FAQs

What is Solutions Focused Hypnotherapy?

Solutions Focused Hypnotherapy is a calming and effective combination of psychotherapy (talking therapy) and hypnosis, focusing on finding solutions to help you move forward to successfully achieving your goals.  It can improve your mental and physical health and help you achieve your full potential.

What Hypnotherapy isn’t

Contrary to the image portrayed in films, books and the media, hypnosis does not involve the therapist taking control of your mind and have you flapping around like a chicken!  That is hypnosis for entertainment and is nothing like therapeutic hypnosis where you are in control throughout.  No-one can be hypnotised to do something they don’t want to do.

What is Hypnosis / Trance like?

We all experience hypnotic trance in our everyday lives.  Have you “lost yourself” in a reverie while walking or exercising?  Been so engrossed in a book or a TV programme that you’ve not been aware of what’s going on around you?  If so, you’ve been in a state of focused attention, not unlike the feeling of being hypnotised.  During hypnosis you will be guided into a similar state by the use of relaxation and visualisation so that your mind is more responsive to suggestion.  The suggestions I then make are based on what we have discussed in the talking part of the session, and are designed to be beneficial to help you change unhelpful thought patterns and focus positively on your goals.

Is it safe?

Therapeutic hypnosis is a safe, natural process.  It is a relaxing state of focused attention, a sort of reverie, achieved by head-to-toe relaxation (sometimes known as “progressive muscle relaxation”) and guided visual imagery.  It is a very pleasant and calming experience.

What can I expect to happen in a session?

The initial free consultation is designed to assess your current situation and your future goals, along with a basic explanation of how the brain works, what hypnotherapy is, how the two work together, and what this means for you.  I take a detailed personal history to build a picture of your life and to help me create an appropriate treatment plan (see my privacy notice).

Subsequent sessions typically last around an hour and consist of two parts.  During the first part of each session we’ll talk about what you’ve been doing and what progress you’ve made, and I’ll be encouraging you to express yourself positively, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.  I’ll help you to imagine your preferred future, a future where you have a more positive perspective on the quality of your life.  The second part of each session (usually around 25 mins) consists of trancework where I will guide you into a relaxed state of hypnosis which will help reinforce and consolidate what we have discussed.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies considerably from person to person and the nature and severity of the problem.  In my experience in the region of 8 sessions is average for most issues, although some people need more and some less.  You will know.  It is your choice how many sessions you have, and we will monitor your progress together.  Phobias are usually dealt with in 4 sessions (including the free consultation), and smoking cessation in one longer session.

What can it help with?

Solutions Focused Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues and conditions including but not limited to anxiety, stress, depression, anger management, worries, phobias, fears, weight control, sleep problems, grief, bereavement, palliative care, confidence building, improving a skill, managing lifestyle changes, IBS, addictions, smoking cessation, chronic pain, negativity, worrying about future events.