When people are considering hypnotherapy as a solution for their problems, they often have a range of questions and concerns. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Does Hypnotherapy Really Work?
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Concern: People often question the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. They may have doubts about whether it can truly address their issues, especially if they’ve tried other methods without success.
I know hypnotherapy works, because it worked on me. I was a smoker myself for 24 years, before a hypnotherapist helped me gain control of the habit in just one session. That's what made me study to become a hypnotherapist. I was convinced and amazed by the power of hypnotherapy and it made me quit my job and open up Switch-Up Hypnotherapy.
I also understand that this isn't good enough for some people. The truly sceptical will not believe it until they experience it for themselves. I suppose I could give everyone a free trial, but that wouldn't work for my business, because one session is usually all I need to solve issues that have plagued you your whole life.
A lot of the people who have given me good reviews were sceptical before they came to see me, and perhaps that's the reason why they felt the need to leave feedback – because the results were far better than they expected.
Hypnotherapy may not be effective for everyone or for all conditions. It's essential to have realistic expectations about its outcomes. I have helped hundreds of people who have tried it before with other therapists, and some even believed that they could not be hypnotised.
2. Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
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Concern: Safety is a big concern. Some people worry that hypnotherapy might be harmful or that they might lose control during a session.
Hypnosis is an extremely safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience. It is merely a meditative state. You are in control the whole time. A lot of people use self-hypnosis to improve their lives and resolve issues such as anxiety, insomnia, self-esteem, confidence issues, phobias and much more. Hypnotherapy, like many alternative forms of therapy, is often surrounded by various myths and misconceptions.
Sometimes people think that hypnosis is used to create false memories or erase memories. Unfortunately, I do not have the power to erase your memories, nor do I have any interest in creating false memories for you. Hypnotherapy is not usually used as a tool for memory retrieval or forensic purposes in my practice. Instead, I help you gain insights into your emotions and thought patterns, leading to a deeper understanding of your experiences, often a different perspective, and solutions to your issues.
Others think that hypnosis has something to do with magic or the occult. Let me assure you, I don't know any magic spells.
I think that many hypnotherapists like to maintain a sense of mystique around what we do, maybe because they like the thought of people thinking they have some sort of magical power. I have even had a trainer once tell me that "You need to maintain the prestige!"
Hypnotherapy is a natural and scientifically-supported technique that involves accessing the subconscious mind to facilitate positive changes. While it may seem mysterious to some, it is grounded in psychological principles and neuroscience.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic process that requires active participation and commitment from the client. Progress may take time, depending on the complexity of the issue being addressed. Hypnotherapy is a tool to facilitate change, and consistent effort and practice outside of sessions may be necessary to achieve lasting results.
It's all about gaining alignment between what you want to achieve with your conscious willpower, and what your subconscious emotionally believes is right for you. If you approach hypnotherapy with an open mind you can easily realise its benefits to you in a therapeutic context.
I actually think I get more clients by explaining succinctly how hypnosis works over the phone. This is because people often have preconceived notions of what hypnotherapy is all about, and associating hypnotherapy with magic makes people suspicious that "it's all a trick".
Another thing that people sometimes worry about is that they may “get stuck in hypnosis”. This is an unfounded fear that probably arises from tropes used in movies and TV dramas that lead to misconceptions about hypnosis. It makes for entertaining, and sometimes scary stories, but it's not really true.
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state, and people naturally come out of it as they would from any relaxed state. Even if the hypnotherapist were to suddenly leave the room or lose communication, you would eventually return to full awareness on your own.
There are different states of consciousness that every person goes in and out of multiple times a day. When you are led into "trance", as some people call it, it just means you're brought to a state where you're extremely relaxed. Almost as if you could fall asleep. This is actually a state of mind that you go into automatically on your own, like when you're about to fall asleep at night. The only difference is that I help you relax and therefore guide you to that state. I don't do anything special or magical to get you into that state. I just help relax you enough so that you can go there.
