FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can Anyone be Hypnotised? Download this document free
Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be. Those who do not want to be hypnotised cannot be.
For example, there are those who should not be hypnotised, those suffering from epilepsy, those under the influence of recreational drugs, those who suffer from psychiatric type disorders (Psychosis) and children under five.
Should I Stop Having Medical Treatment or Taking Pills?
Hypnosis is not a substitute for prescribed medications. Hypnosis will work with the medication and help reduce its necessity.
Can I Be Hypnotised/who can be hypnotised?
Yes! About eighty five percent of people find it easy to enter hypnosis quite easily. The other fifteen percent need a slightly different approach. Those who have difficulty being hypnotised usually find this is because of fear or nervousness.
I would say that virtually everyone can be hypnotised if they have a good therapist and wish to cooperate with them in order to work on the problem(s) with which they are presenting.
What does hypnosis feel like?
I know how it feels to me, but it feels different to some people than to others. I would explain it as a relaxed easy feeling and a heightened state of awareness. Sometimes you may be prone to drift away for a while, just like day-dreaming, and you might just as easily be concentrating on your therapist’s voice. Your good therapist will ensure you get the very best from your hypnotherapy session and will guide you in everything you need to know.
Will I need to do anything between sessions?
Usually there will be assignments or activities that will aid the treatment and help strengthen the effects of the hypnosis. This will usually take the form of a CD to listen to and /or written materials to read and ponder.
How long does each session last?
Usually about an hour, however some sessions may need to be longer.
How many sessions will I need?
A common question is, 'How many sessions will I need'?
Answer: The number of session required will depend upon many things.
However as a rough guide only: smoking cessation will normally require just one double session, and in my experience:
Weight control usually needs 4 - 6 sessions, stress management 4 - 6, driving test/flying fears 2 - 3, exam nerves 2 - 3. Problems with anxiety and panic attacks can sometimes be resolved within 4 - 6 sessions but can take longer. Much depends upon the reason(s) why you are experiencing the problem(s) and we can discuss this at your free initial consultation. There is no obligation to continue with therapy following your first consultation and many of my clients find this first session provides a certain amount of relief and therapy in itself.
The time required also depends upon the style of working I will need to use to help you overcome your problem(s). Many problems can be very successfully dealt with using hypnotic suggestion which is by far the quickest route to use when it may be effective. For deeper routed problems, it may be necessary to use hypnoanalysis which will take longer but it is usually very successful when it is the most appropriate form of therapy. In many cases a little of each will be used, and often nuero-linguistic programming techniques and cognitive psychotherapy will be used as part of a successful treatment. I occasionally use kinesiology techniques to aid in a complete therapy plan where this may prove useful as I am a fully qualified kinesiology practitioner.
Whatever your problem and whatever changes you wish to make to your life, I will be happy to work with you to achieve success commencing with your first session which includes a brief assessment. You will probably have lots of questions for me about therapy too and I'll be happy to answer these for you.
Can I eat and drink beforehand?
Yes but light, and no alcohol.
What sort of clothes should I wear?
Anything comfortable.
What would happen if I am not woken up?
You would probably doze for 10 to 20 minutes and then wake with no ill effects.
Can hypnosis relieve pain?
Yes – however pain often has a good reason for existing and therefore should not be used for pain relief unless a doctor has been consulted.
Will I have to re-live distressing experiences?
For most treatments No. However for very deep-seated problems it may be necessary.
Will the symptoms return if I stop having treatment?
The aim is to deal with the problem completely within the sessions. However if the problem is in need of continuous treatment then self-hypnosis is a better option than further sessions.
Can hypnosis be dangerous?
No. Hypnosis is a state half way between sleep and awake. In itself, its only effect is to get you very relaxed and open up communications to your sub-conscious.
How will I be hypnotised?
In most treatments the therapist will talk you through a way of relaxing suitable for you and assist you in finding a working state of hypnosis.
How will I know that I am hypnotised?
You will feel calm and relaxed. Also the therapist may use a test to check on the level of trance.
Will I be unconscious?
No! Therapeutic hypnosis does not take away your will power or your ability to control your mind. You will be able to hear, think and remember all. You will not allow anything that you do not want and if there is an emergency you will come out of trance immediately.
What do I have to do?
You will need to co-operate and this is the only way that the treatment can work.
How many sessions will I need?
It is hard to generalise. Each person is different and each problem needs individual treatment. However most problems are treated with between 3 and 6, sessions.
Are there any side effects?
YES – more relaxed, less tension and probably sleep better. There are no harmful residual effects.
Hypnotherapists do not control your mind!
Hypnotherapy empowers you to take control of your mental resources to bring about changes you want. You are always in control during hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and the therapist cannot make you do anything against your will, or that is not within you as and individual to do. With a little work, a good therapist, and a client who wishes to make changes and is motivated, will be able to achieve success in most cases.
Hypnotherapy can help to address many problems including:
Fear of Flying
Lack of confidence
Low Self Esteem
Fear of Driving
Driving Test Nerves
Weight-Loss Nail Biting
Relationship & Sexual Decision Making
Life-Planning
Depression
Goal Achievement
Sports/Business Performance
Shyness
Pain Control
Stress Issues
Fear of Heights
Fear of Spiders/Insects
A few more notes:
I talk to people about hypnotherapy nearly every day and it’s great when I discover someone who is a ‘natural’ – the ideal hypnotherapy client. But more often it takes a measure of guidance to ready them for a great hypnotherapy experience.
Think things through
Have you taken time to think things through? Mental preparation is very important. I define mental preparation as giving thought to what changes will take place once you’ve implemented a decision. How will your life no better? What are you prepared to do to see your goal realised? Practicing self-hypnosis should be part of the process, and I’ll teach you how to use this powerful tool for yourself. It requires only a few minutes a day.
See it Happen
Can you imagine yourself better off? How does that look to you? If you can imagine what is possible then change can happen more quickly.
Be Open Minded
Proceed positively and learn about the basics of what hypnotherapy is and how it works. Knowledge will erase fear or apprehension and set up realistic expectations.
Hypnotherapy is not magic but it sometimes feels magical!
Alan's consulting rooms are situated in Ashingdon and Chelmsford and cover all areas including, Leigh-on-Sea, Westcliff-on-Sea, Brentwood, Basildon, Canvey Island, Rochford, Rayleigh, Hockley, Benfleet, Billericay, Pitsea, Vange, Hullbridge, Wickford, Romford, Hornchurch, Collier Row, London, Essex. Many of Alan's clients travel to him from much further afield seeking his specialist help.
Hypnotherapists in Ashingdon