A -  There are many ways to bring about the hypnotic state, including the famous swinging watch.  The most common way nowadays is with the voice.  A hypnotist or hypnotherapist will talk to you while you relax and simply listen to the story being told.  There are many different induction techniques that can be used to match your personality and a good Clinical Hypnotherapist will choose the best one for you.

A - It feels pretty much like a daydream to most people only more intense.  Some may feel heavy, others reporting feeling lighter than normal. Everyone has a slightly different feeling, but in general they report a relaxed, pleasant experience.  You will hear the therapist, any other sounds around you, and be able to talk, move and open your eyes if you wish.  Some clients expect to be in a zombie like state after seeing all the hype in movies and stage shows, but the truth is that for most clients hypnosis feels “normal”.

Q - Yes, pretty much anyone with a few exceptions.  For some conditions hypnotherapy can only be used if you have written permission from your GP or consultant, including any condition where you are are under supervision of a psychiatrist or mental health professional.  This is to ensure that any medical treatment you may be undergoing will not conflict with hypnotherapy.

A - That is a very broad question, but the answer is yes, hypnotherapy can bring about positive and long lasting change in most peoples lives.  Some people find that hypnotherapy is a rapid and powerful way to make changes, while others will have less dramatic change.  As with every other therapy the results are dependent on your willingness to change, the effort that you put in and the rapport with your therapist amongst other things.

A - That depends on many variables such as the type of problem i.e. a simple phobia may be resolved in 1-2 sessions but someone with a more complex issue to resolve may require around 6-10 sessions, or more.  Progress also depends on each individual’s will to overcome the problem, the rapport with the therapist and the speed at which they work towards change in the sessions.

A - If you believe you have a strong mind and cannot be hypnotised then you are correct! No one can be hypnotised unless they want to be.  If you wish to though you can use your strong will to allow yourself to benefit from hypnosis & hypnotherapy.  Incidentally, strong minded people often make the best subjects, getting great results in therapy.

A - Details of all our therapies and associated fees may be found on our Practice Information page.

A - Yes, pretty much that is the case.  To achieve a hypnotic state the subject gives themselves permission to drift into it, and cannot be coerced or tricked into entering hypnosis.  This is important to grasp as it is the basic building block upon which all client-centred hypnosis is based.  The hypnotherapist merely guides the subject by suggestion, but without the person’s consent and enthusiasm there can be no realisation of a useful working state where therapeutic work can be realised.  Self hypnosis is a powerful technique to learn which will benefit anyone for the rest of their life, and the ability to relax the mind and concentrate on a specific goal is without doubt a powerful means to self achievement.

A - Hypnosis is a state of mind that can be self induced or brought about by another person who might be known as a hypnotist. A Hypnotherapist is someone who uses hypnosis to bring about a beneficial change by the use of hypnotherapy techniques during hypnosis. Hypno-analysis is a form of hypnotherapy during which the hypnotherapist uses techniques to uncover the root causes of the problem.

A - It may be that you still feel uncomfortable about hypnotherapy, probably due to a fear of loss of control, or due to adverse press and the unfortunate portrayal of hypnosis as “mind control” in the media.  Or perhaps you don’t wish to discuss your private experiences with a therapist but still seek help for your problem?

For many conditions there is now an alternative – BWRT^® (Brain Working Recursive Therapy) which works in an “awake state” and is largely  “content free” therapy that may be just what you have been looking for.

Read more on our BWRT page

A -  Alan practises hypnotherapy in accordance with the code of ethics of the professional bodies he is affiliated to.  Alan completed his hypnotherapy diploma and advanced diploma with the EICH in 2005 and since then has developed his own unique blend of hypnotherapy, some of which has been influenced by the work of the late Dave Elman, Gil Boyne and Milton Erickson.

Confidentiality is assured as is his professional attitude to you as a valued client.