Frequently Asked Questions

What is NLP?

Neuro-Linguistic Programming was initially created in 1975 by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who began modelling and duplicating the “magical results” of a few top communicators and therapists. Studies were made as to what those people did inside their head to produce successful results and models of this have been duplicated in a series of techniques which can be applied to enhance performance and personal excellence.

Can anybody be hypnotised?

Almost anyone can be hypnotized. However, alcohol and drugs can hinder the process. It is best not to receive hypnotherapy whilst suffering a cold, as constant coughing and sneezing may prevent you from entering the hypnotic state.

What can hypnosis do for your health?

While it may not cure underlying physical disorders, such as cancer, heart disease or infection, it can be used to help boost the immune system and reprogram our attitudes to illness. Hypnosis can help with the management of all types of pain, help to ease symptoms, and reduce the effects of chronic conditions such as IBS, asthma, panic attacks etc.
Hypnosis can be used to treat anxiety, phobias, tension, compulsions and addictions, etc. and can also enhance performance in the situation causing that anxiety, e.g. improving athletic and exam performance.

Will I lose control?

Hypnotherapy cannot make you do anything against your will. You stay in control of your mind and are entirely free to think your own thoughts whilst being hypnotised.

Can I be made to do something against my will?

No. As I said above, you remain in control throughout hypnosis. In the unlikely event that a suggestion was contrary to your values, beliefs or principles, you would ignore it or come out of hypnosis spontaneously.

Is it the same as stage hypnosis?

Stage hypnosis is used for entertainment purposes where the ‘hypnotist’ uses willing participants who 'want to be seen performing'. Participants are screened in advance of the show using a number of susceptibility tests, and the hypnotist does not have any actual power over them other than their desire to perform.
On the other hand, hypnotherapy is to assist a person to achieve personal benefit for their well-being. Before any hypnotherapy is applied the therapist during interview discussion with the client discovers what kind of suggestions might be suitable and appropriate.

What if I don’t come out of hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy does not involve losing consciousness and is not a sleep state. It is just an enhanced state of relaxation throughout which you remain aware of what is going on around you and at all times in control of yourself – If anything, hypnotherapy has the opposite effect in that it heightens self-control.
We all enter a hypnotic state many times each day. For instance when you are driving along and realise you can't remember the last few miles. You have been driving safely and in control, reacting to the traffic and the road conditions, but you were in fact in a light state of hypnosis.

What does “being hypnotised” feel like?

Every mind reacts differently to hypnosis so there is no “fixed” feeling. Because of the relaxed nature of hypnotherapy most people fee comfortable and at ease, whilst being aware of their surroundings, almost like being in a relaxed day dream state.

What will happen afterwards?

Most people report feelings of tranquility and calmness after they have received hypnotherapy. As part of the therapy you may be given post-hypnotic suggestions, or training in self-hypnosis which you can practice yourself to help you in specific situations, or to enhance therapy between sessions.