Frequently Asked
Questions
Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy
+ What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
You are probably quite used to the feeling of being hypnotised without realising it. It is a feeling of deep relaxation and comfort - not wanting to move (even though you could if you wished to). Most of the time you are quite conscious and aware of everything that is going on around you. You will be able to clearly hear the therapist’s voice and also any background noise but will not be bothered by it.
Trance states occur naturally throughout your day, for example, just before you go to sleep or as you are waking up, day dreaming, or when you suddenly reached your destination but cannot remember all the journey.
+ Will I remember everything that happened?
It is likely you will remember much of the session but not everything. It is a bit like watching a movie or listening to a lecture. You will recall being there but not remember every detail. But rest assured - your subconscious mind will recall everything!
+ Can I be hypnotised?
According to the World Health Organisation around 90% of people can be hypnotised to varying degrees. You will be working a very experienced and highly trained hypnotherapist so you have nothing to worry about.
You should note that the Clinical and Medical Hypnotherapy Centre will give you many advantages:
1. We use state of the art neuro-conditioning and brainwave entrainment technology which makes it easy even for so called ‘difficult’ or ‘less suggestible’ clients to achieve the right state of mind to make therapy effective.
2. Our initial assessment will help us determine the best way to guide you into a hypnotic trance according to your psychological profile and personal preferences.
3. We use a range of therapies in addition to hypnosis and hypnotherapy, we are therefore in a very strong position to help you even if you feel unsure about hypnosis.
+ Why do some people find it difficult to be hypnotised?
There are a few common reasons:
1. Fear - people don’t understand what hypnosis is and have heard various stories which makes it difficult for them to relax. 2. Lack of understanding of what hypnosis is or feels like means that some people may have been in a state of hypnosis but realised it. 3. An inexperienced or poorly trained hypnotist who does not take the time to tailor the session to the individual client. 4. The client does not want to be hypnotised - without their full cooperation a person can not be hypnotised.
All these can be easily be overcome and have not proved to be a problem with any of our clients.
+ How can I be sure it will work?
When you work with the Clinical and Medical Hypnotherapy Centre you can rest assured that you’ll receive the highest standards of therapy. Our customised approach and use of technology means that we can achieve a high success rate.
In your free initial consultation we will give a better idea of how we can help.
The important thing is that you want to change and you are willing to change or address your challenge.
You may currently have fears, doubts and challenges to overcome. This is all normal and is what hypnotherapy and our other psychological approaches are designed to overcome.
+ Why should I choose your practice?
There are a number of good highly qualified and experienced hypnotherapists around and you should choose one you feel comfortable working with.
At the Clinical and Medical Hypnotherapy Centre we take a very professional and scientific approach but also provide that personal touch.
You can rest assured that you will be working with a highly qualified therapist using state of the art techniques and technology - some of which are not widely available.
+ How many sessions will I need?
This varies according to individual needs and the issue being addressed. We will discuss this with you but we aim to be effective and efficient as possible and always offer good value.
Typically many issues can be dealt with in 1-4 sessions, but we do offer some longer programmes.
Although we wish to make changes in as shorter time as possible, we also want to ensure that you achieve permanent and lasting change.
+ Are your techniques recognised by conventional medicine?
Hypnotherapy is one of the most widely accepted and used complementary therapies. It is recognised by the World Health Association and has been recognised by the British Medical Association as a useful and beneficial therapy since 1955.
Hypnotherapy can now also be recommended by the NHS and private medical organisations such as Bupa.
+ Do you work with doctors and medical consultants?
Yes, we feel it is important to work closely with doctors and medical consultants especially on health and medical issues. For example we would never recommend discontinuing traditional treatment, however medication or other treatment may need to be altered by your doctor when hypnotherapy proves effective.
We also regularly help our clients explain their hypnotherapy treatment to their medical advisers as in the case of liaising with midwives for our hypnobirthing clients.
+ Can I maintain confidentiality?
Yes, we abide by a strict code of practice ethics and your confidentiality is assured. We will never disclose your personal details to anyone without your permission.
For medical issues it is sometimes useful for us to liaise with your doctor or other medical adviser and keep them updated with your therapy. However this is only done with your consent and you have the right to your confidentiality at all times.
+ What if the hypnotist has a heart attack / dies?
This is quite a common question! But you need not worry as you never lose control. You will be aware of what is going on around you and will naturally ‘wake up’. The worse that could happen is that you are so relaxed that you fall into a natural sleep from which you will naturally awake.
+ Are there any side effects?
There are no negative side effects to hypnotherapy. There many positive side effects though - you are likely to feel more relaxed, calmer, confident and happier after your session. There are also medical benefits such as reduced stress, decreased muscle tension and reduced hypertension.
+ Is hypnosis simply the placebo effect?
Many people have believed that hypnosis is simply a powerful version the placebo effect which is not so bad as long as it works.
However recent research conducted for a BBC documentary on Alternative Medicine revealed that there is far more to it than that. They compared brain scans to people under hypnosis with people under the placebo effect and found that it effects entirely different parts of the brain.
Hypnosis is therefore very real. It enables you to be in direct communication with your subconscious mind and bring about both psychological and physical changes at a deep level.
+ How are hypnotherapists regulated?
Although there are no formal legal requirements governing hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists, all bonafide and professional hypnotherapists are affiliated to and supervised by a regulatory body.
By choosing such a hypnotherapist you can be sure that they have appropiate training, qualifications and abide by a strict code of professional practice and ethics.
Hugh Dixon and the Clinical and Medical Hynotherapy Centre are registered with the General Hypnotherapy Register and also fully insured with Towergate Professional Risks.
|