Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnosis or ‘trance’ is a very natural and deeply relaxed state, which is encouraged by using guided relaxation and visualisation techniques. We naturally go into a hypnotic trance several times a day, for example, when we are driving a car and don’t remember parts of the journey, when we are daydreaming, going for a long walk or we become engrossed in a good book or TV programme. Trance happens when your mind becomes so deeply focused on something that you ignore other things happening around you. Have you ever been so involved in an activity that you’ve lost track of time? Then you have probably entered a self-induced hypnotic state. Hypnosis is a gentle and non invasive way which involves deep relaxation and a state of focused attention. In this state, your attention is so focused on the hypnotherapist’s voice that minimal attention is given to anything that’s going on around you. This heightened state of awareness will help you focus your attention on specific thoughts and tasks. When you are deeply relaxed and focused in this way, your subconscious mind becomes more open and is more responsive to positive suggestions that will help you break unhelpful thoughts and behaviour. Hypnosis is very safe and cannot have a negative effect on your mind. The worst it can do is to have no effect at all but this is rare. Hypnosis is very effective and works very quickly compared to other forms of therapy. However, please be aware that hypnosis is not a magic wand and that in most cases results will not happen overnight. The client’s desire to change and commitment to the process are vital.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a type of ‘talking therapy’ that combines the use of psychotherapy with hypnosis. It incorporates aspects of Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and neuroscience which is a powerful combination and enables clients to make significant changes in their lives in a relatively short period of time. Unlike other traditional therapies, Solution Focused Hypnotherapy focuses on the present and the future, rather than dwelling on the past or the problems that you are experiencing. This makes it a very positive therapy that helps you to change your mind-set, enables you to take control and guides you to move forward in life with greater confidence and positivity.

The short answer is no. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is totally different to Stage Hypnosis, which is purely for entertainment. Stage hypnosis only works with a very small proportion of the population (who have been carefully selected for shows and entertainment purposes) and is very different to Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. It is a misconception that hypnosis will control your mind. It cannot make you do things against your will, so hypnotherapists cannot make you ‘bark like a dog’ or ‘cluck like a chicken’ and cannot make you do anything that you don’t want to do. During a hypnotic trance you remain in complete control, you can come out of trance at any time and you will not get stuck in it. If a suggestion is inappropriate for you, your mind will always reject it. Please note that in order to enter a hypnotic trance, you must allow the process to take place by relaxing. So, if you decide that you do not want to be hypnotised, then you cannot be hypnotised.

Hypnotherapy works by creating a state of deep relaxation, which enables us to directly access the subconscious mind. During hypnosis our brain waves change and we are at a highly suggestible state. This is when our subconscious mind takes on board new ideas and concepts that are beneficial to us to enable us to create these positive changes in our lives. During hypnosis we can bypass the barrier, which is called the 'critical factor/mind', which separates the conscious and subconscious mind. The main purpose of the critical mind is to maintain an equilibrium, to keep the information that is stored in our subconscious mind consistent. The subconscious mind stores all our unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours and this is the part that we work with during hypnosis. The subconscious mind also retains everything that we have learnt, so we can function everyday and do not have to re-learn everything again (e.g. tying our shoe laces). The critical mind compares any new information to the information already stored in our subconscious mind. If the information does not match, the critical mind will throw it out. During hypnosis, we are able to bypass the critical mind and directly communicate with your subconscious mind to help you achieve your goals. Whatever your goals is, hypnotherapy is an incredibly effective tool to help with reprogramming the subconscious mind on a deep level.

Everyone’s experience of trance is different. Some people experience a deeper hypnotic trance than others. However, for the purpose of hypnotherapy a light trance state is very effective for most issues and can be achieved easily using guided relaxation. As sessions progress and with continued practice, clients find it progressively easier to relax and to achieve a hypnotic state. Please note that although it is very easy to enter a hypnotic trance, you must allow the process to take place by relaxing. If someone decides that they do not wish to be hypnotised, then they cannot be hypnotised.

Trance is a very ordinary and deeply relaxed state, which we go into naturally many times a day, for example, when we are driving, reading a book or going for a run. People experience trance differently. Some people say that trance feels like a day dream or describe a feeling of heaviness in their body (in particular arms and legs). Some people experience a sense of lightness, drifting, floating or mild tingling sensations. Others may only feel their mind wandering a little. For most people, it is a very calming and pleasant experience, your breathing is slowing down, and your muscles becoming more relaxed. Generally, clients find themselves going into a deeper trance as the sessions progress.

Usually, clients choose to have weekly sessions but this is up to your personal preference and you can decide if you would like to have the sessions weekly, fortnightly or at another interval. However, the clients who get the quickest results attend weekly, listen to my relaxation download every night when they go to bed and have been fully committed to the process, such as completing small tasks that they have chosen for themselves that will help them move closer to where they want to be in life. Therefore, it is recommended to have regular and consistent sessions to maximise progress.

The number of sessions that you will need for lasting change is different for everyone and will depend on the nature of your condition, your goals and your level of commitment and motivation. For some clients, change can happen quite quickly and for others it may take longer. We are all different, so results may vary from person to person. On average, clients require between 8-12 sessions for anxiety. More sessions may be required for clients who seek help with depression or clients who experience deep-rooted unwanted thoughts and behaviours. Specific phobias generally take 4 sessions. Stop smoking/vaping takes only one session. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps you to create positive changes in a relatively short period of time.

