What is hypnosis?: Hypnosis is defined as a state of consciousness in which your logically analytical faculties are reduced to allow the deeper levels of your unconscious mind to be used for the benefit of your health. It is a sort of super relaxed state similar to daydreaming or being fully absorbed in an activity like reading an engrossing book or watching a film intently, or simply staring out a window lost in your own thoughts.

So is it really a natural state?: You bet! natural and relaxing and even though you sit there with your eyes closed, you can open them at any time and even walk out the room when you choose. However most clients report that they were aware that they could do so if they wished, but they did not want to, as it was such an enjoyably relaxing experience. Quite simply, trance is great!

Will I be able to enter hypnosis?: Well nearly everyone can and what's more the depth of the trance is irrelevant to a successful outcome. As well as receiving effective therapy, you will be taught self-hypnosis and like everything else practice pays off. If you are highly motivated to heal or change then you can expect some amazing results. This is achieved by simply amplifying your natural in-built desire to survive and thrive (at the genetic level) whilst in high state of relaxation and trance.

Does hypnotherapy work for everyone?: No, it is fair to say there are some individuals who for various reasons will not respond to hypnosis. Maybe they have other issues that get in the way (usually to do with belief or trust.) Very often it is do with timing and the client is just not ready to change. If you were to push me for a success rate then it would probably be around 70-75 % of all clients who will successfully resolve the problem or issues they bring in to therapy.

What about the stuff I have seen on T.V.?: Ah yes that old chestnut, stage hypnosis. Various misconceptions surround this false environment created for entertainment. Stage hypnotists get paid to entertain. Having false situation of an audience and all the expectation that goes with theatrical atmosphere, initially selecting say thirty from an audience of three hundred gives a distorted view. From that thirty, the hypnotist who is especially trained and skilled to select the most suggestive, will select say ten or even six to go on stage. As an entertainment it can be just that. The hypnosis induced in hypnotherapy on the other hand is for one reason only, and that is to benefit the client. That benefit will help the client heal or change an unwanted behaviour or habit.

Is it safe?: Perfectly safe, one of the most risk free complementary therapies around. Just check with the insurance companies. If anybody knows about risks then they do. For instance my present insurer operates three risk bands and hypnotherapy is in the first band, along with psychotherapy and counselling etc. You may be surprised to learn that Bach flower remedies, iridiology, homoeopathy and vitamin therapy are all in the higher band and considered more risky. Take away all the hype and misconceptions connected with hypnosis and there is nothing to fear, unless you fear finding out about your authentic self.

Do I have to commit myself straight away?: Not at all, just ask for a free initial consultation. Then if you are not happy or convinced, we shake hands and you can then look for a therapy that is more suitable for you. I would far rather discuss your concerns before we start than have you discard the idea of hypnotherapy based on what you think goes on or have heard about it. Why not do some research beforehand? Search the net, or contact my professional associations, read the books I recommend below. It is your health, your money and time. I do not like wasting any of the aforementioned, why should you?

Useful Links: Here are some useful links for hypnosis, NLP, meridian therapies and for other complementary therapies in the Moray area and beyond.

Home of Washington School of Clinical and Advanced Hypnosis in Scotland - www.hypnosis-scotland.com - Hypnotherapy, NLP, EFT training courses in the north and central areas of Scotland.

Find out what's new at The Washington School Of Clinical and Advanced Hypnosis. - www.hypno-manchester.co.uk/pdf/hypnonews.pdf

Steve Tromans, Hypnotherapy and NLP in Harley Street, London. Recommended by Paul McKenna - www.justbewell.com

The National Council for Hypnotherapy - www.hypnotherapists.org.uk

The National Hypnopsychotherapy Council - www.hypno-psychotherapy.org

The Site of Kevin Hogan (American Hypnotist) - www.kevinhogan.com

The Site of Hypno Genesis (an on-line hypnotherapy magazine) www.hypnos.co.uk/hypnomag

The Association for Meridian Therapies UK - www.meridiantherapies.org.uk

The Site of Gary Craig (EFT) - www.emofree.com

The Health Works Holistic Health Centre - www.healthworks.fsnet.co.uk

The Land of Macbeth - www.thelandofmacbeth.com - a great site that promotes "The Play", Moray and the Highlands.

