FAQs
"What is hypnosis?"
Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation. In the state of hypnosis you will experience increased concentration, and enhanced awareness. Your body is relaxed, your mind is more focused, and your senses are keener.
Most people experience hypnosis every day without realising it. Daydreaming is a good example, as is sitting reading a book or magazine. In each of these hypnosis situations your mind is so focused on your inner thoughts that the outside world just seems to fade away, and yet if the telephone rings, or somebody speaks, you instantly return to the real world. You are not asleep. Perhaps the nearest comparison to the state of hypnosis is listening to a voice programme on the radio with your eyes closed. If you are really concentrating on a radio play like this then you are hypnotised!
Another common hypnosis state occurs when driving your car. Most drivers have at sometime experienced reaching the end of a car journey only to realise that they are unable to recall large sections of the route. They have been so involved with their own thoughts, or with conversations with passengers that they have driven ‘on automatic pilot’.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on the type of hypnotherapy required to treat your symptoms. Hypnotherapy is a very quick and effective therapy. Hypnoanalysis generally requires around 8 sessions while suggestion therapy usually requires 1 – 3 sessions. Our unique Smoking Cessation program needs only one session.
"Is hypnosis like sleep?"
No. Although your body is relaxed, your mind is alert and you are fully aware of all that is happening. You are able to hear and remember everything that is said and done around you. You are no more asleep during hypnosis than you would be when daydreaming or reading a book.
A popular misconception is that you somehow 'go under' when hypnotised. There is no such thing as a ‘hypnotised’ feeling but there is wonderful feeling of relaxation and you remain fully aware and hear every word that is said.
"Can anybody be hypnotised?"
Anyone, if they are willing, can readily be hypnotised. All that is required from the person wishing to be hypnotised is a degree of concentration. However, people who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not suitable subjects for hypnosis.
"Would you have control over my mind?"
No. You remain completely in control of your own mind and thoughts. You listen to what is being said to you, of course, but you do so of your own free will.
"Could I be made to do or say things that I don't want to?"
No. This is an idea that comes from stage hypnosis, which gives a completely misleading impression. During hypnosis you remain completely in control of your own mind and thoughts, and it is not possible for you to be made to do anything that you do not want to do. In fact, if anything unacceptable were to be suggested to you, then you would immediately come out of the hypnotised state.
"Is it safe?"
Yes. Hypnosis is perfectly safe. There are no side effects and you can’t overdose on hypnosis. It is well respected by the medical professions, and has been used for many years by doctors, dentists, and psychotherapists.
Click here to find out more about the types of therapies we offer.
Pick up the phone today and call 01329 844153 for your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION. If we are with clients please leave a message on our answerphone and we will return your call as soon as we can. All answerphone messages are completely confidential.
If you prefer you can e-mail Sue at sue@suepeckham.co.uk or James at james@jamesholmes.co.uk
