Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy

1. Is hypnosis and hypnotherapy safe?

Yes - in the hands of a fully qualified and professional therapist! Hypnosis is widely regarded as one of the safest ways to make lasting positive changes to your health and wellbeing. Hypnosis can help bridge the gap between your conscious and unconscious minds and bring them into agreement, alignment and being connected so that they are both working for the same goal. Have you ever decided to do something then not followed through (such as a weight loss or exercise program)? When one part of you wants to do something but another part of you objects, at a subconscious or conscious level you are not fully in agreement or aligned with yourself. Hypnosis is a way to get those parts of you "on the same page."

2. What does hypnosis feel like and does it work?

Hypnosis is a state in which you can think clearly and your imagination is active. It's a state where you could move if you wanted to or if there was an emergency but you would rather just remain delightfully relaxed. It's a state in which beneficial ideas can more quickly and easily gain access to the inner mind. And because we all experience trance each day, we can understand just how safe it is. People often ask if hypnosis really works. I tell them that it's not a panacea, it won't cure everything. However, every situation can benefit from hypnosis. Think about it. What situation wouldn't be helped by having all your inner resources, your total commitment aimed towards achieving your goal?

3. Will I go to sleep in hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not sleep, people experiencing hypnosis are very, very relaxed, and in a hypnotic state you can and will think clearly. You will hear what is being said. Sometimes it may feel like you didn't hear something but that is just because you’re conscious mind, that mind that makes you go back and check that you have locked your car has wandered off, which is quite normal. Your subconscious mind remains very alert and listening the whole time. In hypnosis I get you to use very easy finger signals for yes and no when I wish to communicate with you (and then it is only for me to check you have found, for example, the green hill in your imagination that I asked you to find).

4. Will hypnosis make me lose control of my mind?

No - the whole point of hypnosis is for you to achieve greater personal control! Your morals and ethics remain intact; you won't do anything against your will. You can reject or accept suggestions - it's your decision. Scientific experiments have proven that, if someone were to give you suggestions that you disagreed with, you would simply reject them.

5. So why does it seem that during a stage show that people have lost control of their minds and act like chickens ?

Clinical hypnosis is nothing like stage hypnotism - whose sole aim is to entertain the audience. It shows the hypnotists “controlling" people's minds but the truth is that for therapeutic hypnosis to work properly, it requires your complete cooperation. Remember - people who volunteer to go up on stage know they are going to be asked to do something stupid and they WANT that - otherwise they wouldn't go up there!.

6. Will I be able to be hypnotised?

There are few things that can interfere with hypnotizing someone. Fear of hypnosis, a lack of belief that hypnosis is real, or a belief that a particular person can't be hypnotized can interfere. Misconceptions about hypnosis can lead a person to believe they weren't hypnotized, even if they were. Most people can be hypnotised - even if you are someone who thinks you are "too analytical", or "too strong-minded", or even "too stressed out". All that is required is your absolute commitment to making your change and the ability to follow your therapist's easy instructions. Remember, you will have been in trance many times before, all by yourself, when you daydreamed, so that will reassure you that you can be hypnotised. Some people believe that in order to be hypnotized you must have a weak mind. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because hypnosis is not a contest of willpower, a highly intelligent, strong-willed and imaginative person can make a great hypnotic subject.

7. Can I get stuck in a hypnotic trance?

No, you cannot get stuck in hypnosis or a hypnotic trance! A trained hypnotist will always be able to easily bring you back to a state of full alertness and your subconscious mind would also do this for you too.

8. Are there any side effects from hypnosis?

On the whole clients leave a session of hypnosis feeling fantastic! It is possible that you may experience some dreams in the days after a session and this is a good sign. If there is emotional release needed, the subconscious mind finds gentle ways to achieve this for you - sometimes you may have a greater need for sleep, other times you may feel a little emotional, or perhaps feel thirsty and want to drink more water than usual etc but again, these only tend to last one or two days and are all good signs that indicate that you are getting a shift.

9. Will hypnosis uncover something in my mind or past that I would rather not know about?

No – In hypnosis, the psychological "Law of Self-Preservation" is in effect. You can control what you choose to say. So while in a hypnotic trance you won't "spill the beans" or tell your secrets.

10. Will hypnosis change my personality?

No, hypnosis cannot change your personality but it can help you modify your behaviours.

11. How long is a session of hypnosis and how many will I need?

Session times can vary but usually your first session can take at least 1 3/4hrs allowing for discussion time both before and after with subsequent sessions being a little shorter in length. Some people only need 1-2 sessions to get their result - others may need 3-6 (especially smokers). Your therapist will discuss this with you at the outset.

12. Any other questions?

Feel free to phone Jacqui on 0449 802 972