Here is a collection of frequently asked hypnotherapy questions and answers, regarding what basic information you might like to know before booking a hypnotherapy appointment. Hopefully these short and concise responses will make you feel more relaxed when considering hypnotherapy as a treatment.

Can I be hypnotised against my will?
Will I be asleep?
Is it possible that I cannot be brought out of Hypnosis?
Who can be hypnotised?
Will I tell any secrets under hypnosis?
Will I be made to bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken whilst under hypnosis?

 

Can I be hypnotised against my will?

No. You cannot be hypnotised against your will. You must be a willing subject.
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Will I be asleep?

No. When a person is in Hypnosis, you are not asleep.  You very much aware of all that is going on. In actuality, in Hypnosis, your senses become heightened and more acute. Of course, if you are tired, it is possible to fall asleep during hypnosis. If this happens, you are asleep and no longer in hypnosis; the state of sleep itself is a light but relaxing state of sleep.
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Is it possible I cannot be brought out of Hypnosis?

No it is not possible. You cannot get stuck in Hypnosis because you do not loose control when you are hypnotised. Hypnosis is a cooperative relationship. While you are hypnotised, you retain full control over your mind and your body. Sometimes, you feel so relaxed and comfortable in Hypnosis that you wish to remain in that state for a little longer. However, a simple suggestion for awakening (or alerting) is all that is needed to bring you back into the waking state even if you have fallen asleep. Additionally, when I stop talking, you will soon awaken on your own. Most importantly, you can come out of hypnosis any time you want.
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Who can be hypnotised?

Anyone who can pay attention and follow instructions can be hypnotised if they want to be.  People will vary however, as to the extent or depth to which they can be hypnotised.
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Will I tell any secrets under hypnosis?

No. Hypnosis is not a truth serum. You retain full control over what you say. Whilst under hypnosis you will reveal no secrets  that you would not reveal (because they want to) in the Waking State.
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Will I be made to bark like a dog or cluck like a chicken whilst under hypnosis?

No. This is not what happens in Clinical Hypnosis. On the other hand, volunteers during Stage Hypnosis Show, which is for entertainment purposes only, will typically go along with the Stage Hypnotist’s suggestions as long as it is all in good fun and for entertainment purposes. This is not the context of Clinical Hypnosis.

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