FAQs
- What is hypnosis and is it safe?
- What does hypnosis feel like?
- Can I be made to do anything against my will?
- Can you hypnotise me?
- Will I lose control?
- Is it possible to get stuck in hypnosis?
- I feel quite nervous and a little embarassed about seeking help. Is this normal?
- Can I drive after hypnosis?
- What do the letters after your name mean?
- What sort of people seek the help of a Cognitive Hypnotherapist?
- How many sessions will I need?
- How long does a session last?
- What if I think cognitive hypnotherapy is not for me?
- What will happen in our first session together?
- When do you see clients?
- So, how do I book a session?
Cognitive Hypnotherapy
Q. What is hypnosis and is it safe?
To answer the second question first, and get that out of the way. Yes, it is a safe, and natural state that we all go in and out of during our day, perhaps without even knowing it. If you have ever been driving along a road and then 'come to' and wondered who was in control of the car for the last five minutes, or been ’miles away’ when someone is trying to talk to you - that's trance, and we are all very good at it. It's a little like day-dreaming for some people, but it also often heightens the awareness of the senses a little too.
During hypnosis I utilise this state within you to make positive suggestions to your unconscious mind, based on what you tell me you want to achieve. Your unconscious is in a much more receptive position when you are in this relaxed state so it is an incredibly effective tool, to take you towards your solution. When combined with other tools and techniques, such as NLP can make short work of long-standing problems.
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Q. What does hypnosis feel like?
It can be a little like daydreaming. Generally a very pleasant sensation where you are conscious of what is going on around you and what is happening throughout the session, but may choose to ‘drift off’ with your own thoughts from time to time. Some people report being more aware of things happening around them, during hypnosis. So, you see, we all experience it differently, and the one thing I do know is that everyone's experience is unique, so it isn't possible to get it 'wrong'. The way you experience hypnosis is the right way for you, and it may well be different to someone else.
However, most people comment on how relaxed they feel during hypnosis. This feeling often continues for sometime after the session is over, leaving you ready to continue your day.
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Q. Can I be made to do anything against my will?
No, absolutely not. You cannot be made to do anything during hypnosis that is against your will or principals. Neither can you made to say anything that you are not completely happy to do so. And why would I? I want you to get the very best from our work together, and that means treating you in a friendly and ethical way.
Your idea of what hypnosis is may stem from what you have seen of volunteers for stage hypnosis and think that hypnotherapy is similar. This is not the case. Our work is purely for therapeutic reasons, and to help you get the positive results you want.
Stage hypnosis is not hypnotherapy, ie there is no therapy involved. It may utilise the same trance state, but really, that is where the similaries end. Stage hypnosis is purey for the entertainment of the audience.
Also, volunteers for stage hypnosis are usually extroverts who would be happy being outrageous in their everyday life. They have volunteered to be hypnotised and are generally born entertainers who will do as is suggested on stage because they don’t want to disappoint the crowd.
Hypnosis in therapeutic terms that we use is purely a means to an end - your solution state, whatever it may be.
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Q. Can you hypnotise me?
Yes, and no!
Everyone can be hypnotised because all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. I am merely a guide who helps you achieve it, but you can choose not to enter that relaxing state simply by deciding that is how it is going to be! But why would you want to resist being in such a pleasant and potentially useful state?
I'll do my very best to make sure that you are completely happy about using hypnosis, answering any questions you might have, before we even think about using it, so that you can enjoy the experience in the best way possible.
Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances should not be hypnotised.
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Q. Will I lose control?
No, certainly not.
You are always in control during our sessions. You cannot be made to do anything that you are not completely happy doing, nor to say something you are not completely happy to reveal. Nor would I want you to. Co-operation and rapport is key to our work, so I want you to be happy about what we are doing.
Throughout the session you can remain relaxed because you can know you are taking control of your situation to create the positive change you want.
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Q. Is it possible to get stuck in hypnosis?
No. Think of hypnosis as being similar to day-dreaming. It really is something you are familiar with, even if you don't know that completely yet.
You are able to 'snap out' of a day-dream very easily, aren't you? So it is with trance. Even if I were to leave you in trance and walk out of the room, you would in time either drift into a sleep and then awake refreshed in your own time, or simply get bored and open your eyes.
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Q. I feel quite nervous and a little embarassed about seeking help. Is this normal?
Of course! It is quite natural to feel this way when considering doing something new. You are not alone as many new clients say the same to me when we first meet. Usually by the end of the initial session, any fears they may have initially had, have been laid to rest. I am more than happy to discuss our work together before you commit, so that you can be sure that my approach is right for you.
At our first session, we will spend some time discussing your issue. If within say the first 30-45 minutes or so, either of us decides that Cognitive Hypnotherapy is not for you, for whatever reason, we will bring the session to a close, and there will be no charge. If we decide that we can work together, then we will continue with the session, and it will be chargeable the same as every other. This gives you the peace of mind to know you can change your mind without any financial committment at this stage.
Sometimes the hardest part can be picking up the phone and making that call. Why don't you give it a go - I promise I don't bite!
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Q. Can I drive after hypnosis?
There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to drive as well as you always have after hypnosis. It is, after all, a natural state that we all enter many times during the day, often when we are driving anyway.
However, if you would feel more comfortable not driving, perhaps you can make other arrangements.The decision is yours.
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Q. What do the letters after your name mean?
HPD: Hypnotherapy Practictioner Diploma:
The modern, bench mark qualification to practice to a high professional standard. Recognised nationally and assessed independently by the NCFE.
DipCHyp: Diploma in Cognitive Hypnotherapy:
Achieved via graduation from The Quest Institute, London.
