I get asked these questions a lot! Hopefully, this page will help!
How do I know if Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is right for me?
You don’t need to know for certain before getting in touch.
You might have something specific you’d like to change, or you might simply know that you’d like things to feel different. Either is a perfectly good place to start.
The Initial Consultation gives us the opportunity to talk about what’s happening for you, what you’d like to achieve and how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works. You can ask questions, find out more and decide whether the approach feels right for you.
What if I don’t know exactly what I want?
That’s completely fine.
You don’t need to arrive with a perfectly formed goal. Sometimes knowing that you want something to feel different is enough to begin.
Part of our work together is noticing what ‘better’ might actually look like for you — and then beginning to notice the small steps that could take you towards it.
Do I need an Initial Consultation?
For regular hypnotherapy, yes.
It’s our opportunity to talk about what you’d like help with, what you’d like to achieve and how Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works. I’ll also explain some of the science behind the approach and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Smoking and vaping cessation follows a different format and doesn’t require a separate Initial Consultation.
What actually happens in a session?
We start by talking.
We’ll look at how things have been going, what’s been better and what you would like to see happening next. The emphasis is on the things that are helping you move forward rather than spending the whole session talking about everything that’s gone wrong.
We’ll then finish with hypnosis, giving you an opportunity to relax while we continue to support the positive changes we’ve been talking about.
Do I have to talk about my past?
Not unless you want to, initially.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is primarily concerned with where you are now and where you would like to go next.
Your past is part of your story, of course, but you don’t need to tell me every detail of what’s happened to you for us to work together effectively.
Does that mean we ignore the problem?
No.
We acknowledge what’s happening and the impact it’s having on you. We just don’t make the problem the central focus of everything we do.
Knowing what you don’t want can be useful. Working out what you’d like instead gives us somewhere to go. Remember: we’re solution focused!
Will you tell me what I need to change?
No — and that’s important.
This is something we do together. I’m not there to tell you how your life should look or what your answers ought to be.
My job is to ask useful questions, help you recognise your strengths and resources, and support you in working towards the changes that matter to you.
What is hypnosis actually like?
Probably much more ordinary than you imagine.
Hypnosis — or trance — is a natural state of focused attention and relaxation. We all experience something similar when we’re absorbed in a book, a film or some music, daydreaming, or simply lost in thought.
During hypnosis you’ll usually feel very relaxed, but you’re not asleep. Some people listen closely to every word; others find that their mind wanders. Quite a few people doze off. All these are absolutely fine.
There is no particular way that you’re supposed to ‘do’ hypnosis.
Will I lose control?
No.
You remain in control throughout. Hypnosis isn’t mind control and I can’t make you do, say or reveal anything you don’t want to.
There’s no swinging pocket watch, I won’t be asking you to look into my eyes before clicking my fingers – this is more about a deeply relaxed, focused attention.
What if I can’t be hypnotised?
There is no need to worry about whether you’re ‘good at’ hypnosis.
Trance is a perfectly natural state: there is nothing special you need to achieve. You don’t have to empty your mind, concentrate particularly hard or try to make anything happen.
Just get comfortable and allow yourself to relax.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnosis is generally experienced as a very natural and relaxing process. You remain aware and in control throughout the session.
We’ll also discuss whether hypnotherapy is appropriate for you during the Initial Consultation, and you’re always welcome to ask questions or raise any concerns.
How many sessions will I need?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to this, because everyone – and everyone’s reason for coming – is different.
We’ll regularly look at the progress you’re making and you’ll be involved in deciding when you feel you’ve achieved what you came for.
Some specific types of hypnotherapy follow a different format. Smoking and vaping cessation, for example, is offered as one extended session.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. What we discuss is treated confidentially and your information is handled in accordance with professional and data-protection requirements.
There are limited circumstances where confidentiality may need to be broken, particularly where there is a serious safeguarding concern. I’ll explain this clearly as part of our Initial Consultation.
What if I have another question?
Ask me.
Starting something new can bring up all sorts of questions, particularly if you’ve never experienced hypnotherapy before.
There’s no such thing as a silly question. If there’s something you’d like to know before deciding whether Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is for you, just get in touch.