And then, once you are there, the subconscious part of your mind "opens up" and I offer it suggestions. Your mind can decide if it wants to accept the suggestions or reject them. It's my goal to make it easy for you to accept the suggestions.
If, for some reason, I did not bring you out of hypnosis, you would either wake up and become alert or go to sleep and then wake up naturally. I don't need to do anything to you, and nothing needs to happen, in order for you to eventually come out of hypnosis. I can do it quickly and easily at the end of the session. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis anymore than you can be stuck staying asleep. You could set an alarm before going into hypnosis, and this alarm would wake you up, or bring you back to an alert state, the exact same way that I could.
The only reasons some people don't emerge from hypnosis right away is for the simple reason that it feels pretty good, and they don't want it to stop, or they may have actually drifted off to sleep. It is absolutely impossible for you to get stuck in a hypnotic state. If you are too scared that that is going to happen, then hypnosis is probably not going to work for you because you're likely to be too afraid to relax enough to enter the required hypnotic state.
3. Will I Lose Control During Hypnotherapy?
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Concern: Many people are concerned about losing control or being made to do things against their will while under hypnosis.
One of the most widespread misconceptions is that hypnotherapy gives the therapist complete control over the client's mind. In reality, hypnosis is a collaborative process where you and I work together, but you retain full control.
Hypnotherapy does not relinquish your free will, and you cannot be forced to do anything against your moral code or values. Before each session we will discuss in detail what will be covered in the session, and you have full control over what is included, and what should be left out.
Hypnotherapy helps you access your subconscious mind, but you remain fully aware of your actions and can reject any suggestions you find uncomfortable or inappropriate. It's my role to ensure that I am clear of your expectations so that there is no chance of anything uncomfortable or inappropriate being suggested in the hypnosis session.
Bethany, a client of Switch-Up Hypnotherapy, shares her experience, stating, "I was sceptical at first, but I quickly realised I was in charge. It's more like a guided meditation, helping you access your inner strength."
4. What Happens During a Hypnotherapy Session?
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Concern: There is often uncertainty about what actually takes place during a hypnotherapy session.
Hypnosis is a psychological state characterised by a heightened state of suggestibility, concentration, and focus. During hypnosis, you are guided to enter this state and become more open to suggestions that can influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Here's a breakdown of how hypnotherapy works:
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Induction: Hypnosis typically begins with an induction process, during which the hypnotherapist guides the individual into a state of relaxation and focused attention. This can involve progressive relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, or guided imagery.
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Suggestibility: Once in a hypnotic state, individuals become more open to suggestions. The critical conscious mind is relaxed, allowing the subconscious mind to be more receptive to positive suggestions, changes in perception, or behavioural alterations.
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Focused Attention: Hypnosis encourages intense concentration and a narrowing of attention, focusing on specific thoughts, images, or experiences. This heightened focus helps individuals tune out distractions and enhances receptivity to suggestions.
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Enhanced Imagination and Creativity: Hypnosis often amplifies the imagination and creativity of the individual. They may vividly imagine scenarios, visualise desired outcomes, or recall memories more vividly.
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Altered State of Consciousness: Although the person is not asleep or unconscious during hypnosis, their consciousness is altered. Their awareness shifts, and they may experience a sense of detachment from their immediate surroundings while remaining deeply engaged in the hypnotic experience.
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Increased Relaxation: Hypnosis induces a state of relaxation that can reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. The relaxed state allows individuals to be more open to positive suggestions for behaviour change and mindset shifts.
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Access to Subconscious Mind: The primary goal of hypnosis is to access the subconscious mind, where beliefs, attitudes, and memories are stored. Suggestions provided during hypnosis aim to modify or reframe these subconscious thoughts, leading to behavioural changes.
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Utilisation of the Placebo Effect: Hypnosis can even induce the placebo effect, where individuals respond positively to the belief that the suggested changes will occur. This psychological phenomenon can contribute to the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. This does not mean it is fake, by any means; it recognises the power of your mind and positive thinking to affect subconscious changes in your behavioural patterns.
