Hypnotherapy FAQs
Clear answers about evidence-based hypnotherapy

What is hypnosis? It is actually a very natural state of mind that we all experience daily. Have you ever found yourself engrossed in a TV series, or a film, or found yourself daydreaming? In our sessions, it is a completely collaborative process. You are simply allowing yourself to follow my guidance, using your own imagination to bring about positive changes.

Can anyone be hypnotised? In principle, yes. It works best when you simply relax, keep an open mind, and actively imagine the things we are working on together.

What does hypnosis feel like? It is usually just a state focused attention. This focused state naturally increases your ability to take on board positive suggestions.

Will I be asleep? Not at all - I would discourage this during a session! As mentioned above, focused attention is necessary for hypnotherapy to work. While deep relaxation can be a lovely experience using hypnosis, and something useful, it isn't always necessary. For example, hypnosis can be done during physical activity such as running an ultra-marathon, or doing chores around the house.

Am I giving up control? Absolutely not. Hypnosis is not mind control, and you cannot be made to do anything against your will. For this to work, you have to want to change and to actively participate in the experience.

Is it safe? Completely. When used professionally, it is incredibly safe, and nobody has ever been "stuck" in hypnosis.

What about the stage hypnosis you see on TV? What you see on television or on stage is for entertainment and has very little to do with clinical hypnotherapy. It is best to take those shows with a very generous pinch of salt - they often create unhelpful misconceptions. Don’t believe what you see in the movies either!

How do suggestions work? Hypnotic suggestion allows you to experience helpful ideas at a deep enough level to influence your daily emotions and behaviour. Over time, and practice, you can achieve lasting change.

Why does it help? Many of our emotional struggles come from habitual negative thinking. Hypnotherapy encourages positive ideas to replace old thought patterns, leading to lasting improvement.

How many sessions will I need? It is one of the briefest forms of therapy available. On average, clinical studies suggest around 4 to 6 sessions is the sweet spot.

What can it help with? It can help with a massive range of issues. Research strongly supports it for managing anxiety, easing chronic pain, overcoming sleep disorders, and treating stress-related illnesses. It is also fantastic for breaking habits (such as nail-biting or smoking) and even boosting personal development, whether that is in sports performance or something like public speaking.

Is it scientifically backed? Absolutely. In fact, contrary to some other modalities of hypnotherapy, I have been trained to use evidence-based practice. There are thousands of positive research studies backing it up. It was recognised as an effective treatment by the British Medical Association back in the 1950s, and more recently, NICE guidelines recommend it as an effective treatment for IBS and is now used at specialist NHS sites in Leeds and Manchester. The field of hypnotherapy also overlaps and uses the likes of mindfulness, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

The bottom line: At its core, hypnosis is a simple, common-sense, and down-to-earth therapy which can produce fast results compared to other forms of therapy. By taking the time to imagine your goals, strengthen your own hopes and beliefs, it can help you to progressively transform your habits, feelings, and behaviours. It equips you with your own toolkit that you can us for lasting change, granting you progress now and in the future.