What happens in Hypnosis?

Once you have entered the state of hypnosis, through gentle induction, you will be able to achieve a state of mental, physical and emotional relaxation.

Your conscious mind (that busy, critical, analytical part of the mind) takes a rest, while I work with you exploring and working with your “mental database of information” that lies in your subconscious (sometimes referred to as the unconscious) mind. Once the subconscious mind is reached with suggestions, the conscious mind is less likely to dismiss the helpful suggestions that you will hear. Hypnosis can then help you identify deeply rooted emotions and feelings, memories, and beliefs. By unlocking the underlying reasons for your behaviour, hypnosis can affect behavioural change in ways that you simply cannot change in a typical state of wakefulness. 

What does Hypnosis feel like?

When in hypnosis you will feel physically and mentally relaxed. The feeling is similar to what we experience just before waking completely from sleep or just as we drift off to sleep. Some people say it feels like daydreaming. When in hypnosis, people experience a state of complete mental, physical and emotional relaxation. Dr Milton Erickson, a leading American hypnotherapist, described the process of clinical hypnosis as “a free period in which individuality can flourish”.

Is Hypnosis the same as meditation?

Hypnosis is essentially meditation, but taken one step further.  The induction phase when you relaxed your body and mind is very similar to a guided meditation. However, brain scans of people that are in a trance show that brain activation during hypnosis is different from when the brain is in a normal waking state, sleep, or in meditation.

Hypnosis is an active therapeutic method while meditation is passive. During meditation you sit and let go of your thoughts. While in hypnosis, you are actively focusing and working with me with your subconscious mind.

When you entered the relaxed hypnotic trance phase, I may ask that you recall certain memories, envision certain scenarios, or tap into certain beliefs and install new positive beliefs. I will also give you positive suggestions to achieve a specific outcome, whether that’s reducing anxiety, overcoming sleeping disorders, lifting your confidence and self-esteem, or eliminating fears and limiting beliefs.

Am I unconscious when I am hypnotised?

No. In hypnosis, the conscious mind takes a rest. Hypnosis allows you and me to tap into the mental storehouse of information that lies in your subconscious (or unconscious mind) and makes positive changes to thought patterns, habits or the effects of traumatic incidents that are having a negative impact either mentally or physically.

Will my personality be changed?

Hypnotherapy will bring out the best in you and taps into your own inner resources and talents. The change happens when you leave behind any habits or baggage you no longer need or want. As a result, you become stronger and happier. It will help you to unlock your true potential, and uncover your strong, good qualities, which you may not even be aware of.

Are my abilities enhanced during hypnosis?

As the image above shows your conscious is your awareness, your wishes and desires and where your rational thinking happens. The conscious mind makes up only about 5% of your total mind.

The subconscious mind on the other hand is more powerful and makes up 95% of your mind. It holds your emotional feelings and is your internal processor that functions automatically. It is where your beliefs, habits and values are stored and is largely invisible to the outside world. In here is where your inner conflicts and struggles begin and it lies beyond your conscious awareness.

Yes, your ability to imagine, to remember, to be creative and to respond positively to the given suggestions will be enhanced.

Clients in hypnosis generally respond extremely well to the use of sensory techniques, such as visualisations, sounds and feelings. You are also likely experience a heightened sense of recall of memories, which enables us to explore the origin or cause of the symptoms that may be causing you distress and enable you to take an appropriate course of action.

You are also more able to be creative in your thinking when in hypnosis. You are more able to explore options and solutions to issues that are troubling you.

When we work as a team we agree on the outcome that you want to achieve. You become more responsive to positive suggestions in hypnosis as you know that the suggestions are exactly the changes you wish to make. This reinforcing under hypnosis is at the subconscious (or unconscious) level which is much more powerful than making the suggestions to the conscious mind.

Would I be asked to do anything against my will during hypnosis?

This is one of the common misunderstandings that people may associate with hypnosis after seeing hypnotists on stage for entertainment. People will not do or say anything under hypnosis that they would not do when not in hypnosis. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

 Be assured that you are still fully in control of yourself when you are hypnotised. You are still conscious, but your conscious mind is extremely relaxed.  No one can take control of you and make you do stupid things while you’re hypnotised unless you allow it.

The things that you’ve seen on the tele or in stage shows where people get “hypnotised” and run around acting like chickens or saying silly words on command is not real hypnosis. You will never do anything while you are hypnotised that you wouldn’t do under normal circumstances.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Generally yes, but some people can be hypnotised more easily than others. It largely depends on your determination to achieve a change and your ability to trust me as the hypnotherapist so you can let go and relax. The depth that people reach in hypnosis varies between individuals. It is not necessary to achieve a very deep level of hypnosis to bring about change to habits or conditions that are having a negative impact on you either mentally or physically.

