Frequently Asked Questions

• What is hypnosis?
• How does hypnosis work?
• Can anyone be hypnotised?
• Will I lose control?
• What if I fall asleep?
• What if I don't wake up?
• How can hypnosis effect changes in my body?
• Any other questions contact us

What is hypnosis ?

Have you ever arrived at your destination after driving for some time and suddenly realised that you have driven past the petrol station or local shop without realising it? Or been totally engrossed in a film or book and lost track of time? Many people drift in and out of 'light trance states' or hypnosis during the day without realising it.

The experience of hypnosis is a little like daydreaming with a pleasant feeling of relaxation. It is a natural state of mind.

How does hypnosis work ?

The mind consists of two parts:

The Conscious Mind (10%) is analytical and is responsible for thoughts, language, decisions and will power. It is the part of the mind that is 'in charge' when we are awake - aware of what is happening.

The Unconscious Mind  (90%) is like a vast computer that has stored everything that we have learned and experienced in our lives including our belief systems. It is responsible for the autonomic system; bodily functions, blood pressure, breathing etc. in fact anything we do without us having to think consciously about it, including our reactions to certain situations. The unconscious mind is awake when we are asleep.

Hypnosis works by communicating directly with the mind by arbitrating between the conscious part and the unconscious part to work towards a common goal. This is known as 'parts therapy' and can be used where will power has failed.

Most problems that we encounter stem from anxiety. It is impossible to be relaxed and anxious at the same time. Hypnosis produces a deeply relaxed state, enabling the unconscious mind to accept suggestions that are acceptable to our belief system.

All hypnosis works by suggestion - sometimes we put ourselves down by using negative suggestions to ourselves, reinforcing our fears and limitations ('I'll never pass this exam')

Relaxation combined with achieving goals? Yes it is true

Can anyone be hypnotised?

The experience is like lying in bed with your eyes closed, knowing that you are awake, hearing all the usual noises around you. You just can't be bothered to open your eyes because you are so comfortable.

Anyone can be hypnotised as long as they want to be.

Will I lose control?

You will remain in control whether you are having one to one therapy or with listening to the personalised CD's / audio tapes. If you have an itch and you want to scratch it you will! If you are disturbed whilst listening to the CD's at home you will become alert.

What if I fall asleep?

We are working with the unconscious mind which never sleeps so it will still respond to suggestion. Many people have learned a different language with the help of audio when they have been asleep.

What if I don't wake up?

Hypnosis is the state between being awake and asleep. The worst thing that could happen is that you could fall into natural sleep from which you will awaken. Nobody has ever been stuck in a permanent state of hypnosis.

How can hypnosis effect changes in my body?

The human body and immune system responds to suggestions on a daily basis. Have you ever been told that you are looking really well and suddenly you begin to notice that you feel quite perky, your body language changes, along with your attitude - you seem to be having a good day!

Conversely, have you ever been in a situation that you have been feeling OK and then someone mentions that you don't look well - then the downward spiral begins and within a few hours you actually begin to feel unwell.

If you have a cold virus and focus on how miserable and sick you are, your immune system will respond by suppressing activity. However, if you decide to focus on how your body is recovering and energise your immune system - the probability is that you will recover more quickly.

I am sure that we all recognise people that wallow in misery whenever they get the slightest sniffle or sore throat, and the ones that say 'I never get sick'. The latter are not just lucky - they give themselves positive suggestions all the time just like self-hypnosis.

The growth of new cells in the body is a constant process. Each new cell is instructed from the old cell via memory. As skin is replaced every three weeks suggestions can be given via hypnosis to the healthy cells, breaking the communication of the effects of damage i.e. scar tissue or ageing.