FAQs

frequently asked questions

WHAT IS HYPNOTHERAPY?

Hypnotherapy is therapy under hypnosis. During hypnosis, the body and conscious mind are in a relaxed, natural state, and the unconscious mind remains awake and receptive to suggestions. Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective way to directly access the power of the unconscious mind.

Hypnotherapy creates unconscious change to address something that you have not been able to change on your own. Our imagination, emotions, memories, automatic responses, habits and our most deeply held beliefs reside within the unconscious mind. It is the unconscious mind that we must access to make a lasting, positive change in our lives. Hypnosis allows us to access the unconscious mind and create change by introducing new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviours or feelings.

WHAT IS NLP?

NLP stands for Neuro-Linguistic Programming which encompasses the three most influential components involved in producing human experience: neurology, language and programming.

The neurological system regulates how our bodies function.
Language determines how we interact and communicate with other people.
Our programming determines the kinds of models of the world we create.

NLP claims there is a connection between neurological processes, language and behavioural patterns learned through experience and that these can be changed to achieve specific goals in life.

NLP methodology can "model" the skills of exceptional people, allowing anyone to acquire those skills.

NLP can treat problems such as phobias, depression, tic disorders, psychosomatic illnesses, near-sightedness, allergy, common cold, and learning disorders.

WHAT IS A TRANCE?

Trance is the name given to any state of mind where you have a narrow focus of attention wo the conscious mind is switched off and the unconscious mind is open to suggestions. You may have experienced an involuntary trance in everyday life, a state where you are so engrossed in a conversation that you do not notice time pass or you drove a well-known road without being aware of getting from point a to b.

While in a trance, the conscious or rational part of the brain is temporarily bypassed, making the unconscious part, which influences mental and physical functions, open to therapy, allowing us to introduce new, more helpful beliefs or suggestions that are aligned to the direction that you have chosen for yourself.

WHAT IS A HYPNOTIC TRANCE?

Hypnotic trance is a trance which is induced by hypnosis, allowing us to access your unconscious mind. A hypnotic trance is a deep relaxation of the nervous system, it may feel familiar to other moments in your life where you were completely absorbed, lost in thought or meditating.

When you are in a trance you will notice some physical changes you will feel relaxed, your breathing will slow down and your heartbeat will become slower. You will be more open to the suggestions that I provide to you if you feel safe to act on them, for example lifting your finger on my request or other suggestions that we agree together that align to the goal that you want to achieve. While in this state, you and you may lose track of time or you may not even be able to recall the experience at all.

You always remain in full control and can come out of the trance at any time. Once you are in a trance you can refuse to follow hypnotic suggestions or choose to break the trance if you feel uncomfortable. A trance state is not the same as being asleep but some clients may find they do not recall the work we do together when they return from the trance.

There are almost no after effects or negative side effects from being a trance, if anything you may return more refreshed and relaxed than before the trance.

HOW LONG IS A HYPNOTHERAPY SESSION?

A session usually takes about 1 – 2 hours. It really depends on how many issues you need to deal with as to how long the session will be and how many you need.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Contact me for the fees that apply. If you book and pay for a fixed number of sessions in advance I will give you a reduction in fees.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A HYPNOTHERAPY SESSION?

Hypnotherapy is a partnership where we work together using a hypnotic “trance” to bring about positive change.

When we first meet we will discuss your history, your goals and intentions, any concerns that you may have about hypnotherapy and any reasons why we may not be suited to working together.

We focus on understanding what it is that you want to transform about yourself and we decide on a course of action which uses hypnotherapy at its core to help you to achieve change.

Once you are comfortable, I will assist you into a state of relaxation called a trance. There are a few different methods by which we can induce trance, the aim is for you to be comfortable. As part of this trance we will ensure that you are deeply relaxed and therefore open to suggestions that I will provide to you. These suggestions will be based on what we have discussed.

After the suggestions are complete I will disengage you from the trance and bring you back to a conscious state.

WHO CAN BE HYPNOTISED?

Most people can be successfully hypnotised. Children are great candidates for hypnotherapy. Children need to be accompanies by a suitable chaperone.

WHERE IS THE HYPNOTHERAPY SESSION HELD?

The session is carried out at my consulting room in Orange, or in Sydney, by special arrangement. I also do sessions over Skype or Zoom for those who live overseas or in remote locations.

WHAT CAN HYPNOTHERAPY BE USED FOR?

Releasing and managing stress, anxiety, panic or depression
Learning or increasing relaxation
Controlling pain of all kinds – learning self-hypnosis is a large part of this
Giving up habits like smoking, alcohol, drugs, gambling, nail biting, grinding teeth etc
Weight changes – slimming, increasing or body shaping
Overcoming sleep difficulties or insomnia
Overcoming fears and phobias like heights, elevators, water, needles, insects etc
Developing self-esteem and / or self-confidence
Changing unwanted repeated behavioural patterns
Memory improvement & concentration (including exam preparation)
Expressing, releasing and managing emotions such as anger
Healing physical, mental or sexual abuse
Grieving and loss
Healing past traumas or hurts
Increasing motivation
Improving physical health
Pre / Post surgical and dental procedures
Obstetrics preparation and training

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING AFTER THE SESSION?

To support your change, I may ask you to make some notes or to notice certain states of being for us to discuss at our next meeting. We can use this information to expand on the work we have already done and to continue to support you in the change.

I will also give you a recording pf our session to take away so you can listen to it and reinforce the work we have done together.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I LISTEN TO THE RECORDING?

Please listen to the recording once a day for at least three weeks. Try to make time each day to listen, and you’ll create the opportunity for my messages to get to work in your mind

WHY SHOULD I TRY HYPNOTHERAPY?

