Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hypnotherapy?
In a nutshell, Hypnotherapy is therapy under hypnosis.
Within the unconscious mind resides our imagination, emotions, memories, our automatic body responses, habit patterns, and our most deeply held beliefs about ourselves and what we believe is possible for us.
It is these deeply held patterns and beliefs that drive our decisions and shape our lives and the quality of our perceptions. When we desire to make a lasting, positive change in our lives, it is these unconscious patterns and beliefs that we must change. Hypnotherapy is a safe, proven, and effective tool for directly accessing the power of the unconscious mind.
Modern hypnotherapy is a collaborative effort whereby the client and Hypnotherapist interact and work together, via the pleasant and naturally occurring phenomena we have labelled ‘trance’ (the same state that everyone experiences while awakening from a good night’s sleep) to bring about the positive changes that the client has identified as desirable, and to achieve lasting improvement in the quality of the client’s life.
Unconscious mind
(sometimes referred to as the Subconscious mind, the feeling mind)
We only have indirect control. It remembers everything, every thought, feeling, conversation, sound, experience and interaction. It is the vault where all our memories are stored.
The unconscious is where every belief, value, behaviour, a persons’ sense of identity and morality, every memory experienced the way it was perceived at the time is stored. It also initiates activities towards a goal. The autonomic nervous system is part of the unconscious as it is believed that every part of the body contains memories and patterns.
It is aware of memories that are not accessible to the conscious mind as they may be undesirable and have a detrimental effect on the individual. It also acts to protect the conscious mind and the individual as a whole in terms of well-being and survival.
When you are in hypnosis, obstacles and limitations created by the conscious mind are easily bypassed, and access to the unconscious mind is achieved. The unconscious mind is not as rigid, analytical or limited as the conscious mind. If a suggestion is accepted by the unconscious it becomes a part of one’s life.
Conscious Mind
(the analytical, intellectual mind, the designer, the planning part of the mind)
We have direct control over the conscious mind and it is our ‘current’ awareness. It is what we are focusing on at any given point in time and the unconscious is basically everything else.
The conscious mind has a narrow focus of awareness which can be directed on whatever we think is currently important.
The conscious mind can only process approximately seven chunks of information at any one time while the unconscious has literally an infinite capacity to process information.
If the conscious mind did not have a ‘filter’ and had to process all the information coming in, it would be overwhelmed and be ineffective.
Behaviours like anxiety, stress, unhealthy eating habits, fears/phobias/trauma and poor self image, lack of confidence become part of who we are – they become patterns of behaviour which are located at the ‘unconscious level’. People can try over and over to lose weight, to stop a habit, to get over past events at the conscious level with limiting or no results which can then be discouraging.
Is hypnosis a form of mind control?
No. No one can make you do anything while in hypnosis that goes against your fundamental ‘value’ system. If I could control minds, I’d be the most sought out person in the world and earning millions of dollars!! I use hypnosis for good, to help you make the changes you want in your life.
What can hypnotherapy be used for?
There is no real limit to its applications and effectiveness, however, for more serious psychological and medical conditions such as having any suicidal thoughts, schizophrenia, psychosis, bi-polar, seizures, I recommend you get in contact with a relevant psychological and/or medical professional.
Can I be hypnotised?
Given the right conditions everyone is capable of being hypnotised. Everyone has experienced their own form of self-hypnosis or trance state. You may have day dreamed or gotten lost reading a book or watching a movie.
For example, you may have driven your car to a destination which is familiar however after reaching your destination you cannot remember actually driving there. This is a state of hypnosis. Your unconscious mind remembers the route so therefore you are virtually on automatic pilot. If, however, you drove a different car with a different gear mechanism, on that same route, hypnosis would not occur as it has no memory of the cars gears and has to learn how to operate them.
You can only be hypnotised if you are willing, and the level and depth of hypnosis is really controlled by you rather than the therapist. I cannot and will not hypnotise you against your will.
What happens if I don’t come out of hypnosis?
It’s not possible. No one can be kept permanently in a hypnotic state and clients will come out of hypnosis easily. If you were to experience any difficulty during hypnosis you will be guided safely back to full awareness. You are in control at all times.
How many sessions will I need?
That will depend on your state of mind, the presenting issue and how well you respond to hypnotherapy. I offer a FREE discovery consultation which will give me an opportunity to learn a little bit more about you and what’s really going on in your life so I can give you the solution that's right for you. We can then discuss what program package would suit you, what is involved, number of sessions and pricing. The package recommended will be based on the information you have provided at your initial free consultation. Please understand that more sessions may need to be purchased as the package proceeds due to other arising issues that may happen in life’s journey.
The timeframe between sessions is usually 7 days however will depend on the issue and your level of progress. Although hypnotherapy works rapidly however it is not a ‘magic pill’. It can take time for issues to build and therefore, depending on the issue, take a little time to resolve. One thing to be aware of is that hypnotherapy continues to process in the unconscious mind long after the sessions finish. Change may occur in a day, a few days or a week. But the change will happen.
How long are the sessions?
The length of sessions are dependant upon your program. The first session is usually up to 2 hours and subsequent sessions are approximately 1 hour.
What should I wear to a hypnotherapy session?
You should wear comfortable clothing.
What will be expected of me?
The expectation is that you commit to the program and be open to making changes, to do everything in your power to make the program work, to work with me and do any homework/tasks that is requested. You will receive some documentation to fill in regards to your medical history along with a disclaimer, terms & conditions, cancellation/rescheduling, payment/payment plan and refund policy to review and acknowledge.
How much does it cost?
Each client has an individually tailored program so price will vary depending on what solution is recommended after a FREE 30 minute consultation.
The FREE consultation will give me an opportunity to learn a little bit more about you and what’s really going on in your life so I can give you the solution that's right for you. We can then discuss what program would suit you, what is involved and pricing. If you then wish to proceed we can discuss availability and book you in to commence your program. There is no obligation to proceed.
Do I need or want therapy?
When plumbing fails, I call a plumber. When I am not well, I see a doctor. When I want to change or improve aspects of my life, I see a therapist. Why do it alone? Get help. HYPNOTHERAPY WORKS!
Who uses hypnotherapy?
It is used by sports people and corporate management for motivation, in advertising to attract you to certain ideas, by public speakers and politicians to captivate their audiences and by many therapists to effectively change or improve many aspects of people’s lives.
Why use hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is effective, rapid, powerful and what’s more… it works. It also works faster than other forms of therapy as it deals directly with the “unconscious mind”.
Will I qualify for a rebate through my private health insurer?
Health funds may cover hypnotherapy for some issues. You will need to check with your provider. You will receive a receipt for your program which will include my ASCH member number so you can, if eligible, make your claim.
Is Bathurst Hypnotherapy a member of any associations?
Yes, as follows: Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists – Registered Professional Member – 1590N
Is there anyone that you will not treat?
As I am not a psychologist or psychiatrist, I do not treat people who suffer from:
psychosis (eg; Schizophrenia, personality disorders etc),
bi-polar,
seizures,
suicidal thoughts or thinking of self harm,
are taking any antipsychotic medications, or
any issue that I deem as beyond my capability and/or experience.
If you have any suicidal thoughts or any inclination to self-harm contact Lifeline Australia immediately on 13 11 14 (Available 24hrs)