Hypnotherapy - What to Expect
Your first session
During the first session and initial consultation you describe in detail what you would like to change about yourself. There are different ways to achieve this change and these will be discussed to ensure that the approach we use is the right one for you.
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy will then be explained to you and we can discuss any concerns you may have about the process. The number of sessions you will need will depend on the change you want to make. Most people notice a major change after the first session.
How do I know if I can be hypnotised?
Virtually everyone can be hypnotised. You don't really have to do anything except allow yourself to relax. There is no 'ability' to be hypnotised and it doesn't depend on any skill that you do or don't have. You cannot 'get it wrong'. All you have to do is relax and leave the rest to me.
So what does hypnosis feel like?
There's nothing to worry about at all here, you've experienced hypnosis countless times throughout your life. Everyone has. Whenever you find yourself daydreaming, 'lost' in a good book or film, or driving on autopilot, you have been in an hypnotic trance. The periods just before and after sleep (the hypnogogic and hypnopompic states) are also hypnotic trance states.
There is no feeling of 'going under' or of suddenly being under some sort of 'spell' of the hypnotist at all. Many people experience a slight drifting sensation while they are gradually relaxing. During hypnosis you are not unconscious and you are not asleep, you are just very relaxed.
In a clinical hypnotherapy session you won't feel like doing an impression of Elvis or eating a raw onion as though it's an apple; you'll just feel very deeply relaxed and that you could do anything you wanted - but you simply can't be bothered right now. You will be aware of normal sounds such as a telephone ringing or passing traffic but in the trance state your mind will dismiss them as of no importance.
Most people just feel deeply relaxed and want to go on lying there to continue the experience and wonderful feeling of relaxation. At the end of the session you will feel deeply relaxed and refreshed.
What will happen in my hypnotherapy session?
You sit in a comfortable chair or couch. If you are nervous or just want to try a little hypnosis first, I'll show you how easily you can do it by taking you briefly into trance and out again, so that you experience it firsthand. That way you get to understand the incredible power of hypnosis.
Although you are deeply relaxed, you are actively involved in the process at every stage; your unconscious mind in continually processing information. I might ask you to move a finger or hand, open your eyes or speak to me at some point - all part of the process of hypnotherapy and designed to show me how you are progressing.
Once you are relaxed enough, we can start on making the change you want. I usually start with taking you to a place you feel comfortable and safe. From here (for suggestion therapy) we go on a journey to begin the process of change. This may be a guided visualisation or story relating to how you want to change - and all you need to do is to sit back and relax.
If we have decided that hypnoanalysis is the best course of action for you then you will be communicating with me much more, speaking to me in the trance. This will be fully explained and discussed during your consultation.
At the end of the session I will guide you out of the trance again. You will 'awaken' feeling refreshed and alert. Most people feel as if they have just woken up from a light sleep, feel very relaxed yet alert and find the whole experience very enjoyable.
Hypnosis can be extraordinarily effective, but it is not magic. However, if the right ingredients are present, if the time for change is right for you and you are able to work with me as your hypnotherapist then all your (realistic) goals are achievable.
I'm afraid I might 'lose control'
You're not alone here - this is a common concern and one of the biggest misconceptions regarding hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
In a clinical hypnotherapy session you remain in control of what you say and do at all times. You will not, and cannot, be 'made' to do anything against your will or that goes against your own moral code.
Hypnotherapy is a co-operative process between therapist and client that relies on rapport or trust. As a client you do not relinquish control, you just give yourself permission to relax in a clinical setting.
(It is most likely that this misconception relates to having seen or experienced stage hypnotism where participants perform all manner of stange acts. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment. The hypnotist selects the volunteers from the audience who are most likely to go along with the performance - they have already given their permission to the hypnotist. They are not being 'made' to do anything against their will, they are an integral part of the act).
What if I don't wake up?
No-one has ever been 'stuck' in hypnosis - it just is not possible. As you know now, hypnosis is a natural state that you enter many times every day - your mind nows how to deal with it. Even if the therapist were to leave you alone in the room, your subconscious mind will simply continue to process information and suggestions. If you were very deeply relaxed and quite tired you might fall into a natural sleep. Alternatively, once you had finished this processing you would gradually become more aware of your surroundings - either way, you would 'wake up' naturally as if from a light sleep.
Your subconscious is always working to protect you - if there were an emergency you would instantly come to full consciousness.
For further information on hypnosis and hypnotherapy, see the following websites: