Please feel free to contact me to discuss any particular issue or symptom,
or for more information.

How does hypnosis work?

Hypnosis or trance allows us to communicate directly with the part of our mind (the ‘subconscious’ or ‘unconscious’) where our emotions, body functions, long-term memories and intuition are stored. The subconscious or ‘deep’ mind is often the place where negative decisions, interpretations and beliefs are formed and stored. We make negative decisions in response to pressures from our upbringing, a shock or trauma (such as a bereavement or accident), or challenging life circumstances. Going into trance creates a gateway to the subconscious, allowing us to communicate directly with it in order to uncover negative material, discover new resources, transform limiting self-beliefs and bring about change.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis, or trance as it is often called, is a normal and deeply powerful human ability. Every one of us is moving in and out of trance-like states throughout the day.

If you’ve ever found yourself so absorbed in, say, watching TV, driving or doing the ironing, or even simply staring out of the window, to the point where all background noise and outer distractions have simply disappeared, or you don’t quite know where the time has gone, then you have been in trance.

When you are in trance you know who and where you are, but you are also strongly focused on your inner reality. You may experience a deeper awareness of sensations, memories (sometimes long-forgotten) and more creative imagination. In this state, you are able to discover and get rid of limiting self-beliefs, allow your mind to ‘rehearse’ changes (so that when the ‘real’ situation occurs again you can be confident and natural), and create new, more positive meaning and goals.
Back to top

Will I be able to be hypnotised?

All people can be hypnotised to some degree. The more you experience going into hypnosis, the easier it is to reach this state of calm focus. There’s a saying in hypnotherapy that ‘all hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis’. It’s a true saying! All real hypnosis is self-hypnosis – you decide.

Hypnosis should not be used with people who are experiencing severe mental disturbance, who have severe learning difficulties, or who are on certain kinds of medication.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

You can – everyone can. As long as you want to go into trance, you will.

Will I lose control?

No. You are in charge at all times. Your subconscious mind won’t allow you to go into hypnosis if you don’t want to, and it won’t allow you to do anything against your will or that may be harmful to you.

Also, I am bound by professional ethics not to say or do, or encourage you to say or do, anything that may be harmful to you.

Can I speak while I’m in trance?

Yes, absolutely. And quite a lot of the time I will encourage you to do so! There are states of trance that are so deep that people temporarily lose the desire to speak. However, this kind of trance is, for obvious reasons, not very useful in therapy.

Can I bring a friend along to my sessions?

Yes, of course. Friends and supporters are very welcome.
Back to top

How many sessions will I need?

Simpler problems, such as insomnia, fears and phobia or exam nerves, usually need 1 - 4 sessions, and the success rate is surprisingly high. More deep-rooted problems take a little longer to explore and resolve, so treatment usually consists of 6 - 8 weekly sessions.

How will we work together?

When we work together, I take the view that every problem was once a solution. A habit, behaviour or belief you develop in one situation can become a problem to be solved in a different context. So, in working together, I treat your problem with respect. It has served and even protected you, often for many years. Your subconscious mind devised it originally as a coping strategy; it has become a problem because it is no longer useful to you.

However, I firmly believe that every problem contains the seeds of a solution. So I will spend time with you finding out about the events and emotions that triggered or are linked to your problem condition. We will also spend time talking about your goals and what you want to achieve. Based on what you tell me, I will work with you to create better, more positive coping and change strategies. This means that we are working in partnership to create solutions that are unique to you. It also means that treatment is geared towards your goals and dreams. What happens if I am unsure about whether I want to go ahead with therapy? First, you should feel free to phone or email me to discuss what it is you want to achieve and any queries you may have about hypnosis or therapy. I am always happy to spend time talking to you.

Our first session together allows you to describe the issue you would like to work on, allows me to discover something of your personal history, and allows both of us to see if we can work together. You are under no obligation to continue beyond the first appointment, although the usual fee will be charged for it.

If we do agree to work together, I will offer you an informal contract, which explains the timings of sessions and what happens if you miss or need to cancel a session.
Back to top

What happens if I have to cancel an appointment?

If you are unable to keep an appointment for any reason please let me have 48 hours’ notice. I will make every effort to reschedule within the same week.

If you miss or cancel an appointment with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full session fee is payable.

I will not charge you for sessions if I am away or forced to cancel.

What about confidentiality?

Our work is confidential. In exceptional cases, for example if a client reveals current abuse of children or an intention to cause serious physical harm to him/herself or others, I have a professional, legal and ethical duty to tell you that I may find it necessary to take this information outside of our session.

For this reason, I normally request the name and address of your doctor. If I consider that I need to take action, I will discuss this with you first.

Because I am required to discuss my cases with my hypnotherapy supervisor, I will discuss your case. However, this is done anonymously, in a way that cannot reveal your identity.

Iron Spiral photograph by Rupert Davis, www.newearthphotography.com
Back to top

Most clients like to come for a few or fixed number of sessions to look at a specific issue, perhaps coming for ‘top-up’ sessions as the need arises. However, some people find that working in a more open-ended way gives greater benefit when working on deeper, longer-term issues.