©2011 Phil Braiden. All Rights Reserved.
Practices in Cirencester & Stroud
Philip Braiden - Clinical Hypnotherapist & NLP Master Practitioner
Frequently Asked Questions...
Hypnosis has long been associated with the strange and mysterious, with side shows and faith healers; yet hypnosis isn’t mysterious or supernatural and we have all been in a hypnotic states literally thousands of times. You didn’t notice because it is such a natural state of mind. Have you ever had a day dream or looked for something and not been able to see it but then found it in a place you had already looked? Have you ever imagined what a room or garden would look like once redecorated? Or have you ever driven somewhere and been unable to recall the details of the journey? These are just some of the many examples of natural trance states we go through every day.
No, hypnosis is not sleep - contrary to popular belief, you are not asleep whilst in hypnosis. Although you will be very relaxed, you will actually be in a more heightened state of awareness. In this relaxed state your mind is more receptive and open to new learning. Hypnotherapy is interactive and involves you working with the practitioner by talking and answering questions during the session. This would not be possible if you were asleep!
Absolutely. All you need to be able to do is follow some simple instructions. The one thing that can sometimes prevent someone from going into hypnosis is fear. Fear of what to expect, the unknown etc.
This is why I always spend time answering your questions, explaining what we will be doing and ensuring that you are feeling completely comfortable before we proceed with the session.
How will I know I am hypnotised?
Most people cannot tell the difference between the hypnotised and waking states. For some people it’s a feeling of being very relaxed and sometimes lethargic. For others, it can be a feeling of lightness.
How many sessions will it take?
My intent is to help you overcome your problem in the shortest possible time by combining Clinical Hypnotherapy and Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques to get results fast. The number of sessions will vary as we are all unique individuals.
Consultation is by appointment only. Clients are seen on a one-to-one basis with the initial free consultation determining the nature of the problem and the proposed course of therapy.
With the exception of the Q-smoke and Breakthrough sessions all other sessions last between 50 - 60 minutes and are usually a week apart.
Absolutely not. Hypnosis is not a truth serum! During your session you will be in complete control and if for any reason there is something you do not wish to share with the therapist you have complete control to say you do not wish to discuss it. Please rest assured that anything you DO say during your session will be kept strictly confidential.
Hypnosis is a natural and effective way of making contact with your inner (sub-conscious) self with no harmful side effects. It is a safe and natural therapy. It won’t change your personality or who you really are but with hypnotherapy we can help you to change unwanted old habits and behaviour patterns that you want to change.
Will I remember anything about the session afterwards?
Yes, you will be fully aware of what was said and what you said in the session.
No, you will be fully in control during the session. You are being guided by your Hypnotherapist and are just a s much in control as you would be whatever else you may be doing. A Hypnotherapist does not need, wish or want to control you during your session. Their role is to work with you to help you achieve the results you want.
For most people, yes. Hypnotherapy is NOT a magic wand, and nothing can be 100% guaranteed. You must be committed to wanting to change. The Hypnotherapist cannot MAKE you do something you do not really want to do in the first place.
As long as you genuinely want to, and are ready to change, but need some help to do so, then this type of hypnotherapy can help you easily achieve those changes and in some cases, where years of other therapies have failed!
There are no harmful side effects unlike some medications. This is a natural therapy and many clients report a feeling of relaxation and well being after their session
Some clients sometimes return just for these benefits alone.
What if I can’t "wake up" from hypnosis?
Hypnosis is just like being in a “daydream”. It’s like resting or lying down without actually going to sleep. Even if the Hypnotherapist left the room (which would never happen!) you would soon return to the waking state the same way as you would if you were resting with your eyes closed at any other time.
The thought of hypnosis worries me. Would you still be able to help me?
Yes. It is important that we deal with any concerns or worries first, so that you feel comfortable with everything. When you feel comfortable, we can use hypnosis, if you still do not feel comfortable about it, then there are several other ways to help too (such as other therapies and techniques - counselling, emotional freedom technique, NLP etc.) without necessarily using hypnosis. However, hypnotherapy is often the shortest route to fixing many problems.
Do I need to relax to be hypnotised?
No. You do not need to be relaxed in order to be hypnotised. Relaxation is one of the methods, but there are several others.
I am concerned after seeing what a stage hypnotist does
You CANNOT be made to do anything against your will or that you would not feel comfortable doing. Stage hypnosis is for entertainment purposes only and remember, people from the audience are not forced to participate, they are invited to go on stage and do so voluntarily. They are fully aware that if they do go up on stage they will most likely be asked to do silly things and they are comfortable with this. If they were not comfortable then they would either not go up in the first place or they would soon go back to their seats!
Will hypnosis compromise my religious beliefs?
No, there is no reason for it to do so. I see many clients from all religious backgrounds and beliefs. Hypnotherapy works with the resources from within you to help you make the changes you want.
What is Neuro Linguistic Programming™?
Neuro Linguistic Programming™ (NLP™) is the process of how we organise our thinking, feeling, language and behaviour to produce the results we do. Using powerful NLP techniques enables us to eliminate old habits and limiting beliefs and create new behaviours quickly and easily. When Hypnosis and NLP are combined they are particularly effective. Find out more>
“A journey of a thousand miles starts with one small step”
You may already have decided that you want to take steps to make changes in your life and have a few questions or concerns. I have listed below some of the most popular questions I have been asked.
If the question you have is not answered below, please do telephone or email me from the contacts page.
How many sessions will it take?
How will I know I am hypnotised?
Will I remember anything about the session afterwards?
What if I can’t "wake up" from hypnosis?
The thought of hypnosis worries me. Would you still be able to help me?
Do I need to relax to be hypnotised?
I am concerned after seeing a stage hypnotist
Will hypnosis compromise my religious beliefs?
Phil Braiden, leading Clinical Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner, in Cirencester for quit smoking, removing phobias, stress, anxiety, fears, stage fright, public speaking, performance nerves, self esteem, confidence, motivation, weight loss, personal performance coaching. Glos, Wilts, South West, Cheltenham, Stroud, Gloucester, Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Chippenham, Lechlade, Fairford, Burford, Witney, Oxford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow, Moreton in Marsh, London, International.