FAQs

Questions clients ask

Sessions

Fees/Payment

Therapy Regulations

Questions clients ask


Q. What is hypnosis and is it safe?

Yes, hypnosis is perfectly safe.  The trance state is a safe and natural altered state of awareness that we all go in and out of during the day, perhaps without even knowing it.  If you have ever been driving along a road and arrived at your destination and wondered who was in control of the car for the last few minutes, or been ‘miles away’ when someone is trying to talk to you – that’s trance and we are all very good at it!


During hypnosis I utilise this state within you to make positive suggestions to your unconscious mind, when it is in a much more receptive position. It is an incredibly effective tool, to take you towards your solution state and when combined with other tools and techniques, such as NLP can make short work of long-standing problems.



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Q. Can I be hypnotised?

Yes and no! Anyone can be hypnotised because all hypnosis is self hypnosis. It’s simply a matter of whether you choose to allow it to happen. I act merely as a guide who shows you the way to do it. Some people find it easier than others, but everyone goes into natural trance states on a daily basis such as day dreaming, driving the car or just getting lost within your own thoughts.


Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances should not be hypnotised. And there is a possible contraindication with epilepsy, so this will need to be discussed with me before treatment begins.


Of course, as  a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, I have more tools to use than simply hypnosis, and so it is possible if you prefer, that we don't use it at all, but find some other means to achieve the results you want.



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Q. What does hypnosis feel like?

It’s a little like daydreaming.  Its generally a very pleasant sensation where you are conscious of what is going on around you and what is happening throughout the session.  You may choose to ‘drift off'. Most people comment on how relaxed they felt during hypnosis. Many people feel refreshed whilst others feel little difference after being in trance, yet most people report that it is a pleasurable feeling.  This feeling often continue for sometime after the session has ended, leaving you ready to continue your day.


It is safe for you to continue with your normal day after the session, including driving or using machinery.



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Q. Will I be in control and aware?

Yes, you will be in total control of your actions at all times. In fact, the state of hypnosis is one of heightened awareness where it is possible for your mind to be aware of many more things than is possible in the conscious state. You can talk to me throughout.  You can stop therapy at anytime. You will not do or say anything that you do not want. Your unconscious will protect you and so will not allow you to accept any suggestion that goes against your ethics or morals.


You might have seen volunteers for stage hypnosis and think that hypnotherapy is similar. This is not the case. Volunteers for stage hypnosis are usually extroverts who would be happy being outrageous in their everyday life. They are the born entertainers and will do as is suggested on stage because they don’t want to disappoint the crowd.



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Q. Could I "get stuck" in a trance?

No, the trance state can be terminated at any time you choose just as you chose to enter it. If you were left in a trance state you would either fall asleep or awaken naturally, or simply get bored and get up and leave.



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Q. I feel quite nervous and a little embarrassed about seeking help. Is this normal?

Of course! It is quite natural to feel this way when considering doing something new. You are not alone as many new clients say the same. Usually by the end of the first session, any fears they may have initially had, have been laid to rest. I am more than happy to discuss my work together before you commit, so that you can be sure that Cognitive Hypnotherapy is right for you.



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Q. What sort of people seek the help of a Cognitive Hypnotherapist?

It's true to say that there is no 'typical' client. They are actors, musicians, corporate trainers, GPs, office workers, housewives, bus drivers, children, accountants, managers, scientists, business owners, midwives, hairdressers, tradesmen, retired people, even other hypnotherapists - in fact, I see people from all walks of life. The thing they have in common is realising that they need a little help in finding a way forward in their lives, and recognising that Cognitive Hypnotherapy could offer that solution.



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Sessions


Q. Will I remember what happens during sessions?

You are likely to remember some of what was said but probably not every word.  This is normal.  In a normal everyday conversation we don’t always recall everything straight away and different bits come back over time.



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Q. What can I expect in a session?

I will do my best to make you at ease and as comfortable as you can be and answer any questions you may have. During the initial consultation we will be talking about the issue and how you would like your life to be if it were no longer there. I'll explain the process of treatment. At this stage you may be gently guided into trance by listening to my voice, so that your mind and body are relaxed. We will then discuss the experiences you had and how we need to proceed.  Apart from hypnosis other techniques may also be used in a session, all of them to help you towards a successful outcome. This session usually lasts for 75-90 minutes.  Subsequent sessions are 60 minutes.

During each session I will act as a guide encouraging you to find your own solutions. Unlike many Hypnotherapists that work with the one script fits all approach, the Cognitive Hypnotherapy approach is tailor made for you.  Each session and hypnotic induction I use, will be planned and written especially for you, using Wordweaving™, a unique approach to hypnotic language developed by Trevor Silvester of Quest Institute, which incorporates your own words and ideas into a pattern of suggestion.


Sessions with me offer you more than just therapy.  You’ll learn how you are creating your experience of life and what you need to create the life you want to live. You’ll learn to begin to take control and responsibility for your own progress as it’s you making the changes. 

My guarantee is that, after our first session, if either of us doesn’t think I can help you, the session is free.   



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Q. How many sessions will I need?

Cognitive Hypnotherapy treats the person, not the label that has been given to the issue and because everyone is an individual, each person receives a unique treatment plan. It can therefore be difficult to put an exact number on how many sessions you will need at the beginning of treatment. Some people will get what they want in 2-3 sessions, others will be 8-10. Around 5-6 sessions is probably the average number of times a client will need to see me. It is my aim to treat you in the shortest time possible to make the changes permanent so that you can get on with the life you want.



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Fees/Payment


Q. What happens if I need to cancel?

No problem. All that I ask is that in the event of any appointment being rescheduled or cancelled for whatever reason, you give 24 hours notice in order to allow other clients to benefit from that allocated time. Failure to do so may result in a cancellation change for the full session cost.



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Q. How do I pay?

Payment is per session and is due at the end of each session by cheque or cash.

Smoking cessation sessions are pre-paid at the time of booking.



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Q. How much is a session?

If we agree to work together, at the end of the first session, you pay for that session and the ones thereafter. Your investment is £95 per session (usually 75-90 minutes for a first session, and 60 minutes thereafter) including VAT.



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Therapy Regulations


Q. Is Hypnotherapy Regulated?

Not right now, but regulation is on its way.  Up until now hypnotherapy and other complementary and alternative therapies have been largely unregulated but this is now changing.  UKCHO is the United Kingdom Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organizations. UKCHO’s mission is to ensure that standards of conduct, ethics and practice are appropriate for public safety.  When considering a therapist — it’s a good idea to check if they are registered.



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Cognitive Hypnotherapy serving… Henley on Thames, Twyford, Marlow, High Wycombe, Oxford, Reading, 

Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire & Berkshire

Chiswick W4, London