Frequently Asked Questions
Hypnotherapy Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that combines hypnosis with psychotherapy to help individuals make positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It involves guiding a person into a relaxed and extremely focused state of mind where they are more open to suggestions.
2. Does hypnotherapy work on everyone? Anyone can be hypnotised, but not everyone responds to hypnotherapy in the same way. Success often depends on the individual's willingness to change and their level of comfort with the process. A good rapport with the hypnotherapist is also crucial. Hypnotisabilty increases with experience therefore the more times a person is hypnotised, the more hypnotisable they can become.
3. How does hypnotherapy work? Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to take the subject into a relaxed and highly focused state of mind. During a session, the hypnotherapist uses relaxation techniques and positive suggestions to help the client implement beneficial changes. The process is guided by a variety of therapeutic techniques which are selected and tailored to the subjects requirements by the hypnotherapist. These would be decided before the subject is hypnotised and generally there would be a process before hypnosis where the hypnotherapist guides the subject through clarifying the issues and contributing factors and deciding on new, positive thoughts and behaviours to replace these.
4. Is hypnosis real? Yes, hypnosis is a real psychological state that can lead to changes in perception, sensation, and behavior. It is supported by scientific research showing its effectiveness in treating various conditions.
5. Can I be hypnotized without my consent? No, you cannot be hypnotized without your consent. Hypnosis requires a willingness to enter a relaxed state, and individuals maintain control throughout the process and an awareness of the suggestions being made. The efficicacy of hypnotherapy relies on the desire of the individual for these changes to take root. The stronger they desire the changes, the better they will take root. Therefore any suggestions that do not align with the subjects wishes will not be assimilated..
6. What happens if I can’t come out of trance? It is impossible to remain in a hypnotic state indefinitely. Individuals can come out of hypnosis at any time, either on their own or when prompted by the hypnotherapist. Hypnosis is dependent on the subject's desire to be hypnotised therefore they can come out of hypnosis when they wish.
7. Can I hypnotize myself? Yes, self-hypnosis is possible and involves using techniques to enter a relaxed state and make positive suggestions to oneself. There are a number of tools and techniques that are available and are taught during my hypnotherapy sessions and assigned as homework. The more you practise hypnosis, the better you become. The aim of my hypnotherapy sessions is not only to resolve the current problem but also to provide you with the tools and skills to maintain mental health and wellbeing moving forward and understand how you can implement these in any situation in your life.
8. Is hypnotherapy safe? When conducted by a trained professional, hypnotherapy is generally considered safe. It is a natural state of mind, and individuals remain in control throughout the session. People with certain medical conditions should avoid hypnotherapy (such as schizophrenia) and a good hypnotherapist should identify these during an initial consultation along with medical history. There may be instances where a doctor should be consulted first. For instance, pain can be a symptom of an underlying problem. It is important that this be assesed by a medical practitioner before proceeding in case the pain reduction from hypnotherapy masks these symptoms.
9. Can hypnotherapy help with anxiety and stress? Yes, hypnotherapy is often used to treat anxiety and stress-related issues by helping individuals reframe their thoughts and develop coping strategies.
10. How many sessions of hypnotherapy will I need? The number of sessions required can vary based on the individual and the issues being addressed. On average, 6 to 8 sessions may be needed for anxiety and stress-related concerns. It is important to conslidate the work that takes place through repetition, through various homework tasks and to ensure the hypnotherapist is available to provide support throughout the process. Each session will be different and can be adapted based on how the subject is progressing, to work on further issues that may arise and to fine tune the therapy and improve it's effectiveness.
11. How do I choose a hypnotherapist? There are a number of important factors for selecting the right hypnotherapist. They should be qualified, with a recognised qualification and fully insured to practice their method of hypnotherapy. The hypnotherapist should work within their 'sphere of competence' and work only on issues they have been trained to. Rapport is essential to ensure the client get the best results from hypnotherapy, the more relaxed, comfortable and confident they are in the therapy and therapist, the better the outcome. Therefore the therapist and client must have a good rapport for maximum success. It is important that the hypnotherapist is aware of relevant medical history and conditions and should carry out any necessary questionnaires prior to treatment. A hypnotherapist should be completely open about their experience, about the treatment they will provide and how they will deliver it. This will often be in the form of a treatment plan which can be referred to throughout the course of the therapy. Ideally the hypnotherapist will be a member of a directory or register, which will have strict conditions on membership and vetting procedures. Such criteria will be available on their websites and can provide clarity on the validity of the hypnotherapists credentials.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a structured psychotherapy technique that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. It is widely used to treat various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and lack of confidence and is often used to address negative / destructive thought patterns..
2. How does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy work? Cognitive Behavioural Therapy works by helping individuals recognize the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. By identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, clients can develop healthier thinking patterns and behaviours, leading to improved emotional well-being.
3. What conditions can Cognitive Behavioural Therapy treat? Cognitive Behavioural Therapyis effective for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, low mood, low self esteem and insomnia. It can also be beneficial for managing stress and improving coping skills.
4. How long does Cognitive Behavioural Therapy take? The duration of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions varies depending on the individual and the issues being addressed. Typically, it involves 5 to 20 sessions, with each session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes.
5. Is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effective? Yes, numerous studies have shown that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of various mental health conditions. It is often considered the gold standard for psychotherapy due to its evidence-based approach and is commonly provided as a treatment by the NHS.
6. What can I expect in a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy session? In a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy session, you can expect to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to specific issues. The therapist will help you identify negative thought patterns and work with you to develop coping strategies and set goals.
7. Do I have to do homework in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? Yes, homework is a key component of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Clients are often assigned tasks to practice skills learned in therapy, such as keeping thought records or engaging in behavioural experiments, to reinforce learning and promote change.
8. Can I do Cognitive Behavioural Therapy on my own? While self-help resources and books on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can be beneficial, working with a trained therapist is recommended for personalized guidance and support. A therapist can help tailor the approach to your specific needs.
9. What are cognitive distortions? Cognitive distortions are irrational or exaggerated thought patterns that can contribute to negative emotions and behaviours. Common examples include catastrophizing, overgeneralization, and black-and-white thinking.
10. How can I find a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist? You can find a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist through referrals from healthcare providers, mental health organizations, or online directories. It's important to ensure that the therapist is licensed and has experience in CBT.