How do I book a hypnotherapy appointment?

Tell me about hypnosis

I’ve been told I can’t be hypnotised. Is that possible?

How is hypnotherapy different from other forms of hypnosis?

What does the medical profession think of hypnosis?

What about self hypnosis?

What can hypnotherapy help me with?

How effective is hypnotherapy?

What do I need to consider when selecting a hypnotherapist?

What will it cost and how long will it take?

What can I expect from a hypnotherapy session?

Although the word 'hypnosis' derives from Hypnos (the Greek god of sleep) for most people hypnosis is not at all like sleeping! It is a relaxed, aware and conscious state that might be described as something like daydreaming.

The sense of 'suspended reality' and 'losing track of time' you get from reading a great book, watching an engrossing movie or listening to an absorbing piece of music are forms of hypnosis. The 'high' of sporting achievement, the peace of a centered meditation process, or the focussed alertness of a successful creative process are natural hypnotic trances. Consequently, as you are so familiar with hypnosis it is quite natural to feel, when you work with a hypnotherapist, "It didn't work, I could tell what was going on! It's not at all like in the movies!".

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Hypnotherapists know many techniques that will accelerate and deepen your natural ability to go into hypnosis. However, ultimately it is you who decides whether or not you are willing let yourself slip into a trance. Only you can decide to let a hypnotherapist influence you and thus hypnotise you!

Consequently, you almost certainly can and may be hypnotised if you give your permission. If you can relax and follow instructions you can enter hypnosis. The only people it is impossible (and/or inadvisable) to hypnotise are some people with learning difficulties, psychosis, pathological personality conditions, bipolar disorder, neurological impairments, people who have taken drugs (or large amounts of alcohol) and young children.

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Stage hypnotists use hypnotherapy with willing volunteers with the aim of entertaining an audience. The people selected to undertake the amusing and sometimes outrageous antics suggested by the hypnotist are chosen specifically for their willingness to perform under hypnosis. As MacKillop,Lynn, and Meyer report in 'The Impact of Stage Hypnosis on Audience Members and Participants' such people have been found to have '...generally favorable attitudes toward hypnosis and performing before they engaged in the actual performance.' ('The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis', July 2004).

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to therapeutic ends. Unlike stage hypnosis it is guided by principles of optimum client care, confidentiality and professional standards. A psychotherapist is someone who uses active listening and psychotherapeutic techniques to help you clarify the difficulties in your life so that you may bring them to resolution. A hypnotherapist uses both similar and other techniques to help you, whilst also enabling you to enter a state of hypnosis. The addition of a hypnotic state ensures you achieve your goals faster and easier.

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In the 1892 Hypnotism Report, the British Medical Association (BMA) report that they '... have satisfied themselves of the genuineness of the hypnotic state.’ Furthermore they, acknowledged that ‘as a therapeutic agent hypnotism is frequently effective in relieving pain, procuring sleep, and alleviating many functional ailments’ (BMA, 1892).

Later, in 1955 they concluded that ‘hypnotism is of value and may be the treatment of choice in some cases of so-called psycho-somatic disorder and psychoneurosis. It may also be of value for revealing unrecognised motives and conflicts in such conditions ... it has proved its ability to remove symptoms and to alter morbid habits of thought and behaviour ..." and "... there is a place for hypnotism in the production of anaesthesia or analgesia for surgical and dental operations, and in suitable subjects it is an effective method of relieving pain in childbirth without altering the normal course of labour.’ (BMA, 1955)

In 1958 the American Medical Association also accepted hypnosis as a viable therapeutic tool.

Using hypnosis on yourself, with the aim of effecting specific personal change is possible and often successful. That said, you may feel less able to transform some situations without the assistance of an ally. Or, maybe you feel you lack the specific knowledge and skills necessary to move through a particularly challenging personal problem. Sometimes, you just need a new perspective on the situation you're in.

In those instances a hypnotherapist can help you in ways you might never dream up by yourself. A hypnotherapist helps you access your natural self-hypnotic abilities so that you can make the changes you want. In reality they don't so much 'hypnotise you' as help you remember how to enter hypnosis before working with you on your goals.

