Can I get stuck in trance? – Absolutely not. Your brain is still listening to your surroundings, even if you’re not consciously aware of it. If someone said something odd during trance, you would stir immediately. You are in complete control the whole time, in the same way you are able to come out of a daydream. Hypnotherapy is perfectly safe.

Can someone control me or make me do things I don’t want to? – Again, absolutely not. You have a choice. Hypnotherapy does not make you do things you do not want to do. Suggestions are made for your benefit, such as ”you are going to feel relaxed”. You do not have to take them though. There is zero evidence that anyone under hypnosis has/can ever be made to do something they don’t want to. It makes an excellent plot line for a movie! But in reality, this isn’t going to happen.

Can hypnosis retrieve accurate memories? – It does get used to access buried memories. I personally don’t do this though as it is not a fool proof way to access accurate memories. Memories are mailable and its easy to create false/altered memories as the brain often naturally does this on its own anyway. I don’t use memory retrieval of any form during my sessions as there aren’t any benefits for it in what I do.

Can I be hypnotised? – Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be. But it involves relaxation, so you do have to want it.

Can hypnosis can damage your brain? – It’s a perfectly natural way of getting the brain working in a way you want. No drugs or equipment is used. Therefore, everything that happens, is perfectly natural and safe. It cannot cause brain damage.

What does trance feel like? - Trance is just a deep state of relaxation. It feels very much like the moment when you are falling asleep in front of the TV and about to drift off to sleep, but can still hear the voices from the TV. It also leaves people feeling really good and it’s great to be able to give this to others.

Are you qualified? - I am a fully qualified clinical hypnotherapist and psychotherapist. I completed my training with CPHT. I also have a Bsc (Hons) degree in social sciences. This included the disciplines of psychology, sociology and criminology. I obtained this from the University of Kent, which is of gold standard. As part of my accreditation, I am required to complete regular training in addition to this as well.

Are there any guarantees? – Results vary from person to person and there are never any guarantees when you undertake any form of therapy.

Are sessions confidential? – Yes. For personal data, I adhere to GDPR rules and can provide you with my GDPR notice. This details all of the regulations I am bound by under the ICO, whom I am signed up with. I also keep all information shared during the sessions confidential and would not break this unless there was a risk of harm to yourself or that of another. Even then only relevant organisations will be informed on a need-to-know basis.

Does hypnosis work on children? – Yes. I am also DBS cleared and able to work with children who are of an age in which they are able to comprehend. It can help with areas such as school anxieties, any phobias, behavioural issues, etc.  

Is hypnosis real? – This is a therapeutic approach which has been successfully used to treat medical and psychological disorders. It is based on science and clinical research. The techniques used are evidence based. It is suitable for most people and can be used to treat a wide variety of complaints.

How will I feel after hypnotherapy? - Most people feel more positive, energised and relaxed. But sometimes you can feel a bit strange and groggy if you're not used to being relaxed. People may also feel emotional as a result of the hypnosis allowing the brain to do what it needs to do to process and heal. This is generally nothing to be worried about but do mention it if you are concerned.