Hypnosis 4 You - www.hypnosis4you.co.uk - Offering clinical hypnotherapy for a variety of issues in the Wallington, Surrey area of the UK.

The Site of Kevin Gray for hypnotherapy equipment - www.hypno-quip.co.uk - A nice helpful bloke.

The Home of Eddie Lester and Oxford Hypnotherapy - www.hypnosis.me.uk - an all-round good guy and the therapist I would go and see or choose to train under if I lived down there.

The Surrey Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy - www.sich.co.uk - The Institute has 2 Hypnotherapists and 2 NLP practitioners on the staff and they work with a variety of issues. They also run 6 week intensive practitioner classes every 6 months.

Mike Green Hypnotherapist & Life Coach, based in North Norfolk. - www.hypno-coach.co.uk - Personalised Hypnotherapy CD's recorded to individual requirements.

Hypnotherapy & Hypnosis Course - BST Foundation. - www.bstfoundation.co.uk - We offer a range of hypnotherapy courses for different levels, and offer a specialist course in brief strategic therapy. Students who complete the course gain nationally recognized qualifications.

Stress Management, Performance Coaching, Counselling and Hypnotherapy. - www.stressfree.com.au - "Your Belief is Your Reality" - Daryl Wilkinson a Hypnotherapist in Melbourne, Australia.

The Washington School of Hypnosis - www.hypno-nlp.org

Site of Rae Jensen - www.calm-down.com - Hypnotherapy and Scottish Central Belt Trainer for Washington School of Clinical and Advanced Hypnosis (Scotland).

Site of Jo Goss - www.hypnotherapyscotland.co.uk - Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner based in the North of Scotland. Certified Anxiety Specialist and Smoking Cessation Specialist - graduate of the WSCAH (Scotland).

Fed up. Want some words of wisdom and inspiration try this link:
www.hypno-manchester.co.uk/pdf/littlegems.pdf

Su Ricks is a friendly and professional practitioner offering hypnotherapy, as well as some holistic therapies including reflexology and aromatherapy in Charwelton, Northants.
www.new-stone-hypnotherapy.co.uk and www.nsholistic.co.uk

Site of Lyndon Garvey DipCAH, NCH(Lic) - www.hypnosisforchange.co.uk - Clinical Hypnotherapist and EFT practitioner based in Warrington, UK.

Link Requests:

Please note the National Council For Hypnotherapy does not support links to sites where testimonials appear (Similar to Mr A. Smith, Glasgow - type i.e. "Stopped smoking after just 10 minutes speaking to me or Sally Smith lost 3 stone after hypnotherapy", for one thing there is no way of checking these people exist and even if they did, hypnotherapy is an individual process so these type of testimonials are at best misleading and at worst unethical) Similarly, where the site holder does not specify membership of a professional organisation I do not link. This is done in the spirit of public protection and professionalism so please understand that linking requests will not be supported unless these rules are adhered to. I do not personally spend time policing the links of those already linked to this site, but I can assure the public that I do check out all the sites prior to linking to make sure they comply with the above.

Useful Books:

Interested in hypnotherapy? Well there are two books I can thoroughly recommend for the clear and concise way they demystify hypnosis. For those unsure about hypnotherapy then I encourage you to do your own research and follow the advice given in these books about consulting a reputable therapist.

From the Thorsons Principles series: Principles of Hypnotherapy, by Vera Peiffer.

From the Dorling Kindersley Secrets of series: Secrets of Hypnotherapy, by Janet Frickler and John Butler.

Simple and clear explanations, cost about a fiver, (and no I don't get commission!) they are just good little books on the subject.