FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a very natural state that we all enter naturally at least twice daily as our brain activity slows down to a frequency called “alpha”. We pass through “alpha” on the way to and from sleep. It is perhaps best described as an altered state of conscious awareness– not sleep – in which the client normally remains aware of what is happening (even if they appear to be sleeping!) but in which they can tune out – or by-pass – the critical faculty of the mind; the bit that thinks, questions and analyses. We also enter into a hypnotic state when we switch to “automatic pilot” when driving a familiar route or when we become engrossed in a good book or film. I find that the easiest way to explain hypnosis is to consider why a film script that we know to be fictional and acted by actors can actually change the physiology of our bodies and cause us to cry real tears and feel real emotion. How can something that is no more than a figment of our imagination produce a physical reaction in the body? The answer is that when we are in a hypnotic state, the conscious mind is dampened down or switched to “idle” and the subconscious, which is both more easily accessible in this state and more open to suggestion, has no ability to distinguish between what is real and what is imagined. This is why a nightmare can be so terrifying to a young child. This is also why TV adverts are so effective at getting us to part with our money! Here’s a video of someone being hypnotised:

What is hypnotherapy?

You will have heard of it, but you may be wondering ‘What is Hypnosis?’ and ‘Is it Safe?’Hypnotherapy is the act or process of using the hypnotic state to access and interact with the subconscious mind in order to identify any negative and unhelpful behaviours, memories or beliefs and bring about positive changes in the client’s life. As the “language” of the subconscious is the imagination, hypnotherapy relies heavily on the use of visualization techniques to connect with, and release, negative emotions and to produce positive ones.Whilst issues may be complex, the principles of hypnosis are relatively straight forward, but for hypnotherapy to work effectively and produce lasting results the Client-Therapist relationship must be one of mutual trust and respect, and there must be a strong desire to change on the part of the client; no hypnotist in the world would be able to hypnotize you if you did not wish to be hypnotized.

What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)?

NLP is fun, versatile and can address a diverse range of issues.

Whilst NLP and hypnotherapy are often used together, they are, in fact, quite distinct approaches. Briefly, neuro-linguistic programming is a method of altering a person’s thoughts and behaviours so they can achieve their desired goals. Hypnotherapy, by contrast, can be described as a vehicle for making those changes happen quickly, because it by-passes the conscious mind (which might reject the changes if it considers they are at odds with an existing belief or value that is held), and delivers the changes straight into the subconscious mind (where they will be accepted more easily).

NLP emerged in the 1970s, the brainchild of Richard Bandler and John Grinder. Bandler and Grinder studied the thought and behaviours patterns of 'successful' individuals, with a view to mapping those patterns and teaching them to individuals who were 'less' successful.

Whilst, today, success is typically ascribed to financial and status attributes (how much you earn, what car you drive etc), and indeed NLP is used widely in the business world to advance personal development and goal achievement, in a therapeutic setting, a successful person might be described as the person who used to fear stepping into an aircraft, but who found a way to overcome their fear or phobia. Or a person who suffered anxiety and intrusive thoughts, but found a way to combat the angst and tame the thoughts so they could get on with their life again. These are examples of applications that I use NLP for.

NLP focuses on how a person interacts with, and processes, their experience of the environment in which they live. At its basis is how the person processes language. Bandler and Grinder developed the idea that we all have a 'map' of the world that we use to navigate our way through life. Our map is developed through our sensory experiences and it may or may not be representative of reality. A person's map may tell them, for instance, that putting themselves first is selfish. NLP seeks to detect unconscious patterns of limiting thought and behaviour, so the biases and limitations can be re-mapped to give the person more options and flexibility in their life.

Ultimately, the purpose of using NLP is to remove negative or limiting thoughts and feelings. There are a number of different tools that can be used to achieve this.

What does it feel like to be hypnotised?

