FAQs

Hypnosis is a natural state that most of us experience at different times and in various depths throughout the day. The experience of Hypnosis has been described as a state of focused attention. For some, hypnosis feels similar to daydreaming, when one is neither fully alert, nor asleep; everyone’s experiences vary. Hypnosis can feel like a state of deep relaxation although not all Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy involves relaxation.  A good example for you driver’s out there is the following; have you ever been on a journey where you have been thinking about something else other than the journey itself?  Then suddenly you “wake up” and think to yourself “where did the last 10 minutes go?”.  It suddenly dawns on you that you were on auto pilot and you were taking left and right turns without even concentrating.  That is what hypnosis is like, except instead of feeding your mind with what maybe useless chatter, we feed it with positive and productive words.

A combination of Hypnosis and talking therapy are used to bring about changes in thoughts, feelings and behaviours. These changes are brought about at a level deeper than the conscious mind. The changes are brought about at the subconscious level; this is the part of the mind that causes us to respond automatically. This is the important part to work on since the beliefs we hold about ourselves (positive or negative) are held in the subconscious mind, as are many of our patterns, behaviours and habits. The behaviours we hold in our subconscious can be protective and helpful, however, where they are unhelpful, shaanti wellness work with you to change these deep-rooted, automatic responses that do not serve you and that you cannot access alone.  For example, in compulsive behaviour such as nail biting the person knows that they want to stop but they are in this habit of doing it so much that it feels out of their control.  It’s actually not out of their control at all-it may just feel that way.  We help by making you feel in control and enforce habits which serve you in a positive way.

During Hypnosis, insight can be gained through a new perspective and adjustments to limiting beliefs that may have otherwise influenced or directed your life can be made. These insights and changes usually result in either radical change or gradual change that positively increases over time.
Therapeutic techniques applied during Hypnosis access the subconscious and therefore are usually quicker and more effective than the traditional forms of psychotherapy or counselling. As a result, Hypnotherapy has become increasingly popular.

You are always in control. Hypnosis is a streamlined state of focused attention, similar to when you are absorbed in a book, a film a sport or a hobby. You have the ability to come out of Hypnosis at any time, if you wish. As your Hypnotherapist we are there to facilitate.  Any change is made by you and your efforts. Realising that you are in control and that you can make changes yourself can be very empowering.

The more you go into Hypnosis the easier it is to relax and you’ll learn that you remain in control and can end a session of Hypnosis at any point – should you wish to. Most people find Hypnosis deeply relaxing and a pleasant experience.

Everybody’s experience of Hypnosis is different and how an individual feels may vary each time they go into Hypnosis. Hypnosis for many feels like daydreaming; it is a natural state of mind. People are sometimes surprised that they can speak, move and hear what is being said. Some people hear everything while others suggest that their mind wanders; and many lose track of time. How aware or unaware you are during the process is unimportant. Relaxation isn’t essential to Hypnosis, but most people describe being very relaxed during and after the session and report sessions being more enjoyable than what they expected.

• Addictions
• Anxiety and stress
• Behavioural problems
• Fears and phobias
• Physical conditions such as IBS
• Unwanted habits
• Skin conditions and migraines
• Pain
• Panic attacks
• Poor sleep
• Lack of confidence
• Performance anxiety
• Self-esteem issues
• Procrastination

As Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy it is generally not advised for:

• Depressive illness
• Epilepsy
• Psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia)
• Psychiatric Disorders

CBT looks at current problems, rather than past traumas. It is a talking therapy, which focuses on our ability to change, through changing how we think, feel and behave to situations that may cause discomfort. When we add Hypnosis with CBT, we’re able to access a ‘day dream state’ – from this state, we are more able to accept positive direction and suggestion, while our conscious thoughts are suspended.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy works on and influences emotional, behavioural, cognitive and symptomatic change. The combination and range of techniques and disciplines create a personal, tailored approach for you – avoiding the one size fits all approach.

