Frequently asked questions

How can you help me?

It is important to realise that situations or events which make us feel uncomfortable or unable to cope are not themselves necessarily a problem. It's the way we deal with them that can lead to anxiety, frustration and, in some cases a panic attack. We will work together to establish the source of a problem and, more importantly, the way you are dealing with it currently. We will then agree an alternative way of approaching these situations so that you will be able to deal with them more confidently. This method of replacing a set of learned behaviours, which are preventing us from enjoying life to the full, with a new set of positive behaviours is known as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT.

CBT is accepted by the medical communitiy as being an effective way of dealing with a range of problems such as anxiety, insomnia, stuttering, smoking cessation and so forth.

Although CBT is often a key therapeutic component, at Yateley Hypnotherapy I take a multi modal approach to treatment. Depending on your specific circumstances, we will devise a customised treatment plan consisting of scientifically proven therapies such as CBT, Problem Solving Therapy, Relaxation Therapy and so on.

What exactly is involved in helping me with my problem?

That depends on what the problem is. Usually, it is 1 session per week. Some more serious issues suggest 2 sessions a week, but most clients prefer 1. I feel every 2 weeks is too long of a gap to keep momentum with the client’s thinking.

Usually, there is a lot of paper! First, there are detailed assessments, particularly for Depression and Anxiety Disorders. These assessments are repeated every 3-5 session to test your progress. These sessions are longer to allow for the assessments.

There is assigned reading. Not chapters or within time limits, but I use the books by Dr. Robert Leahy and loan the suitable text to the client. Some are downloadable on Kindle, or the client may also buy them if they so desire. These books detail what we are doing in session. In session, we discuss strategies and situations as they pertain to you – the books explain in far more detail how the strategies work and how the mind works. While we do cover in session enough for an understanding, clients find this more in-depth information quite helpful in gaining insight into their thinking.

Handouts and Homework are involved. As stated before, what we do in session is approximately 30% of the therapy. The other 70% is the practice and self-analysis that is done by the client during the week. This is observing their thinking, finding certain types of thoughts, noting things down, practicing exercises and other activities as time progresses. The Homework is not intended to be time consuming, but is intended to help us in session pinpoint the issues to be dealt with. While the reading is somewhat optional, it is vital that the Homework be completed. It requires a certain commitment to complete it, but it is for the benefit of the client. The Handouts contain diagrams or other aids which might help you understand the issue better, but which are generic and don’t apply to the client’s specific personal situation (for example, “What is Depression – Info for clients”). These may be glossed over in session, then the client can read them in full at their leisure.

Listening to recordings should be done on a daily basis. Whether it is Relaxation, Hypnosis or Meditation, listening is part of the Homework. There are a selection of recordings (made by me) designed for certain purposes and/or I may make personalized recordings for the client. These are included in the fees and are the client’s to keep (or return the disk if they desire).

Exercises are usually activities which are planned in order to help the client with an issue. For example, an exercise for an agoraphobic could be to just walk to the corner and back. They are designed for certain purposes which vary. The purpose is discussed in session and the exercises to undertake agreed upon. This is often the hardest part of the homework. An agoraphobic will not want to go to the shops. A client afraid of spiders will not want to look at photographs of spiders. However, the exercises are carefully discussed and graded in difficulty suitable to the client’s success and benefit.

Other helpful things may pop up which we decide together to either undertake or not.

Regular updates and communications about progress between the client and therapist. This ensures that the correct path is maintained, changes made when needed and everyone is informed and happy. This includes regular assessments to check progress.

Transition planning is done in the last few sessions, particularly with Depression and Anxiety. This includes planning for a healthy lifestyle (hopefully which is already somewhat put into practice during Therapy) and Relapse Prevention Plans (what to look for, precautions to take and actions to take if signs are spotted).

After the client’s sessions have ceased, I do make a point of following up with them occasionally to see how they are doing. I generally say “a couple weeks then a couple months”, but I do still check on them occasionally to see how they are.

What is Hypnosis and why do you use it?