Think of hypnosis as a ladder; an individual will typically move up and down that ladder and may be anywhere between a very light state of hypnosis or a very deep state. Whilst everyone’s experience of hypnosis is different, most people report feeling deeply relaxed – sometimes being unable to feel parts of their body, or feeling very light or very heavy – but most remain completely aware of what’s going on. They may tune in and out slightly as they begin to “drop off” but if the phone were to ring within earshot they would hear it, but probably not be bothered to do anything about it. Someone in a very deep state of hypnosis (somnambulism), which is fairly rare, may not register hearing the phone at all. As a rule, people experiencing hypnosis will feel profoundly peaceful and both physically and mentally relaxed on awakening from the trance state.
It is not unusual for a client not to feel hypnotised the first time they go to a hypnotherapist. This is usually due on the one hand to a misunderstanding about what hypnosis is and on the other due to a slight fear or concern about “losing control” in front of someone they do not know. This is why it is so important for the therapist to a) explain fully the process of hypnosis and what to expect and b) spend time building a relationship, establishing the trust of the client and generally putting them at ease.

Will I lose control?

Hypnosis cannot make you do or say or be anything you do not want to. Indeed, all hypnosis is really just self-hypnosis; the therapist’s job being no more than that of a guide or facilitator. If you wanted to get up and walk out, you could. Even the clucking chickens on stage know that they are walking about clucking like chickens, much to the amusement of those in the audience. But if they so chose, they could stop, sit down and say “I just don’t feel like being a clucking chicken today”! However, the process of hypnosis may bring to the surface a painful or frightening memory. As the subconscious cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imagined, the memory will likely produce the emotions that were attached to it, as if the event were repeating itself in the present time. Hypnotherapy uses techniques to help the Client deal with this kind of scenario arising. However, my personal belief is that whatever has happened in our lives, we survived it; it did not kill us! We have therefore lived through it at least once – often many times in our memories. The idea of hypnotherapy is to free the Client from the ties that bind him or her to that painful or frightening memory, so that they may lead a more fulfilling life that isn’t plagued with negativity and worry. I therefore seek to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space for the Client to achieve this.Rather than thinking of it as losing control, if anything, I think of it as the Client taking control to deal with their problem.

What is hypnotherapy useful for?

Hypnotherapy is widely endorsed as a treatment for stress and anxiety related issues, pain control and habit breaking. For a comprehensive list of uses, please see my Common Uses page. Whilst hypnotherapy is still not widely available on the NHS, some private health insurers now cover it, and in recent years it has been gaining steam in the medical world after a recommendation from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which now recognises hypnotherapy as an effective treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Hypnotherapy can be used very effectively either in tandem with traditional Western medicine or independently after other avenues have been exhausted.

What happens in a typical session?

A typical session lasts between one and a quarter and one and a half hours. You will be invited to sit down in a comfy recliner and will be asked (in the first session) to complete a confidential Client Form with some background information, details of any medication you may be taking and your desired goals. We will then briefly discuss your problem and what you wish to change. I will explain the process of hypnosis, what to expect and answer any questions before inducing a relaxing hypnotic state. The relaxation will take around 12 minutes and will be followed by the therapy itself. A range of different approaches and techniques may be used depending on the client’s needs. I offer client-centred hypnotherapy which involves delivering appropriate scripts as well as using techniques to uncover and deal with root causes of unhelpful behaviours. You may be asked to indicate responses to questions with a finger movement or you may be asked to respond verbally. In both cases, you will remain deeply relaxed and feeling sleepy. Two key techniques that are used are Inner Child and Gestalt (cutting ties) therapy. These are powerful healing therapies and usually involve the client verbalising an imagined dialogue between themselves and another. If this is something you would rather not share audibly, you can conduct the dialogue in your head, with the same powerful results. After each session, we will spend a few minutes discussing the session; the techniques used, what emerged and how the client is feeling. Subsequent sessions will always begin with a review of what has changed since the last session.

What if I get stuck or don't wake up?

Oh if only! But I’m afraid it is impossible not to wake up. Hypnosis is a natural state that we all go into and out of every day of our lives. The worst that can happen to you is that you fall asleep and get a good rest!

