Yes! Hypnosis is increasingly recognized in mainstream medicine. Studies show it can be effective for a range of conditions like pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Both the British Psychological Society and the American Psychological Association acknowledge its therapeutic benefits. Brain scans also reveal that hypnosis can change how the brain processes information, proving its powerful impact on perception and experience.

Hypnosis, when performed by a trained healthcare provider, is not inherently dangerous. The risks associated with hypnosis, such as mild headache, dizziness, or drowsiness, have been found to be similar to those experienced during a university lecture.

However, it is important to consider that hypnosis may not be safe for individuals with certain mental and physical health conditions. For instance, individuals with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, alcohol or drug psychosis, and severe clinical depression should avoid hypnosis due to the potential worsening of symptoms and detachment from reality. People with personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may struggle to maintain a stable sense of self while being hypnotised, making hypnosis ineffective or potentially harmful for them. Individuals with epilepsy should also avoid hypnosis as it may trigger seizures or interfere with anticonvulsant medications. Additionally, hypnosis is generally not recommended for individuals with senility and dementia, also during the first trimester of pregnancy (except for specific purposes like smoking cessation or relaxation techniques). If you have severe heart problems, severe asthma, or IBS, it is important to discuss hypnosis with your GP before proceeding.

Obviously, I am happy to talk though any concerns you may have before starting a course of hypnosis.

"Suggestion does not consist in making an individual believe what is not true. Suggestion consists in making something come true by making a person believe in its possibility."

JD Hadfield.

Your unconscious mind will always act in your best interests. Your desire for change indicates that there is a degree of loss of control, which prompts you to seek assistance in regaining it. The concept of mind control can be interpreted differently depending on your perspective. If it means aligning your thoughts, emotions, or behaviours with your true desires and overcoming challenges, then yes, it can be seen as such. It is often stated that during hypnosis, you will remember everything that is said, have control over your actions, and only accept suggestions that you consciously agree with. While this may hold true in a light trance or when you are deeply relaxed, daydreaming, or watching a movie, it's not the case in deeper hypnotic states. If simply being relaxed and drowsy was all it took to make changes, then anyone could just tell you to "quit smoking," "lose weight," "boost confidence," or "change your view of the past," and you would automatically follow through. It's only when you delve into the deeper levels of hypnosis, where your unconscious mind can be reached to make necessary adjustments, that real effectiveness is achieved. In these deeper states, it's normal not to be fully conscious of everything that's happening but even at this level you retain control.

Although it takes its name from the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos, recent research has proven that hypnosis and sleep are not interchangeable. Scientific studies on brain activity have identified unique patterns linked to sleep, but these patterns have not been observed during hypnosis. While hypnosis may appear similar to sleep to those observing it, mainly because of the relaxation suggestions commonly provided during a hypnotic session, individuals under hypnosis are actually in a state more similar to being awake. Hypnosis can even be induced in fully awake individuals.

No, there is no evidence to suggest that anyone can become trapped in hypnosis. The worst-case scenario would be falling asleep and waking up without being hypnotised anymore!

Always.

I focus completely on you during the session so rather than taking any notes the sessions are recorded. This means that they are available for review and support if needed at a later date, (this ensures I don’t miss anything when reviewing the session before any future work, or if you have any queries afterwards).

These are stored securely as per GDPR requirements.

Yes. I guarantee you that I will make every effort to help you if I believe I am capable of doing so. However, if I determine that I am unable to help, I will tell you during the initial consultation. You pay for my time and expertise, I know I can facilitate and guide the hypnotic process very well; the end result is dependent on how well you can, and this very much depends on your level of engagement and cooperation.