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Hypnotherapy is a supportive, sometimes positively challenging, route toward resolution of emotional, physical or behavioural difficulties. Having been influenced by the fields of psychology and personal development, hypnotherapy is based on the idea that the mind and body are a whole system. Hypnotherapy aims to accelerate your selected changes by harnessing your subconscious mental and physical self-healing capabilities. Consequently, hypnotherapy is appropriate for you if you are experiencing emotional distress, physical ill health, general dissatisfaction or specific challenges in your life. It is especially helpful if you're facing situations that consistently resist direct change. With hypnotherapy you can:

• Build up self confidence
• Cease panic attacks
• Develop healthy responses to stress
• Resolve relationship problems
• Remove anxiety
• Deal with past traumas
• Come to terms with loss and bereavement
• Manage pain
• Stop unwanted habits
• Enhance job or career satisfaction
• Improve self image
• Overcome obsessive fears
• Put phobias behind you.
• Achieve ongoing happiness
• Improve sporting performance

Here is a comprehensive list of conditions and issues that hypnotherapy can treat.

Please note that it is advisable to initially seek organic solutions for any organic symptomology. Reputable hypnotherapists will not treat significant physical conditions until you have been assessed, diagnosed and treated by a doctor.

Some reports suggest that where hypnotherapy is professionally conducted, where the client engages with and completes a course of treatment, and where appropriate ’homework’ is undertaken, hypnotherapy has a greater than 90% success rate. A survey of psychotherapy literature by Alfred A. Barrios, Ph.D. revealed, in American Health Magazine, the following outcomes:

• Psychoanalysis: 38% recovery after 600 sessions
• Behavior Therapy: 72% recovery after 22 sessions
• Hypnotherapy 93% Recovery after 6 sessions

For further examples of the uses of hypnotherapy (and reports on its efficacy) see Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis - The Evidence.

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Of course, it's important to establish that your hypnotherapist is qualified and accredited. Whoever you choose to work with, the therapist will be expected to adhere to the ethical standards of the organisation/s to which s/he belongs. Such standards will include a commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and to the ongoing development of their skills. Ask about these professional affiliations, enquire about their standards and find out how they uphold them.

Equally, whichever therapeutic approach is used, each hypnotherapist is a different personality with their own character strengths. Consequently, it is very important that you choose a therapist you feel personally drawn to, that you feel will relate well to your situation.

In addition, you may wish to ask whether they specialise in any aspects of hypnotherapy. For instance, some therapists work primarily with people with phobia or habit problems whilst others work more on abuse or addiction issues. Equally, some hypnotherapists utilise very specific professional techniques and perspectives whilst others work more holistically and intuitively. Enquiring about the therapist’s usual approach to people in your situation can help you develop an idea of how well you may work together.

Some hypnotherapists also draw upon other human development disciplines in their hypnotherapy work. For example, some utilise success-oriented disciplines such as NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) or Lifecoaching. Others may use journalling techniques, art therapy processes or some form of energy therapy (e.g. EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique). Many of these disciplines also utilise hypnotic processes and can have a complementary effect on hypnotherapy. You may wish to ask your hypnotherapist about such processes.

You can download this Therapist/Counsellor Interview* worksheet to help you prepare for the first time you meet a hypnotherapist.

Be advised that anyone who uses hypnosis primarily for entertainment purposes is to be avoided as is any therapist who suggests that you come off prescribed medication or cease current medical treatment. Equally, any hypnotherapist who puts you into a trance and then plays a pre-recorded hypnotherapy tape is unlikely to have your best interests at heart.

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A free information session is usually offered by hypnotherapists. This short meeting is an opportunity for you to ask questions, to share an overview of your problem/s and to clarify how hypnotherapy might benefit you. It is also a chance for you to decide if you can develop a good relationship with a particular therapist. It is usually possible to take a friend or relative with you to this information session.

During this first meeting, the discussion will centre on exploring what you want to change about your life. With the therapist, you start to identify your ideal outcome. You will also be given a chance to discuss any concerns about therapy (here is a Thoughts about Therapy* assessment to help you prepare for this discussion). Once you both decide hypnotherapy will be of help to you, you will then be able to book either a single hypnotherapy session or a series of hypnotherapy sessions. You may agree exact appointment dates at this point or you may take some further time to decide upon the best arrangements for you.

Like any other professional, your therapist is likely to make a contract with you about the amount you pay for each session, how you pay for each session and what will happen if you cancel a session. Therapists charge for their work at different rates. You may be charged as little as £25 a session if you are undertaking a course of ongoing analytic hypnotherapy. If you are seeking a one-off session with rapid and specific results (smoking cessation, for instance) then you may pay considerably more. If you are on a limited income it is worth asking if the therapist offers a sliding scale of fees.

