If you are interested in trying hypnotherapy, but are not sure about what to expect or how it works, you might find it helpful to read through these frequently asked questions.
What does hypnosis feel like?
A lot of therapy can be done in light levels of trance, similar to daydreaming. People are often surprised by how 'normal' it feels (so much so that they think they weren't hypnotised- because they are expecting it to feel so different and 'alien')! Generally, hypnosis feels relaxing, but not like 'going to sleep' because you are focused when in hypnosis. I guide you to imagine different things and in the relaxed state you can experience things more vividly- in a similar way to how when you get engrossed in a movie, even though it's not real, you still experience the emotions as if it were real. Also, just like if when watching a movie the emotions get too much and you can switch off the television, you can always 'leave the scene' of anything that could be too emotional for you. Your subconscious mind can automatically and naturally do this for you, so you will not become distressed. I am also there to assist in guiding you away to a safe place and always work towards you finding and feeling positive emotions, so the experience you have of hypnosis with me is a pleasant one- one that leaves you feeling uplifted afterwards.
Will I lose control in hypnosis?
No- the state of hypnosis is a natural state controlled by the subconscious mind. Have you ever been watching a movie and jumped at a scary scene, or cried at an emotional one? This is an example of hypnosis- the difference is, with hypnosis for therapy, the 'movies' you see and experience are scenes from within.
If I am in control, what do you do?
It's a common mistake to think the hypnotherapist has control over the subject. The opposite is true. The hypnotherapist acts as a guide- the words spoken and the soft tone of voice used enhances feelings of relaxation and when we are relaxed, we naturally move into levels of trance, the depth of which is controlled by the subconscious mind. The hypnotherapist utilises these levels that we naturally go into to help implement change. So, neither you nor I control your trance. Think of it like this- you don't control your heart-beat and neither do I. However, if you become relaxed, your heart will naturally beat slower. I can guide you into becoming more relaxed and as a result, your heart beats slower. However, the thing 'in charge' and controlling your heart rate is always your subconscious mind. The same is true of your hypnotic trance.
What exactly is the subconscious mind?
It is the part of your mind that controls all the things you do that it would be too complicated to do if you had to think about it. If you drive, remember how difficult it was when you first started? That's because you had to consciously think about all the different things you need to do when driving. However, once you have practiced it, it comes so naturally you don't need to think about it- you just do it. That's because the subconscious mind is doing it. It also controls things like your breathing, your body temperature and heart-rate.
Your conscious mind can only be aware of 5-9 things at once, the subconscious can be aware of 2 million. Your subconscious mind is like a super-computer that stores all the data for how to run your body and also your emotions. It remembers everything that has ever happened to you and programs your mind and your personality based on these happenings. The good news is, these programs are not fixed- so if something unpleasant happened to you that has led to unpleasant feelings due to unhelpful programming (such as a phobia), in hypnosis, the problematic program can be wiped out and replaced with something more helpful. It's the same with thoughts and beliefs- if a person hears a lot of negative stuff during their life, that person can come to absorb that and thus believe negative things about him or herself. So, they end up having low self esteem and feeling unhappy. Thankfully, new more positive thoughts and feelings can be programmed in using hypnosis, allowing the person to change for the better into feeling more confident and happy, and believing nice things about him or herself.
What if I reveal things in hypnosis I don't want to, or access things I'm not ready for?
The important thing to remember is that your subconscious mind is always in control AND that it always works to protect you. So, you can imagine it being like a captain steering a ship. Perhaps somewhere out there in the sea there lurks a shark, but the captain will not steer the ship anywhere near the shark until he knows he has the tools to deal with it.
Expanding on that metaphor- the things I teach you give you tools to help and empower you. So it is like giving the captain of that ship a special device that makes all sharks friendly! He can then confidently sail towards that fearsome creature and actually befriend it, and they can sail away together on adventures.
To answer the question more plainly- your subconscious mind always works to protect you, so unless you are ready to reveal something or face it, then your subconscious mind will not even go there. When it does 'go there' it is when you are ready to reveal or deal with whatever the issue is.
You are always safe in hypnosis, because the primary, protective mechanism that always works to keep you safe is the thing that controls your experience of hypnosis.
Can I get 'stuck' in hypnosis?
No.
Imagine you are watching a movie. It's really exciting, you are really engrossed. Suddenly, someone in the room behind you shouts "FIRE! QUICK, RUN!"
Would you be stuck watching the movie? Of course not, you're running for the door like a bat out of hell! (If bats could run).