The initial consultation lasts between 45 and 60 mins. The consultation will give us the opportunity to meet each other. I will explain the process and I will answer any questions that you may have. I will take some basic details and ask you what you would like to achieve through hypnotherapy which will help me develop a treatment plan. This is the only time when we talk about the past and how it might have affected you in order to understand your needs (in relation to your past, you only need to share what you feel comfortable sharing). I will explain how the brain works in relation to the issues that your are experiencing, why you are suffering the way that you are and how hypnotherapy can help you to move forward and achieve your goals. I will give you an estimate number of sessions that might be needed for long-lasting changes. I will give you a relaxation Mp3 or CD to listen to between sessions as part of your treatment. The recording will enhance the effectiveness of our clinical sessions. The IC gives you an opportunity to learn more about Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and how I can help you. At this point, you can decide whether you would like to proceed with the treatment process and there is no obligation to continue. Please note that hypnosis is not included in the Initial Consultation.

The Solution Focused Hypnotherapy session is personalised to your needs, typically lasts 55- 60 mins and is more than just hypnosis. The first half of the session is the Solution Focused Psychotherapy part. This is a very positive and uplifting part. As we are solution focused, we will explore the positive things that happened over the last week, the positive steps you have made and only focus on the positive elements of your life. This helps to create and reinforce positive thought patterns that will help you operate from your intellectual part of your brain which is located in your left prefrontal cortex. We will incorporate related neuroscience on how the brain works and use Solution Focused techniques that will help you identify where you want to be in life and help you visualise the next small and achievable steps towards your goals. The psychotherapy part is then followed by the hypnotic trance, which is the second half of the session. During trance, you become very relaxed and experience changes to your conscious awareness which may feel like a daydream and your mind starts wandering and drifting. During the hypnotic trance, your subconscious mind can consolidate and reflect on what has been discussed in the first part of our session and can focus on beneficial suggestions and thoughts that will help bring about positive and long lasting changes to your life. Subsequent session will follow a similar format. Please note that clients must be willing to engage in the process and hold an inner desire to make changes and improve their own lives. Weekly sessions are recommended to maximise progress.

After our Initial Consultation I will send you my relaxation download (mp3). Listening to this audio every night when you are ready to go to sleep will help with the process and will help you get the best out of therapy in the shortest time possible.

You can make an appointment by filling in the contact form online, I will then be in touch to offer you a suitable date and time for you session. You can also directly book by contacting me by email or phone. Phone: 07471 322693 Email: luminoushypnotherapy@outlook.com

Yes, online hypnotherapy is just as effective as having face-face session in the clinic as it follows the same structured approach. There are many benefits to having sessions online, for example, when you are restricted by time, location or have family commitments. It also makes it more accessible for people with physical limitations, anxieties, medical conditions or individuals who feel more comfortable to have the sessions at home. Online hypnotherapy makes session more accessible without the stress and time required to travel to your appointment.

Please note that all sessions are currently held online via Zoom. For an Online session, you need the following: Laptop, PC, tablet or mobile phone with good sound and camera (you can use headphones if you wish) A reliable internet connection A comfortable and quiet place where you can relax and won’t be disturbed (a comfortable chair or somewhere comfortable to lay for the hypnosis part of the session) Please remember to put your phone and any other devices on silent before your session.

Like with any other type of therapy, success can never be guaranteed. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process. Your success is dependent on your commitment to the therapy sessions and your desire and determination to make changes in your life. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy can be enormously powerful but only in combination with this determination.

In Solution Focused Hypnotherapy we focus on the present and your future and we will help you concentrate on your goals and where you want to be in life. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is not an analytical form of therapy, so we will not need to delve into your past or talk about any painful memories. It is only at the Initial Consultation when we briefly talk about your past and how it might have affected you and your reasons for seeking hypnotherapy. However, you only need to share what you are comfortable sharing and the information that you share with me remains confidential. Please refer to my Privacy Policy and Terms of Conditions for more details.

Before starting any alternative or additional treatment, it is always advisable to inform your doctor. It is not advised to seek hypnotherapy with certain disorders, such as bipolar, schizophrenia, epilepsy or a history of psychotic episodes. In some cases where these are well-controlled and managed with medication and under appropriate supervision, hypnotherapy may be appropriate. However, it is crucial to check this with your GP first to determine if hypnotherapy is safe for you. Do not use hypnotherapy if you experience psychosis, hallucinations or delusions or certain types of personality disorder as this could make your condition worse and could be dangerous. Hypnotherapy session cannot be carried out if a client is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Please note that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is not a magic wand or something that is ‘done’ to you but more of a team effort. It is important that you are willing to engage in the process and that you understand that changes come about because you want them to happen and that you are prepared to take the required steps to make them happen. Otherwise, this form of therapy may not be as effective and other forms of therapy may be more suitable.

It is important that you always consult your GP first before making any changes to your medical treatment. Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical help regarding any health issues or conditions. Any medical questions should be directed to your GP (for example, if you have any skin complaints, pain, IBS, allergies, etc.) as they will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the most suitable treatment. Before starting any complementary therapy, including hypnotherapy, it is advised to consult your GP first.

I understand that plans can change but please ensure that you give me as much notice as possible if your are unable to attend. To cancel or reschedule an appointment, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required as this would enable me to offer the time slot to another client. If sessions are cancelled with less than 24 hours notice or in case of non- attendance, the full cost of the session will be charged.

Please let me know as soon as possible if you are running late for your appointment. I will do my best to make a full session available but this is dependent on appointments following your booking and therefore cannot be guaranteed. If your session is shorter due to late arrival then the session fee remains payable in full.

Please note that payment will be due at the time of booking. After we agreed on a session time, payment is needed to secure your booking. I will send you an email with the details to pay via bank transfer. If you are unable to attend the appointment, you can cancel or rearrange the session free of charge. However, I require 24 hours notice in order to refund the session cost in full. Please contact me for further details.

I currently work with young people and adults aged 16 and above.