What can I expect when I make contact?
I will have a brief telephone conversation with you in order to get basic details from you. I will then arrange an appointment to suit you in order to discuss your presenting problem in more detail.
First Meeting
At your first session I will take a detailed case history from you. I will explain to you what hypnosis is and (as importantly) is not.I will devise a treatment plan for you and you will experience hypnotic trance in the first session.
I work to a brief therapy model so you can expect to see positive results in a reasonably short space of time.
Subsequent Sessions
In the following sessions I aim to deepen the therapeutic effect of the hypnotherapy. I will help you to build on the positive effects of the hypnosis by freeing your ability to help yourself through the innate healing capacity of your mind.
Although I work on a brief therapy model, I am flexible in my approach and can adapt my approach to your individual needs should a longer period of hypnotherapy be needed.
Is Hypnotherapy safe?
Hypnotherapy is approved by the British Medical Association, and is very safe when used by a qualified hypnotherapist. Hypnosis should not be used on people suffering from epilepsy, psychosis or schizophrenia.
What is the 'trance state'?
The trance state is simply an altered state of awareness, in which your attention is focused on inner resources. Although everyone's experience of trance is slightly different, you will always feel both comfortable and relaxed, and may experience a pleasant sense of 'drifting' and detachment from your surroundings.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes, anyone can be hypnotised provided they want to be. No one can be hypnotised against their will.
Will I be asleep?
No, contrary to popular opinion, you are not asleep during hypnosis. You are fully aware of what is happening and what is being said to you. You give the impression of being asleep because your body is totally relaxed, but "hypnotic sleep" bears no resemblance to normal sleep.
Will you be able to control my mind?
No, this is a common misconception. Hypnotherapy is all about you having more control of your own mind, so the client is the one who has control. Nothing will be said to you under hypnosis that is not for your benefit, but if you didn't agree with anything your mind would just reject it.
Surely a stage hypnotist could control my mind?
No. If someone volunteers to be hypnotised by a stage hypnotist they know what they are letting themselves in for. They know they are going to be made an object of fun for entertainment purposes, but they are game for a laugh and happy to go along with it. If someone was dragged out of the audience against their will, then whatever the stage hyponotist tried would not work.
Are there any side effects?
No, there are absolutely no negative side effects from being hypnotised. It is a perfectly safe and natural way of using your own inner resources to reorganise your thoughts and behaviours to bring about beneficial change. Most clients enjoy the mental and physical relaxation they experience. After the session you will feel very relaxed, but it's completely safe to drive, operate machinery or anything else.
Can I get stuck in a trance?
No, it is impossible to get stuck in a trance. You can open your eyes at any time during the session, ending the hypnotic state immediately. Sometimes clients feel so relaxed that they feel a little reluctant to end the sensation, but they never stay in a trance.
Will I be out of control?
No, you remain in control the whole time. If there is something that you prefer to keep private, then that is your choice.
I have a problem and I am not sure if hypnotherapy can help, how do I find out?
You can contact Keith who will listen, assess and advise you. The range of problems that can be treated through hypnotherapy is wide and only some have been discussed on this web site. Feel free to either telephone or email Keith.
Do you charge a 'no show' fee?
A condition of booking is that we reserve the right to levy a fee equal to the treatment costs (up to a maximum of £40) if an appointment is not kept or cancelled with less than 48 hours notice.
Is all information and personal detail kept confidential?
Yes, 100%.