MPNLP: Master Practictioner Neuro Linguistic Programming:
Achieved via graduation from The Quest Institute, London.
NCPNLP: New Code Practitioner of NLP:
Trained by Peter Salisbury of NLP Coaching Success Ltd accredited by ITANLP.
MNCH(reg): Registered Member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy:
One of the leading governing body of professional standards for hypnotherapists in the UK.
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Q. What sort of people seek the help of a Cognitive Hypnotherapist?
It's true to say that there is no 'typical' client. Over the years, working as a full-time therapist I have worked with people from all walks of life.
Clients are students, GPs, office workers, housewives, househusbands, bus drivers, children, accountants, taxi drivers, managers, life-coaches, scientists, business owners, teenagers, midwives, hairdressers, tradesmen, retired people, even other hypnotherapists and NLP Master Practitioners.
The thing they have in common is realising that they need a little help in finding a way forward in their lives, and recognising that Cognitive Hypnotherapy could offer a solution.
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Sessions
Q. How many sessions will I need?
Cognitive hypnotherapy treats the person, not the label we give to their issue, and because everyone is an individual, each person receives a unique treatment plan. It can therefore be difficult to put an exact number on how many sessions you will need. Some people will get what they want in 2-3 sessions, for others it will be 8-10. Around six sessions is probably the average number of times I see a client, but I can tell you that you get back what you put in. So the more effort on your part, the quicker the results are likely to begin to show.
It is my aim to treat you in the shortest time possible to make the changes permanent so that you can get on with the life you want. Afterall, that way, you are more likely to refer me to your friends and family should they need a little help too.
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Q. How long does a session last?
Each of our sessions lasts between 60 - 90 minutes. We need this flexibility because everyone is unique and some techniques will take longer with some people than with others.
By allowing 1 1/2 hours between clients, this gives us plenty of time to do the work in the way that is right for you. You need not feel rushed to finish what we are doing because if we only had one hour, the amount of time actually doing any work is likely to be closer to 45 minutes.
This, in my opinion, is not in your best interest, so I am more than happy to give that extra time to ensure that you have a full session so that you can get exactly what you need.
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Q. What if I think cognitive hypnotherapy is not for me?
If after about 30-45 minutes of our first session together, during our initial chat, we don't agree that my approach is right for you, then we can go our separate ways, with no charge to yourself. If however, you wish to continue our sessions together, we will finish the remainder of that session, and then that first session is chargeable, as are all the others.
This gives us both plenty of time to be sure that my approach is the right one for you.
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Q. What will happen in our first session together?
Our first session together will be a chance to discuss what your issue is and how we might work together to see a difference in your life. We need to know how you would like things to be in your better future, your solution state, so that we know when you have got there! This time of history taking can allow you to think about your issue in a way you may not have before, and is therefore an integral part of therapy.
Time permitting, we will do some hypnosis towards the end of the session, to begin the process of change, and allow you to experience the how relaxing hypnosis can be.
I have found that for many of my clients, merely the act of discussing their problem with a non-judgemental and impartial therapist can begin the process of positive change. And of course, anything discussed is completely confidential.
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Q. When do you see clients?
I work full-time as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and therefore have appointments available from Monday to Friday, 9.30am-1pm and 5.30pm-9pm. I do not offer afternoon appointments.
To accommodate those that can't make the weekday hours I offer, I do see a limited number of clients on Saturday mornings. However, please be aware that my fees do increase for appointments at these times.
All appointments are by prior arrangement only, please. Either phone or email to book a mutualy convenient appointment.
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Q. So, how do I book a session?
You can get in touch by telephone or email me. I like to speak with potential clients to make sure that you are happy with your choice of therapist, so although any initial queries you may have can be answered by email, we will make our initial appointment by telephone.
Telephone: 01753 544014
Mobile: 07813 126048
Email: anita@anitamitchell.co.uk
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Your investment in Yourself
Q. How much does a session cost?
General hypnotherapy - £75 per session (weekday appointments)
£85 per session (Saturday appointments)
Coaching - £75 per session (weekday appointments)
£85 per session (Saturday appointments)
Relaxation Hypnosis - £45 per 45 minutes session
Childbirth Course - £200 per 4 session course (£50 per session)
I accept payment by credit cards, cash, or cheque (with guarantee card) at the conclusion of each session.
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Q. What is included in the fees?
There are no hidden charges. I do not charge extra for CD/MP3 downloadable recordings of hypnotic suggestion. If I feel it would be appropriate for you, it is given free of charge - it's all part of the service!
Email and telephone support between sessions is also provided as part of the service, and therefore does not incur a charge.
As it is my aim to provide a friendly, confidential and professional service, with your best interests always paramount.
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Q. Do you offer a guarantee?
No. The reason for this is quite simple; my approach is about giving you back control in your life, and therefore you have to take responsibility for your own success. I expect my clients to work with me to get the changes they want. That means putting in some effort into your success. If you are expecting me to wave a magic wand and everything gets better, I'm afraid you will be disappointed, and I am not the therapist for you. However, just think how satisfying it will be, knowing that your success is due to your own commitment and effort.
What I will guarantee is that I will do my very best to help you get to your solution state, only as quickly as the changes you make can be lasting. All I ask is that you commit to the process, and work with me as best you can.
I would urge you to be very cautious of any therapist who does guarantee success. We are, afterall, working with people, not machines. Like all therapies, hypnotherapy doesn’t always work for everyone. Trust in, and rapport with your chosen therapist is needed even for the process of change to begin, as well as your own committed. As everyone is unique, it is virtually impossible to guarantee a success rate. As your therapist, I act merely as a guide and you find the solutions within yourself.
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