Well, it's the same with hypnosis. However, you might not want to return to full consciousness because being in hypnosis can be so pleasant and relaxing! But you always can- and do- return to the wakeful state.
Will I be aware of what's happening in hypnosis?
Yes. Your mind can wander whilst in trance- this is natural. You can still think about mundane things whilst in trance- and it doesn't matter, because your subconscious mind hears what's being said and that's what matters.
Will I remember my experience?
Your subconscious mind decides which bits your conscious mind can have access to and which bits it can't. So, in some cases you may remember everything, in others, not- but that's okay. You will remember what you need to remember and what is appropriate for you to remember. Your subconscious mind is the one that does all the healing- so what you do remember consciously is not important- your subconscious mind remembers everything and uses all it's knowledge and skills in the healing process.
How many sessions will I need?
I recommend 4 for complex, deep rooted problems such as anxiety and depression, but you may need less and that's fine. We just see how we go as we move along! I am not a fan of 'quick fixes' in any kind of therapy yet some people think hypnotherapy can solve a problem in just one session. While it can indeed be miraculous, due to sensationalisation on the T.V some people expect it to be a miracle 'cure' and thus totally remove a problem right away. However, bear in mind that most problems have been going on for a long time. Remember what I said about the subconscious mind learning through experience? A problem has been experienced over and over and over again, possibly for many years. Hypnotherapy can remove negative responses, but the subconscious mind needs time to implement positive changes and make the new positive programs- installed in hypnosis- stronger. It needs time to unlearn the negative response/problem and learn the desired response/outcome. Without adequate time to do this, the problem may only be superficially dealt with. Hypnotherapy is a brief therapy, and certainly can be considered as one of the best ways to overcome negative emotions and instill positive ones. However, like anything of value, it cannot be done instantly.
Why is the subconscious so important in hypnosis?
The subconscious mind is like a computer running all sorts of different programs. If you come for hypnotherapy wanting to solve a specific problem, the best way to achieve long lasting freedom from it is to 'de-program' the program that's running it. Hypnosis is the best state in which to do this de-programming- because it works directly with the subconscious mind and its programs.
This is why will-power alone never works. You can tell yourself over and over that it's silly to get scared of a spider/mouse/whatever, or that you will not keep eating so much chocolate, but you still do get scared, or you still do keep eating too much chocoalte. This goes on UNTIL you de-program that program that is telling your body to release fear, or to fantasise about yummy chocolate.
How is the subconscious program 'de-programmed'?
It is replaced by a new program that gives you the feelings you desire, rather than the ones you don't.
This is done by repetition and practice in hypnosis. Guided by me, you practice experiencing the new positive feelings in hypnosis using your imagination. We can all imagine how we'd like to be- and with practice, simply imagining this can allow us to become that way.
How can this be? Well- it's like this: the subconscious doesn't discriminate between what's real and what's imagined- if you imagine something that scares you, you feel scared even when it's not happening. This is good because it works for imagining positive things too. In hypnosis, every time you repeat the new positive program (e.g. feeling good around dogs) your subconscious then files this new program- and so when you encounter a real dog, it searches out the files in the program that's been most recently, strongly used. Which is the new, good, positive one installed in hypnosis!
Become the way you want to be, with the feelings you want to feel
Hypnosis is the best way of becoming the way you want to be- you are how you are because of your subconscious mind. All the experiences you have ever had, whether good or bad, are retained by your subconscious mind, shaping how you are- how you think, feel and behave.
Logic and willpower cannot change you- but imagination can- and this is why hypnosis is so powerful- it uses imagination to get you to where you want to be. For example, if you willed your heart to beat faster, if you mustered up as much willpower as you could desire, it's unlikely it would beat faster, but if you imagined that you are walking down a dark alley at night... when suddenly, you hear footsteps behind you. You stop to listen more carfeully, but they stop too. It's very dark, shadows seem to loom all around you. You start walking faster-and the footsteps get faster too. You walk so fast you start to run... running as fast as you can to escape, as the footsteps get faster and faster- gaining on you...
If you got into imagining that scenario, your heart will now be beating faster. This is because when we imagine something, the subconscious mind responds, and brings to life all the feelings it thinks are necessary in such a situation. This is because it doesn't have time to decide whether something is real or not- it has to react instantly in order to always protect us should there be danger.
However, it reacts just as instantly when you imagine a positive scenario too- and this is what I teach in hypnosis- how to stop imagining all the things that stress you out and make you worry!
