There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy, often fueled by portrayals in media or a lack of understanding. Here are some of the most common:

Myth 1: You lose control and do things against your will.

Fact: This is one of the biggest misconceptions. While in a hypnotic state, you are still aware and in control. You can’t be made to do anything you wouldn’t do normally, as the suggestions have to align with your values and beliefs. Think of it as a heightened state of suggestibility, not mind control.

Myth 2: You’re asleep during hypnosis.

Fact: You’re actually more focused than usual in a hypnotic trance. It’s similar to daydreaming or getting lost in a good book, where you’re aware of your surroundings but your attention is focused inwards. You can hear and respond throughout the session.

Myth 3: Only weak-minded people can be hypnotized.

Fact: This is completely false. Just like not everyone enjoys reading at the same pace, susceptibility to hypnosis varies. However, everyone can experience hypnosis with the right approach, an open mind and a willingness to take part. In fact, good focus and imagination can make you more receptive.

Myth 4: You can get stuck in hypnosis.

Fact: This is another Hollywood myth. Hypnosis is a natural state that we spontaneously enter all the time, for example when daydreaming or just losing track of time when engrossed in a good book or movie.

Myth 5: Hypnotherapy is dangerous.

Fact: When conducted by a qualified and ethical hypnotherapist like me, therapy is very safe. Research shows no documented cases of physical or psychological harm caused by hypnosis.

Myth 6: It’s all about mind tricks and manipulation.

Fact: Hypnotherapy is an excellent therapeutic tool based on scientific principles. It utilizes the subconscious mind’s potential for positive change to address various issues like anxiety, pain management, smoking cessation, and phobias. The focus is on collaboration and empowerment, not manipulation.

Remember, it’s always best to talk to a qualified hypnotherapist like me to dispel any doubts and address your specific concerns. I am always happy to explain the process in detail and help you determine if it’s a suitable approach for your needs.

I hope this clarifies some of the main myths and misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy! Just give me a call on 07976 701223 if you would like to learn more.

I have provided services to clients online since 2017, including virtual coaching for individuals, facilitation of global project teams and online hypnotherapy treatments.

Online therapy has been an increasingly popular choice for individuals for some years now, and while online therapy does not work for every client, it works well for most people. Please note that during the Covid-19 lockdown it is the only option available.

So who is online therapy for and not for ?

The following factors can help you to decide if online therapy is right for you.

•  Online hypnotherapy as been shown to be as effective as face-to-face for many clients, including people suffering from anxiety and depression who may find it difficult to open up in person.
• You need to have a good broadband connection that can handle video calls + suitable equipment – mainly just a pc/tablet/smartphone with a camera and good audio (earphones or headphones are useful though not essential).
• You need to have a quiet, calm, private area where you can be comfortable and relax undisturbed for the duration of the session.
• I am skilled and experienced in delivering therapy online, which includes having an effective contingency plan in place should internet connection be lost during the session.I also provide practical advice to help you prepare well and get most from each online session.
• Confidentiality, security and privacy is assured.
• It is more affordable that face-to-face therapy. Online therapists like me may work from home and so avoid paying treatment room hire fees and also save on travel time/costs – and thus can reflect those savings by reducing fees.
• You save on travel time/costs by having treatment from the comfort of your own home.
• Honesty is very important in therapy. Whether face to face or online, I cannot help if you hide or omit important details. You need to help me to help you.

For me, whether I see a client face to face or online, what matters is to build rapport, get to the heart of the matter and deliver treatment that enables the client to change  for the better – and to do that as quickly as possible.

If you would like to know more about my online service, feel free to give me a call on 07976 701223.

I came across an interesting  article on the BBC website today about a research study which suggests that the children of women who experience severe stress when pregnant are nearly 10 times more likely to develop a personality disorder by the age of 30.   Even moderate prolonged stress may have an impact on child development and continue after a baby’s birth, the research study said.

The study involved more than 3,600 pregnant women in Finland in 1975 and 1976 who were asked about their stress levels thoughout their pregnancy, and their children were followed up. Of course the study is only indicative and other factors such as upbringing, physical health,  traumatic life events and family break ups could have played a part. It does however seem self evident (to me at least!) that amount of cortisol and other neurochemicals that high stress levels creates would significantly increase the risk of harm to the brain and emotional development of a baby.

So while not conclusive it is a useful warning about the need for pregnant women to be aware of the effects of stress and to seek help as necessary to minimise stress during pregnancy. I shall be interested to see if the publicity this study generates brings an increase in the number of pregnant clients who come to me for help to prevent and manage stress.

For sufferers of IBS, Chrohn’s disease, food allergies and other digestive disorders, new research is demonstrating the ability of integrative mind -body approaches such as gut directed hypnotherapy can provide great benefits.

Modern medicine today is increasingly realizing that different systems of the body are interconnected and cannot be completely understood in isolation. The brain-gut connection is one very important example of this phenomenon. Given the strong mind-body/brain-gut connection, it should come as no surprise that mind-body tools such as meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, and gut-directed hypnotherapy have all been shown to help improve GI symptoms, improve mood, and decrease anxiety. They decrease the body’s stress response by dampening the sympathetic nervous system, enhancing the parasympathetic response, and decreasing inflammation.

To find out more about the following short article is well worth a read – click here

No, in fact, more often the opposite is the case! Hypnosis is most accurately described as a state of mental focus, which is not the sort of capability traditionally associated with ‘mental weakness’ (whatever that may be!). Sportspeople at the top of their game often use self- hypnosis to improve their focus and achieve the ideal mental state for training and competing. Are these people ‘mentally weak’?

Absolutely not! Because you are still ‘wake’ during hypnosis you can make decisions in the usual way, yet with more flexibility as you are less under the control of your automatic reactions. So if the fire alarm went off, you will still hear it and think ” that is a fire alarm. I need to get out of here now!” Compared to waking up from sleep to a fire alarm it will be much less jarring as you are already conscious.