Hypnosis is a psychological state resembling sleep, which is characterized by the individual functioning at a higher level of consciousness. Within this heightened state of awareness, your unconscious mind is more receptive and relaxed, acting as an incredible tool to help understand the problems that are deep rooted and unconscious. It is important to do this in order to stop these subconscious motives manifesting and negatively impacting our conscious day-to-day lives. During such an intensified period of focus and concentration, I will provide your subconscious mind with suggestions to alleviate your issues or problems. I will then provide your mind with self-suggestions in order to replace such negative underlying thoughts with positive ones, so that even when your out and about you will only think positively.

Now to answer the second question. Yes, Hypnosis is a completely safe and natural state that we all experience many times throughout our day. For example, imagine you are driving from your home to a familiar destination. There are many times that you will reach such a familiar destination without realizing how you got there, leaving you wondering ‘who was in control of the car for the last five minutes or so?!’ This is what we call ‘trance’, which is a state a little like day-dreaming for some people. Our role is to get you out of ‘trance’ giving you real control and direction over the decisions you choose.

An article within ‘Psychology Today’ recently explored the kind of feelings experienced during Hypnotherapy. The authors raised the point that the feelings are in no way strange or unusual to the individual, but are in fact very familiar and pleasant. The authors used the comparison of feelings experienced when day-dreaming/being lost in thought. During such a state, the individual is still conscious of everything going on around them, but they experience a relaxing state that they can choose to ‘drift off’ into from time to time. Such an experience helps to heighten the individual’s sense of awareness, acting as a powerful tool in helping deal with any problems/issues being faced. Most people comment on how relaxed they feel during hypnosis. This feeling often continues for sometime after the session is over, leaving you ready to continue your day.

No, certainly not. I cannot make you do anything against your will, in the same way that I (or anyone for that matter) can make you do or say anything that you are not happy doing. And why would I want you to do anything against your will? The aim of our client-therapist relationship is to get the very best from our work, and that means treating you in professional, non-judgmental and ethical way.

Everyone can be hypnotised because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You must understand that if you want the result through using Hypnosis, then we will work successfully together, I merely work as a guide to your subconscious.

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

No, this isn’t possible. Think of hypnosis as being similar to day-dreaming. You may day-dream, but you always re-focus and become conscious of yourself again. Even if I were to leave you in trance and walk out of the room, you would in time either drift into sleep or simply open your eyes.

The problem is when people get stuck in a day-dream and live life in a fantasy which they cannot snap out of. Essentially, Cognitive Hypnotherapy helps you to snap out of the ‘trance’ state that may be negatively dictating your life in order to regain control and direction of your decisions.

Of course it is! It is quite natural to feel this way when considering doing something new, and I assure you, you are not alone! In fact, by the end of the initial consultation, any fears or concerns you may have will be resolved.

Also, before we start our work together, during our initial consultation we will discuss all queries you may have about the work, so that you are totally satisfied with my approach before making a commitment. And we won’t do any further work until you are happy to proceed.

Over the years working as a therapist, I have worked and guided individuals from all walks of life, of all ages, of all backgrounds. In fact, you name a profession, and the chances are they have been to see a hypnotherapist! The thing they have in common is realising that they can achieve more, and they each have the desire to develop personally with a little guidance in finding a way forward. This is where Cognitive Hypnotherapy and I can help!