Hypnotherapy / Hypnosis – FAQ’s
Q) Will l lose control?
A) No, you will always be in control. The hypnotherapist can only offer the suggestion for consideration and you decide whether to accept the suggestion or not. Even when hypnotised, a part of the human mind acts as an “observer”, which monitors the process to ensure you are in control of your actions. Your mind will not allow you to do anything that is against your values or ethics, or disclose anything you do not want to talk about.
Q) Will you make me do silly things?
A) No, that would be unethical and we are bound by the ethics of the Australian Psychological Society and can not ‘make’ you do anything! The observer part of the hypnotised mind will not let you do anything you disagree with, including ‘being silly’. Volunteers who participate in stage hypnosis are volunteering to do so because they know the role requires them to be silly and they want to be silly!
Q) What can I expect will happen in a session?
A) We will provide a comfortable and safe environment for you to share relevant personal history (guided by the therapist). We will assist you to identify your goals and you will listen to suggestions of relaxation and follow them if you choose too. You will be able to relax and enjoy positive, guided visualisations and suggestions. In some hypnotherapy examples, you will be guided step by step through an interactive therapy process, which may include you communicating with the hypnotherapist while hypnotised.
Q) How will I feel whilst under going hypnotherapy?
A) You will feel relaxed and in a familiar state of being just on the verge of falling asleep. A part of your mind will feel deeply relaxed, while another part will remain alert and will observe the process.
Q) What if I do not like the experience I am going through?
A) At all times throughout therapy, you will be in full control of your ability to communicate your needs. Your experience of the hypnosis will be monitored closely by your therapist who is trained to monitor and ensure there is no discomfort.
Q) If I feel nervous and scared about being hypnotised, will this affect my experience and the results?
A) Fear of hypnosis is usually based on not understanding how it works. Therefore we spend some time at the start of a session to understand any fears or unknowns you may have. With education and explanation you will feel knowledgeable, reassured and confident.
Q) How will I know it really has worked?
A) Allow yourself to be surprised! Even people who tell themselves ‘it won’t work’ are surprised by the power of suggestion. You will know it has worked when you observe your behaviour changing in a way in which you want.
Q. Does Hypnosis only work for some people and not others?
A) If you are open and honest about attaining your true goal and you receive relevant suggestions through your therapy, you will experience very good results. However, if you really do not actually want what you are requesting (for example, you do not really want to quit smoking at all), you will find hypnosis less effective.
Q) Will my issue be completely resolved after three sessions?
A) For ‘quit smoking’ you will only need three sessions, as long as you really do want to quit. For other issues, some people may need a ‘top up’, for relapse prevention however, you will receive personalised recordings in the sessions and this will also assist you to practice in between sessions too.
Q) Will I need further sessions, after the three?
A) If you come to the session with one issue, more than likely you will only require three sessions and may need a ‘top up’ session. If it turns out that your issue is more complex and actually involves resolving or working through several issues, then you may require further sessions. Your therapist will always be clear with you on what issue they are tackling first and if other issues need to be addressed too.
Q) How do I know I am working with a good hypnotherapist?
A) A good hypnotherapist will have a minimum of eight years of training and experience in both psychological therapy and hypnotherapy. She or he will also be a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), and Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy (AACHP) or Australian Hypno-therapy Association (AHA). He or she will be active in receiving ongoing supervision and keeping themselves up to date with research and other complementing therapies too. You should feel very safe and comfortable with your therapist and feel confident s/he is able to assist you with your issues.