Questions & Answers

Is hypnosis safe?
Yes. It is a safe, natural part of human experience. Always protected by our subconscious, trance is a part of everyday life. We are already proficient in its use; we simply don't recognise it.

Who can be hypnotised?
Just about everyone if they choose and can concentrate for the few moments it requires.

What is it like to be hypnotised?
In experiencing altered states it should be acknowledged that trance is slightly different for everyone. Most find it extremely pleasant, enjoyable and relaxing, saying they've never felt so agreeably relaxed and comfortable before.

What can hypnosis be used for?
Having many uses, it is scarcely possible to list them all. It is successful with weight control, stopping smoking, pain control, stress management, sexual, social and psychological problems. It also improves sports, learning and business skills.
Should I use hypnosis as an alternative to seeing my doctor?
No. It is not an alternative to seeking proper medical care. Hypnosis is a COMPLEMENTARY therapy and should be used in partnership with conventional medicine. Your M.D's training in diagnosis cannot be replaced by the hypnotist; check out health problems first with your doctor; most do, then you can combine physicians and hypnotherapists healing methods.

Can I be forced into a trance?
No. It is a state of mind that needs your co-operation. No-one goes against their own unique code of behaviour in hypnosis. Many children are exceptionally good at entering trance, but only if they choose. When teenagers are brought for therapy by parents - the practitioner stands little chance unless he/she makes a "contract" with them, "I will only work with you if you want to, it must be your own individual choice"

Am I too strong-willed to be hypnotised?
Strength of will plays no part in the process.

I'm too intelligent to be hypnotised!
Wrong - the higher the intelligence and imagination the better.

Will the hypnotist be mysterious and use a swinging watch and other paraphernalia to hypnotise me?
No. A competent hypnotist needs no airs, graces or spookiness. It is highly unlikely that any swinging watches, flashing lights or gimmicky props will be used, nor weird rituals needed. The hypnotist is likely to be a perfectly normal human being, probably just talking you into a pleasant, enjoyable trance.

Do hypnotised persons lose control of themselves?
uite the opposite, the client is in control of their trance and will do only that which seems right and helpful.

Can I get 'stuck' in a trance?
No. It simply doesn't happen. Many enjoy being in hypnosis so much, they sometimes are reluctant to return to a normal state of awareness, but they will come out of trance as soon as they are ready. Even if they're determined to stay indefinitely, the hypnotic state turns into ordinary sleep, and they shortly awaken feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Will I be in the hypnotists power?
Certainly not. Hypnotists cannot force anybody to do anything against their will. You can choose not to comply with any disagreeable suggestion. Many are very much more determined and assertive than in their normal state of being.

Will I reveal any secrets?
No. It's not a truth drug. You choose what to reveal, moreover you can lie in trance!

Could the hypnotist take advantage of me in any way?
No. He/She has no more opportunity to exploit than a hairdresser, plumber or local shopkeeper. But, just as it is important to find a competent hairdresser, etc., it is equally important to make sure you have a good and capable hypnotist.

Where do hypnotists come from?
Hypnosis is not a special skill some individuals are born with. They have no special mysterious gift or power. He or she simply has training and experience in using trance states.

How are the hypnotists trained?
The training hypnotists receive is varied, depending on which school they attend. Some are only trained in direct suggestion; others have a broader selection of therapeutic techniques. Hypnosis is a very practical skill and cannot be well taught through correspondance courses, of which there are several. To ensure the practitioner of your choice has sufficient training, interview him/her over the phone or face to face.

Can the hypnotist tell exactly how many appointments I will need?
No. A good hypnotist individualises trearment, which is uniquely tailored to your needs. If a practitioner says "you will need precisely "X" number of sessions", it is not ethical. No-one, no matter how experienced, can truly know.

Do I need to book a course (series) of sessions?
No, as we make clear above. Booking and paying for one session at a time has advantages, because if you are not satisfied you are free to finish whenever you please, without financial cost.

Is hypnosis a 'one shot' treatment?
By no means. On occasions many do get great benefit from a single session. Smokers rarely need to go more than once and N.L.P. can clear phobias in one. Trust your judgement - you can go back whenever you please.

Will the hypnotist use cassette tapes?
Hypnotists who use direct suggestion may give or sell you a tape of suggestions to reinforce their suggestions. Some "hypnotists" simply sit or lie their clients down with an audio cassette tape and call that hypnotherapy! Save yourself money! There are hypnosis tapes available at health food shops, stationers and through mail order; these are likely to be just as useful (or not) and are considerably cheaper than just listening to a tape in an office.

Typical Questions

Opposite are some of the typical questions that we are often asked about hypnotherapy, together with their answers.

All the therapists listed on this web site have been trained by the Proudfoot School of Hypnotherapy and their listing on this web site means also that they are bound by the Guild;'s Code of Ethics.

You can see details of the Code of Ethics on another page. See Code of Ethics.

The Guild has over 250 members in various parts of Uk, as well as some overseas members. They are set out in a regional listing.
See List of Therapists

UKGHE Administration Office
"Blinking Sike" Caxton Way
Eastfield Business Park
Scarborough
North Yorkshire YO11 3YT