Frequently Asked Questions about Hypnotherapy
What typically happens during a hypnotherapy session?
Once we have established suitability and discussed your concerns and issues with your therapist, you will be guided through four stages of hypnotherapy including induction, deepener, suggestions and emergence.
Induction
During this stage, you begin to relax, focus your attention and ignore distractions. Your hypnotherapist will guide you through with techniques such as controlled breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or focusing on a visual image.
Deepener
This step takes your focus to a deeper level and often involves counting down or using imagery such as walking downstairs or slowly sinking into a soft chair.
Suggestions
Your hypnotherapist will use imagery and carefully chosen language to empower you to make the changes you need in your life. The suggestions may focus on perception, emotion, memory, thoughts or behaviours and will often aim to resolve a symptom, or to explore experiences associated with the start of your symptom.
Emergence
Coming out of your hypnotherapy, your therapist may count up, or offer imagery such as climbing stairs. Tracey will ensure you feel safe and comfortable and you will remember everything that happened during your session.
Clinical hypnotherapy is very different to the acts you may have seen for entertainment purposes. Stage hypnosis is primarily used for amusement, where a hypnotist performs in front of an audience and induces hypnosis on volunteers to make them conduct funny, frequently weird behaviours. In contrast, clinical hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that makes use of hypnosis to assist clients in resolving their problems and achieving their objectives.
No. You remain aware of who you are, where you are and what you are saying and doing during a hypnotherapy session. There are some deeper forms of hypnotherapy that can give the appearance of sleep because your body is very still and quiet, but you are, in fact, awake.
Hypnotherapy is a safe procedure when carried out by a trained therapist. We would urge you to use only those therapists listed with the appropriate governing bodies such as the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC), General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR) and Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC). Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone and is not recommended for people suffering from severe depression, personality disorders, dissociative disorders, neurological, intellectual or severe disabilities and dementia.
Astoria Therapies offers a free telephone consultation for all clients to establish suitability. Should your therapist consider hypnotherapy unsuitable for you, they will explain why and offer you guidance for seeking help elsewhere.
Tracey Fraser is a trained professional who is qualified to deliver hypnotherapy in a safe and controlled environment. However, she does not control you, the client. Instead, she gently guides you, using questions and prompts, to empower you to make the change you need.
Furthermore, you cannot be made to do anything against your will and you will not reveal any information that you wish to remain unsaid.
People describe hypnosis in different ways. You may feel like you are “zoned in” or in a trance-like state — so focused that you are able to block out surrounding distractions. Many people say they feel calm and relaxed despite their increased concentration. Most describe it as a very pleasant, relaxing experience.
Treatment varies depending on what and how severe the issue is, but sessions are likely to be 60 minutes duration. The duration of treatment is dependent on the goal that you wish to achieve and your commitment and motivation. Some clients achieve results after 3-4 sessions, while others take 6-8 sessions before achieving their desired goal. You may find it necessary to return after a period of time, depending on your issue.
It is important to ensure that your hypnotherapist is registered with one of the professional organisations that govern the practice of hypnotherapy such as the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, General Hypnotherapy Register and Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council. Members of such organisations have to reach standards of qualification and ongoing CPD requirements to maintain annual registration.