Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page!

 Below, I have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to my Web site may have.

If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please email me teresa@westwitch.net

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

This is simply a relaxed state.  Everyone experiences this state twice a day, just before falling asleep and just after waking.  You are in a similar state when you stare at a patch of sunlight and ‘forget yourself’

WHAT IS HYPNOTHERAPY?

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to effect change.  It is a gentle, enjoyable and essentially simple process, with many benefits.

HOW CAN HYPNOTHERAPY HELP?

In the relaxed condition of hypnosis the subconscious mind is open to suggestion.  It can be re-programmed, to change habits and outlook, simply by being given spoken instructions.

CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTISED?

Almost anyone can be hypnotised, but some people are much more suggestible than others.  These will very readily go into the relaxed state necessary for the therapy.

HOW LONG WILL MY THERAPY TAKE?

That depends on the type of person you are the type of treatment you need.  However, in the huge majority of cases some benefits are experienced after the first treatment.  Usually six sessions are given as a guideline, but for some it will be less, some more

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE HELPED BY HYPNOTHERAPY?

Any condition that involves the mind can be helped by hypnotherapy.  Common conditions include:

STRESS,   ANXIETY,  PHOBIAS,   PANIC ATTACKS,   LACK OF CONFIDENCE,  LOW SELF-ESTEEM,  SMOKING, WEIGHT LOSS,  DEPRESSION,  STRESS-RELATED PHYSICAL PROBLEMS  E.G. IRRITABLE BOWEL and many more.  It can also be used simply to improve skills, such as IMPROVING CREATIVITY AND PERFORMANCE.

WHAT IS THE SUBCONSCIOUS?

This is a term that is widely used these days.  For our purposes it means that part of you of which you aren’t fully conscious, but which operates automatically.  Fears may be subconscious and so we term them ‘irrational’.  Reactions of delight can also be subconscious.  The subconscious is like a sponge and absorbs many impressions, especially when we are children.  Unfortunately, many of these may be negative and continue to have an adverse effect through life.  Hypnotherapy gently removes these and replaces them with positive elements. Your subconscious is actually waiting to help and support you.

HOW WILL I  BE HYPNOTISED?

Simply by talking to you.  You will lie down and be warm and comfortable.  The sound of the therapist’s voice will help you to enter a relaxed state, suitable for hypnotherapy.  It is an enjoyable feeling.

I’VE SEEN SHOWS WHERE PEOPLE ARE HYPNOTISED AND DO FUNNY THINGS.

In these shows hypnosis is used to entertain.  The hypnotist picks out the suggestible subjects. Many are weeded out ‘off camera’ Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to improve well-being, and is very different from anything you might see in a show.

CAN I BE MADE TO DO THINGS I DON’T WANT TO DO?

No.  Your subconscious will automatically reject any such suggestions.  In stage hypnosis the subjects want to behave as they do!

WHAT ABOUT BETWEEN MY SESSIONS?

You will have a tape to take away with you, to play every day, so the process is ongoing

HOW WILL THAT DIFFER FROM A TAPE I COULD BUY IN A ‘NEW AGE’ SHOP?

Everything on the tape is tailored exclusively to you, and your needs.  It is personal and focused in a way that a bought tape can never be, and it is much more effective.

WILL I FEEL ‘FUNNY’ AFTER MY SESSION?

No, you will be quite normal – in fact better than normal! However, if you have been very stressed you may feel a little sleepy.  This is because the experience of relaxing in this way has been new to you. Usually this disappears with subsequent sessions, as relaxation becomes more routine.

SHOULD I TELL MY DOCTOR I’M SEEING A HYPNOTHERAPIST?

If you are being treated by a doctor for the same, or a related condition, it is best that you tell him or her you are seeing a hypnotherapist.  However, please do not expect your doctor to be an expert concerning hypnotherapy.  Your hypnotherapist may suggest you see your doctor, in certain cases.

HOW DOES COUNSELLING DIFFER FROM HYPNOTHERAPY?

In counselling you will do almost all the talking. There is no use of the ‘trance’ state, no suggestions given to you and no tape at the end of the session. Counselling is often helpful for long-term conditions where self-understanding is essential. Your hypnotherapy session will include a little counselling, as your needs are established.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL MY THERAPIST HAVE?

All hypnotherapists are professionally qualified, belong to a representative body and attend refresher courses.  They also hold professional indemnity insurance.  They are bound by the code of practice of their representative body.