Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. I will keep what you say confidential, though there are limits to this if I believe you are going to harm yourself or others. These exceptions are clearly delineated by my professional memberships, which I always act within.

The first session will be a chance to see how I work. First, we'll do some terribly exciting but necessary paperwork. Then, I'll ask you about what brings you to therapy, about the history of the issue you're seeking therapy for, your past and family, and what you currently do to cope with the issue you've presented with. Next comes some hypnosis; I'll deliver an exercise with several different kinds of prompts, all geared towards making you feel blissfully relaxed. After this exercise, we'll go through some questions about how you found it, which sorts of prompts you did and didn't like, and anything you experienced during hypnosis. Finally, there will be time for you to ask me any questions you may have.

In short, no. Hypnopsychotherapy is not a cure-all magic solution, as some may claim it is, but equally there is a strong evidence base for hypnopsychotherapy for treating certain conditions. (Wofford et al, 2023; Delestre et al, 2022; Valentine et al, 2019)

No. In 'stage hypnosis' you often see people who are made to bark like dogs, or similar. The reason for this is that it's for entertainment. The professional bodies I am a member of have a strong code of ethics I am required to follow, so you can be confident I will never ask you to do anything like that. You will remain completely aware of where you are and what's happening. My role as a practitioner is to guide you in beneficial suggestions and actions. Additionally, if you ever feel uncomfortable or wish to end a session, that is your right and I will always follow your wishes. Remember, you are the master of your life; as a practitioner all I am doing is helping you develop the tools to make of it what you want to.

There are three things that I consider important. Firstly, look for a regulated qualification. This may be something on the QCF - a national scheme that maps the level of qualifications to each other, with the first year of a degree being level 4 for example - or may be something from a professional association. Next, look for a therapist that's a member of a professional association. These will have their own entry requirements and can broadly be considered a sign of a base level of quality. Finally, ask for an initial conversation. Most practitioners will provide you with a short, free session to see if they are the right fit for you. And it's perfectly okay if they aren't. Good practitioners understand that this is part of the process; you're trusting someone with your vulnerabilities, so the first person you speak to may not be the right fit, and that's a completely acceptable way to feel.