Your Guide To Hypnotherapy

What happens in a session?

“If you’re new to hypnotherapy, I recommend starting with a three-hour session – this may sound like a lot but you can achieve realms of work in this time and often is enough. I start by chatting to you about your life – this covers everything from your upbringing to work life, relationships and diet. In the first two hours, I will pick up on themes and nuances that are getting in the way of moving your life forwards – you’ll learn about mindset and how to uplift and instil healthier habit thinking, turning down any negative thoughts. In the final part of the session, we record a hypnotherapy audio for you to take home to embed everything you’ve learnt and so you can realign your subconscious for long-term results. At our clinic, you can also choose the music you wish to listen to during your session – from sound baths to Simon and Garfunkel, the choice is yours. Music is so evocative for memories and visualisation and shouldn’t be discounted. We also stay in touch with you for two weeks after your session, and in that time, you can have a 30-minute top-up if needed. After-care is crucial with hypnotherapy, so I also send a pack with all the elements covered in your session as well as daily rituals that are easily accessible in day-to-day life.” – Lydia

“My sessions start with a guided meditation that lead you into deep relaxation before any suggestive work takes place. When you are in a receptive, trance-like state, with my voice I guide you through, getting you to repeat affirmations or verbal cues. Relaxation, meditation, visualisation, breathing techniques and NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) are all used during hypnosis.” – Malminder 

How do you feel afterwards?

“After just one session, you will feel free, exhilarated and lighter. You may feel tired or emotional, but also hopeful, excited and like you could take on anything.” – Jessica Boston, hypnotherapist 

“You may notice a significant shift – a letting go and sense of wanting to make different decisions that may well be healthier and more nourishing for the dynamics in your life that wasn’t there before.” – Lydia 

Is it true a hypnotherapist can control your mind and thoughts?

“This is a myth. A good hypnotherapist won’t be interested in controlling your mind, but even so, you never fully lose control as you are the one in the driving seat. I am just in the passenger seat holding the map, guiding you to what you really want. The only thing your hypnotherapist will be interested in is your freedom, not control.” – Jessica 

“There are still so many myths surrounding hypnosis – stage hypnosis contributed to this misconception – but hypnotherapy isn’t about asking something to do something under hypnosis. It’s an alternative therapy where therapist and patient work together to reach your goals. I can assure you that you’re absolutely in control of your mind and body during hypnosis. If anything, you are actually in a hyper-receptive state during which we, therapists, can intervene more successfully and suggest how you can change thought patterns and unhealthy habits.” – Malminder 

Are some people incapable of being hypnotised?

“If there is a lot of resistance there is usually a reason – perhaps you believe deep down that it means you are gullible or foolish. This doesn’t mean you can’t be hypnotised, but your subconscious might be more protective of the behaviours you’ve adopted to keep you safe, and therefore puts up more resistance to them. The subconscious is good at throwing a spanner in the works to slow down the process. If this happens with you, don’t worry – through your sessions, we will work through your subconscious and build on trust.” – Jessica 

Does each hypnotherapist have their own unique style?

“Absolutely – some will read scripts, while others are more creative. I combine a mix of modalities and love playing with language and metaphor to come up with a creative solution. To me, hypnosis is the point where art, science and magic exist, but not all hypnotherapists take this view.” – Jessica

Can you do it virtually?

“Doing hypnotherapy in person and virtually both have their merits. When the pandemic forced us to do sessions online, I was reticent at first, but quickly realised there is a benefit to being in the comfort of your own home. This instantly relaxes you, which is optimum for hypnotherapy. However, in clinic I do pick up on many nuances, which are just not apparent from behind a screen.” – Lydia 

Is it safe?

“Yes, it is very safe but isn’t recommended for those with severe mental illness. Always do your homework and make sure your therapist is safe. Do you research and always book a complimentary call – any decent hypnotherapist will offer this. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about what a treatment plan entails. After all, trust is fundamental to your mental wellbeing and to a successful outcome.” – Jessica 

How can you find a reputable practitioner?

“Unfortunately, the world of hypnotherapy is a fairly unregulated industry, so it’s important to do your research. Qualifications are a good starting point, but also look for valid testimonials. If you can ask a friend for a recommendation, even better – 95% of my business is through referrals. Look to see if they have any materials you can access for a taster of their work. For example, I have an album on Spotify called This Feeling Is You, which gives you an idea of what to expect before working with me.” – Jessica 

Finally – what would you say to someone who is sceptical of hypnotherapy?

“Remember that hypnosis isn’t something that’s done to you – it’s a process your therapist guides you through that you actually already do yourself. When you’re lost in your thoughts, you are essentially hypnotising yourself. It’s all about handing over trust to someone to help you access parts of your thinking you’re unable to access alone.” – Jessica 

For more information visit JessicaBoston.com, LondonClinicOfHypnotherapy.com and Hypnosis-In-London.com

DISCLAIMER: Features published by SheerLuxe are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your GP or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programme.