By simply imagining your ideal-self: being exactly how you want to be, free from whatever problems or limitations you have- you begin the process of really becoming that way.
When I am working with a client, I find out exactly what it is they want to achieve- and then in hypnosis, guide them to imagine it. We work together on moving any blocks, such as fears and limitations- and then we begin the process of programming the subconscious mind for success. It is wonderful to see a person who once came to me afraid, vulnerable and never having liked who they are, feeling happy, enjoying life- and liking themselves for the very first time. All through teaching that person how to overcome fears and limitations and how to use their imagination to their advantage. A tool of contentment that stays with you for life- and can change your life in beautiful ways for the better.
Your mind is powerful- if you learn how to use it right
We all have a beautiful, wonderful mind, yet few of us are fortunate enough to learn how to use it. With hypnosis, we can be amongst the lucky ones! We can learn how to empower ourselves to be successful, happy and free of fears and limitations. Hypnosis allows us to be the best that we can be.
There is an old Native American story which demonstrates how the way we think can affect how we feel, and by choosing to use our mind in a positive way, we can strengthen the good feelings we feel, rather than fuelling the bad ones. Here is that anecdotal tale:
One day an Old Cherokee man tells his grandson, there are 2 wolves fighting within me, one of them is angry and hateful, the other is generous and full of compassion. When the boy asks, which one will win, grandfather? The old man answers, Whichever one I feed.
Hypnosis teaches you the best ways of feeding your positive thoughts, feelings and states of mind and body. Not only that, but in ways which make them stronger and more abundant!
Which wolf do you want to feed?
Choose the loving, compassionate wolf- choose the best you- choose hypnosis.
What does hypnosis feel like?
A lot of therapy can be done in light levels of trance, similar to daydreaming. People are often surprised by how 'normal' it feels (so much so that they think they weren't hypnotised- because they are expecting it to feel so different and 'alien')! Generally, hypnosis feels relaxing, but not like 'going to sleep' because you are focused when in hypnosis. I guide you to imagine different things and in the relaxed state you can experience things more vividly- in a similar way to how when you get engrossed in a movie, even though it's not real, you still experience the emotions as if it were real. Also, just like if when watching a movie the emotions get too much and you can switch off the television, you can always 'leave the scene' of anything that could be too emotional for you. Your subconscious mind can automatically and naturally do this for you, so you will not become distressed. I am also there to assist in guiding you away to a safe place and always work towards you finding and feeling positive emotions, so the experience you have of hypnosis with me is a pleasant one- one that leaves you feeling uplifted afterwards.
Will I lose control in hypnosis?
No- the state of hypnosis is a natural state controlled by the subconscious mind. Have you ever been watching a movie and jumped at a scary scene, or cried at an emotional one? This is an example of hypnosis- the difference is, with hypnosis for therapy, the 'movies' you see and experience are scenes from within.
If I am in control, what do you do?
It's a common mistake to think the hypnotherapist has control over the subject. The opposite is true. The hypnotherapist acts as a guide- the words spoken and the soft tone of voice used enhances feelings of relaxation and when we are relaxed, we naturally move into levels of trance, the depth of which is controlled by the subconscious mind. The hypnotherapist utilises these levels that we naturally go into to help implement change. So, neither you nor I control your trance. Think of it like this- you don't control your heart-beat and neither do I. However, if you become relaxed, your heart will naturally beat slower. I can guide you into becoming more relaxed and as a result, your heart beats slower. However, the thing 'in charge' and controlling your heart rate is always your subconscious mind. The same is true of your hypnotic trance.
What exactly is the subconscious mind?
It is the part of your mind that controls all the things you do that it would be too complicated to do if you had to think about it. If you drive, remember how difficult it was when you first started? That's because you had to consciously think about all the different things you need to do when driving. However, once you have practiced it, it comes so naturally you don't need to think about it- you just do it. That's because the subconscious mind is doing it. It also controls things like your breathing, your body temperature and heart-rate.
Your conscious mind can only be aware of 5-9 things at once, the subconscious can be aware of 2 million. Your subconscious mind is like a super-computer that stores all the data for how to run your body and also your emotions. It remembers everything that has ever happened to you and programs your mind and your personality based on these happenings. The good news is, these programs are not fixed- so if something unpleasant happened to you that has led to unpleasant feelings due to unhelpful programming (such as a phobia), in hypnosis, the problematic program can be wiped out and replaced with something more helpful. It's the same with thoughts and beliefs- if a person hears a lot of negative stuff during their life, that person can come to absorb that and thus believe negative things about him or herself. So, they end up having low self esteem and feeling unhappy. Thankfully, new more positive thoughts and feelings can be programmed in using hypnosis, allowing the person to change for the better into feeling more confident and happy, and believing nice things about him or herself.
