Jo Stallard Hypnotherapy FAQs

Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find the answer you are looking for please feel free to drop me a line by email or give me a call. If I am not able to answer your call straight away, please do leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can (usually within 24 hours).

It is good to know that change is possible.

What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a fast-acting listening and talking therapy.

We will explore the therapeutic use of hypnosis, and I will combine a variety of tools tailored to your personality and your needs, to best help you achieve your desired specific outcome, whether that is to:

• Change habits,
• Lessen symptoms, or
• Treat a variety of conditions.

Clinical hypnosis can help to achieve many benefits to your general sense of wellbeing. I will help you to identify and activate your inner resources to achieve realistic goals. During hypnosis, your imagination can be guided and shaped to enable you to achieve the outcome you want.
All hypnotherapy sessions are confidential, giving you a safe space to explore what is troubling you.
My clients often report beneficial changes in other areas of their life in addition to the original concern which include (amongst others):

• Sleep – the improved ability to ease into sleep, and wake up feeling refreshed,
• Inner calm – increased ability to relax and an enhanced sense of wellbeing,
• Enjoying being in the moment – with a calmer mind it becomes possible to be more present and enjoy life even more.

There are a whole host of additional changes possible with Hypnotherapy, as we can clear whatever is preventing you from enjoying life. This means you it is possible to achieve a more calm, cantered and carefree approach to your day-to-day life.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a process where I guide you in creating a focused state of attention. This narrowing of attention creates an enhanced ability within you to respond to suggestions.

The experience of hypnosis has been described in numerous ways although people often describe it as feeling similar to daydreaming, when they are neither fully alert, nor asleep. Hypnosis is usually associated with a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation and this can be part of the therapy, however not all hypnosis nor Hypnotherapy involves relaxation in the traditional sense. It is a fascinating subject.
I will direct you in using your imagination to evoke realistic, positive, productive thoughts and emotions. During hypnosis insight can be gained through a new perspective and adjustments can be made to limiting beliefs that have influenced or directed the client’s life, sometimes resulting in radical change or gentle differences that increase positively over time.
In principle, anyone can be hypnotised because we all have the ability to use our imagination.

In essence, Hypnosis is a powerful life skill; it is a set of attitudes and behaviours that mediate hypnotic responses. And like riding a bike, the more you do it the easier it gets!

Is Hypnosis like sleep?

No. During hypnosis your body may feel very relaxed, however your mind is awake and able understand everything that is happening. You have the ability to emerge from hypnosis at any time if you wish.

Whilst hypnosis is not sleep, numerous academics believe it has similar qualities to dream sleep (REM sleep) as the brain is firing up, busy processing whilst you feel in a daydream like state.

Hypnosis is a very pleasant experience which can provide you with helpful insights and, depending on your needs can stimulate a range of sensations from deep physical rest to increased motivation.

The more often you choose to go into hypnosis the easier it is to relax into the process, secure in the knowledge that you remain in control and can end a session of hypnosis at any point should you wish to. As most people find hypnosis deeply relaxing and a very pleasant experience they rarely choose to do this, but they are aware that they could if they so chose.

How does Hypnosis feel?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind similar to daydreaming. People are often surprised that they can hear what is being said and can move or speak if they want to. Everybody’s experience of it is different and how an individual feels may vary each time they go into hypnosis. Some people describe hearing every word the therapist says, while others find their mind wanders; many people lose track of time when they are in hypnosis. How aware or unaware you are during the process is unimportant and does not affect the efficacy of the session. Relaxation isn’t essential to hypnosis, but most people describe being very relaxed during and after the session and more enjoyable than they expected.

If I am hypnotised to lose my sense of control?

No. Clinical Hypnosis is a streamlined state of focused attention, very similar to when you are absorbed in a book, a film a sport or a craft. You have the ability to emerge from hypnosis at any time if you wish.
Essentially, I will be your therapeutic guide taking you on a journey. During our sessions whilst I will be the facilitator however any change can only be made by you.
Many of my clients like to celebrate the empowering nature of our work together. In time as you realise that you are in control and can make changes yourself this can feel very empowering and open your mind up to further possibilities.

What should I expect from a hypnotherapy session?

In our initial session you and I will have chat to explore any challenges you are facing and what you hope to achieve through hypnotherapy.

Initial Consultation

The first session known, as the initial consultation, generally lasting up to 90 minutes and will involve:

• A warm welcome.
• A discussion about your current situation, your requirements and goals
• Gathering personal information such as sleeping patterns, lifestyle information, medical symptoms or medication, any treatments involving other healthcare providers.

Having listened to your current circumstances and gained an insight into your desired outcomes I will provide an explanation tailored to your specific needs. This will include:

• How the mind works and
• Why you feel the way you do.
• A deeper dive into what hypnosis is.
• How Hypnotherapy can help you

We will also cover practical details such as cost, cancellation policy, how many sessions you might need and any other questions you may have. I will also provide you with a free hypnosis download so that you can start practicing the skill of self-hypnosis straight away.

Our Follow up Sessions

The ongoing sessions will involve teaching you the art of self-hypnosis and cultivating a range of homework activities, created and decided by you, to help you continue to positively reinforce these new ideas of behaviours between sessions.

Generally, each session you can expect:

• A welcome chat where you can ask any other questions you have and get comfortable.
• Hypnosis – I will guide you into a state of deep physical and mental relaxation. And here we can then begin ‘change work’ using techniques and approaches discussed and agreed to help you towards your goals. I will help activate your inner resources to achieve your chosen realistic goals.
• I will guide you to full wakefulness where we have time for any questions you may have, a summary of the session and progress made so far

Essentially, I will be teaching you how to use self-hypnosis to guide and shape your imagination to best help you to achieve the results you want.

Think of this an amazing opportunity to learn more about yourself and your own mind.

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