Frequently Asked Questions

"What if I can't be hypnotised?"

Actually, you already experience hypnosis regularly – you just haven't recognised it as that. Think about when you've been completely absorbed in a good book or show and lost track of time. Or arrived somewhere with no memory of the journey. What about catching yourself absorbed in scrolling social media, or catching yourself daydreaming without knowing where your mind had wandered? These are all natural hypnotic states.

All that's really needed is that you want to be hypnotised and you're willing to go along with your hypnotherapist's guidance. If you actively resist or approach it with strong scepticism, you'll keep your conscious mind too alert for the process to work properly. It's a bit like trying to fall asleep whilst constantly checking whether you're asleep yet – the checking itself prevents it from happening.

If you come with an open mind and genuine willingness, you'll naturally find yourself in that relaxed, focused state that hypnosis creates. It's not about being "hypnotisable" or not – it's simply about allowing yourself to access a state you already experience every day. Oh - and I won't swing a pocket watch in front of your eyes either!

Does hypnotherapy really work?

Yes and the research proves it.

Hypnotherapy has been extensively studied and is recommended by organisations including:

The British Medical Association
The American Medical Association
The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
The UK Royal College of Nursing

Research shows hypnotherapy is particularly effective for:

Anxiety disorders
Habit control
IBS symptom reduction (recommended by NICE)
Pain management (comparable to medication for some conditions)
Sleep issues
Smoking cessation (more effective than willpower alone)

The key is working with a properly trained, qualified hypnotherapist—and being genuinely motivated to change.

Is hypnotherapy safe?

Yes, hypnotherapy is completely safe when provided by a qualified, registered practitioner. You remain in full control throughout the session and cannot be made to do anything against your will or moral beliefs. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation that we all experience daily - like when you're absorbed in a book or daydreaming. Unlike medications, hypnotherapy has no side effects and works with your mind's natural abilities to create positive change.

Will I lose control during hypnosis?

No, you'll never lose control. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about hypnotherapy. You remain conscious and aware throughout the session, simply deeply relaxed with heightened focus. You cannot be hypnotised against your will, and you won't do anything under hypnosis that goes against your values or beliefs. The process is actually about giving you back control over your unconscious patterns and responses.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on your specific issue and individual response. For anxiety-related conditions, typically around 3 or more sessions are needed. Smoking cessation can often be achieved in just 1 session with my "Break 3" method. Phobias usually require 1 or 2 sessions, while my weight management program takes 4 sessions. During your free initial consultation, we'll discuss realistic expectations for your specific situation.

What's the difference between stage hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy?

Stage hypnosis is entertainment designed to amuse an audience, using willing volunteers who want to be part of the show. Clinical hypnotherapy is a professional therapeutic treatment focused entirely on your wellbeing and achieving specific therapeutic goals. As a qualified clinical hypnotherapist, I work within strict ethical guidelines and professional standards - the process is collaborative, respectful, and entirely focused on helping you achieve lasting positive change.

What if I can't wake up from hypnosis?

This can't happen. Hypnosis is a natural state that you drift in and out of throughout your day. If a session were interrupted, you would either emerge naturally within minutes or simply drift into normal sleep and wake refreshed. You can also bring yourself out of hypnosis at any time you choose - you're always in control.

Will hypnotherapy work alongside my medical treatment?

Yes, hypnotherapy works excellently as a complementary approach alongside conventional medical care. I never advise changing medication or medical treatment - that's between you and your GP. Instead, hypnotherapy addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of your condition, helping you manage symptoms, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier patterns. Many doctors now recognise hypnotherapy's value, particularly for conditions like IBS, chronic pain, and anxiety, which NICE guidelines acknowledge.

What happens in a typical session?

We'll start by discussing what you'd like to achieve. Once we're clear on this I'll guide you into a comfortable state of relaxation. Once relaxed, we'll work together using therapeutic techniques tailored to your specific needs. Sessions typically last from 60 to 90 minutes. Most clients describe feeling deeply relaxed, refreshed, and positive afterwards. You'll remember everything that was said and done in the session and often feel change in yourself immediately.