What if I reveal things in hypnosis I don't want to, or access things I'm not ready for?
The important thing to remember is that your subconscious mind is always in control AND that it always works to protect you. So, you can imagine it being like a captain steering a ship. Perhaps somewhere out there in the sea there lurks a shark, but the captain will not steer the ship anywhere near the shark until he knows he has the tools to deal with it.
Expanding on that metaphor- the things I teach you give you tools to help and empower you. So it is like giving the captain of that ship a special device that makes all sharks friendly! He can then confidently sail towards that fearsome creature and actually befriend it, and they can sail away together on adventures.
To answer the question more plainly- your subconscious mind always works to protect you, so unless you are ready to reveal something or face it, then your subconscious mind will not even go there. When it does 'go there' it is when you are ready to reveal or deal with whatever the issue is.
You are always safe in hypnosis, because the primary, protective mechanism that always works to keep you safe is the thing that controls your experience of hypnosis.
Can I get 'stuck' in hypnosis?
No.
Imagine you are watching a movie. It's really exciting, you are really engrossed. Suddenly, someone in the room behind you shouts "FIRE! QUICK, RUN!"
Would you be stuck watching the movie? Of course not, you're running for the door like a bat out of hell! (If bats could run).
Well, it's the same with hypnosis. However, you might not want to return to full consciousness because being in hypnosis can be so pleasant and relaxing! But you always can- and do- return to the wakeful state.
Will I be aware of what's happening in hypnosis?
Yes. Your mind can wander whilst in trance- this is natural. You can still think about mundane things whilst in trance- and it doesn't matter, because your subconscious mind hears what's being said and that's what matters.
Will I remember my experience?
Your subconscious mind decides which bits your conscious mind can have access to and which bits it can't. So, in some cases you may remember everything, in others, not- but that's okay. You will remember what you need to remember and what is appropriate for you to remember. Your subconscious mind is the one that does all the healing- so what you do remember consciously is not important- your subconscious mind remembers everything and uses all it's knowledge and skills in the healing process.
How many sessions will I need?
I recommend 4 for complex, deep rooted problems such as anxiety and depression, but you may need less and that's fine. We just see how we go as we move along! I am not a fan of 'quick fixes' in any kind of therapy yet some people think hypnotherapy can solve a problem in just one session. While it can indeed be miraculous, due to sensationalisation on the T.V some people expect it to be a miracle 'cure' and thus totally remove a problem right away. However, bear in mind that most problems have been going on for a long time. Remember what I said about the subconscious mind learning through experience? A problem has been experienced over and over and over again, possibly for many years. Hypnotherapy can remove negative responses, but the subconscious mind needs time to implement positive changes and make the new positive programs- installed in hypnosis- stronger. It needs time to unlearn the negative response/problem and learn the desired response/outcome. Without adequate time to do this, the problem may only be superficially dealt with. Hypnotherapy is a brief therapy, and certainly can be considered as one of the best ways to overcome negative emotions and instill positive ones. However, like anything of value, it cannot be done instantly.
Why is the subconscious so important in hypnosis?
The subconscious mind is like a computer running all sorts of different programs. If you come for hypnotherapy wanting to solve a specific problem, the best way to achieve long lasting freedom from it is to 'de-program' the program that's running it. Hypnosis is the best state in which to do this de-programming- because it works directly with the subconscious mind and its programs.
This is why will-power alone never works. You can tell yourself over and over that it's silly to get scared of a spider/mouse/whatever, or that you will not keep eating so much chocolate, but you still do get scared, or you still do keep eating too much chocoalte. This goes on UNTIL you de-program that program that is telling your body to release fear, or to fantasise about yummy chocolate.
How is the subconscious program 'de-programmed'?
It is replaced by a new program that gives you the feelings you desire, rather than the ones you don't.
This is done by repetition and practice in hypnosis. Guided by me, you practice experiencing the new positive feelings in hypnosis using your imagination. We can all imagine how we'd like to be- and with practice, simply imagining this can allow us to become that way.
