Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Who has therapy/counselling? Do I need therapy? Can therapy help me?
There is clear evidence that psychotherapy, especially in combination with hypnotherapy, can treat diagnosed conditions such as depression, phobias, post traumatic stress, personality disorders, eating disorders, etc. But its role is not limited to this. A wide range of difficulties with feelings and behaviour can be explored and understood, leading to profound, lasting change. Many people who experience a loss of meaning, low self-confidence, relationship problems, different addictions may be helped by psychological therapy. Click here to read more (link opens in new page).
2. What to expect in the first session?
This is an opportunity to discuss your needs and difficulties, to see how you feel about working with this therapist, to get a sense of what therapy is like and to ask any particular questions you may have. You can discuss whether psychotherapy could be useful to you or whether another kind of therapy would be more suitable. There will also be time to consider the practicalities of your situation and make some decisions about how to proceed.
3. Can I be made to do or say things I don't agree with?
You cannot be made to say, do or reveal anything you don't want to. You will also automatically reject any suggestions given in trance that you don't agree with and if there are things you prefer to keep private, it is your choice.
4. How will I know I've been hypnotised?
You'll likely experience some or all of the following physical, emotional and mental effects: deeper and slower breathing, muscle relaxation, eyes flickering, increased awareness and focus, feelings of calm and relaxation.
5. Can anyone be hypnotised?
Everyone can be hypnotised - but only if they agree and commit to it - with some people being more susceptible to suggestion than others. Hence your co-operation is key because you need to allow yourself to go into the trance, to the level you are comfortable with. With practice, clients learn to relax and go into a trance easier.
6. Will I be under the therapist's control? Will you be able to control my mind?
No. You are always in control of the session, and can snap out of the hypnotherapy trance at any time, if you need or want to.
7. Could a stage hypnotist could control my mind? What is the difference between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis?
No. If someone volunteers to be hypnotised by a stage hypnotist they automatically agree to be hypnotised and they know they are going to be made an object of fun for entertainment purposes and are happy to go along with it. If someone was dragged out of the audience against their will, then whatever the stage hyponotist tried would not work.
8. Can I get stuck in the trance?
No. You can return to your usual awareness whenever you need to.
9. How long is a session? How long do I need to be in therapy?
A session is normally 50 minutes long. The duration of therapy varies in function of each individual and the problem presented (this can be agreed with the therapist in your first sessions). For example, phobias can be dealt with in 2-3 sessions; whereas dealing with the effects of a traumatic event can take longer and requires psychotherapy as well as hypnotherapy techniques.
10. Will I be asleep if I go into a hypnotic trance?
No, you are not asleep during hypnosis. You are fully aware of what is happening and what is being said to you. You give the impression of being asleep because your body is totally relaxed, but "hypnotic sleep" is not the same as normal sleep.
11. Are there any side effects?
No. Sometimes you may uncover painful experiences you have not dealt with appropriately which might make you feel raw. However, by combining hypnotherapy and counselling in a perfectly safe environment, the therapist will support you to find a natural way of using your own inner resources to reorganise your thoughts and behaviours to bring about beneficial change.
12. Will I be able to cope after ending therapy?
Counselling isn’t about the counsellor giving you all the answers or lots of advice, but it’s a place where you can be supported to find your own solutions to the issues in your life. This can help to build your confidence and self-esteem and learn to be your own therapist.
13. Will the counsellor judge me? How much should I tell them?
No. Therapists are trained to develop their abilities to be non-judgmental, respect differences and diversity and work in a non-discriminatory way. If you do feel judged then it’s really important that you try and be as open as you can with the counsellor about what you’re feeling. You can explore what’s going on and take some time to find out more. How much you tell them is completely up to you.
Still unsure? Contact Alina to find out more.