Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Hypnotherapy Dangerous?
A. As you might expect, the answer I'm going to give is no. Given that trance itself is actually a naturally occuring state, people new to hypnosis are often surprised to realise that they do not need to enter a strange and unfamiliar state and that they always remain in complete control. You can stop at anytime and, if a particular technique doesn't sound right for you, there are always other approaches that can be used instead.
If a technique is used that doesn't work the worst that can happen is....nothing. It just doesn't work. The good news is that it's likely the reason why is a clue that will direct them to another of the many techniques they're taught that will.
This really is one of the safest and fastest way to help with many problems.
However there are certain psychiatric or neurological conditions where a hypnotherapist would need to consult with a persons GP before commencing treatment, such as epilepsy, severe depression or if someone is experiencing psychotic symptoms.
Q. Is there any scientific evidence that Hypnotherapy works?
A.The British Medical Association has recognised the validity of hypnosis as a therapeutic intervention since 1955. Despite this endorsement, Hypnosis has historically been considered by many to be more associated with magic and sorcery than with science and rationality. Today current perceptions of hypnosis are often influenced by stage hypnotists and T.V personalities who use hypnotic techniques such as Paul McKenna and Derren Brown.
Cognitive Hypnotherapists work from an understanding of the mind and of the mind-body connection that is based on modern neuroscience, cognitive techniques, and approaches based upon current research in ares such as positive psychology.Obviously no type of therapy can guarentee results in all individual cases, however evidence based research into the use of hypnosis for many different problems and conditions has been extensive, and can be accessed easily via the internet.
Indeed Which? Magazine has stated
"Hypnotherapy is supported by more scientific research than any other complementary therapy". (The Which? Guide to Complementary Therapies, 2002).
Q. How many sessions will I need?
A. Cognitive Hypnotherapy is a brief talking treatment, obviously the number of sessions needed may vary depending on the presenting problem and each individually specific needs. All treatments will involve;
1. A detailed assessment of the problem you would like to resolve.
2. Clear, specific and achievable goals.
3. Theraputic interventions within sessions, selected based upon your specific needs.
4. Practicing specific techniques between sessions, gaining knowledge and mastery of techniques aimed at changing unhelpful patterns of thinking feeling or behaviour.
5. Close collaboration between client and therapist
on how successful techniques have been, any problems etc.
This approach involves the very active participation of the client in learning about and resolving unhelpful patterns whcih have led to their problem. Most clients get a very good idea of whether this approach is likely to work for them after only 1 or 2 sessions. Some problems such as a relatively straightforward phobia or smoking problem may be resolved in only 1 or 2 sessions.
