Chris Catchpole
Hypnotherapy
British Society of Clinical Hypnosis
Membership no:13617
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in a session?
Every session is different, but normally lasts about an hour. The beginning of the session will comprise of us discussing your concerns followed by me guiding you into trance and engaging your unconscious mind to help you progress towards your goals. You will remain in full control throughout and can stop at any time.
What is it like being in trance?
Trance is not sleep. When in trance you will be awake and aware of what is being said to you. In fact you have probably been in trance today without realising it. If you have been engrossed in something - a book perhaps -and not noticed the time passing, you have been in trance. if you have been walking or driving somewhere and can't really remember the journey, you have been in trance - perfectly safe and aware, just in trance. Hypnotic trance is very similar. It's a form of 'focussed attention' where focus is turned inward rather than outward.
I have watched stage hypnotists and don’t want to be made to do something foolish or dangerous.
This is a very common concern - the entertainment industry has done much to spread misconceptions about hypnosis and hypnotherapy.
Firstly and most importantly I cannot (and would not) make you do anything against your will. You will be awake (but in trance) throughout. You will be aware. Anything that is said that breaches your personal beliefs will instantly snap you out of trance. There will be no quacking like a duck or singing like Elvis (unless you want to and that's why you came to me in the first place). Finally I cannot make you "forget" how to do something or implant "trigger words" to turn you into an automaton. That is the realm of fiction.
How many sessions will the therapy take?
Apart from smoking cessation which is typically a single, longer, session, there is no fixed therapy length, no formula to say 'by session x you will be better' Some issues take time, others less so - and often a refresher is needed, just once in a while. This is a topic for ongoing discussion as therapy progresses.
Confidentiality
Rest assured that whatever is discussed will remain confidential, within the bounds of the law. Sessions are not recorded and any physical notes I hold will be securely locked away and electronic notes accessible only by me.