Yes it does. It is a natural, yet powerful process which can have a beneficial and transforming impact on your life. Hypnotherapy is the use of therapy techniques when someone is in a deeply relaxed, responsive, hypnotic state. Having a desire to benefit and make the changes, and having trust in the therapist all help. For hypnotherapy to be effective we need to actively work together. First, we’ll have a chat to discuss what you hope to achieve and agree the goals you want me to help you achieve. I will ask some questions to find out more about you and what it is that you want to change. That helps me to better tailor the session to you and how you think and behave, so that it can be as effective as possible. And don’t worry you will be able to go into hypnosis. Everyone can be hypnotised to some level if they want to be, although some people are naturally better hypnotic subjects than others. Almost all the therapy techniques I use will be very effective in even a light state of hypnosis.

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring and safe state, it’s a state of focussed attention and we come in and out of it throughout the day. For example, when we get caught up in a movie or a good book we may go into a trance state. Many people feel it’s quite similar to meditation or day dreaming. It’s a pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable state of mind. It’s not about sleeping or losing consciousness. Generally, people are always aware of what happens during hypnosis and will remember most of what happened during the session, as they would with any conversation. You will be able to talk during hypnosis. If you need to move, cough or scratch, then do so, every time you make yourself more comfortable you become more relaxed and go deeper into hypnosis. And in the unlikely event there is an alarm or emergency you will be able to quickly leave the hypnotic state and resume normal consciousness.

Hypnosis is not about losing control and having someone else take over your mind. Hypnosis cannot work unless you want to be hypnotised. You're always fully in control when under hypnosis and don't have to take on board my suggestions if you don't want to. No one can force you in hypnosis to do something you don't want to do, because your subconscious mind will not accept anything that goes against your usual ethical judgement. This misconception comes from stage hypnosis. where people agree to be hypnotised to have some fun. Also, you can’t be stuck in hypnosis. In a long session you may naturally drift in and out of a deep trance state but that is not a problem because you are able to emerge from the hypnotic state at any time you wish. The best way I can explain it is to imagine that you are about to drive a car. I’m in the passenger seat beside you and I’m going to make helpful suggestions about the best route to take to get to where you want to go. But you are in charge of all the controls and can follow my suggestions or ignore them and drive somewhere else. However, my sugestions will be targeted at helping you achieve the goals we've previously agreed you want to acheive from the session.