All my clients were able to relax and trust my hypnotherapy. If you come to me with an open mind and really wanting to experience life changes and you are committed to work with me you will be able to be hypnotised. The more sessions you have the more comfortable you will feel and the deeper you will enter trance.

Is hypnosis real?

Lots of people are sceptical about hypnosis at first as they do not understand how hypnosis is used for medical and psychological treatments.  Hypnosis is a legitimate therapeutic technique that has been used with proven success to treat medical and psychological disorders in millions of people. Hypnosis has a long history of being used to treat illness; it’s not a new or untested therapy.

Is hypnosis safe?

Hypnosis is perfectly safe as it is a normal, naturally occurring, healthy state of mind. It is totally drug-free. There has never been a single documented case of harm resulting from the use of hypnosis. Unlike drug therapies, hypnosis has no possible side effects. For most people hypnosis always works unlike drugs which may work or may not work depending on your body’s chemistry and what the disorder is. 

You are always in control of the situation and you are never unconscious.  Hypnosis can safely treat the physical and mental aspects of common problems like addictions safely and can help you break your physical and emotional dependence on overeating, smoking, drinking, drama, anger, or any other destructive addiction or behaviour pattern that you might have.

Will hypnotherapy work for me?

No one can guarantee you the outcome of any form of treatment including hypnotherapy. In Australia it is illegal to give a guarantee for therapy treatments. There is no way to be 100% sure that hypnotherapy or any other form of therapy or medication will be effective for everyone. Hypnotherapy is not like waving a magic wand.

However, most of my clients respond very well to hypnotherapy as they bring the commitment and determination to work with me. If you are open and positive about hypnotherapy and committed to the process of change, there is no reason why you would not be successful and achieve your goals.

How will I know I have been hypnotised?

You will know when you see the changes in yourself and other’s will notice the changes in you too. I had only one client, who was convinced that he was not hypnotised. However, he gave up his addiction successfully after the very first hypnotherapy session. He then admitted later that he must have been hypnotised as he realised the changes happening.

As a trained hypnotherapist I can recognise the signs when a client enters hypnosis. Once you begin to see positive changes in the way you act, think and feel, you will know that you have been hypnotised.

What happens if I can’t come out of hypnosis?

It’s physically impossible for that to happen because you are not unconscious at any point during the hypnosis.  You will be in a deeply relaxed state, but fully conscious and you can come out of that state at any time that you want to. You will enjoy the relaxation and you will come out of the hypnotic state easily as I will give you a verbal clue. At the end of a session you will become fully alert, usually feeling wonderfully relaxed, often with a great sense of fulfilment. 

You are always in control, even when you are deep in a hypnotic state.

In what areas can Hypnotherapy be used?

I can help with issues including smoking cessation, eating disorders, nail biting, insomnia, pain, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, mood swings, addictions, relationship problems, anger, resentments, self-worth and confidence issues.

Hypnotherapy has also been a great help in improving focus and motivation, memory, public speaking, personal growth, pain control, performance, assertiveness, communication, relaxation, improving confidence and self-esteem, releasing emotions attached to the past, personal empowerment, and goal setting.

It must be noted that Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for medical treatment from your doctor.

Is a doctor’s referral necessary?

A referral is usually not necessary. A medical check is advisable before therapy in cases where the problem may have a predominantly physical cause. In some more serious cases, I can work with your doctor, as serious problems can best be overcome by a joint effort.

Will my hypnotherapy sessions be covered by private health funds?

Certain private health funds may cover the costs of your hypnotherapy sessions depending on the issues treated with therapy. The access to rebates varies between States and health funds. Some funds do not rebate hypnotherapy at all, some health insurance providers will pay for hypnotherapy services under Extras cover, please check this with your health insurer.

Does hypnosis work on children?

Yes, Hypnotherapy is often used to treat children that have behavioural disorders and children that have had traumatic events happen to them. If your child is having behaviour problems or difficulty overcoming a trauma and has not responded well to other treatments using hypnosis is an option you should discuss with your doctor.

How many issues can be solved at once using hypnosis?

Hypnosis isn’t a magic cure that will get rid of all your issues or problems at once. We will need to address your mental and psychological problems one at a time, and over the course of several sessions, to see results. In general, many issues have deep rooted causes, and we will need to tackle one problem at a time.

