes.
Characterised by specific language patterns, subtle communication, and the use of metaphors. |
Rooted in our understanding of the interplay between brain, mind, body, and soul to create the ‘space’ for you to develop as you choose.
Characterised by its straightforward approach and respecting the client as the expert of their own experience. |
ARE HYPNOSIS AND TRANCE THE SAME THING?
Hypnosis and trance share commonalities. Here are my working definitions:
Trance – a natural phenomena of focused relaxation which often entails a temporary loss of awareness e.g. daydreaming, being in your own little world, being miles away.
Hypnosis – the phenomena of inducing a trance at a time of your choosing.
Self-hypnosis – the phenomena of guiding yourself in to hypnosis.
Hypnotist – someone competent in guiding others in to hypnosis.
Hypnotherapy – using hypnosis to support the attainment of beneficial outcomes.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR HYPNOTHERAPY?
Hypnotherapy is most effective when you have a compelling motivation to achieve, have a need / desire to achieve now and when you readily accept responsibility for the outcome. We call this being at threshold.
WHEN ARE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE?
Typically, I have appointments available Monday to Thursday in the evenings. Weekend appointments are possible by arrangement.
HOW LONG DO SESSIONS LAST?
Standard sessions last one hour. For smoking cessation, allow up to two hours.
CAN I CONTACT YOU BETWEEN SESSIONS?
Of course.
The contact page is the most effective way to reach me.
HOW DOES IT WORK ONLINE?
For online sessions I use zoom. This is really easy to use and if you’ve not used it before I can talk you through it. All you need is a stable internet connection, and a device with a camera. For the hypnosis part, you’ll just need a comfortable chair or sofa. Having your session online saves you time, and allows you to have a nice snooze afterwards! And don’t worry about interruptions, kids and dogs can benefit too!
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