Frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy
The questions people most often ask....
What is hypnotherapy?
What happens in the first session?
What happens in the first session?
We begin by discussing what you would like to change and how things have been affecting you.
From there, I explain the process and begin working with you in a way that feels comfortable and appropriate.
Sometimes the first session is focused entirely on understanding your situation and exploring the options available, with the hypnotherapy beginning in the following session.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on you and what you would like help with. Some people notice useful changes quickly, while others benefit from several sessions. We can discuss this without committing you to a package.
What makes hypnotherapy different from other types of therapy?
Hypnotherapy is still a form of talking therapy, but it works in a slightly different way.
While traditional therapies often focus on talking through problems and understanding them, hypnotherapy also works at a deeper level, helping to shift the patterns and responses that sit beneath conscious awareness.
This can make it a more focused and often shorter-term approach for many people.
It combines discussion with guided relaxation and focused attention, allowing helpful suggestions and new ways of responding to be absorbed more easily.
The aim is not just to understand the issue, but to help you feel and respond differently in a way that supports lasting change.
How does hypnotherapy work?
During a session, you'll sit up in a nice comfortable chair and Rae will talk to you to help you relax. Hypnosis is very similar to daydreaming. In this state, your unconscious mind is more receptive to positive suggestions, allowing for effective shifts in thought patterns and behaviours. You remain aware and in control throughout the process.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people are able to experience hypnosis to some degree.
It is a natural state that we move in and out of every day, and most people can learn to relax into the process quite easily.
The most important factor is a willingness to engage and follow the process. Hypnotherapy is a collaborative approach, and we work together to create the best outcome for you.
Is therapy worth the investment?
I understand that therapy can feel like a significant investment, and it’s something most people think carefully about.
My focus is on providing experienced, professional support that helps you create meaningful and lasting change.
With over 24 years of clinical experience, I aim to work in a focused and effective way so that you can begin to feel calmer, more in control, and able to move forward.
Many clients find that the benefits extend well beyond the sessions themselves, improving how they think, feel, and respond in everyday life.
What happens in the brain during hypnosis?
Your brain remains active during hypnosis. Brain-imaging research suggests changes in how areas involved in attention, imagination, body awareness and control communicate with one another.
One area involved is the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which helps the brain notice distractions and decide what needs attention. Some studies have found reduced activity in this area during hypnosis, which may help explain the intense focus and absorption people can experience.
This does not mean that part of the brain switches off. People respond differently, and you remain conscious and in control throughout.
Will hypnotherapy work if I am sceptical?
You do not need to believe in hypnosis for it to be useful. Curiosity and a willingness to take part are enough. I will explain what we are doing, and you can decide what feels comfortable for you.
Do I have to talk about painful experiences?
No. You are always in control of what you choose to share. We can often work with how an experience affects you now without going through every detail of what happened.
Will I receive a recording to listen to?
Yes, you will receive a recording that is designed to help you become more calm, relaxed and resilient. Hypnotherapy tends to be more effective when you repeat the same type of messages, it's called recursive learning. In the same way as you learn by taking more than one driving lesson, you sometimes need several repetitions for an idea to stick with your mind.
Is hypnotherapy safe for everyone?
What are common worries people have about hypnotherapy?
Will you teach me how to hypnotise myself?
Yes, I can guide you in learning simple self-hypnosis techniques that you can use between sessions.
I will usually provide a recording for you to listen to, and where appropriate, I may also teach you additional strategies to help you feel more in control and support ongoing progress.
Why is hypnotherapy not widely available on the NHS?
The NHS tends to focus on therapies that are standardised and can be delivered at scale within limited resources.
Hypnotherapy is often more individualised and tailored to each person, which can make it less suited to large-scale delivery within that system.
That said, hypnotherapy is used in some NHS settings for specific issues, and there is a growing body of research supporting its effectiveness in areas such as anxiety, pain management, childbirth, dentisitry and habit change.
Many people choose to access hypnotherapy privately for a more personalised and flexible approach.
Will I remember what happened during hypnosis?
Most likely yes, unless you fall asleep. Most people remember the session in the same way they remember an ordinary conversation. You may become deeply absorbed or lose track of time, but you are not unconscious.
What's the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?
The main difference comes down to the state versus the application: hypnosis is a natural mental state of focused attention, while hypnotherapy is a form of professional therapy that uses hypnosis to achieve specific clinical or behavioral goals.
Why should I check my therapist’s qualifications?
Hypnotherapy is not regulated by law, so the quality of training varies enormously. Some therapists choose voluntary regulation through the CNHC, which requires them to meet recognised professional standards. Rae is CNHC registered and trained through independently accredited qualifications.