FAQs

Many people have the wrong idea about hypnosis and hypnotherapy or want to ask lots of questions about it. We've tried to answer a few of the most common questions here but you can also send an email or call us on 0845 643 0168;

How should I choose a hypnotherapist?
Look at a combination of qualifications and experience, the treatments they offer and whether you feel comfortable wth them. More advice on choosing a therapist is available at The Hypnotherapy Register http://www.hypnotherapy-register.co.uk/choosing.html and the UK & Ireland Directory of Counselling & Psychotherapy http://www.cpdirectory.com/cgi-bin/whattolookfor.pl. It's important to make sure that you are happy with whichever therapist you choose, as they may be playing an influential part in a life-changing event.

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How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the nature of the condition you're seeking help with. For example, smoking cessation is dealt with in one session, whereas hypno-birthing is a programme of four sessions. Other conditions, e.g. anxiety and phobias, will depend on the severity and nature of the condition.

You'll also be taught the skills you need to practise hypnotherapy outside the session and, if you wish, a CD can be made for you to replay at your leisure, which can often reduce the number of sessions required. Neil will discuss the number of sessions you might need in more detail.

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How soon can you see me?
We normally try to arrange appointments within 48 hours but actual appointment times are subject to availability. We can see you from 9 am to 9pm, seven days a week at our offices in Rodney Street, Liverpool and Liscard. Home visits are available if you're suffering from agoraphobia.

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Can I be covered for multiple conditions during the same session?
It depends. Sometimes issues are linked, so treating one can affect many areas of your life. However, if they're not linked it can be better to have separate sessions for each, so that you can give them the attention and focus they need. Neil will discuss the most appropriate treatment methods with you before commencing on a programme of therapy.

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Will it work for me?
As it's about entering into a state of deep relaxation, anyone can theoretically be hynpnotised. If you're willing to become relaxed, you should be able to enter a hypnotic trance. Once you're in a hypnotic state, you can then reprogramme your mind to think in a way that's useful to you, rather than in a way that hinders.

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What's the likelihood of success?
If you are committed to gaining the results you desire, there is an excellent chance of you achieving them. Each session is designed so Neil and yourself work together in order to meet your objectives.

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Will I have to do things against my will?
No. You will remain fully aware and in control at all times. No-one will make you do anything and you are free to end the therapy session any time you wish. We're not stage hypnotists aiming to entertain a crowd at your expense, it's therapy designed to help you move forward in your life.

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Who will be there?
Normally only you and Neil Foster the hypnotherapist, but you are welcome to bring along a friend or family member if you wish. We do have staff including a receptionist and an administration function, but they're not present in your therapy. Neil will never tell anyone what was discussed in your therapy session. You can if you wish, but we won't.

For all children's therapy sessions a parent or an accompanying adult must be present.

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Do you make me go to sleep?
No, you will be fully aware of what's happening and completely awake throughout. What we call a "hypnotic trance" means a state of deep relaxation which allows your subconscious mind to receive an alternative way of thinking. However, you decide what that alternative way of thinking is before you go into the deep relaxation.

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I've heard that hypnotherapists aren't very well qualified. Is that true?
That may be the case in some practises, but not at Transformation Hypnotherapy & NLP. Feel free to read more about Neil Foster and the qualifications we believe all hypnotherapists should have. One of our strengths is the quality of our qualifications and skills.

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Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
No, absolutely not. You're free to end the session or come out of the deep relaxation any time you wish. The worst that can happen is you fall asleep, but that's highly unlikely as you will be fully aware and awake throughout the therapy session. You will be very relaxed though, so if you do fall asleep you'll wake naturally feeling refreshed.

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Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes! Remember that hypnosis is about entering a state of deep relaxation. If you're willing to become relaxed, you should be able to enter a hypnotic trance. Some people can become resistant to the idea because they're worried it might mean losing control, or because it's a new and unusual feeling, but you remain in full control at all times. The state of deep relaxation is a pleasant feeling and is being used to improve some aspect of your life, so there's nothing to worry about.

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I've heard that NLP is about manipulating people to get them to do things you want. Is it? I don't want to be unduly influenced.
NLP is an extremely powerful communication technique and unscrupulous people may try to use some of the techniques as a tool to exert undue influence over you. We use NLP in conjunction with hypnotherapy to help you achieve what you want, rather than as a tool to influence other people. We won't try to influence you in any way and you'll be taught techniques to use on yourself.

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Is there any proof that EFT works?
It's true that science doesn't have an explanation for how it works and people can form an unfavourable impression when talking about energy meridians and blocked channels. But science doesn't have a complete explanation for all the workings of the brain either and we rely on it every moment of every day. Many people benefit from EFT. It is an extremely powerful technique and when used in conjunction with hypnotherapy and other techniques it can really improve your life. It's one of the most powerful tools available for dealing with smoking cessation, weight loss and anxiety, for example.

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