Each hypnotherapy session will usually last around 1 hour. The number of appointments you have varies according to your particular requirements. You and your therapist may decide your difficulties can be resolved within relatively few sessions or you may jointly plan to undertake a longer therapeutic process.

Please note that it is rarely possible to establish in advance exactly how you will succeed with hypnotherapy. That said, hypnotherapy may help you achieve more and advance further and faster in your personal happiness than you presently imagine possible!

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At your first appointment, your hypnotherapist may spend a significant amount of time enquiring about your personal history and identifying your specific goals. If you have mixed feelings about how to progress you will be given help with clarifying your emotions*.

As a result of this discussion a personal therapy plan will be developed for you. This plan will identify the anticipated number of sessions required to effect change, it will specify the outcomes you want and it will inform which techniques and therapeutic tools the therapist uses when working with you.

Sessions will typically start with a review of your progress to date. Then hypnotherapy will take place. At this, and each following appointment you will be given an experience of hypnosis. The length of time spent in hypnosis will vary. In your initial session you may find yourself hypnotised for only a short time. In later sessions you may spend most of the appointment in hypnosis.

Your hypnotherapist can help you access a trance state in a number of ways. Perhaps they will use a distraction or dissociation technique to ensure you let go of the day's emotional stresses and physical tensions. Alternatively, they may help you focus and heighten your awareness of inner processes through a visualisation exercise.

Once you have entered hypnosis your hypnotherapist will talk to you in a soothing voice with the aim of helping you access your natural powers of positive self development. The things they say to you will be tailored to your specific situation. They may help you see your situation from a different perspective. Perhaps they will help you listen in to your true thoughts and feelings. Or maybe they will help you build up feelings of choice and control. It is also likely they will make positive suggestions knowing that these will be more easily accepted by your mind when you are hypnotised.

It is normal to retain awareness of your hypnotherapist’s voice once you are hypnotised. You will still be able to talk whilst hypnotised. In fact, in many hypnotherapy processes you will have an ongoing conversation with your hypnotherapist!

During hypnosis you will also retain your ability to open your eyes. Furthermore, you will be able to 'awaken' yourself if at any point you get too physically or emotionally uncomfortable. Contrary to popular portrayals of hypnosis, you will always be able to control your actions. You will continue to act according to your primary values and will maintain a healthy concern for your own safety.

Once the process is completed your hypnotherapist will help you return to everyday consciousness. Usually, you will return to full wakefulness quite easily. You may be advised to stretch, to take a drink of water, to look around the room to reassure yourself that you are back to full consciousness.

Occasionally, you may fall asleep during hypnosis or get very engrossed in the scene you are imagining. In such instances your hypnotherapist may need to take extra measures to rouse you - for instance, they may put on some music, open a window or talk to you in a louder voice. It is certainly not possible that you will remain hypnotised!

Once you are fully awake, your hypnotherapist will then ask you how you are. You will usually remember everything that has happened. Your hypnotherapist will be concerned to check that you are feeling okay before you leave. They may encourage you to talk about your hypnosis experience. You may choose to discuss what has happened or you may wish to reflect silently. It is your prerogative to decide how much to reveal about what happened for you.

You may then make agreements about what actions you will take before the following session. This ’homework’ consolidates the work of the therapy session and, when undertaken, ensures greater therapeutic success. Certainly, if you are wishing to make significant changes in your life you will still be required to exercise willpower after your hypnosis appointment/s. Unfortunately, hypnotherapy is not a replacement for willpower, it is a supplement to willpower.

When your therapy is completed, your therapist may ask you to undertake an evaluation process. This is a chance for you to give feedback on what was most successful about your therapy. This feedback also enables the therapist to continue learning the best way to help people change. Of course, you retain the right to express your opinions on the therapy at any point in the therapeutic process. Both you and your therapist retain the right to withdraw from, or renegotiate, the therapeutic contract at any time.

Finally, if you become unhappy with your therapist it is very important that you tell them your concerns. It is quite normal to have queries about how your therapy is progressing. Your hypnotherapist will understand this and will appreciate your honesty. Of course, if you feel your concerns are not being met then you are entitled to complain to the organisation/s to which the therapist belongs.

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Find out how to make a hypnotherapy appointment with Elizabeth Gallagher.

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