What does it feel like?

- The experience of hypnosis is different from individual to individual, being highly subjective. With an effective hypnotherapist, you will feel very relaxed in your body, with pleasant sensations of heaviness. Your mind may drift or wander, which, though you may not be able to 'concentrate', in fact shows that conditions are right for hypnotic suggestion to take place. We can say that you go into 'trance', but again, this word has subjective connotations; if you feel as if you are 'in a trance', that's fine.

Suggestion? Can you make me do things I don't want to?

- In a word, no. Nor will you reveal any 'dark secrets', as your conscious awareness is internalised, not shut off, so you will say only what is natural and you are comfortable with. Clinical hypnosis requires very little such 'input' from the client.

So I won't lose control?

- Absolutely not. You are always in control, with the choice to terminate the process at any time. Hypnosis works by suggestion, but you will only respond to positive suggestions that are to your benefit. The stupefied person on stage responding to everything the hypnotist suggests is just an illusion created for the (some might say dubious) purposes of entertainment. Why would you pay good money for and respond to something unpleasant, humiliating or bad for you?

But what if I can't be hypnotised?

- I prefer to rephrase the question, so that it is not a question of 'being hypnotised' but being taken into hypnosis, or trance, a process in which you are a willing and even active participant. If you are ready and willing, you are certainly able.

What if I'm too nervous or apprehensive?

- We will talk about how you feel and I will answer any further questions you have. Rest assured, nervousness is natural when trying something new, and a little nervous tension is the body's way of preparing you for the experience. If you are highly anxious, or resistant for some reason, then we will discuss this and diffuse it. We will direct that tension so it can be used as energy in positive and beneficial ways. Discussion such as this is itself often very therapeutic and can be the basis of very positive, creative change through hypnotherapy. The hypnotherapy session is 100% about your needs and responses - otherwise, it simply wouldn't work.

What if I fall asleep?

- It's possible that with the combination of closed eyes and deep relaxation you might drop off, though very rare. If you did, I would notice and gently awaken you. We could then discuss how you were feeling and carry on with the session if you wanted. The traditional 'you are feeling very sleepy' method of hypnosis is merely one metaphor for the experience among many - where 'go to sleep!' is the same as 'go into trance!' - it is not, of course, actual sleep.

Will I forget what has happened during the trance?

- Loss of memory rarely occurs during clinical hypnosis, and is certainly not essential for treatment purposes. Creative change can take place regardless of 'depth of trance', though people who experience deep trance spontaneously may find they remember less of the experience clearly.



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mail@davidtaylor-hypnotherapy.com