Frequently Asked Questions
How does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis works by bringing our conscious and sub-conscious brains together in a deep relaxation state. This allows us to problem solve and uses the more rational, positive areas of our brain (pre-frontal cortex). We use language patterns crafted to help the client reach a deeply relaxed state in which these areas of the brain can work more effectively without the internal chatter that makes up our usual thought processes. Using this state means clients are able to alter their negative thought patterns into something more constructive in a more focused effort, which reduces the time it takes to affirm these new ways of thinking.
What is hypnosis?
The hypnotic state is otherwise known as trance, we actually drift in and out of this state many times throughout the day without even realising. Ever been watching a TV show and got to the end and realised you’ve zoned out and don’t remember what’s happened? Well that’s trance! That’s your brain entering this organisational, problem-solving state that is fantastic for coming up with innovative solutions to any issues in our life, it’s even that state where we suddenly come up with that answer we knew we knew but couldn’t remember (you know the one where you know the actor’s name but it escapes you?).
What does hypnosis feel like?
Well, it’s different for everyone but generally speaking it’s a bit like dozing off, drifting into a deeply relaxed, comfortable state, most clients express their surprise at just how good it feels! Some people will experience feelings of lightness or heaviness in their bodies, some even feel like they’re floating through space! Most clients report feeling very calm and relaxed during hypnosis, some have even compared the feeling to being mildly sedated. Most people take a little while to adjust to hypnosis fully so many will drift in and out of their conscious brain until they have fully relaxed at which point it’s similar to the beginning stages of sleep.
Is everyone suitable for hypnosis?
It can work with anyone with the mental capacity to understand what is being said to them, for this reason we can work with children as young as 8 to adults well into their 80s. It is not always possible for it to work with someone with limited capacity such as someone with a more severe learning difficulties or who has suffered a brain-altering injury or illness (strokes, dementia, etc.) that affect their ability to understand what we are saying. We will not work with anyone who is actively suffering from a psychotic episode or who suffers from schizophrenia as these conditions can alter how what we are saying is received and could make the treatment harmful to them. However, someone who is diagnosed with a psychotic disorder that is well controlled could be suitable for the treatment, this is decided on a case-by-case basis at the therapist’s discretion and may require confirmation from their GP or psychologist/psychiatrist to confirm this.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
Yes, if they choose to be. Strictly speaking all hypnosis is self-hypnosis so if the person is willing to enter into that state then they absolutely can, it can take some practice to get deeper under, but just how deep a person goes is always their choice. Some people do not believe they can be hypnotised and for this reason they will not be put under, it’s their choice. However, we have found that sceptics of hypnosis who are taught how it works often become the biggest supporters of the treatment once they see how it works and why it’s so effective.
Can you make me do anything I don’t want to do under hypnosis?
Absolutely not! Clinical hypnosis is nothing like stage hypnosis – we will never wave a watch in your face and tell you how sleepy you are, are and we certainly will never make you pretend to be a chicken! We cannot make you go into a hypnotic state against your will and so the client is always ultimately in control, they will never do something they don’t want to do. Whether you are consciously aware (or not) of what is being said during hypnosis your sub-conscious brain will continue to listen to everything, so if something was detrimental to you it would bring you out of trance very quickly.
Will I remember anything I have repressed?
No, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is designed to prompt the brain to follow more positive thought patterns rather than make a client re-live a traumatising event. Discussing and re-living trauma only serves to push someone further into their primitive brain and will release the chemicals they felt at the time of the trauma, making them feel bad. We believe this is detrimental to a client’s recovery to push them further back into these thoughts, so we choose to focus on the positive aspects of life and positive actions that can help our clients lead a more fulfilling, happier life.