Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnotherapy, Psychotherapy and Hypno-Psychotherapy

What is hypnotherapy?

• Hypnotherapy or Hypnosis is a completely natural process of using deep relaxation to allow you to make changes in how you deal with habits, feelings and situations. It can help with confidence, reduce anxiety and help with personal goals such as stopping smoking, losing weight and being able to cope better in difficult situations. Click here for more information about different approaches in hypnotherapy.

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What are psychotherapy, and hypno-psychotherapy ?

• Psychotherapy is a a technique of helping clients address their issues by means of insight, persuasion, suggestion, reassurance, and instruction so that they are able to see themselves and their problems realistically and to cope with them more easily. Combined with hypnotherapy, it becomes Hypno-Psychotherapy and can be used to help with deeper problems than would be addressed by someone purely qualified in hypnotherapy.

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Can anyone be hypnotised?

• There is no doubt that some people find it easier than others to go into hypnosis, however it is important to remember that it is an active process achieved by the person "being hypnotised" not something which is done to you by the therapist.  There are numerous techniques which can be used to induce hypnosis and I will work with you to find the most appropriate approach.  Like all things which are worth doing, the more you practice, the easier you find it!

Will I lose control and do something I wouldn't normally do ?

• Absolutely not!  Whilst in hypnosis you are in full control and cannot be made to think, feel or do anything which you would not do under normal circumstances. Remember I am a therapeutic hypnotherapist and do not participate in stage hypnotism - the purpose of our sessions together is to empower you, not to control or entertain.

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What is your success rate?

• The codes of ethics of the professional bodies of which I am a member do not permit the making of claims regarding success rates.  This is simply because there is no clear definition of what "success" entails.  Even if we take a simple example of someone who wants to give up smoking; does this mean that they never smoke again?  If they stop smoking and one evening after a few drinks at a party have a puff of someone else's cigarette, is that a failure? In either case, how would we ever know? The answer is that it would be impossible to collate this information (as well as intrusive) even if everyone were to agree on the definition.  Every client is different and treated as an individual and their views on "success" vary just as greatly.

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What qualifications do hypnotherapists and psychotherapists need to work in the UK?

• At this point in time neither hypnotherapists nor psychotherapists are not regulated in the UK - there is no Hypnosis UK - wide organisation that governs standards - that said The National College Student and Alumni Guild, which is part of the UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations has worked with other recognised professional bodies to achieve Voluntary Self Regulation  through the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council .
• The UK Council for Psychotherapy (of which I am a registered member) is also working hard to bring about voluntary self regulation in the profession.  To achieve membership of this organisation it is necessary to obtain a qualification equivalent to a Masters Degree, and registration can only be completed after four years in clinical practise.

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Are there any contra-indications for hypnotherapy?

• Yes there are! You must not undergo hypnotherapy treatment if you suffer from any of the following conditions; 

• Any Psychotic conditions eg: * Dementia * Delusion * Mental disorder * Schizophrenia * Manic disorder * Paranoid state

• These conditions are treatable with hypnotherapy, however I will seek approval from your GP; * Bi Polar disorder* Manic depression * Anxiety disorders * Phobic disorders * Hysteria disorders * Phobic disorders * Obsessive-compulsive disorder * Dysthymic disorder * Fatigue, psychogenic * Somatoform disorders * Somatization disorder * Neurosis * Personality disorders Alcohol or drug dependence * Eating disorders
   

• If you suffer (or have suffered) from any of these conditions you may receive hypnotherapy (for other purposes) howver I will seek approval from your GP; *Epilepsy *Heart conditions *Any conditions which have been treated with electro-convulsive therapy * Brain injury of any kind

Therefore if you suffer from any of these conditions, it is inappropriate for you to use the free relaxation session on this website.

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How many therapy sessions will I need?

This is a valid but difficult to answer question;  hypnosis combined with psychotherapy often delivers rapid results in comparison to other psychotherapeutic modalities such as psychoanalysis, but it is by no means a quick fix.  Neither is it something that is "done" to you, you need to fully engage in the therapeutic process in order to achieve results.  I recommend that clients assume that they will need between 4 and 6 consultations to fully assess the "success" of this form of therapy.