CBT is an effective way of learning new ways to deal with old problems but by itself, it can take a long time. Remember, you are trying to "unlearn" things which are deeply ingrained and unconscious. Just think of how difficult it would be to unlearn how to ride a bike and you get some idea of how difficult it would be to achieve just by addressing the conscious, logical part of your mind! To be more effective, we must address the unconscious part of your mind.

Hypnosis is simply a way of inducing a state of deep relaxation. All of us have daydreamed, sometimes to the point where we are unaware that someone is talking to us; a hypnotic trance is similar to this state. While you are in this trance state, you are able to ignore the clutter of conscious thought and, instead, focus on what I am saying. During this period, I will make a series of suggestions designed to promote the new behaviours that will help you to deal with your problem area more effectively in the future.

Hypnosis has a number of benefits as part of the therapeutic process. Firstly, it opens your mind to the possibility of change by making you more receptive to suggestion. Therefore, it is possible for us to simulate or walk through examples of the kinds of situations that would usually cause anxiety and demonstrate, in a non threatening environment, how a different way of approaching them can result in a positive outcome. During that time, you will remain in a relaxed state which is the second benefit of hypnosis: it helps you to stay calm and relaxed when faced with difficult situations so that you are not overwhelmed and can respond more positively.

Hypnosis helps you to open your mind up to the possibility of change. In turn, old, negative behaviours can be unlearned and replaced with new, positive ones. This combination of hypnosis with other therapies is more effective than any individual technique in finding long term solutions to those old problems.

Will I lose control?

No. You will remain in control of yourself at all times during the hypnotic trance and you cannot be made to do anything you do not wish to. Typically, clients report that being hypnotised is a pleasant and enjoyable experience. However, if you do have questions or concerns about any part of the process, please raise them with me. I want you to be comfortable with everything that we do!

Can I get stuck in a trance?

No. You are able to come out of a hypnotic trance whenever you wish.

How long does a session last?

Your initial consultation with me will take approximately one to one and a half hours.

Normally, subsequent sessions will be of one hours duration.

How many sessions will I need?

There's no simple answer to this question. A number of factors influence the number of sessions that are required to address a specific problem, most importantly you! Remember, we are all individuals and at Yateley Hypnotherapy I strive towards providing a course of therapy tailored to your specific requirements. Usually, I will be able to give you an indication of the number of sessions you will require after your initial consultation.

What will my first session include?

During your first session, I will make a detailed assessment of your specific needs and advise you as to the suitability of CBT and hypnosis in addressing them. Part of the session will require me to take a detailed medical history in the form of a questionnaire. Please be reassured that all information you share with me will be in the strictest of confidence and will never be shared with any practitioner unless you specifically allow it.

How much does a session cost?

A single session booked from Monday - Friday between 9AM and 5PM costs £90. On weekdays from 6PM to 9PM, or at weekends by appointment, each session will cost £110.

Blocks of appointments booked from Monday to Friday between 9AM and 5PM can be purchased at a preferential rate: 3 sessions prebooked would cost £240.

Smoking cessation typically consists of one session to stop with checkups one week and six months later. The all inclusive price for this therapy is £250.

Mindfulness in Childbirth costs £350 per couple and includes 6 sessions beginning at week 32 of your pregnancy.

How do I cancel my appointment?

First of all, don't worry if you can't make an appointment. Please let me know as soon as you can that you need to reschedule your appointment. You can either phone me on 07834 161 858 or you can let me know using the contact form. If you cancel an appointment or a course of appointments with less than 24 hours notice and do not reschedule then you may be charged the full price of one session (£90) as a cancellation fee.

What guarantees do you offer?

As with any medical or therapeutic approach, results will vary depending on the individual and the nature of the symptoms being experienced. Therefore it is not possible to state categorically that a total cure will be the outcome of any course of therapy. However, I can guarantee that I will always act with your best interests in mind and conduct myself strictly in accordance with the General Hypnotherapy Code of Ethics which you can read by clicking here.