Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQsWhere are you based?
Horley is conveniently near the M23 junction at Gatwick and is within easy reach from Reigate, Redhill, Smallfield, Crawley, Horsham and East Grinstead. I am based in Victoria Road, which is near to Horley town centre and train station, so is convenient for public transport. I have a drive with ample off-road parking available for your use. For full details of my whereabouts and a map, please click to find me here. If you have difficulty travelling to me, I can visit you in your home, however there may be a charge for this.
Is there anything I should or shouldn't do before I come for a treatment?
You don't need to prepare in any way. However, I would advise the following: avoid any stimulants, such as tea, coffee, cola (and cigarettes) to help you relax more. If you wear hard contact lenses, it might be advisable to remove them, just so you are more comfortable with your eyes shut, although not everyone finds it a problem.
What times of the day do you offer appointments?
Appointments are Monday to Friday during the day (generally 9:30 AM until 6 PM). I can also offer evening appointments Monday to Thursdays (around 7:30 PM) for those who cannot attend during the day
What can I expect on my first appointment?
The first session involves taking basic details e.g. address, and then spending time exploring the issue(s) you would like to resolve, your goals and resources. I explain what hypnotherapy is and help you to feel at ease. Therefore they may not be time on this first session for hypnosis, though often there is. During hypnosis, I use a biofeedback monitor to help me to assess your level of relaxation/depth of trance.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions cannot be guaranteed, because everyone is different - the time needed depends upon your level of motivation and the complexity of your issue(s). However, apart from stop smoking which requires 1-2 sessions, most other issues take between 2 and 6 sessions. Please see individual pages (e.g. pain, weight loss, anxiety/stress, IBS, insomnia) to get a more specific idea.
Solution focused Hypnotherapy is a much faster therapy than regression hypnotherapy and many other types of therapy. We discussed progress each week and schedule appointments to suit you, your progress, goals and finances. How frequently will I need to attend sessions?
Hypnotherapy works best when the sessions are a week or two apart.
Can I bring someone with me?
I'm afraid, with the exclusion of children, therapy is on an individual basis as I need to be certain that you are able to talk absolutely freely.
How long do sessions last?
How will I feel afterwards?
Clients tend to feel very positive, relaxed and refreshed afterwards. Many mention they sleep exceptionally well that night. You will still be alert enough to drive home.
Can you tell me what success rate you have or give a guarantee?
In short, no! Be very wary of anyone offering success rates or guarantees. To give accurate success rates, you would need to contact all your clients after therapy. Also, what is a success? For example, with stop smoking, is it a success if somebody is still not smoking after one month, three months, six months, or a year, or even a lifetime? No hypnotherapist can give any guarantee of success. In fact, even with medicine, a clinically proven drug cannot guarantee to cure 100% of all people all the time, as we are all different.
Further, I regard success as our success, not mine alone. Hypnotherapy cannot make you do anything you don't want to do and is not a magic pill. We work together towards your goals and success also depends on your motivation. What you can be sure of is that Hypnotherapy does work for most people, most of the time, and with most problems. What is the cost?
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Therapy FAQsWhat is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is the process of inducing a trance. Trance is a natural state of mind, which almost everybody has experienced involuntarily at some point e.g. when you are engrossed in a book or film, daydreaming. A hypnotherapist will induce this pleasant state of relaxation as part of therapy. It is not the same as sleeping, as you are still aware of what is going on around you, and in control at all times.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is when a trained therapy professional uses hypnosis to encourage positive change. It's a type of therapy which aims to talk to the subconscious mind. A hypnotherapist will hypnotise a client, (e.g. by verbally guiding them using visualisation or progressive relaxation), so that they enter a relaxing trance state, so that their mind becomes more receptive and focused, to create a deep-rooted and lasting change of old habits, emotions, memories etc. Hypnotherapy is not mind control - you only enter a hypnotic trance state if you wish for it to happen.
Hypnotherapy is when hypnosis is used to encourage positive change. It aims to talk to the subconscious mind. A hypnotherapist will hypnotise a client by verbally guiding them using various methods such as visualisation, progressive relaxation or focusing on an object (not a swinging watch!) A hypnotic trance is a pleasant, focused state of mind where you often feel very relaxed. In this state of mind subconscious mind becomes more receptive to making positive changes to old habits, emotions and memories etc. Hypnosis is not mind control and cannot make you do something you don't want to do. Also, you can decide to come out of a hypnotic trance without the aid of the hypnotist, as you are ultimately in control.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Firstly, it is believed that most people can be hypnotised and that some people are more hypnotisable than others. Secondly, hypnosis is a completely natural state and is safe for almost anyone. However, those with epilepsy and major psychological problems need greater care. I do not treat anybody with psychoses or a personality disorder for this reason. Children under the age of five and people with severe learning disabilities are not likely to benefit. Anyone whom is under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not be treated.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a very effective therapy. It's based on the fact that your beliefs, thoughts and behaviour all effect each other and that these can be examined and changed to help improve problems such as anxiety, anger, depression and so on.
What is it like to be hypnotised?
This differs from person to person. Generally, Hypnotherapy is a very enjoyable, relaxing, natural state; yet it is not like being asleep as you can talk or open your eyes if you wish to. Some people experience feelings of floating, warmth, strong visual imagery and deep relaxation, yet others do not notice much difference. People tend to go deeper into trance with subsequent sessions. A lot of people find they enjoy it so much that they don't want to open their eyes. You are completely in control throughout.
What is NLP?
NLP (or neuro-linguistic programming) is rather tricky to define in just a sentence or two. It is more meaningful to explain what it does. NLP can be used by therapists to build rapport with clients and increase the effectiveness of therapy. NLP also comprises a range of different techniques which the therapist can used to create change in their clients, such as eliminating negative behaviours and creating positive ones in their place e.g. replace unhealthy eating habits with healthy ones. NLP can be used for fears, phobias, habits, confidence building, to revisit painful past memories to release the emotions and so on.
What is EFT?
EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique is the most accessible and most widely known of the METs (Meridian Energy Therapies). It is an 'emotional form of acupuncture'. A client is assisted in tuning in to their problem; then the client will then use fingertips to tap a map of points, and a series of affirmations to bring about balance. EFT is useful for memories, traumas, dislikes (e.g. food), phobias, compulsions, etc. You can try it on almost anything. The theory behind this therapy is that the cause of many problems is an energy disturbance, which gives rise to negative emotions.
What is mindfulness meditation?
Please click here for a full explanation of mindfulness and meditation on my mindfulness meditation page.
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