Sophie J.
Common Questions
It’s natural to wonder about EMDR therapy and hypnotherapy, especially if these approaches are new to you. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions people have when considering these therapies. This resource is designed to provide clarity and reassurance, so you can feel informed and confident as you explore your options.
FAQs
Research indicates that we can be consciously aware of five to nine pieces of information at one time. More than that overloads our conscious mind.
There is, however, a vast amount of information that is continually streaming in through your five senses that you are not consciously aware of. Before reading this sentence, you were probably unaware of the weight of your body on the chair or whatever you are resting on. You were probably unaware of your breathing, objects in the periphery of your vision or certain sounds around you. Your subconscious notices and processes this vast stream of information for you, while you are consciously attending to whatever you are focusing on.
The conscious part of our mind does not run the behaviour, feeling, or response we don't want, so the first step in changing that behaviour, feeling or response is to access the part of you that does run it - the subconscious mind.
A natural state of absorbed and focused attention, tuning out external stimuli.
It is a powerful therapeutic tool, readily available within the human brain and often used without noticing – daydreaming, losing track of time, being lost in a book or a movie, driving on autopilot.
You are guided into a natural trance state of intense concentration and focused attention. In this absorbed state, very deeply relaxed, your focused attention activates mental, emotional and physical responses to achieve positive life changes.
Everyone is unique and different. Some people feel really light, others say they feel they are floating. Most people enjoy the experience and feel refreshed, more relaxed and wonderful after a session.
As with any other form of therapy, you must build rapport and a connection of trust with the therapist.
All it takes to get into trance is willingness, attention and imagination. You can only be hypnotised if you want to.
The internal focus and relaxed state of mind bypass our critical judgement mind and let suggestions reach the problem-solving subconscious mind, where change is created. When the regular mental state is cluttered, hypnosis may clear the way for deeper processing and acceptance.
There are many benefits, including general relaxation and derived benefits, as well as stress reduction. Stress is at the root of many diseases and disorders.
Hypnosis helps gain insight into a problem and create the necessary changes for a more positive life.
Hypnosis can modify old behaviours, help cope with strong negative emotions, deal with physical issues and enhance certain physical performance.
Hypnotherapy has a recovery rate of 93% after 6 sessions, whereas psychoanalysis has a 38% recovery rate after 600 sessions.
Hypnotherapy is an effective, brief-term form of therapy that uses specific hypnotic suggestions and techniques tailored to the client’s particular mindset in order to gain direct access to, and immediate influence upon, their subconscious, where positive changes originate.
More and more research is showing that online hypnotherapy is just as effective as in-person sessions.
Other advantages of online hypnotherapy:
- It is safe as there is absolutely no chance of becoming stuck in hypnosis, or anyone overtaking your mind.
- It’s easy to access, convenient and saves you time.
- Some people say they feel even more relaxed and comfortable because of the safety of their own space.
- After a session, you can further enhance the relaxation state without having to travel in your car or public transport.
- If you are struggling with social anxiety, you don't need to worry about traveling and can make the first step towards recovery from the safety of your own home.
- Maybe you don't want to be seen going to such therapy, and working online gives you more privacy.
Each person is different; however it takes typically four to six sessions for long term positive life changes.
The most important thing is to be fully committed to the therapy. No willpower is required, just the conscious desire and determination for change, whilst keeping an open mind.
Hypnotherapy and EMDR aren't magic cure-it-all pills and there are no guarantees, but I will ensure that we optimise the best possible chance of success by giving you the relevant tools to meet your goals and change strategy if needed.
No. With EMDR, you don’t need to share every detail or relive the trauma. The process helps your brain reprocess memories safely, without overwhelming you.
Every person is different. Some people feel a shift in just a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. We’ll review progress together as we go.