How can this be? Well- it's like this: the subconscious doesn't discriminate between what's real and what's imagined- if you imagine something that scares you, you feel scared even when it's not happening. This is good because it works for imagining positive things too. In hypnosis, every time you repeat the new positive program (e.g. feeling good around dogs) your subconscious then files this new program- and so when you encounter a real dog, it searches out the files in the program that's been most recently, strongly used. Which is the new, good, positive one installed in hypnosis!
Become the way you want to be, with the feelings you want to feel
Hypnosis is the best way of becoming the way you want to be- you are how you are because of your subconscious mind. All the experiences you have ever had, whether good or bad, are retained by your subconscious mind, shaping how you are- how you think, feel and behave.
Logic and willpower cannot change you- but imagination can- and this is why hypnosis is so powerful- it uses imagination to get you to where you want to be. For example, if you willed your heart to beat faster, if you mustered up as much willpower as you could desire, it's unlikely it would beat faster, but if you imagined that you are walking down a dark alley at night... when suddenly, you hear footsteps behind you. You stop to listen more carfeully, but they stop too. It's very dark, shadows seem to loom all around you. You start walking faster-and the footsteps get faster too. You walk so fast you start to run... running as fast as you can to escape, as the footsteps get faster and faster- gaining on you...
If you got into imagining that scenario, your heart will now be beating faster. This is because when we imagine something, the subconscious mind responds, and brings to life all the feelings it thinks are necessary in such a situation. This is because it doesn't have time to decide whether something is real or not- it has to react instantly in order to always protect us should there be danger.
However, it reacts just as instantly when you imagine a positive scenario too- and this is what I teach in hypnosis- how to stop imagining all the things that stress you out and make you worry!
By simply imagining your ideal-self: being exactly how you want to be, free from whatever problems or limitations you have- you begin the process of really becoming that way.
When I am working with a client, I find out exactly what it is they want to achieve- and then in hypnosis, guide them to imagine it. We work together on moving any blocks, such as fears and limitations- and then we begin the process of programming the subconscious mind for success. It is wonderful to see a person who once came to me afraid, vulnerable and never having liked who they are, feeling happy, enjoying life- and liking themselves for the very first time. All through teaching that person how to overcome fears and limitations and how to use their imagination to their advantage. A tool of contentment that stays with you for life- and can change your life in beautiful ways for the better.
Your mind is powerful- if you learn how to use it right
We all have a beautiful, wonderful mind, yet few of us are fortunate enough to learn how to use it. With hypnosis, we can be amongst the lucky ones! We can learn how to empower ourselves to be successful, happy and free of fears and limitations. Hypnosis allows us to be the best that we can be.
There is an old Native American story which demonstrates how the way we think can affect how we feel, and by choosing to use our mind in a positive way, we can strengthen the good feelings we feel, rather than fuelling the bad ones. Here is that anecdotal tale:
One day an Old Cherokee man tells his grandson, there are 2 wolves fighting within me, one of them is angry and hateful, the other is generous and full of compassion. When the boy asks, which one will win, grandfather? The old man answers, Whichever one I feed.
Hypnosis teaches you the best ways of feeding your positive thoughts, feelings and states of mind and body. Not only that, but in ways which make them stronger and more abundant!
Which wolf do you want to feed?
Choose the loving, compassionate wolf- choose the best you- choose hypnosis.
With best wishes for your health and happiness,
Laura ~
Consulatation: 1 hour to- 1 hour and a half: £20
Hypnotherapy Sessions: 1 hour each: £50
Recommended number of sessions: 3-6
You can begin to notice benefits right away, because the therapy is often very calming and that in itself can allow you to begin to feel much better, but if you want to learn everything you need to know to be able to handle with greater ease any troubling emotions, move through them, and stay in touch with your higher self, the best of who you are, then 4 sessions are recommended.
I want to free myself from limiting emotions and I've decided to try hypnosis. Great! All you have to do now is book your £20 consultation.
You can use the form below to book or if you have any further questions- or give me a call on *NO LONGER IN SERVICE*.
Laura ~
Consulatation: 1 hour to- 1 hour and a half: £20
Hypnotherapy Sessions: 1 hour each: £50
Recommended number of sessions: 3-6
You can begin to notice benefits right away, because the therapy is often very calming and that in itself can allow you to begin to feel much better, but if you want to learn everything you need to know to be able to handle with greater ease any troubling emotions, move through them, and stay in touch with your higher self, the best of who you are, then 4 sessions are recommended.
I want to free myself from limiting emotions and I've decided to try hypnosis. Great! All you have to do now is book your £20 consultation.
You can use the form below to book or if you have any further questions- or give me a call on *NO LONGER IN SERVICE*.