Can Anyone Be Hypnotised?

This question comes up frequently and I have pondered the reason it may be asked.

Could it be that the person asking is interested in trying hypnotherapy and wants to find out more about it but does not want to commit at this stage?

Or could it be that they have had an experience with some hypnosis, and it didn’t meet their expectations?

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In the case of perhaps wanting to try it out, I would suggest a taster session. This is a shorter appointment, sometimes 1-1, sometimes in a group so giving options to the person considering it. We can use a generic topic such as relaxation, so the person is not at liberty to divulge any further information about the issue before they have had the trial experience so keeping them safe. These are usually a relatively inexpensive way to try out hypnosis and help the person decide if they would like to take it further or not. Either way, they will have gained some insight and had a relaxing time.

Some people have tried or had an experience with hypnosis before and have been left with questions or perhaps been disappointed with the results. Some hypnosis, like stage hypnosis designed for entertainment purposes is very different to the therapeutic hypnotherapy I offer. I spend time getting to know what my client wants initially through a free consultation to be able to clearly advise on a course of treatment. There is no obligation to continue into any sessions following the consultation, so it is a risk-free opportunity to iron out any concerns.

Is Hypnotherapy Better for Certain Fears and Phobias

Fears and phobias often respond well to hypnotherapy and this is because they are generated in the subconscious mind, usually for a very good reason.

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For instance, a young female that I worked with was really frightened of dogs. When we explored this it seems that once, whilst with her Grandma, an unleashed dog looked like it was going to approach them as they were on a park. The Grandma scooped up the little girl and marched off in the opposite direction, muttering something about the dog should be on a lead, it was dangerous.

The little girl had quite forgotten about this innocuous experience, but her subconscious mind had not. It had equated the potential threat of the dog into a concrete fact and stored it for future use in an attempt to alert the little girl to possible danger. Consequently, as the years went by other experiences added to this was built upon until any dog, in any situation was deemed a threat. This then becomes a phobia – an irrational fear that has no, or little evidence to substantiate it.

Hypnotherapy begins the process of gently desensitising the part that is anxious and fearful and replaces those unhelpful and often untrue thoughts with some more useful facts. Alongside this, hypnotherapy can add perspective to a long-forgotten memory so bringing it more in line with what the person thinks today. These then ease the fear and allows the person to go about their day to day business unfettered by the emotional response to something that never happened in the first place!

How Much Does It Cost?

I believe in being completely transparent and up front with what you get for your money. Tailoring sessions to your individual needs is a cost-effective way to getting the results you want and adding in something like a workshop, or Relaxation session can boost this effectiveness and provide a positive on-going support or as and when top up.

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Initial 30 minute, no obligation consultation – FREE.

Taster/Relaxation sessions – £15 in a group setting/£45 individual session.

Workshop – 2-hour sessions, delivered live on Zoom, covering a range of topics from journal writing to sleep. £35.

Individual one-hour sessions are £70 per hour. In person or on Zoom.

Packages for Weight Loss, Stress and Anxiety Management, and Children and Young People are priced from as little as £127.

How Quick Are the Results?

Before we get around to answering this question, I have a question for you – How long have you had this problem?

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Recognising that an unhelpful habit or thought process has built up over time is and interesting idea and helps to give a framework to the possible solutions needed to sort it out. Please don’t get me wrong, it’s not an exact science! For instance, if you have regularly over eaten/eaten the wrong foods for say, the last 20 years, it’s not going to take 20 years to sort it out, rather it might take a more robust approach with some effective home tasks along the way to help set realistic goals and speed up progress.

Most clients experience some shift right from the first session, some report feeling better or more positive having just talked about the problem on the initial consultation. The smaller the steps, the more we get the subconscious mind on board and results will be apparent over time – in this way, the changes made are more likely to be sustainable.

Do you Work with Children?

NHS Digital and The Office for National Statistics have today published research showing that one in six children and young people had a probable mental health problem in July 2020 – a rise from one in nine in 2017.

1 in 6 children aged five to 16 were identified as having a probable mental health problem in July 2020.

Less than 1 in 3 young people with a mental health condition get access to NHS care and treatment.

80% of young people with mental health needs agree that the Covid-19 pandemic has made their mental health worse.

For most of my professional career I have been involved with working with children, young people and their families, adding up to over 25 years. I have worked for Social Care local authority in Derbyshire, Barnardo’s Family Action project and in the Health Visiting/School Nurse team in the NHS in the Erewash area.

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I have worked with children from birth to 17 years of age, from a range of backgrounds and situations. This experience has given me countless tools and techniques that can be discussed and applied to a multitude of problems, issues and concerns. And the added benefit is that I am skilled with supporting parents and carers so that they feel empowered and more capable to deal with helping their children. Is there anything worse, from a parent’s perspective feeling inadequate or at a loss as to how to help their own child?

