Therapists will have different training backgrounds, specialised skills and contexts of practice. They will also have different personalities and styles of working. We therefore recommend that that you search our extensive register of practitioners and contact those whose practice or expertise suits your requirements.
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that we all experience at various times and in various depths throughout the day. The experience of hypnosis has been described in many ways but is often explained as a streamlined state of focused attention. Many people describe hypnosis as feeling similar to daydreaming, when they are neither fully alert, nor asleep. Everyone’s experiences and therefore descriptions of hypnosis will vary because all trance states feel different to different people. Hypnosis is usually associated with a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation and this can be part of the therapy, however not all hypnosis nor Hypnotherapy involves relaxation in the traditional sense.
The Hypnotherapist will use a combination of hypnosis and talking therapy to bring about changes in the client’s thoughts, feelings and behaviours at a deeper than conscious level; the subconscious level, where we automatically respond. The beliefs we all hold about ourselves (positive or negative) are stored within our subconscious mind, as are many of our behaviours, patterns and habits. These behaviours can be protective and useful, but where they are unhelpful, a client might want to work with a hypnotherapist because they want to change their deep-rooted, automatic responses and cannot access these alone.
During hypnosis insight can be gained through a new perspective and adjustments can be made to limiting beliefs that have influenced or directed the client’s life, sometimes resulting in radical change or gentle differences that increase positively over time.
Therapeutic techniques applied during hypnosis are usually quicker than the traditional forms of psychotherapy or counselling due to accessing the subconscious, consequently hypnotherapy is becoming increasingly popular.
Further information:
NCH Hypnotherapist finder
Look at our Code of Ethical Conduct and Performance
At your first session of hypnotherapy your therapist will introduce themselves to you and take a little time to ensure that you feel comfortable and at ease before continuing. They will ask what has brought you to therapy and discuss your desired outcome and how you’d like your life to be different at the end of your therapy. They will explain what hypnotherapy is, their method of working and what you can expect from the sessions and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions. Whilst some clients feel a little nervous at their first session it is essential that you have confidence and trust in your therapist and that you feel relaxed in their working environment. If you haven’t had a pre-session consultation, the duration of your therapy and the fees expected will be discussed at your first session. Naturally, fees and therapy schedules will vary between practitioners.
Your therapist will ask you to complete a consultation form and will explain the consent that you need to give to your therapy as well as their policy in regard to confidentiality and the rare circumstances in which they may be required to break it (duty of care) as well as any cancellation policy. Your therapist will take a case history of your particular problem in order to formulate an effective therapy pathway, the depth and detail of which may vary depending on the therapeutic approach of the therapist.
Every therapist will have a slightly different approach to session timings and information gathering. Some will choose to make the first appointment longer than subsequent sessions to allow extra time for information gathering whilst others will gather information in advance of your first therapy session. Many therapists will include a session of hypnosis in your first appointment and others will use the full session for information gathering or talking through your therapy plan. If you are unsure what to expect in your first or subsequent sessions, your therapist will be happy to talk you through it.
Further information:
NCH Hypnotherapist finder
Look at our Code of Ethical Conduct and Performance
All practitioners work in a different way and your therapist will have explained their method of working prior to, or at your first session. Many therapists will begin follow-on sessions by reviewing your progress since your last session. Depending on the space between sessions and the individual therapist’s style, some may invite you to give feedback between appointments.
Homework is sometimes suggested between sessions although this will depend on the therapeutic approach and personal style of the therapist. Homework tasks might include therapeutic activities, recommended reading or listening to recordings supplied or suggested by the therapist.
Many hypnotherapists teach their clients relaxation methods such as breathing techniques, Mindfulness methods and self-hypnosis to be used between sessions or after your course of therapy has been completed.
When your course of therapy is coming to completion, your therapist will check that you feel comfortable with the conclusion of your work together and ensure that you are clear about any next steps or agreed follow up.
Further information:
NCH Hypnotherapist finder
Look at our Code of Ethical Conduct and Performance