Frequently Asked Questions About Hypnosis

Why do people come to see you David?

They generally want to stop doing something or stop feeling a particular way about an issue.

Can anyone be hypnotised or do you have to be suggestible?

Virtually everyone can be hypnotised. It's a simple psychological process that just about anyone can do! In the past, the term suggestible was mis-applied to hypnosis. Around 10% of people do have a real talent for it, but for the rest of us, it's about relaxing and using your imagination.

Has anyone ever fallen asleep?

The aim of a good hynotherapist is to guide you to a relaxed state somewhere between awake and asleep. I usually ask clients to nod their head or answer questions during the session so I would know if they were dozing!

Are there any side effects?

You could find yourself becoming more relaxed, lose some weight or stop smoking. The great thing about hypnosis is that it's natural and safe, so the side effects tend to be positive. Often people who stop smoking report having better sleep and weight loss clients tell me they feel more relaxed and more confident in general.

Will I become unconscious?

No, you'll hear everything I say, although you might not remember it all consciously afterwards. I often describe the process of hypnosis as"... you sitting in a comfortable chair with your eyes closed listening to me talking to you". If an ambulance drove past you would hear it and remember it.

It's a bit like remembering a good film you watched on television, you rarely remember the TV you watched it on or the wallpaper you had at the time, because you were focused on the film. Hypnosis is very similar, it's really just a state of focused listening, in which your attention is directed towards my voice.

Has anyone ever said “don't look in his eyes”?

I often catch new acquaintances deliberately looking away from me in the middle of a conversation, as if they are trying to make sure they won't be hypnotised, but the reality is that I can't hypnotise you against your will and no one can. Hypnotists and performers will often present themselves in a way that suggests they CAN make you do  things, but it's a myth that you can be controlled by another person using hypnosis.

So you can't control people?

If hypnotherapists could really make people act against their moral or ethical code, then I would be working for the government, hypnotising criminals...  “You no longer break into peoples houses... car stereos just don't interest you any more!” the country would save a fortune. However, If you DO want to change something then hypnosis is a fantastic help.

What can hypnosis do?

Hypnosis changes behaviour. It can't make your hair grow back, but it can help to change the way you react to things. Which means you can find yourself feeling more calm and focused before a big speech, or eating less when you're bored. 



What's the strangest thing that someone has sought help for?

I often have wives ring me to ask if I can stop their husbands from smoking and it's usually the first  the husbands have heard about it. They sometimes ask if I can say a few words about doing more hoovering or ironing too!

People always say.

“Can you hypnotise me?”

The answer is always yes.... if you want to be hypnotised it's easy.

Do people think you will make them cluck like a chicken?

People say that but I'm not sure if they really believe it. Although the therapeutic possibilities of hypnosis are often over-shadowed by its ability to entertain us.

Will I notice changes immediately?

You should be noticing changes after the first session of hypnotherapy. Sometimes people feel better about their issue after the free initial consultation! Often this is because they've been able to talk openly and frankly to an impartial, non-judgemental professional and leave my office feeling hopeful and optomistic... as if a burden has been lifted.

Often, friends or family will notice positive changes in you first. Perhaps this is because people report that their new habits just feel natural and normal. 

It's only when you look back and compare your new behaviour to the way that you were, that you can notice how much you have changed. This is because our sessions don't really change or alter you as a person, just your attitude towards things, or the way that you react or behave in certain situations.

I can't find an answer to my question here. What shall I do?

We're sorry your question isn't answered yet. We will do our best to answer it for you directly in person and then add it to this list. Please do contact us and tell us what you would like to know. It might also help someone else one day. Thank you.