Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy FAQ
Hypnotherapy FAQ's
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy works by helping to relax the mind using trance-like states, to support cognitive and emotional processing and mindset shifts. This works because trance helps to relax the default mode network in the brain, allowing us to bypass rigid or biased thinking. Trance is a natural phenomena which your mind goes inland out of every day, and is particularly linked to learning states.
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Can everyone be hypnotised?
Everyone has their own experience of trance, and the depth of trance people can go into varies from person to person. Some people feel like they are daydreaming whereas others may feel in a deep state of relaxation. Some people might fight against a deep trance or may be less able to access it.
However, this doesn’t mean that hypnotherapy can’t work for them, it just means that their mind works differently. The good thing about Cognitive Hypnotherapy is that it doesn’t rely on depth of trance, as there are many ways to help you access the subconscious and create mindset shifts.
What can I expect in a hypnotherapy session?
In the first session we’ll explore your goals and what you want to work on in more depth. We’ll usually have a good 30 minutes to do some hypnosis work in the first session too but we’ll usually start with lighter work rather than going straight into the problem.
During the hypnosis part of the sessions you’ll be invited to close your eyes and focus your attention inwards. I’ll guide you to use your imagination and memories to explore the problem you want to resolve and support you through mental exercises to help you shift or release whatever is holding you back.
You’ll be aware of everything you are saying and doing and everything that I am saying and doing, and you can open your eyes at any time.
You can stay seated or lay down if you prefer. Working online means you can access sessions from the comfort of your home and from anywhere in the world.
Will I be able to go back to work or drive after the session?
Most of the time you will be able to continue with your day as usual after a session. A lot of people report feeling quite relaxed after a hypnotherapy session, and that they are able to get on with their day as normal.
However, if you feel spaced out or unusually tired after a session, it is advisable to wait a few minutes before doing anything like driving, until you are sure you’re safe.
If you’ve had a lot of intense emotion come up in a session, you may want to take some time to reflect and process your emotions. And if you are very emotional it is best not to drive until you’re sure you’re feeling safe.
Having sessions online also means that you can transition back into your day without needing to worry about travelling or being out in public until you’re ready.
Can hypnotherapy help retrieve old memories I've forgotten or buried?
Yes, spontaneous memory retrieval can happen, even with memories from a long time ago. However, we must also be aware that your memory can also fill in blanks and create false memories.
This is why I don’t do memory retrieval hypnosis as a goal and if it happens naturally then we can explore what it means to you.
Memory is often 80% created and 20% truth anyway, so we can never be 100% certain that what we recall is fact.
Sometimes, making peace with what we believe may have happened or the fact that we may never know, is enough. And hypnosis can help you get there if nothing else.
Is hypnotherapy safe if I'm pregnant?
It depends what you want to work on. Hypnotherapy can be very relaxing and a great way to support a healthy nervous system and mindset around pregnancy.
However, we would not work on anything that may cause you stress or trigger unresolved trauma, as this could be harmful to the baby.
If you are struggling with anxiety or past trauma, hypnotherapy can help calm your nervous system and give you tools for supporting yourself.
Any trauma or emotional resolution work would be best to be left until after the baby has been born and when you are ready.
Will I know what I'm saying in a hypnotherapy session?
Yes, you’ll be aware of everything you’re saying and doing in a hypnotherapy session. You’ll never be asked to do or say anything that you’re not comfortable with and you will remain in full control.
Hypnosis isn’t mind control or a way to make you do things you wouldn’t normally do. You can come out of hypnosis whenever you want to and if you don’t want to share something then you don’t have to.
How do I know if hypnotherapy will work for me?
The real answer is to give it a try and see. No one type of therapy works for everyone and there are many ways to get to the solution you want. All that is needed for hypnotherapy to work is an open mind and a willingness to explore, the rest can follow naturally.
Hypnosis isn’t magic or anything mystical, it is based in neuroscience and how the mind works. In fact, it’s something you do every day without even realising, so all we are doing is helping you do it in a more focussed way.
I’ve worked with many people who were skeptical about hypnotherapy who have been surprised at the effects once they tried it.
Can I have hypnotherapy if I take medication?
Most medications are safe to use when receiving hypnotherapy. If you are using antidepressants, anti anxiety medication or non-tranquillising pain killers these are usually fine.
Speak to your hypnotherapy practitioner if you are taking anything that causes drowsiness as this may need further consultation and you may need to speak to a medical professional first.
If you have a diagnosis of an acute mental health condition such as bipolar, schizophrenia, psychosis, epilepsy or personality disorder, you may need to get medical approval to ensure hypnotherapy is safe for you.
Do you accept insurance payments for hypnotherapy sessions?
I can’t accept insurance payments directly, however, some insurance companies are happy to reimburse you with the presentation of a receipt. Please discuss this with your insurance provider first, as not all providers will do this.
Still Have questions? Book a Free Call
I offer a free 30 minute telephone consultation where we can explore any other questions you have and see if we’re a good fit to work together. There’s no obligation to sign up and the call is completely confidential. Use the link below where you’ll be able to select a day and time to suit you. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