5. How Many Sessions Will I Need?
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Concern: People want to know how long it will take to see results and how many sessions they will need.
This is a tough question to answer, because it could be one or it could be more.
The difference in how quickly people respond to hypnotherapy—where some make significant changes after just one session while others require multiple sessions—can be influenced by various factors:
1. Depth and Complexity of the Issue
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Long-Standing vs. Recent Habits: Issues that have been ingrained over a long period, such as life-long habits or deeply rooted emotional afflictions, often require more time and effort to address. Conversely, issues that are more recent or less complex might respond more quickly to hypnotherapy.
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Underlying Causes: If a problem is tied to complex emotional or psychological factors, such as trauma or deep-seated beliefs, it may require multiple sessions to fully address. Simpler issues might resolve more quickly because they aren't tied to as many layers of underlying causes.
2. Your Readiness and Motivation
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Desire for Change: A person’s readiness and motivation to change significantly impact how quickly they respond to hypnotherapy. Those who are fully committed to change and actively want to break free from their habit or affliction are more likely to experience rapid results.
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Openness to the Process: Clients who are open-minded and have confidence in hypnotherapy's effectiveness tend to respond better. Scepticism or ambivalence can slow down progress, leading to the need for more sessions.
3. Hypnotic Susceptibility
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Varied Responses to Hypnosis: People differ in their susceptibility to hypnosis. Some individuals are naturally more responsive and can enter a deep hypnotic state quickly, allowing them to absorb suggestions effectively in a single session. Others may take longer to reach a level of relaxation and focus where hypnotherapy can have the desired impact.
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Resistance to Hypnosis: Some people may consciously or unconsciously resist entering a hypnotic state, requiring additional sessions to overcome this resistance and achieve the therapeutic goals.
4. My Approach and Skill
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Tailored Sessions: The effectiveness of hypnotherapy often depends on how well the session is tailored to your needs. A skilled hypnotherapist who customises their approach to the specific issue and your personality can often achieve quicker results.
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Therapist-Client Rapport: A strong therapeutic relationship can enhance the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. When you feel comfortable and trust me, you are more likely to engage deeply with the process, leading to faster results.
5. Nature of the Problem
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Single-Faceted vs. Multi-Faceted Issues: Some problems are straightforward and can be resolved with direct intervention in one session. However, multi-faceted issues, which may involve various emotional, behavioural, and cognitive components, usually require a more gradual approach with multiple sessions.
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Physical vs. Emotional Challenges: Challenges that are more physically based, like quitting smoking, may be addressed quickly through hypnotherapy, whereas emotionally charged issues, like anxiety or trauma, may require more time to unpack and heal.
6. Your Engagement and Follow-Up
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Active Participation: Clients who actively participate in the process and apply the strategies learned during hypnotherapy sessions are more likely to see quick and lasting results. This includes following through on post-session practices, such as self-hypnosis or behavioural changes.
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Commitment to Change: Hypnotherapy often requires reinforcement. Clients who engage in follow-up sessions or use self-hypnosis techniques between sessions can enhance the effectiveness of the therapy, leading to faster and more sustained results.
7. Expectations and Perception of Progress
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Expectations of Immediate Results: Some clients expect immediate change after one session and may feel disappointed if they don't see dramatic results right away. However, even subtle shifts after a session can be significant and lay the foundation for more noticeable changes in subsequent sessions.
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Patience and Persistence: For many, the process of change is gradual. Those who are patient and persistent, recognising that change takes time, often achieve lasting results even if it requires multiple sessions.
8. Environmental and Social Support
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Support Systems: The presence of a supportive environment can greatly influence the success of hypnotherapy. Clients who have strong support from family, friends, or community are more likely to maintain changes after hypnotherapy. In contrast, those in unsupportive or triggering environments may struggle more and require additional sessions.