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Hypnosis occurs when the brain waves slow from “beta” to “alpha”. The human brain passes in and out of “alpha” mode on a daily basis. Technically, therefore, anyone can be hypnotised.Hypnosis simply means “focussed state of attention”, so any time we are in a focussed state of attention – such as reading a good book or watching a good film – we are, effectively, in a state of hypnosis. We are easily suggestible in this state; suggestible enough to cry at a sad film or feel our heart race in a horror movie. That said, some people are more suggestible than others and children particularly so.However if a person does not wish to be hypnotised then they won’t be. A hypnotic state cannot be achieved without the client’s (conscious or subconscious) consent, but achieving a hypnotic state is an easy and enjoyable experience. All you need to do is be able to follow an instruction and use your imagination. If you can do that, can suspend any scepticism and are committed to the process, then hypnosis will follow. And with hypnosis comes healing.

Is hypnotherapy safe for children?

Hypnotherapy for children is considered to be highly effective and completely safe. Children tend to respond well to hypnosis as they are naturally imaginative and use their subconscious far more than is the case with adults. Children also spend considerably more time with their brains in “alpha” mode (which is the naturally occurring hypnotic state). Hypnotherapy can help to address a number of issues commonly experienced in childhood and adolescence including fears, bed soiling or wetting, exam and test nerves, anxiety, low self-esteem and eating disorders.

How much will it cost?

All bookings of hypnotherapy appointments require a face-to-face pre-consultation, which is offered free of charge. This ensures that there is a clear understanding of the behaviour the client is seeking to change and that the most appropriate course of treatment is chosen.

Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

Hypnotherapy is a relatively quick therapy. Rarely is it necessary to see people for more than 8 sessions and in some cases, just a couple will suffice depending on the nature of the issue(s) to be resolved. Sessions are around one and a half hours. Following are the key programmes offered:

Weight Loss – Mini, Midi & Maxi Programmes

Weight issues are often multi-faceted and can be complicated to resolve. An approach that works for one client may not be appropriate for another. For this reason, a number of different programmes are offered for weight management. The Weight Loss programme is divided into Mini, Midi and Maxi depending on the particular needs of the client and the amount of weight the client wishes to lose. In addition, Sharp Minds also offers the Virtual Gastric Band programme, which is geared more towards portion control and is therefore more suitable for clients who are in the habit of eating larger quantities.

As part of the Weight Loss Programme, and in addition to the one-to-one therapy sessions, personal on-going coaching and support is offered between sessions to help clients stay on track and achieve their goals. The Mini, Midi and Maxi programmes also come with personalised audio recordings.

Sharp Minds offers a free pre-appointment consultation to discuss the nature of the problem and the desired results, so that the most appropriate programme can be determined in advance of the treatment commencing.

Smoking Cessation Programme

The Smoking Cessation programme is offered as a two session programme, with a free follow-up if required within the first six months. The Smoking Cessation programme also comes with personalised audio recordings.

A free pre-appointment consultation (telephone or face-to-face) is required prior to booking.

Bronze, Silver, Gold & Platinum Packages

For treatments for all other areas (i.e. except weight and smoking), including addictions, confidence, self-esteem, pain control, anxiety, depression and fears, phobias, a number of different packages are offered according to the nature and severity of the issue. These are broadly based around the length of time it may take to resolve the problem. The Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages come with personalised audio recordings.

What are your office hours?

Office hours are from 8.30am-5.30pm, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays. Should you require an appointment outside of normal office hours i.e. at a weekend or in the evening then this can usually be arranged. Weekend and evening appointments carry a supplement of £25.

What if I need to cancel an appointment?

I endeavour to give my Clients the best service I possibly can and part of this is offering the earliest appointment slot possible. It is inevitable that from time to time a client may need to reschedule an appointment. I would ask, however, that where this is the case, you give as much notice as possible so that others are not unduly affected by your cancellation. Sharp Minds Hypnotherapy reserves the right to charge the full session fee for cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice. Your booking an appointment confirms your acceptance of this.

What if I'm running late for an appointment?

Should you arrive late for any hypnotherapy appointments, then your therapy session will be reduced accordingly unless it is possible and agreeable to extend your session. An extension will not be offered where this would adversely impact on another client’s session.