Hypnotherapy - FAQs

	Q. Exactly what happens during the first session of Hypnotherapy? First, we take about half an hour to talk and look closely at what areas we want to focus on. Then the client sits back in a very comfortable chair and is asked to simply listen to my voice. In about ten minutes a pleasantly relaxed state of hypnosis has been achieved and the client is given specific suggestions to help him or her achieve their goal. The client is awake at all times (though very relaxed) and hears and remembers everything that is said. At the end of the one-hour session, the client opens their eyes feeling refreshed, and often a bit serene. Usually, clients can see great results in the very first week, and often immediately after the session.
	Q. How will you hypnotise me? I will speak to you in a slow and soothing rhythm to gradually lead you into a very relaxed state of mind. There is no magic involved! I may ask your permission to touch your hands as part of the process. It is usual for the person being hypnotised to close their eyes as they slip into a relaxed state of hypnosis. It normally takes just a few minutes to induce a hypnotic state.
	Q. What does it feel like to be hypnotised? Many people liken the hypnotic state to the stage between being awake and being asleep. You feel very relaxed and the conscious mind begins to wander in pleasant way. Specific feelings differ between people and after a few sessions you will begin to understand what being hypnotised feels like to you. You may feel excessive heaviness or lightness, or experience a pleasant floating or spinning sensation. Often people experience slight time distortion, usually feeling the session was much shorter than it actually was.
	Q. Will I be asleep? No, but you will be very relaxed. Whilst feeling relaxed you will also experience heightened mental alertness, awareness and focus. Most of the therapeutic techniques I will use require you to talk to me and you will be able to do this easily.
	Q. Will I be aware of what's happening? You will be fully aware of what is happening. Many people actually find their senses are heightened during hypnosis.
	Q. Could I be made to forget what happens during the session? No. Hypnosis is an entirely natural and voluntary state. It is not possible to make people do anything they don't want to as they retain their free will at all times.
	Q. Can hypnosis make me tell secrets? No. You will retain control throughout and cannot be forced to divulge any information you would prefer to keep personal.
	Q. Can I be made to anything I don't want to? No. Absolutely not.
	Q. Is hypnotherapy like stage hypnosis? No. Stage hypnosis is purely for entertainment. Hypnotherapy sessions are to help you introduce long-lasting, positive changes into your life.
	Q. Can you get 'stuck' in hypnosis? No. Imagine you are listening to a self-hypnosis tape and the power goes out. What happens? Well, you would simply slowly bring yourself back to reality or you might just decide to fall asleep.
	Q. Can anybody be hypnotised? Almost anybody who wants to be hypnotised can be hypnotised. Unfortunately people who have serious mental illness, the very young children or people under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be able to achieve a good hypnotic state.
	Q. Is it true that some people are too 'strong' to be hypnotised? Anybody can be strong enough to resist hypnosis if they choose to be. Remember all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and so anyone can choose to resist hypnosis at any time. Generally speaking, somebody who believes they can't be hypnotised because their 'mind is too strong' will be a very good hypnotic subject because hypnosis relies on the ability to focus and concentrate.
	Q. Is hypnosis dangerous in any way? No. Remember it is an entirely voluntary state that you can choose to come out of at any time.
	Q. Is it good for performance enhancement? Hypnotherapy outshines any other form of therapy when it comes to performance enhancement. It can trigger profound improvements in all areas of life, including: Sports Career - Memory and Concentration - Stage performance - Examinations - Presentation skills - Driving to name a few.
	Q. Is it successful with real phobias? Immensely so, especially when combined with Thought Field Therapy. I will discuss the nature of your phobia with you during your free initial consultation and then employ the best therapies for you to dispel your phobia for life.
	Q. I want to quit smoking. Will hypnosis help? It can and it will.....if you really WANT to stop. Studies indicate that Hypnotherapy works better than any other approach.
	Q. My problem is not listed on this site, what should I do? Don't worry, I treat a wide range of conditions and not all are listed on this site. If you cannot see what you're looking for please contact me on or e-mail me at info@lindyirving.com
	Q. How many sessions will I need? Each person's therapy is unique. I will discuss the likely length of your treatment with you during your free initial consultation. As a guideline, stop smoking usually requires just one session of 90 minutes to 2 hours with a free 45 minute follow-up appointment. Phobias can often be cured in a single session but sometimes it can take 2 or 3. Straightforward issues such as nail biting or examination nerves usually last between 1 to 4 sessions. More complex, deeply rooted problems treated with hypnoanalysis generally require between 6 and 12 sessions. Hypnotherapy is a solution-focussed discipline and you can rest assured that I will not keep you in therapy longer than necessary.
	Q. How long does each session last? Your free initial consultation will last about 30 minutes, and quit-smoking sessions are between 90 minutes and 2 hours with a free 45 minute follow-up appointment. Most other sessions are 60 to 90 minutes long but if the session runs over by 15 or 20 minutes I don't charge extra!
	Q. Does hypnotherapy always work? No more than any other form of medicine, complimentary or orthodox. The client / therapist 'mix' is very important. During your free initial consultation we will both need to feel happy about working together. If the 'mix' is not quite right, or if I feel you would benefit more from a different type of treatment, I will refer you to someone who can help before you have incurred any costs whatsoever.
	Q. How long does a hypnotherapy cure last? Changes made within your fundamental belief system will last a lifetime. Used in the wrong circumstances, suggestion therapy may just paper over the cracks and so will be a short-lived cure. I will ensure the correct type of therapy is employed for every client so they will experience long-lasting, positive life changes.
	Q. What guarantees do I have? My first priority is always my client. I believe in providing quick, solution-based, client-centred therapy. I am bound by a strict code of ethics by my professional membership of the British Institute of Hypnotherapy. As a member I am expected to work within the boundaries of the Institutes Code of Practice, which is available for inspection by any member of the public. The BIH also operates a complaints procedure.