Hypnotherapy FAQs

Q1) What benefits can be achieved through hypnotherapy?

Some of the main benefits of hypnotherapy can be classed as follows (there are many more):

Stopping Habits
Management of Anxiety and Stress
Psychological and Emotional Well-being
Improve Physical Conditions
Personal Development

Q2) Is hypnosis safe?

Absolutely. There are no known records of anyone having been physically or mentally harmed as a direct result of hypnosis itself.

It is utterly impossible for anyone to get 'stuck' in hypnosis.

Q3) Is hypnotherapy like stage hypnosis?

Stage hypnosis is slightly different from hypnotherapy, however it is real hypnosis and the effects produced are possible for everyone to experience. Some stage hypnotists do good work but others generate misconceptions about the nature of hypnotic trance, which may lead to unfounded fears about hypnosis. In clinical hypnotherapy clients are never asked to do anything embarrassing or against their will.

Q4) Is it officially recognised?

'Hypnotism' is legally acknowledged and defined by the Hypnotism Act 1952, in the UK Book of Statutes.

In their 1892 Hypnotism Report, the British Medical Association (BMA) officially recognized the hypnotic trance: “The Committee, having completed such investigation of hypnotism as time permitted, have to report that they have satisfied themselves of the genuineness of the hypnotic state.” The Committee also acknowledged that “as a therapeutic agent hypnotism is frequently effective in relieving pain, procuring sleep, and alleviating many functional ailments” (BMA, 1892).

In 1955 a follow-up report was commissioned which endorsed the findings of the original 1892 Committee, and added the conclusions that “hypnotism is of value and may be the treatment of choice in some cases of so-called psycho-somatic disorder and psychoneurosis. It may also be of value for revealing unrecognised motives and conflicts in such conditions. As a treatment, in the opinion of the Subcommittee it has proved its ability to remove symptoms and to alter morbid habits of thought and behaviour. In addition to the treatment of psychiatric disabilities, there is a place for hypnotism in the production of anaesthesia or analgesia for surgical and dental operations, and in suitable subjects it is an effective method of relieving pain in childbirth without altering the normal course of labour.” (BMA, 1955)

Q5) Does it work?

Yes. Hypnosis has fascinated psychologists and medical professionals for over a century and has been subject to a great deal of rigorous testing and research. It also has an enviable and long-standing reputation for effectiveness among the general public.