In the profession that I’m in, I regularly get asked lots of questions about what I do, due to the mystique that still surrounds hypnotherapy and hypnosis. I blame it on movies and stage shows. I recently saw a movie where a woman was hypnotised to murder somebody else, and I’m here to say that is baloney and not possible. How about all those people clucking like chicken’s on stage shows? Trust me that won’t happen during a hypnotherapy session and you are in control the whole time. To break the mystery surrounding hypnotherapy you have come to the right place. In this article, I have shared the most popular questions I regularly get asked. Ready to learn more? Let’s go!
What is Hypnotherapy?
It is a form of therapy that uses the method of hypnosis make changes in the deeper part of the mind the the subconscious mind.
What is Hypnosis?
It is the tool I use to communicate with a client’s subconscious mind. You can hypnotise somebody in many ways and not everyone is a good responder to hypnosis. This is why I always run hypnosis tests during my consultations to check my client’s suitability to my hypnosis method before any commitment to sessions is made.
What is the Subconscious Mind?
It is the deeper part of your mind where all your CORE beliefs, phobias, habits, fears, and values are stored, and always monitors the information all around us, deciding what to send to the conscious mind and what to store for later. It’s involved in information processing and affects everything we think, say,s and do. This is why if you want to make changes to your thoughts and behaviour you need to be communicating with that part of the mind to affect change. This can also explain why many people seek my help when traditional talking therapies don’t help them feel calmer or overcome fears for example, that is because in talking therapies you are communicating with the conscious mind and not the subconscious mind.
What happens during a Hypnotherapy Session?
During my hypnotherapy sessions, I explore the current programming in my client’s subconscious mind that is preventing them from reaching their goals. I will also delve into the reasons why their subconscious mind has developed these unwanted patterns that aren’t working well for them. This understanding plays a crucial role in the overall transformation process and in achieving your goals.
This is then followed by the hypnosis part of the session, through communication with my client’s subconscious mind, I will help them create new subconscious patterns of behaviour that align with the goals that they have come to see me for.
Together, we work towards creating harmony between my client’s desired outcomes and the underlying beliefs and patterns in their subconscious mind.
What happens during Hypnosis?
During the hypnosis part I typically have my clients being by sitting upright with eyes open or closed, (this avoids going into a deep sleepy state of hypnosis which some people are anxious about especially if they already suffer from anxiety).
Through simple conversation, I help guide them into a state of “hypnosis,” allowing me to directly communicate with their subconscious mind and facilitate the necessary changes.
NB for some individual cases or if the client prefers, I can have my clients enter into a more deep trance state where they may lie down or recline in a comfy chair with their eyes closed, however, for the majority of the hypnosis part of the sessions, clients are in lighter trance states and sitting upright.
Again the level of trance state utilised is something that can be discussed in the consultation and is dependent on what the client feels most comfortable doing.
Is Hypnosis Safe?
When performed by a trained professional, hypnosis is considered a safe therapy. It’s important to note that during a hypnosis session, you are always in control of the situation and you do not lose consciousness. Unlike drug therapies, hypnosis is not associated with any potential side effects either, apart from you feeling calmer during the hypnosis part and afterward too!
Is Online Hypnotherapy just as effective as Face to Face?
Online hypnotherapy is equally effective. All you need is a stable internet connection and a calm, peaceful environment. Interestingly, in my experience, clients who struggle with high anxiety or debilitating phobias often find it even more comforting and relaxing to engage in sessions from the familiar surroundings of their own homes.
In terms of outcomes, I have been practicing online hypnotherapy since I relocated to a different city 5 years ago, and my clients from my previous location chose to continue working with me through online methods. They have shared with me that the results have been just as impactful and beneficial. It is also helpful if my clients go away on holiday as they can continue therapy from wherever they are without breaking the continuity.
Is your Online Hypnotherapy available to everyone?
My online hypnotherapy is not available to clients who have epilepsy, or severe depression, nor individuals suffering from severe mental health issues, such as psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions, or anyone under the supervision of a psychiatrist without their full consent.
I don’t believe I can be hypnotised, so how can this work?
In the initial consultation with all potential new clients, I run a few tests to check out how well they will respond to hypnosis before any hypnosis programs with me are booked. While this can’t guarantee the results of the hypnosis program, it will demonstrate to the client and myself whether they can be hypnotised and if they are good responders to my hypnosis method.
Am I Surrendering My Free Will When I am Hypnotised?
In a hypnotic state, you are highly aware and focused on yourself, without giving up your free will or becoming a mindless puppet. The exaggerated portrayals of hypnosis in movies or stage shows are not reflective of real hypnosis, and you will never engage in any behavior under hypnosis that you wouldn’t do in normal circumstances
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The duration and total number of hypnosis sessions required for therapy will be assessed on an individual basis during the initial consultation. Based on my professional experience, the average number of sessions to facilitate a positive change is around 4 sessions which is why I offer 4 session hypnosis packages. It’s important to remember that every client and condition is unique, and therefore the estimated number of sessions is subject to change. In some more complicated cases such as OCD, additional top-up sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results.
If I Buy a Hypnosis Package Can You Guarantee Results?
A committed and motivated client is likely to achieve their realistic goals. Results are not guaranteed for every person, and it would be unethical to make this claim. People react differently to hypnosis and other therapeutic techniques used in the sessions, so results may vary from person to person.
Can We Do Face To Face Hypnosis Sessions?
While most of my hypnosis sessions are conducted online via Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp video calls, I also offer an in-person hypnosis service at the luxury hotel and spa “Chewton Glen” in New Forest Hampshire, UK. Please get in touch with them directly to book sessions with me at www.chewtonglen.com
Do You Work With Children?
No, I only see adults in my hypnosis practice. That is not to say that children cannot benefit from hypnosis, they are great responders, and there are plenty of other hypnotherapists that do work with children.
Last Words…
If you have any questions I have not covered and are interested in seeing if hypnotherapy is a missing link in your life – feel free to get in touch by booking a free-of-charge consultation with me. During the consultation, I will explain more about the hypnosis process, and you will get to experience it firsthand during the fun hypnosis tests I run. If you would like to book one here is the link to book: www.alexsaxtoncalendar.as.me
A brief intro is that I’m a clinical hypnotherapist with over 15 years of experience, and to date, I have helped over 100 clients from London, Poole, Bournemouth, Southampton, Bath, Bristol, the United States, and as far afield as New Zealand in overcoming anxiety and unwanted habits. Regardless of where you reside, I am fully equipped to assist you in the same manner through my online services. Here is the link to my website for further info www.alexsaxton.com.
