Some frequently asked questions

Q: Can I be hypnotised?
A: Strangely enough, many people believe that they cannot be hypnotised - and they are almost always wrong. Hypnosis is a perfectly natural state that we all experience many times every day - when we are day-dreaming, lost in a good book etc, or when we arrive home one evening and can't remember a particular part of our journey; these are all examples of the altered state of awareness that is called hypnosis. So, if you are able to day-dream, then yes, you can definitely take advantage of the power of hypnosis.

Q: Is hypnosis safe?
A: Yes, it is perfectly safe. You are in complete control all the time, and you cannot be made to say or do anything that you don't want to. You are perfectly aware of all that is happening, and remember it all afterwards. Neither can you become 'stuck' in hypnosis - you can always come out of it at will.
Hypnosis used in this context also has nothing to do with stage hypnosis - it is used under strict control therapeutically for your good.

Q: Does all therapy involve hypnosis?
A: Not at all. Hypnosis is very powerful, but is by no means the only route to where you want to be. There are many therapeutic techniques and methods, and I use whichever is appropriate in order to achieve the results you need. See 'Can therapy help me?' for more details.

Q: How many sessions will it take?
A: This is not such an easy one to answer, as it depends on a number of factors. I assess and treat every client differently. As a general rule, however, those issues that usually involve only 'suggestion therapy' (smoking, exam nerves, confidence etc) can normally be dealt with in 1 - 3 sessions. NLP is also usually very short-term, and is very effective with confidence, phobias, shyness, blushing etc. For those difficulties that are more deeply rooted, and for which psychotherapy or hypnoanalysis is required, usually 6 - 12 sessions suffice. See 'Can therapy help me?' for more details.

Q: Is therapy useful only when I have something 'wrong' with me?
A: Definitely not! Therapy is a great way to get to know yourself better. You can find new skills and aptitudes you never knew you had, as well as develop existing ones. As a method of general self-development and personal growth, therapy is arguably the quickest and most effective you will find. See also ''Workshops etc'.

Q: What happens in therapy?
A: Together, we will gently explore your feelings and assess the best way to go about achieving the results you need. I will not judge you, nor will anything you say shock or offend me. The time is yours, we will move at the pace you are comfortable with, and the agenda will be set entirely by you. As we move forward, you will find yourself thinking of things in new ways, and of things you hadn't noticed before. Usually, you will then realise that most of the 'new' thoughts have been there just beneath the surface for a long time and, for this reason, they will feel totally natural and familiar. This reinforces the sense of 'discovering the real you' and leads to real and lasting change that you can accept and embrace completely.

Q: Will I 'go back' to my old self?
A: As with any other change, you could change back again - but you would have to do it deliberately. If you apply your new thinking and behaviour patterns conscientiously, then they will become 'you'. To change back to the old ways, you would have to consciously apply the same principles that you applied in therapy in order to leave them behind in the first place. Hardly something you would want to do! So, you can be sure that, as long as you make full use of therapy, the results are as permanent as you want them to be.