CBH combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Hypnosis. It is designed to help you manage problems by changing the way you feel, think, and behave. By integrating techniques from CBT and combining it with Hypnosis, CBH can provide you tools to deal with your problems in a positive way. In turn, this approach helps you manage and overcome conditions such as daily stress, feelings of anxiety and physical ailments. Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy (CBH) can also help with overcoming unwanted habits, such as smoking, nail biting, or teeth grinding and dealing with emotional issues, such as low self-esteem, plus many more.  It’s a combination of two of the most powerful psychological processes around.  See the ‘how we can help’ page for more information.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy is designed in a way that as a Hypnotherapist, we work together with you to achieve a certain goal. Cognitive Hypnotherapy provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to take back control of your own feelings, thoughts and behaviours; some of which may be automatic.

In Cognitive Hypnotherapy, it is believed that trance-like states occur daily. We spend much of the day in some form of altered consciousness, for example, daydreaming during a boring seminar. Many believe this is what causes uncontrollable urges or feelings, such as smoking or feeling anxiety or frightened or sick at the sight of a snake or spider. While this occurs as a bodily reaction, Cognitive Hypnotherapy suggests that it’s actually your unconscious trying to keep you safe. It’s almost as if you’re being hypnotised by your own mind into reacting to, seeing and feeling things in a particular way.

Cognitive Hypnotherapy focuses on ‘de-hypnotising’ you to change the way you think and behave toward the particular problem. Through de-hypnosis, we help you regain control over the problematic aspects of your life.

Fees often depend on different factors, including the type and length of session and the condition at hand. On average, you can expect to pay between £80 – £110 for a session. shaanti wellness offer a free 20 minute initial consultation and, if it’s an on-going treatment you’re looking for, packages are available at a reduced cost.

The initial consultation, generally lasting around one hour involves several elements:

• A discussion about the issue or condition. Together, we discuss what you would like to see or feel at the end of
  your sessions.
• An explanation of Hypnotherapy, methods and techniques used and the roles we play.
• An understanding of your requirements and goals.
• Gathering personal information such as sleeping patterns, lifestyle information, medical symptoms or medication, any treatments involving other healthcare providers.
• Practical details such as cancellation policy and how many sessions might be needed.

After your consultation, your session can begin and this can include:

• A introductory chat where you can ask questions and get comfortable.
• Induction – you will be led you into a state of Hypnosis, a deep state of physical and mental relaxation.
  Following deep relaxation, the ‘change work’ can begin. Techniques and approaches are applied, helping you
  towards your goals.
• Once the ‘change work’ is complete, the transition to wakefulness takes place where you are gradually brought out of your trance.
• To close, an opportunity for any questions you have and a summary of the session.

As we will be working with your subconscious mind, change can be subtle, so you may  notice a very positive shift in how you are feeling in the initial stages.

The duration is dependant on your circumstances and the reason you are seeking Hypnosis. If you are seeking Hypnosis for a one-off service such as smoking cessation, for example, for many, this could be delivered in a single session of up to two hours.

Other issues, however, may require a longer-term approach with regular weekly sessions and others may be fortnightly sessions. shaanti wellness will let you know how many sessions they feel you might need when you start therapy and will be flexible when it comes to decreasing or extending according to your progress and needs.

This is dependant on methods or techniques used and your circumstances. One-off services such as smoking cessation or fear of flying can last around two to three hours, while a general Hypnotherapy session will usually take 50 – 60 minutes.

A Hypnotherapist should be registered with an independent professional body. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNCH) was set up by the Department of Health in 2010. The Department of Health recommends that you choose a Hypnotherapist registered with the CNHC who also work closely with the (GHR) General Hypnotherapy Council and the (GHSC) General Hypnotherapy Standards Council to ensure the monitoring of its registrants (hypnotherapists) and the protection and well-being of the public who use their services (you). Look out for therapists who offer a free consultation on the phone or face-to-face prior to booking a first session so that you are able to get a sense of how you feel with a Hypnotherapist.  This is so that both parties are comfortable with working with each other.

Hypnotherapy for children and young people is considered both effective and safe. Children being naturally quite imaginative, and able to access their subconscious mind more than adults, tend to respond well to Hypnosis. Hypnotherapy can help address a number of issues experienced in childhood, including but not limited to, exam stress, sleep problems, bed-wetting, phobias and low self-esteem.