What is the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is an altered and heightened state of awareness, that is sometimes referred to as a trance state. You slip in and out of trance states throughout the day. For example, when you day-dream, and when you are at your most relaxed and comfortable. This is often when the best ideas ‘pop’ into your mind!

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to gain access to the subconscious mind, so that it can find solutions to issues that the conscious mind has been unable to deal with.  It is a completely safe and relaxing therapy.

What does hypnosis feel like?
There is no particular feeling in hypnosis. It’s rather like being in a daydream. When you are in hypnosis, your body and conscious mind will be beautifully relaxed, but you won’t be asleep. In fact, you will be aware of everything going on around you, and you will find it easy to focus on the voice of your therapist, and to respond.

Could I be made to say or do things against my will?  
No, you cannot be made to do anything that your subconscious does not want you to do. This is because any suggestions that do not fit with your own values or sense of personal well being will be rejected by your subconscious mind.

So you won’t have control over my mind?
No. In hypnosis, you remain completely in control of your own mind and thoughts

Will I tell you something I don’t want you to know?
No, because you remain in control all the time. If there is something that you prefer to keep private, that is your choice.

What’s the difference between hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis?
Stage hypnosis is used for entertainment.  But hypnotherapy is exactly what it says – it is therapy. It is a private and confidential process.

What if I don’t come out of hypnosis?
There is no danger of this. If you were in a daydream, you would come out of it whenever you were ready to.  The same applies to hypnosis. And rest assured, your therapist will make sure you are in a normal waking state before you leave the therapy room.

Can anyone be hypnotized?
If you want to go into hypnosis, you will, because it is a perfectly natural state, and the more you practice, the easier it becomes. However, if you are intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or if you have some psychiatric conditions, then it may not be appropriate to undergo the therapy.

Does it really work?
It certainly does – but it’s not a magic spell or a trick. You must be committed to wanting to change in the first place.

What is the Austin Technique in Advanced Structured Hypnosis?
Valerie Austin is an internationally recognised expert in hypnotherapy, and author of several books on the subject. Her method  of Advanced Structured Hypnosis was developed from a combination of hypnosis techniques and  provides a really clear structure, which enables the therapist to get to the core of the issue quickly – in just a few sessions. This is great for the client, as it is fast and effective, and the changes brought about are usually permanent.

How many sessions will I need?
You are likely to need about 3 to 5 sessions.
Stop smoking is a stand alone session that takes 1 hour.

How long does a session last?
Your initial free screening will last for about 20 – 30 minutes. After that, each session lasts for 1 hour.

What is your fee?
Caroline’s fee per session is £129. When you contact Caroline for your free screening session, she will explain the treatment to you.  After this, when you decide to go ahead, you will be advised to budget for a full programme of treatment, because this therapy will not be sufficiently effective if you have occasional sessions. The treatment to stop smoking is different. This takes one session only.