My goal as a hypnotherapist is to ensure you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in your decision to explore hypnotherapy.
Here, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions about hypnotherapy that I get asked about from new clients, and what to expect during our sessions.
If you have any additional questions that aren’t covered here, please feel free to get in touch with me directly.
Hypnotherapy Q&A Guide
Whether you’re new to hypnotherapy or simply curious, this guide will help clarify how it works, its benefits, and what you can achieve through this transformative process.
1. What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy?
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy combines talking therapy with hypnosis to help you focus on solutions rather than problems.
It’s a forward-looking approach, helping you to achieve positive changes by using the power of your subconscious mind.
2. What Is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a trance-like ‘day-dreaming’ state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, often achieved with the help of a trained hypnotherapist.
In this relaxed state, a person may become more open to suggestions and able to tap into the subconscious mind. It is used in therapy to manage pain, stress, and certain behavioural conditions.
3. Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No, hypnosis is a natural state of focused relaxation where you remain fully aware and in control. You cannot be made to do anything against your will.
Hypnotherapy simply guides you to a relaxed state where positive suggestions can be made to your subconscious.
4. How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the individual and the issue being addressed. Some clients see improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term therapy for more deep-rooted issues.
We’ll discuss this during your initial consultation, but below is a table of the average number of sessions needed to treat certain conditions.
| Condition | Avg Number of Sessions |
|---|---|
| Anxiety & Stress Relief | 6 – 12 sessions |
| Phobia Treatment | 2 – 4 sessions |
| Insomnia & Sleep Issues | 3 – 6 sessions |
| Pain Management | 4 – 6 sessions |
| Menopause | 6 – 8 sessions |
| Confidence & Public Speaking | 3 – 6 sessions |
| Quit Smoking | 1 – 2 sessions |
| Weight Loss | 4 – 6 sessions |
5. Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety?
Absolutely. Hypnotherapy is highly effective in reducing anxiety by teaching your brain to manage stress more efficiently and helping you gain control over anxious thoughts and feelings.
6. Is hypnotherapy safe?
Yes, hypnotherapy is completely safe when practised by a qualified professional. It is a natural state that many people experience daily, such as when absorbed in a book or daydreaming.
7. Can anyone be hypnotised?
Most people can experience hypnosis as long as they are willing and open to it. Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention, so if you can follow simple instructions and relax, you can be hypnotised.
8. How does hypnotherapy differ from traditional therapy?
Hypnotherapy combines talk therapy with hypnosis to access the subconscious mind. While traditional therapy may focus on conscious thoughts and behaviours, hypnotherapy works to unlock deeper patterns and beliefs, often leading to quicker results.
9. What does hypnosis feel like?
Hypnosis feels similar to daydreaming or being deeply relaxed. You remain fully aware and in control, with a heightened focus on the therapist’s voice and suggestions.
10. Can I get “stuck” in hypnosis?
No, you cannot get stuck in hypnosis. Hypnosis is a natural state, and you can come out of it whenever you choose, or if left alone, you would naturally return to full awareness.
11. Is online hypnotherapy as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes, online hypnotherapy is just as effective as in-person sessions. As long as you have a quiet, comfortable space and a good internet connection, you can benefit from hypnotherapy remotely.
12. What are the most common phobias and their medical names?
Below is a table listing the common phobias and their medical terms.
| Common Phobia | Medical Name (& WiKi link) |
|---|---|
| Fear of heights | Acrophobia |
| Fear of public speaking | Glossophobia |
| Fear of spiders | Arachnophobia |
| Fear of enclosed spaces | Claustrophobia |
| Fear of flying | Aerophobia |
| Fear of snakes | Ophidiophobia |
| Fear of dogs | Cynophobia |
| Fear of water | Aquaphobia |
| Fear of open spaces or crowds | Agoraphobia |
| Fear of blood | Hemophobia |
| Fear of failure | Atychiphobia |
| Fear of needles | Trypanophobia |
| Fear of birds | Ornithophobia |
| Fear of insects | Entomophobia |