Hypnosis by itself is just a state of mind, accessed easily even by yourself.

It can be difficult to achieve this sometimes when you are anxious or afraid, which is why hypnotherapy is so wonderful. With a guide you can learn how to use this natural state of mind for relaxation, grounding, motivation, pain relief and much more!

It is a state of intense focus (even though sometimes it may not feel that way) that helps us to clear the muddle from our minds. It gives us more control over our thoughts and feelings - and often out bodies too.

It is not about the conscious and subconscious mind; it is about the super conscious mind! 

Each individual experiences hypnosis differently.

Some become really absorbed and feel distant to the things around them, and others describe a feeling of just being still while they listen to suggestions/statements/ commands (depending on your hypnotherapy choice) that can profoundly change the way you think and feel. But you also cannot get stuck in hypnosis so be assured of that.

Hypnosis is a mind-set. Trance or sleep are just words used to describe the deep focus (and sometimes relaxation) that makes such a difference to healing.

You are not switched off to anything, and you are not in a trance or ‘state’.

You can ‘come out of hypnosis’ anytime you choose – including in sessions!

Bear in mind, it is not just hypnosis we do do in sessions! 

You are not asleep in hypnosis, there would be no benefit for either of us if you were.

People can appear to be asleep or unconscious because of the deep level of focus that hypnosis achieves (with guidance) and because they are able to block out distractions.

Hypnosis can be likened to reading your favourite book knowing the children are kicking footballs and screaming around you, but being able to focus and read without that being a distraction. And in the same way, if an emergency arose and your child needed your care, you are able to react normally to any potential emergencies.

Although we use the word trance - hypnosis isn't really a trance although we do use the word to describe that depth of focus. The so called depth of trance (or focus) has no relation on how effective the hypnosis can be. Some hypnotherapists, like myself, will also do what is known as waking alert hypnosis which can be done while you are walking, running or even painting a picture.

Although hypnosis can be incredibly powerful, it is not mind control, despite what stage hypnosis appears to show. If it was I am quite sure all hypnotherapists would be rich and living a lavish lifestyle. And I sure do wish I had some control over some individuals to make our world a safer place (wouldn't we all!). But this is the real world and not fantasy. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, you need to be engaged, and YOU are in control. Think of me as the Sat-Nav. You do the driving, and I am there to guide you. If you don't want to turn left, you are free to turn right or continue straight. It is your choice. I help you to your destination, the route and speed is up to you.

You will not be clucking like a chicken! And you cannot get stuck in hypnosis! You will know what is going on at all times. You will maybe zone out a little like you do when watching tv or listening to the radio, but you will be aware of everything.

I cannot make you do things you do not want to do or that are against your moral or personal code, and just as importantly - even if I could, it would be against my own moral and personal code to do so. However, the power of stage hypnosis does give you an indication of how profound hypnotherapy can be!

Almost everyone can be hypnotised, but some people choose not to engage.

For others, there may be contraindications that make hypnosis more problematic,

but for the majority of people hypnosis is safe and highly effective.

I can help you with any hurdles or misconceptions you may have about how it works or should feel. Just as every session is tailored for you, so is the way you experience hypnosis as an individual. No two people experience it the same way - and the advantage is - that even if you chose not to go into hypnosis - you will still benefit from the therapy session!

In my opinion that is a win-win.

The amount of sessions depends on many factors. How deep seated the issue is, how well you respond, how hard you work outside of sessions and how much you want the change. For some one or two sessions are more than adequate, and for others they may have as many as 12 sessions, weekly fortnightly or even monthly.

Hypnotherapy is such an effective modality of healing, that it is recommended by the NHS for conditions such as IBS. The results statistics are quite spectacular. (See more on my IBS page.)

Unlike other therapists, I offer an email service too, free of charge for queries or support between sessions.

Hypnosis speeds up therapy with its intense focus, its ability to dig deeper than traditional therapies without re-traumatising. Hypnosis has the power to literally rewire the brains pattern of thinking and reacting. It is a bit of a super power in my opinion.

Within my practice, I often combine hypnotherapy with NLP (Neuro-linguistic Programming) which also helps rewire the brain. It is a more direct approach and equally effective. I use both Eriksonian and CBT hypnotherapy depending on the style you prefer.

If you would like to know more about how hypnosis works or how it may work for you, please get in touch. No question is a silly question. The more you know the better the results.

The magic of hypnosis - is that there is no magic !

All sessions are strictly confidential.