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Frequently
Asked Questions
What is hypnosis?
A natural state
of absorbed concentration combined with heightened awareness. People
experience this state naturally throughout each and every day. Common
examples might include, day dreaming, when you are totally immersed
in a book or TV show, engrossed in a favourite hobby or when driving.
There is no one particular hypnotic feeling as such and everyone experiences
it in a slightly different way, so most people don't normally realise
when they have entered the state. They just feel very pleasantly comfortable.
Hypnosis is simply a state of mind, in much the same way that happiness
is a state of mind.
One common misconception
is that hypnosis is some form of magic or supernatural power, this
is simply not true. Hypnosis is a perfectly normal and natural state
of mind that almost anyone can enter at will.
All hypnosis
is really self hypnosis, which means that the hypnotist is guiding
you into hypnosis, rather than doing hypnosis to you, therefore
you always have control and a choice over what happens.
In hypnotherapy
you are guided into the state of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.
It is literally therapy done while in the state of hypnosis and
can be thought of as an effective and speedy form of psychotherapy.
Hypnotherapy can change your patterns of behaviour and perceptions,
enabling irrational fears, phobias, habits, negative thoughts and
suppressed emotions to be overcome. With the help of the hypnotherapist,
you are able to look at problems differently and maybe discover
solutions to problems that had been missed before. A
hypnotherapist will use their knowledge of psychology to
effect change and promote wellbeing.
The British
Medical Association approved hypnotherapy as a valid medical treatment
in 1955 and the American Medical Association followed in 1958.
What if you
can’t hypnotise me?
The only people
who can’t be hypnotised are those who can’t understand the instructions,
those who are completely inebriated through alcohol or drugs or those
who don't want to be hypnotised. Everyone else can be hypnotised,
but the depths and response levels do differ from person to person.
Are these
depths important then to the success of the therapy?
Yes, which is why
we generally tailor the therapy to your needs and according to the
level of hypnosis that suits best. Some forms of therapy may require
different depths of hypnosis.
I don’t like
the idea of having my mind controlled.
Again,
don’t worry. It won’t be. On the contrary, you will always remain
in control, but the skill of the hypnotherapist is to work within
your control and still bring about change at a deep level.
As
mentioned above all hypnosis is really self hypnosis, which means
that the hypnotist is guiding you into hypnosis, rather than
doing hypnosis to you, therefore you always have control and a choice
over what happens.
Am I aware
of what is happening?
Yes, you will remember
the details of the session(s), in fact it feels so normal, that many
people feel that they weren't hypnotised. You just feel very pleasantly
relaxed, much like when you day dream, you don't realise you're doing
it until you've stopped!
So I am not
asleep then?
Not at all. You
will just be very relaxed and your awareness will be enhanced, not
dulled. Often you may feel as if you have not been under although
in actual fact you have been hypnotised.
Will I be
made to do silly things like those you see on stage or TV? And are
there any bad side effects?
No, of course
not! You will always be treated with the utmost respect, and your
confidentiality will be safeguarded. Also, do remember that my job
is to make you better, not to make a fool of you. Just take a look
at the Code
of Ethics and Practice that I must follow.
What is NLP?
You could think
of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as an owner's manual for the
brain. It is the science of how the brain codes learning and experience.
This coding affects all communication and behaviour. It affects
how you learn and how you percieve the world around you. It is a
key to reaching goals and achieving excellence.
What are
the benefits of using NLP?
NLP can help
you to achieve your goals, improve relationships and communication,
control you own internal mental states, create powerful new internal
states, align your internal resources for maximum enjoyment, and
communicate quickly and effectively.
In short, you
will find it easier to achieve your personal and professional goals,
because you'll gain greater access to your internal resources as
well as have more fun while doing it.
What conditions
can you treat?
Nearly everyone
can benefit in some way from hypnotherapy and NLP, whether you want
to change a habit, rid yourself of a phobia or some other emotional
problem, or improve a skill you already have, hypnosis and NLP can
help.
Click
Here for examples of conditions that respond to hypnosis and NLP
If you want
to learn how to take control of the stress in your life, I also
run a short course
in stress management techniques.
Should a
therapist be trained in psychology?
A general knowledge
of psychology is essential, especially when dealing with personal
problems that are psychological in nature. As part of my training
I was trained in psychology, which enables me to use psychotherapeutic
methods to effect change.
Is there
any cause for concern?
No, hypnosis is
a proven therapeutic tool and is perfectly safe, with no harmful side
effects.
Can you guarantee
me a cure?