Hypnotherapy is effective, powerful and it works. It works faster than other modes of therapy as it deals with the subconscious mind. There is also an evidence base for the efficacy of hypnotherapy.

what IS RAPID TRANSFORMATIONAL THERAPY?

Rapid Transformational Therapy is therapy under hypnosis, it combines the best features of Hypnotherapy, NLP, Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies to create a life changing therapy which is designed to give you a powerful breakthrough and create substantial change in your life.

what does RTT feel like?

RTT uses trance - more on that below. The experience feels different for different people. Some people feel a floating sensation, some do not. Others may feel sleepy, some do not. Most people feel relaxed and at ease. What’s important to know is that how you feel is not an indicator of how effective it is. Regardless of what it feels like - it’s working.

How does rtt work?

Hypnosis is science and works by creating a burst of brain waves that are the same as when you are in REM and that allows you to access the subconscious mind.

How deep do I need to go?

You don’t need to worry about how deep you go. The depth of trance is not linked to results at all, just know that accessing your subconscious and reprogramming it is highly effective.

When will I start to see change?

There are 3 types of change from Rapid Transformational Therapy, every person's experience is different. Some change is immediate, some is incremental and some change you only notice when you look back over time. The depth and extent of the change you experience from Rapid Transformational Therapy is up to you and relies on you listening to the recording I give you to help integrate the change.

What if I need or want another session?

Rapid Transformational Therapy is designed to give you a powerful breakthrough and create substantial changes in your life. Some clients may need more than one RTT session on an issue, depending on how deep the issue is it can take up to 3 sessions to unpack it.

How do I prepare for my reiki session or for energy work?

Tip 1 - Mentally and physically prepare before you arrive

Give yourself time before the session to sit and reflect, check in with how your body is feeling and anything you are noticing with regards to emotions, thoughts or physical sensations.

Take some time to breathe and be aware of what your body's needs might be.

Reflect on any intention you want to set for your session and anything you want to share with me before you begin.

Tip 2 – Don’t be thirsty or hungry

Make sure you’ve eaten and had something to drink a few hours before the session, mostly so you will be as comfortable as possible and not distracted by hunger or thirst.

Avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand, however, as you don’t want all of your body’s energy to be directed toward digesting while you’re receiving your treatment.

Tip 3 – Dress for comfort

You will be lying down for the majority of your session, so comfort is key for being open to taking on and integrating the Reiki energy.

Be sure you are wearing comfortable clothes. I recommend my clients either wear or bring socks since shoes are removed during the session.

Tip 4 – Bring a crystal if you want to

I use crystals in my healing sessions. If you like, you can bring your own crystal. It will absorb the energy and continue to vibrate with it for hours or days after your session.

What should I expect in the session?

Be fully present. Make a commitment to leave your worldly cares behind. This is your time, so be fully present.

Choosing to accept reiki healing requires discipline and commitment from you. Give yourself credit for understanding the importance of self-care and healing.

Once you are on the table, be fully present, there is not a lot you have to do except for lie back and be comfortable. This is your time. Set your intent to receive healing.

I will use breath and intent to connect to energy and transmit pure universal healing energy to you.

Relax, let your body be completely supported where you lie. Visualize your connection to the table and the table’s solid connection to earth. Use your own breath to release the pressures of the day. Breathe in deeply, filling the lungs then exhaling all the air. Settle in and let the energy work on you. A good Reiki session can provide a deep meditative state.

Reiki energy is intelligent and will flow exactly to where it is needed. You will never receive too much or too little.

How will I feel during reiki?

Reiki typically feels warm and soothing however, it can also be cool depending on what your body needs. Reiki awakens the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

Reiki is extremely gentle and yet, because energy blockages are being cleared in the body, issues may come up as a result. You may feel relief immediately as stress and anxiety melt away. You can also feel energized as Reiki flows and clears blocked energy in your Chakras, the energy centers located along the spine.

Or you may not feel too much of anything right away, but notice a difference hours or days later as the energy fully integrates.

Sometimes, a Reiki session can bring up strong emotions we may have not dealt with appropriately or fully– if this happens, by all means, allow them to surface completely and release as necessary. I am providing a safe space for you and will never judge your emotional response.

Please get in touch with me if anything feels overly uncomfortable after your session.

What should I do after a reiki session?

Many of the treatment benefits can occur as soon as the session is over so it’s important to find somewhere quiet and relaxing to integrate what comes up.

So, resist the urge to jump back into your day. I recommend that you take at least 15-20 minutes after the session to meditate, lie down, go for a walk in nature or even take a nap. Try not to book or schedule anything immediately after your session.

Energy work is often hungry work, and you may find yourself hungry immediately after your session. Be sure you listen to your body and choose a healthy snack or meal afterward if needed. Eating can also help ground the body and as a bonus, you may find that a piece of dark chocolate be quite restorative. Eating will help ground you and provide the vital nutrients your body need to self-heal.

After doing any type of energy work it’s important to hydrate, so be sure to drink 1-2 glasses of water after your session. I find adding electrolytes to your water can also be helpful, as it helps to replenish the body.

Reflect It’s often helpful to spend some time after the session reflecting, so I often recommend that clients journal, draw or somehow capture any insights they had during and immediately after the session.

You may also decide to meditate afterward or listen to calming or inspirational music. Whatever you choose to do, find an activity that helps you connect to what you've experienced so you can draw on it in future.

Please get in touch with me immediately if you experience any overly challenging emotions, physical sensations or issues after your treatment.

And don’t forget to make your next appointment. Regular sessions offer preventative benefits and are a valuable tool to add to your wellness regime.