Do you go to sleep in hypnosis?
No, hypnosis does not involve sleep or unconsciousness. Sometimes, it might feel as if you have gone to sleep, but brainwave patterns show that the hypnotic state is different to sleep. You will usually be fully aware of everything that happens and hear everything that is said to you. Some aspects of hypnotherapy might involve you mentally rehearsing thinking, feeling and behaving more positively in different situations and using your imagination in other ways while you are in hypnosis. It is most effective when you are actively engaged in the process, so you need to be aware of what is said to you.
Is hypnosis a kind of mind control?
No, you remain in control at all times. As one famous hypnotherapist said: ‘All hypnosis is self-hypnosis’. The hypnotherapist’s role is to guide you into hypnosis and you will only respond to the ideas, thoughts and suggestions made to you, which you choose to respond to. I will always discuss with you in advance what I am going to say to you in hypnosis.
Can I be made to quack like a duck or cluck like a chicken in hypnosis?
No, unless you want to quack like a duck or cluck like a chicken in hypnosis. Unfortunately, this question comes from the distorted and inaccurate view of hypnosis, which stage hypnosis has often given people. Clinical hypnosis used in therapy is different to stage hypnosis. When practised by a professionally trained hypnotherapist, hypnosis will help you to overcome problems and issues and to think, feel and behave in the ways you want to.
Will I reveal secrets in hypnosis?
I rarely ask clients to speak to me while they are in hypnosis. It tends to disturb the hypnotic state. When I do ask clients to speak to me while they are in hypnosis, it will be to answer ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions or to give me a number to rate how comfortable and relaxed they are feeling. So no, you won’t reveal any secrets while in hypnosis in sessions with me.
Is hypnosis safe?
Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation, similar to meditation or daydreaming. It is very safe for the vast majority of people. The exception is that hypnosis is not suitable for anyone suffering from a severe psychiatric disorder, such as a psychosis.
Can you get stuck in hypnosis?
There have never been any reports of anyone getting stuck in hypnosis. Just as it’s easy to come out of a state of deep relaxation, meditation or daydreaming, it’s easy to come out of hypnosis. The phone ringing, someone calling your name, or other noises will bring you out of hypnosis.
Is hypnotherapy a quick fix?
Yes and no. Hypnotherapy is in no way a miracle cure and to be effective, you need to participate actively in the treatment and be motivated to make the changes that will help you. However, compared to some other therapies, it is quick, and you may only need 4 to 6 sessions (on average) depending on your issue. The only thing that is dealt with in one session is stopping smoking.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
If you’re able to daydream and relax a little, you will find hypnosis easy. Anyone can do it and you can learn how to become better at it with some training and practice.
What can hypnotherapy be used for?
Hypnotherapy can treat a wide range of problems successfully and is also used to enhance positive performance, such as helping sports professionals to improve physical and mental performance. The main things that hypnotherapy can help include:
- fears and phobias
- anxiety and panic attacks
- stress and stress-related conditions, such as insomnia, tension headaches, psoriasis and other skin problems
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- pain management, including pain in childbirth
- stopping smoking
- weight loss
- overcoming habits, such as nail biting
- lack of confidence or self-esteem
- improving business performance, such as sales and public speaking
- enhancing creativity
- improving sports performance
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
Please look at my blog post to find out more: What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
Do you have any other questions about hypnosis or hypnotherapy?
For more information about hypnotherapy, contact Anne Williams by phone or email.
Ask more questions by booking a free, 30-minute ‘phone consultation. Contact Anne on 0208 546 2122 or e-mail .
