What is the process? 

You call me up and we either have a 20–30-minute discovery chat there and then if possible or we arrange to do so at a mutually acceptable time. If you decide to proceed, then I will send you some forms to complete (if this is a problem for you, we can complete them in the first session) that asks you some general information and medical details.  This is where I gather all the really important details of the situation. 

This process is very important in creating an individualised treatment plan, it is vital that I completely understand how you do what you do and understand the situation thoroughly. 

So, expect a lot of questions, you never know you might just find out something about your situation that you just hadn’t thought of before and that light bulb might just turn on in that first session.

In a nutshell, I suppose what I’m saying is the more you put into that session the more I have to work with to help you and the issue could be resolved sooner. 

Why do you want to know about medical details? 

There are some medical conditions and disorders that can be made worse with hypnosis, these predominantly being those with psychoses, schizophrenia, and some forms of epilepsy. 

There are also people with mental impairment that would not benefit from hypnosis, those with moderate- severe learning difficulties or those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s etc. So, the reason I ask is to ensure that hypnosis is in no way contraindicated for you and will meet your needs.  

Can I have sessions online? 

Yes, we can do sessions online. It is important that you have a good internet provision and can ensure that you will not be disturbed and can ensure your privacy. 

I find it beneficial to have sessions face to face as we can both be more focused, but I understand that every session may not be possible that way for you. I would like to meet you face to face as I feel that we both get a better idea of who we are talking to after meeting. But feel free to say what you would like to do. 

How long is a session?  

Each session following the free telephone assessment session will be for 1 hour. 

How Much will it cost? 

1 hour session £75

How many sessions will I need?  

It may only require one session, and that would be brilliant, historically most people who have come to see me have needed between 1 and 3 sessions, but empirical research has found it can take more than 4 sessions with complex detailed issues.  

This will vary depending on each individual client, but the assessment process should provide a clear outline of predicted number of sessions.  

This may vary as we proceed through the process, but I will discuss this with you at the end of each session as we review the session and the progress made and where we feel we need to focus.

 If you are experiencing financial difficulties we can arrange different session schedules, please discuss this with me rather than spending any time worrying about it. 

Can anyone have hypnosis? 

Hypnosis is not recommended for children under the age of 5 years old, but anyone over that age that doesn’t have a contraindicated health condition is an ideal candidate. 

What will get for my money? 

You will get my undivided attention, an individualised treatment plan, focused, individualised session of hypnotherapy.  Following each session, I will provide a written report of what we discussed and our plans for the coming session. This enables you to have a means of ensuring that your issue remains at the heart of the sessions and if it varies that it is with joint agreement with the reason behind it. I will also provide any forms that I may ask you to complete for homework.

Homework? 

Not that old, dreaded homework! No essays, no fractions! But I may ask you to practice things that we have discussed in therapy, or to write down when you notice you’re having particular thoughts/ feelings so that we can start to see if there is a pattern. It would also be beneficial for you to take a few minutes to practice self-hypnosis each week as this will enhance our sessions and you get to gain a skill that you can use for the rest of your life. 

Is everything confidential? 

Yes, everything we discuss, anything I record in writing or via personalised audios are/is confidential between you and me. I will not divulge to your partner, spouse, or anyone else any details without your written consent.

 As with medical consent a 16 and 17 -year-old can come and seek therapy independently, I would encourage them to discuss this with their parents or legal guardian to gain more support if possible. 

Please be aware that Child Protection remains an obligation for me until the client reaches the age of 18 years of age.

Anyone under the age of 16 will require consent from a parent or legal guardian and they will have access to held information. Regarding anyone else requesting/ demanding access they would either your written consent or require a court order/ warrant and I would inform you that I had been issued with that demand. 

Are there any guarantees?  

Sadly, there are no guarantees. I cannot control all the factors within the process, and the Advertising Standards Agency demands that for anyone stating that they have a 100% success rate, that they must undergo a very thorough auditing process and provide all the details. I am also obliged by The National Hypnotherapy Council to not make false statements regarding my work. I work on the basis of ensuring that we are able to communicate fully and openly. If I don’t think I can resolve your issue I will say so and aim to find a suitably specialist/ experienced Hypnotherapist that may be able to help you. 

Will you share my details with Third Parties? 

No! I will not sell or pass your details to any third party for selling, promotions etc. All your details are also protected under GDRP legislation and the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Can you post me forms as I’m not confident with doing things online?  

Yes of course that is possible. There are lots of reasons why people may not want to use a computer or the internet, so if you would prefer anything to be posted that is no problem at all. 

Will you share information with anyone at all?  I am obliged by The Codes of Ethical Practice of both the National Council for Hypnotherapy and the General Hypnotherapy Register and my insurance provider to inform the appropriate services if I feel that either you are at risk of serious harm or that any member of the public or child or vulnerable person is at risk of harm.  

How can I pay, and when do I pay? 

You pay by bank transfer 24 hours before the session if this is an issue for you, please call me to discuss. In all cases payment will be taken before the session begins.  

Will you be honest with me? Yes, I’m there on your side. I will be honest with you, sometimes this might feel slightly uncomfortable or challenging but there is no point in me just saying what you want to hear if it doesn’t help you resolve what you are seeing me for. Remember this is a two-way process,  you need to be as open and as honest as you can be with me . If at any time you think I’ve misunderstood or  I’ve got it wrong, tell me. We need to have an open and honest relationship and what you think, and feel is at the centre of that.

Swearing in frustration and feeling agitated about the situation you face is fine and completely normal for many people but rude or abusive behaviour towards me is not. I’m sure you will understand that our sessions will have to stop if that is the case. Again, I will help you find an alternative Hypnotherapist if you would like to continue with therapy. 

Can I just stop coming? Yes, you are in control of this. I would prefer it if you told me, even if it were by text, but I completely understand that this isn’t always easy and there could be any number of reasons why you have chosen to stop and that is always your choice. 

Can I get stuck in hypnosis? No, you cannot. There is no evidence of anyone ever getting stuck in hypnosis.  If you have any concerns regarding the safety of hypnosis, please raise them with me so that I can allay any fears or concerns you may have. No thought, concern or worry is too small, and no thought or worry is ever silly. 

So, if you have any concerns, please let me clear that away before we start so that it can be really positive experience for you. 

Will anyone know I’ve been to see you? I’m a bit embarrassed about it. I will not approach you or speak to you if I see out and about, so please don’t think I’m being rude. If you want to say hello that’s fine but I won’t make that move towards you or acknowledge you to protect your privacy unless you do so first.