Hypnosis is a natural state of mental relaxation. Most of us naturally enter hypnosis several times each day. That car journey where we can't remember the last few miles. The book we read and have to re-read the last line, as we have forgotten what we just read. Those daydreams where we stop noticing everyday things going on around us.

Hypnotherapy uses this natural daydream like state to facilitate change. During a hypnotherapy session, the hypnotherapist guides you into this relaxed state, then utilises this natural relaxation to achieve various outcomes, using visualisation and direct suggestion techniques, aimed at achieving a particular outcome for you. The subconscious mind is where all of our beliefs and habits are stored. When the conscious mind takes a rest during a hypnosis session, the subconscious is spoken to directly. Old habits and beliefs can be reprogrammed, allowing new ideas and positive suggestions to be introduced and accepted. These new suggestions can then be used to make positive changes.

At the first session I will tell you all about the practical information you need to know and of course you will be able to tell me about your own goals for attending therapy. I will give you the guidelines about what to expect. I will guide your mind into a state of deep relaxation, using visualisation, relaxation and suggestion techniques. It is simply a time for you to relax and enjoy the benefits of positive change.

Absolutely. You enter hypnosis via a deep relaxation technique and are brought out in a safe and controlled way. Similar to daydreaming, hypnosis is simply deep relaxation. You can never be made to do anything that you do not want to do, your subconscious will only accept suggestions that are for your benefit.

Yes, but only if they want to. Being in hypnosis is just like being in a daydream like state. A hypnotherapist simply guides you into a deeply relaxed state.

Yes. Natal HypnotherapyTM practitioner training is accredited by the Royal College of Midwives. Natal Hypnotherapy is supported and used in NHS trusts, and it's techniques are now recommended by over 3,000 birth professionals across the UK. Hypnosis is also recognised by the British Medical Association (BMA). NICE clinical guidelines also recognise hypnosis as a valid and beneficial tool in the treatment of conditions such as IBS.

When you meet me for the first time, you will be able to tell me about any concerns that you may have and I will be able to reassure you. Unfortunately the only thing that many people know about hypnosis is what they have seen of so called ‘stage hypnosis’ where people may indeed be encouraged to do ‘silly’ things for the entertainment of an audience. Hypnotherapy is nothing like this. You can not be made to do or say anything that is against your moral beliefs. Most people fear losing control, however, hypnotherapy is a valid tool to help you gain control! Rather than losing control, you are actually being helped to gain control over whatever issue you have brought to the session.

This will depend upon your individual circumstances. This is something that you will discuss with me when we first meet, and and we can agree a set number of sessions, which can be reviewed as you progress. Depending on the issues you want to address, hypnotherapy can often be a relatively short process.