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External Influences: External factors, such as ongoing stress, relationships, or work pressures, can affect the outcome of hypnotherapy. Clients who can manage or mitigate these external influences may experience quicker results.
Understanding these variables can help set realistic expectations and guide the therapeutic process.
6. Can Hypnotherapy Help With My Specific Problem?
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Concern: Potential clients often want to know if hypnotherapy can help with their particular issue, whether it’s anxiety, smoking cessation, weight loss, or something else.
Some people believe hypnotherapy is limited in its applications. Some people don't know what they are talking about. Hypnotherapy can address a myriad of challenges. Emma, a satisfied client, shares, "I initially came for smoking cessation, but I found it incredibly helpful for stress management and boosting my confidence. It's like a holistic approach to self-improvement."
Contact Switch-Up Hypnotherapy if you have any of the issues below:
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Addictions:
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Emotional Well-being:
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Habits and Behaviours:
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Negative Thinking Patterns
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Physical Health:
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Performance Enhancement:
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Phobias and Fears:
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Self-Improvement:
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Personal Growth
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Breaking Limiting Beliefs
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Sleepwalking
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Medical Conditions:
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Performance Anxiety:
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Memory Improvement:
7. Is Hypnotherapy a Permanent Solution?
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Concern: People are often concerned about whether the results from hypnotherapy will last or if they are just temporary.
People often fear that the positive effects of hypnotherapy are short-lived. Switch-Up Hypnotherapy encourages lasting change by addressing the underlying subconscious beliefs and behaviours behind your specific issue.
Debbie, a client who successfully quit smoking with Switch-Up Hypnotherapy, states, "It's been a year, and I haven't touched a cigarette. The changes were profound and lasting, and I'm living proof that hypnotherapy can lead to permanent transformation."
However, it’s also important to note that your commitment to the process and reinforcement might be needed to ensure that you don't go back to your old ways.
8. How Much Does Hypnotherapy Cost?
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Concern: Cost is often a consideration, and people want to know if hypnotherapy is affordable and whether it provides good value for the money.
My prices vary depending on the delivery method (face-to-face - at my clinic or at your home, or online) and there may be differences in price between treatments. The one thing is standard across all live sessions is that a $100 deposit is payable upfront, and then the remainder payable can be divided up into weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments of your choosing.
9. Will I Remember What Happens During Hypnosis?
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Concern: Some people worry that they won’t remember what happens during hypnosis, leading to anxiety about the process.
You will remember everything that it's important to remember, and you probably won't remember details that there's no need for you to remember. Every session starts with a one-hour interview, so pretty much everything that I use in the hypnosis portion of the session comes from your own words. There's no need to be anxious about whether you will supply me with the right information, because that is where my skill lies – asking the right questions, and listening to you.
Having said this, I actually had a relevant experience in my first hypnotherapy session (as a client) to stop my smoking habit.
When we got to the end, I said, “Well, that felt different to what I thought it would! I felt like I heard every word you said.”
My hypnotherapist said “Well, maybe because you did!”
And then I said, “No, I feel like I can remember every word you said!”
To which she replied, “Well, maybe you can, and maybe you can't.”
About 3 months after my appointment my wife commented that every time I would see someone smoking, I would point at them and say, “Gee, I'm glad I don't do that anymore.” I didn't believe that I did that, and I told her so.
3 days later I was driving through Wynnum and I saw a young woman pushing a toddler in a stroller and she was smoking a cigarette. I pointed at her and said “Gee, I'm glad I don't do... Oh, I do do it!”
“Every time!”, my wife laughed.
The next year I studied to become a hypnotherapist at The Academy of Therapeutic Hypnosis, the same academy where my hypnotherapist trained years before. I received the same basic scripts that my hypnotherapist received in her training. When I had my first smoking client, and I got to this part:
And from now on, when other people smoke around you, no matter who it is, they can smoke all they want and it doesn’t bother you at all. Their smoke might be right in your face you remain a fresh air breathing person with ease.
