Cognitive Hypnotherapy

Q. What is hypnosis and is it safe?

To answer the second question first, and get that out of the way. Yes, it is a safe, and natural state that we all go in and out of during our day, perhaps without even knowing it. If you have ever been driving along a road and then 'come to' and wondered who was in control of the car for the last five minutes, or been 'miles away' when someone is trying to talk to you - that's trance, and we are all very good at it.

During hypnosis I utilise this state within you to make positive suggestions to your unconscious mind, when it is in a much more receptive position. It is an incredibly effective tool, to take you towards your solution state and when combined with other tools and techniques, such as NLP can make short work of long-standing problems.

Return to top

Q. What does hypnosis feel like?

It's a little like daydreaming. Generally a very pleasant sensation where you are conscious of what is going on around you and what is happening throughout the session, but may choose to 'drift off' with your own thoughts from time to time. Most people comment on how relaxed they felt during hypnosis. This feeling often continues for sometime after the session is over, leaving you ready to continue your day.

Return to top

Q. Can I be made to do anything against my will?

No. You cannot be made to do anything during hypnosis that is against your will or principals. Neither can you made to say anything that you are not completely happy to do so.

You might have seen volunteers for stage hypnosis and think that Hypnotherapy is similar. This is not the case. Volunteers for stage hypnosis are usually extroverts who would be happy being outrageous in their everyday life. They are the born entertainers and will do as is suggested on stage because they don't want to disappoint the crowd.

Return to top

Q. Can you hypnotise me?

Well, actually - yes, and no!

Everyone can be hypnotised because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. I am merely a guide who shows you the way to do it, but you can choose not to enter that relaxing state simple by deciding that is how it is going to be! But why would you want to resist being in such a pleasant and potentially useful state?

Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances should not be hypnotised.

Return to top

Q. Will I lose control?

No, certainly not. You are always in control during our sessions. You cannot be made to do anything that you are not completely happy doing, nor to say something you are not completely happy to reveal. Throughout the session you can remain relaxed because you can know you are taking control of your situation to create the positive change you want.

Return to top

Q. I feel quite nervous and a little embarrassed about seeking help. Is this normal?

Of course! It is quite natural to feel this way when considering doing something new. You are not alone as many new clients say the same to me. Usually by the end of the first session, any fears they may have initially had, have been laid to rest. I am more than happy to discuss our work together before you commit, so that you can be sure that my approach is right for you.

Return to top

Q. What do the letters after your name mean?

  • DipCHyp - Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy: Achieved via graduation from The Quest Institute, London.
  • HPD - Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma: The modern, benchmark qualification to practice to a high professional standard. Recognised nationally and assessed independently by the NCFE.
  • NLP(prac) - Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming: Achieved via graduation from The Quest Institute, London.
  • MNCH - Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy: One of the leading governing body of professional standards for Hypnotherapists in the UK.

Return to top

Q. Can I drive after hypnosis?

There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to drive as well as you always have after hypnosis. It is, after all, a natural state that we all enter many times during the day, often when we are driving anyway. However, if you would feel more comfortable not driving, perhaps you can make other arrangements.

Return to top

Q. What sort of people seek the help of a Cognitive Hypnotherapist?

It's true to say that there is no 'typical' client. They are students, GPs, office workers, housewives, bus drivers, children, accountants, managers, scientists, business owners, midwives, hairdressers, tradesmen, retired people, even other Hypnotherapists - in fact, we see people from all walks of life. The thing they have in common is realising that they need a little help in finding a way forward in their lives, and recognising that Cognitive Hypnotherapy could offer that solution.

Return to top

Q. What is NLP?

NLP techniques are based on the relationship between our patterns of thought (neurology), how we communicate theses thoughts through body language and words (linguistics) and how we respond to these in our behaviour and emotions (programming).

Everybody has their own unique model of the world formed by their past experiences, memories , beliefs and decisions. The way we see our lives and the way we interact with the world around us and the people in it are profoundly influenced by this personal model of the world.

NLP techniques help you to understand your own behaviour and reactions to events that occur in your life. With that knowledge and the self help tools (which ,once taught can be use throughout your life) you can change negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs that may be causing you difficulties.

NLP can help you unlearn problem patterns enabling you to have the most fulfilled life possible - the life you want and deserve.

Return to top

Q. What is Cognitive Hypnotherapy?

Cognitive hypnotherapy differs in its approach to more traditional hypnotherapy in the wide range of techniques it draws on, and its flexibility. Each client's problem is different so we develop a bespoke course of treatments for each person. We have found that the more specific the treatment the more effective it is.

Cognitive hypnotherapy draws on ideas and techniques from Cognitive theory, indirect hypnotherapy, evolutionary psychology, positive psychology and NLP. These provide a wide range of tools which can be used in many ways to help solve your problem.

Naturally occurring trance states are used to change and re-frame negative and dysfunctional thinking, behaviour and emotional responses. It works within a client's 'model of the world' to alter negative perceptions producing positive change. Cognitive hypnotherapy consolidates this positive change to ensure that it is long lasting.

The unconscious is there to ensure the survival of the organism (us) and it does not concern itself with the happiness of that individual, it exists to propagate and continue the species. Therefore our unconscious often misunderstands our needs in today's society - we are no longer hunting for food on the savannah - and can cause misery and pain (phobias, depression etc.). Cognitive hypnotherapy is a way of accessing the 'faulty wiring' in our unconscious and re-frame our perspective on problems so that we can live our lives untroubled by unnecessary stress and negative emotions.

Cognitive hypnotherapy can help us see the positive things in our lives, access the strengths and resources we all have and free us from emotional chains that we often wrap ourselves in preventing us from living the life we want.

Return to top

Sessions

Q. How many sessions will I need?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy treats the person, not the label we give to their issue, and because everyone is an individual, each person receives a unique treatment plan. It can therefore be difficult to put an exact number on how many sessions you will need. Some people will get what they want in 2-3 sessions, others will be 8-10. Around 5-6 sessions is probably the average number of times a client will need to see a cognitive Hypnotherapist. It is my aim to treat you in the shortest time possible to make the changes permanent so that you can get on with the life you want.

Return to top

Q. How long is a session?

I do not charge by the hour but by the session. An average session takes between 1 and 1 ½ hours. This enables me to focus on each client and give you the all the time and attention you need.

Return to top