Nothing
in life is guaranteed, and it is not professional to offer one.
There are many factors in your life which are outside of my awareness
and influence which can affect the results. However, you can be
assured that as a professional therapist, I can indeed guarantee
that I will bring all my skills, knowledge, experience and ongoing
training to bear in bringing you lasting relief in your problem.
It is important to realise that therapy is not a magic wand which
'zaps' the problems away, it is a relationship were we both
work together to help you change. Therefore
the more involved and commited to the treatment you are, generally
the better the results will be.
Why would
I need a therapist? Can’t a good friend help me? Why would I need
to see someone like you?
Several reasons.
First your friend is not trained to deal impartially with such problems.
Any hurt or upset or problem you have may also affect your friend,
who being close to you, would not have the detachment necessary to
help you to deal with the emotional content of the problem professionally.
Also a good hypnotherapist works at your deeper psychological levels
in order to deal with the problem at deeper levels.
How can I
be sure that you are the right therapist for me?
I offer a Free
Initial Consultation which usually last about 30 minutes. This gives
us the chance to discuss your problems more fully and gives you the
chance to think things over, if you wish, before finally making up
your mind. It is absolutely essential that you feel comfortable with
your therapist. A good therapist will respect all this. It also gives
me the chance to determine whether I am the best person to help you,
it is after all my job to make you feel better, not worse. If I don't
believe that I can help you, I will not waste your time, and may refer
you on to someone with more relevant experience.
Are drugs
or gadgets like swinging watches or rotating spirals used?
No, today the psychological
process of going into hypnosis is now more fully understood and the
therapist does not need to rely on such gimmicks. In modern hypnotherapy,
the therapists voice and words are all that are used to guide you
into an altered state by helping you to focus your thoughts and relax
you body.
What qualifications
do you have?
Licensed Master
Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Diploma in Advanced Hypnotherapy and Hypnohealing
NLP
Coaching Diploma
Diploma in the Art and Science of NLP Coaching
Diploma in Hypnotherapy
Certified Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Certificate in Stress Management Techniques
Certificate in Hypnoesitherapy (Pain Control)
I am also a member of:
The General Hypnotherapy Register
The Hypnotherapy Association
The Corporation of Advanced Hypnotherapy
The Association for Neuro-Linguistic Programming
The
NHS Directory of Complementary & Alternative Practitioners
The UK Register of IBS Therapists
The National Phobics Society
National Register of Practitioners in Smoking Cessation
So when can
I come and see you?
I am available
to see clients Monday to Friday, both during the daytime and most
evenings. You may contact me by email
or phone me at the number below for more details.
I practice from
a consulting room in my home and also at a local complementary
health clinic on certain days of the week,
if you would prefer to see me at the complementary
health clinic
instead then do please let me know when booking your appointment.
How do I
book an appointment?
You may contact
me by email
or phone me on 0161 881 4333 to arrange an appointment.
What can
I expect at my initial appointment?
At your initial
consultation, I will spend some time talking you through your symptoms
and medical history. This is necessary to ensure a full understanding
of your condition, and may involve some questions of a personal
nature. Please be assured that all information is confidential,
and will be used to properly assess which approach will be best
suited to your needs.
Consultation
fees are always paid at least one session in advance. Therefore
once you decide to proceed, the fee is due at the end of the initial
consultation. Discounts of 10% and 20% are available when paying
for multiple sessions in advance.
How many
sessions will I require?
Most
specific issues can be dealt with in between three to five sessions,
for more deep rooted or complex problems which may require deeper
analysis, six to twelve sessions may be required.
What payment
methods do you accept?
- Cash
- Cheque
(only with a cheque guarantee card)
- Debit
or Credit Card

- Online
Payment - Pay using your Debit Card, Credit
Card or PayPal account.
NOTE:
If you decide to pay online, please pay before you attend
the session. I will then receive email notification of the payment.
Code of Ethics
and Practice
I am covered by
Professional Indemnity Insurance and am bound by a strict Code
of Ethics and Practice, set out by my governing bodies, the Hypnotherapy
Association (formerly the British Hypnotherapy Association),
the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, the Corporation
of Advanced Hypnotherapy and the Association for Neuro-Linguistic
Programming.
Can
I get a refund?
No refund is
payable for the sessions you have attended whatever the circumstances.
If you pay in advance for the treament then unused sessions will
be refunded. You are paying for my time, skills,
knowledge, experience and training.
I cannot offer guarantees as there are many factors
in your life which are outside of my awareness and influence which
can affect the results.
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