All you feel is sympathy for those people as you watch them poison themselves with their cigarettes. You understand … they have a habit they have not broken with hypnosis like you have here today.
You feel great about yourself.
In fact, every time you see someone else smoke, that just makes you feel better about yourself being a non-smoker. And this makes you more determined to remain a person who breathes only fresh air.
I almost stopped and said “So that's why I do that!”
Even though I thought that I could remember everything from my session, the one bit that entered my subconscious to the extent that I physically acted upon for months, I had no recollection of hearing before.
10. What If Hypnotherapy Doesn’t Work for Me?
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Concern: Potential clients may be concerned about what happens if hypnotherapy doesn’t work for them.
Well, the current thinking is that anyone can be hypnotised if you let yourself be hypnotised – and of course, anyone can block it if they don't want to experience change. The only suggestions that I am interested in offering to you are the ones that are relevant to the behaviour that you are seeking to change.
In hypnotherapy, you are predisposed to trying to change your behaviour, and this is heightened with any suggestions that specifically relate to you.
In the deepest recesses of your subconscious mind lay your ethics, your principles, your values, your morals, and your belief systems - and if there was ever anything I would suggest that you actually disagree with, it would be rejected by those filters in the deepest recesses of your subconscious mind. To have suggestions rejected is not my goal, so we spend a lot of time determining the suggestions that you consciously want to accept.
During a therapeutic hypnosis session, we collaborate to achieve a positive outcome. I tailor your program meticulously because you are unique. We can even combine hypnotherapy with other treatments if needed to improve your chances of success.
My success rates are up there with the best in the business, and The Academy of Therapeutic Hypnosis has measured the success rate of the Quit Smoking formula that we use at 92% after the full completion of the program, and I have noticed that 70% of smokers only require 1 session.
However, it is important to acknowledge that maybe not everyone can be hypnotised. Some individuals may have medical or psychological conditions that make them less responsive or unsuitable for hypnosis. Hyper-vigilance is one such condition that I have noticed makes it more difficult to hypnotise someone. Aphantasia, or the inability to mentally visualise, also presents some unique - but not insurmountable - issues.
11. What Qualifications Should a Hypnotherapist Have?
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Concern: People often want to ensure that their hypnotherapist is qualified and experienced.
I am a certified hypnotherapist, having trained with The Academy of Therapeutic Hypnosis in Sydney, Australia. I gained certifications in their Quit Smoking program, Management of Anxiety and Panic Attacks, The Virtual Gastric Band hypnotherapy program for weight loss, and the Ideal Weight program in my initial training. I started Switch-Up Hypnotherapy on May 1st, 2019 and I have been practising full-time since then. I became further qualified in Hypnotherapy to Treat IBS in 2023 and the Management of Test and Exam Stress in 2024.
12. Can I Be Hypnotised If I’m Sceptical?
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Concern: Some people worry that if they don’t believe in hypnosis or are sceptical, it won’t work on them.
Several factors influence your susceptibility to hypnosis:
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Willingness: A person must be willing to be hypnotised. If you are resistant or sceptical, it may be more challenging to get you to relax or induce a hypnotic state.
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Imagination: People with vivid imaginations tend to be more responsive to hypnosis. Hypnosis often involves creating mental images and engaging the imagination.
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Concentration: Your ability to focus and concentrate is essential for hypnosis. Individuals who can relax and concentrate can more easily enter a hypnotic state.
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Your Trust in Me: Trust and rapport between the hypnotherapist and the individual being hypnotised are crucial. If there is a lack of trust or if you feel uncomfortable, it may impede the hypnotic process.
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Belief in Hypnosis: Your belief in the effectiveness of hypnosis can influence your responsiveness. If you believe that hypnosis can work for you, you will be more open to the experience, and more likely to experience the benefits.
By understanding and embracing these factors, you can enhance your experience with hypnosis and potentially achieve positive outcomes. Having said all this, hypnotherapy can still be effective even if you are sceptical, as long as you are willing to participate and are open to the process.
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Luke O'Dwyer
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