Yes. It is a safe, natural part of human experience. We are always protected by our subconscious mind (or our unconscious as it is often called now) and going into a trance is a part of everyday life. We are already good at it; we simply don’t recognise it.

Just about everyone if they choose to be and can concentrate for the short time it requires.

Hypnotic trance is slightly different for everyone and can change from session to session. People often report that it is extremely pleasant, enjoyable and that they’ve never felt so relaxed and comfortable before.

Hypnosis has many uses, too various to list completely. It is used successfully with weight control, stopping smoking, pain control, stress management, sexual, social and psychological problems. It improves sports, learning and business skills. It also can be used to enhance creativity and as a stimulus to help people gain insights into their life or business.

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 doctor’s training in diagnosis cannot be replaced by the hypnotist. Check out any health problems first with your doctor.  Then you can combine physicians' and hypnotherapists' healing methods.

No. Hypnotic trance is a state of mind that needs your co-operation. No-one goes against their own personal code of behaviour in hypnosis. Many children are often exceptionally good at entering trance, but only if they choose. When teenagers are brought for ‘therapy’ by parents, Hypnosis Practitioners stand little chance, unless the young person actively makes the choice to work with them.

Strength of will plays no part in the process

Wrong – the higher your intelligence and imagination the better.

No. A competent Hypnosis Practitioner is not like the spooky characters you see on TV. It is highly unlikely that any swinging watches, flashing lights or gimmicky rituals will be used. The hypnotist is a perfectly normal human being, probably just talking you into an enjoyable hypnotic trance experience.

Quite the opposite, the client is in control of their trance and will do only what seems right and helpful to themselves.

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. They will come out of trance, however, as soon as they are ready. Even if they’re determined to stay in trance indefinitely, the hypnotic state turns into ordinary sleep and they fairly quickly wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Absolutely not. Hypnosis Practitioners cannot force anybody to do anything against their will. You can choose not to comply with any disagreeable suggestion. Many people are more determined and assertive in trance than in their normal state of awareness.

No. Hypnosis is not a truth drug. You are the one who chooses what to reveal.

No. A Hypnosis Practitioner has no more opportunity to exploit someone than a hairdresser, plumber or shopkeeper. But, just as it is important to find a competent hairdresser, etc., it is equally important to make sure you have a choose a good and capable hypnotist.

Hypnosis is not a special skill some individuals are born with. They have no special mysterious gift or power. They simply have training and experience in using trance states to benefit their clients.

The training Hypnosis Practitioners receive is varied, depending on which school they attend. Some are trained in trance induction and in direct suggestion; others study a broader selection of therapeutic techniques. Hypnosis is a very practical skill that requires learning by working with others. It cannot be taught well through correspondence courses or solely over the internet. To ensure the Hypnosis Practitioner of your choice has sufficient training, discuss their approach and experience over the phone or face to face.

No. A good hypnotist individualises treatment, making it uniquely tailored to your needs. If a Hypnosis Practitioner says “you will need precisely “X” number of sessions”, they are not behaving ethically. No matter how experienced they are, they cannot truly know.

No. 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 additional financial cost.

Sometimes it can be, but often several sessions are beneficial. Often, clients 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 session. Trust your judgement – you can go back whenever you please.

Hypnotists who use direct suggestion may give or sell you a CD of suggestions to reinforce their work. There may be some who call themselves “hypnotists” who simply sit or lie their clients down to listen to an audio recording.  Save yourself money! There are countless hypnosis downloads and CDs available. 

A Hypnosis Practitioner who works with you on your individual issues is the person who will help you achieve your goals.