How many sessions do I need?

Hypnotherapy is generally not a long-term treatment and usually most issues can be resolved on average in four to six sessions. How many sessions you will need is difficult to answer accurately as every person and every condition or issue is different. Most of my clients see some results after just one session, but it will almost always take more than one session for you to see noticeable results for psychological problems.

In some cases, some clients will require extra sessions or booster sessions if there are other issues involved. We will discuss the recommended program for you either prior to or during your first consultation with me.

What can I do myself to ensure success after a hypnosis session?

To make lasting changes with hypnotherapy requires some effort on your part for it to be successful for you. If you are willing to get involved in the hypnosis session we will achieve success. I will also contact you a few days after the session to ask for feedback and give you some exercises and techniques that you can practice during and after your hypnotherapy session. A commitment and determination for change on your part is very critical to your success.

Can I be assured confidentiality?

I adhere to the Australian Hypnotherapists Association’s strict code of ethics. All sessions are completely confidential.

How effective is online Hypnotherapy or is Face to Face Hypnotherapy better for me?

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, many of my clients are choosing to have online hypnotherapy sessions instead of face to face sessions. As feedback from clients has shown online Hypnotherapy is just as effective as a face-to-face session.  It can even be more effective and it has some great advantages over face to face meetings.

When you attend an online hypnotherapy session you will meet with me over the internet with a software such as Zoom or Skype.

 This means that you can

 ·       stay at home in your familiar environment

·       keep safe

·       save time and money as you don’t have to travel

·       be located anywhere in Australia or even overseas and connect with me. Many of my clients are located in different states in Australia

·       feel safe as you don’t need to be concerned meeting others that may be infected

·       meet without wearing a face mask

·       meet before or after your working hours as I can provide therapy sessions as early as 7.30am or as late as 8pm. Sessions on Saturdays are often possible too.

 A live online hypnotherapy session follows the same structure as a face-to-face session. We are seeing and hearing each other on a computer or ipad instead of sitting in the same room. You book a date and time for the session by phone or email. I will then send you a unique Zoom link for each session. This link is safe and secure, and only you and I have access to it.

 Shortly before the start of the session, you just click the link that I send to you and follow the instructions. You’ll be taken to a virtual waiting area and I’ll then let you in. We will then be able to see and hear each other and work together in the same way as a face-to-face session.

For payments, I use a very secure and efficient online payments platform called Square.  I will send you a Square payment link and you can then pay for the session using any debit or credit card. 

 Some disadvantages of online hypnotherapy sessions may be distractions in your home that can be minimised such as:

·      People in your household walking into the room (or making noise elsewhere, such as in the kitchen). This can be avoided when you tell your family members or flatmates that you don’t want to be disturbed and you retreat into another room where you can be undisturbed.

·      Outside noise such as lawn-mowers, building site noises, children playing or other noise from your neighbours. You can shut your windows and wear head or ear phones so that the noises are minimised.

·      Being disturbed by your phone ringing. I suggest that you set your phone into the ‘do not disturb’ or ‘aeroplane mode’ when we begin the session.

·      You may also have to think about the confidentiality issue when other people in your household are around. If you don’t want them to hear you talking, choose a time when you are alone at home.

What equipment do I need for an online Hypnotherapy session?

The best equipment for you to attend an online session with me is a desktop or laptop computer.

An Ipad or smart phones can be effective too, but it is important that you are not holding the device during the hypnosis. A desktop or laptop on a table or desk is fine.  A tablet or smartphone on a stand is fine too.

 You will also need a reliable internet connection. Occasionally, an issue with the internet can interrupt the session unexpectedly. If this happens during the hypnotic part of the session, then you will naturally return to normal waking awareness. It’s not possible to get stuck in hypnosis. We then reconnect to the session using the same link.

 Technical issues such as no sound or video can usually be avoided by joining the session a few minutes early and then testing your video and sound settings.

 Ensure that your device is charged sufficiently or connected to power. Put the device into do not disturb mode once the session starts.

 So, there are many options to overcome any obstacles with online hypnotherapy sessions.

Is Online Hypnotherapy the Best Choice for Me?

Although you now realise that online hypnotherapy is as effective as face to face, you might still feel more comfortable having a face-to-face session. Some of the reasons why people prefer face to face include:

·      Confidentiality (especially if you live with other people)

·      No reliance on technology

·      Prefer the face-to-face connection

Sometimes, online hypnotherapy may be your only option, especially if you wish to work with a hypnotherapist that specialises in a particular issue and lives in another city, state or country.