Children from as young as 7 years old can benefit from sessions using a mix of activities and hypnosis to effectively deal with many common issues. The sessions will vary from child to child and the content is different to what I might do with an adult client.

The child will be accompanied by an appropriate adult during the session but will not participate directly unless asked to do so. The child is my client and my focus will be on them.

Please see my website for further information – www.susangraingertherapy.co.uk/reasons-to-try-hypnotherapy/stress-and-anxiety-in-children-and-young-people/

What’s the Benefits of Working with you Remotely?

“I love that our sessions are on Zoom because I am so relaxed afterwards, I can just go straight to bed!”

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When I first contemplated the idea of doing what I do on a virtual platform it did seem a bit scary. All I had known is working with my clients in my clinic room with all the tangible things that go along with that. It was a learning curve, that’s for sure. I feel proud of making these adjustments to continue to offer the service I have always done, now with the added extra of Zoom calls.

Some of my clients were sceptical but having had a go, reported that the therapy was just as effective as in person and there were some surprising advantages, one of which is the quote above.

Another advantage of Zoom is that an hour with me, is just that, an hour. No wraparound time for travel, finding a parking place, running in from the rain, etc. If you are local, face to face in person sessions may still be preferred but for my clients from a distance this can be a gamechanger.

I enjoyed the challenge of finding new, innovative ways to deliver the same great service. I made use of email more, phone call check ins and actually used the post (you know, snail mail) to send some paperwork activities to children and notebooks to adults.

What if I want help but not hypnosis?

That’s ok. Hypnotherapy is not suitable for everyone as some medical conditions and medication might mean that we would need to look at alternative forms of support for you.

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And there is the thing that a lot of people are very sceptical of hypnosis and that is fine.

Fortunately, I am trained in many different disciplines of therapy so a tailored package can be arranged to suit individual needs and requirements. Remember, there is no ‘one size, fits all’ here!

Therefore, I am trained to use a blended approach, a mixture of talking, some Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a Solution Focused Approached, Emotional Freedom Technique and Journal Therapy. One, or a combination of these effective strategies would be part of a treatment plan that we can discuss on consultation which is free, and non-obligatory.

I like to think of my service as a giant pick and mix counter.

I have lots of experience, techniques and interventions that will fit your problem. The collaborative approach relies on you, as the client, to choose what you like the sound of, what you think will fit in and what piques your interest. This way, we are wholly more likely to get the results you are after.

I’m also a hypnotherapist, do you provide supervision?

Yes, I do.

You can be assured of a professional service that can be tailored to meet any requirements from governing bodies.

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The nature of the relationship between supervisee and supervisor requires a degree of trust and understanding so, just as you would take time to research an appropriate therapist, the same should be applied to finding the right supervisor.

I am happy to answer any specific questions that you may have and go from there.

For more details please go to my profile on the NCIP website:

https://www.the-ncip.org/home

Do you use aversion therapy?

This is an interesting one.

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My first response would be yes, where it is appropriate. Let me explain. It very much depends on what the client is attempting to achieve and using aversion can help to cement a solution more deeply in the unconscious by making it as unpalatable as possible. Sounds great doesn’t it but a word of warning here. A few years ago, a client came to me for weight loss support and we were very successful in addressing issues that were preventing them from reaching their goals. One thing that remained was a deep desire to drink the diet version of a certain popular soft, fizzy drink. This desire would have them going out to the supermarket late at night in order to replenish stock for the next day and it was certainly not in keeping with the rest of the new lifestyle choices. I conducted a session of aversion therapy which worked well, a little too well maybe as not only was the client not wanting to drink said soft, fizzy drink but the inclination to consume anything fizzy was also gone!

The moral to the story is check out that you really want this behaviour to stop before trying aversion therapy as sometimes there are no ‘half measures’!!

Are you doing face to face sessions?

Wherever possible, face to face appointments are available at my office in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. I can maintain distance and have a schedule of cleaning between clients in accordance with the current guidelines. Anyone not wishing to see me in person is welcome to do a Zoom meeting.

The effectiveness of the therapy does not seem to be affected by either option so rest assured you will receive the best possible care and attention whichever way you decide to access my services.

How long do results last?

Most clients experience some shift right from the first session, some report feeling better or more positive having just talked about the problem on the initial consultation. Results can be similar and the smaller the steps, the more we get the subconscious mind on board so results will be apparent over time – in this way, the changes made are more likely to be sustainable.

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Forming habits is a useful strategy for most issues like weight loss for instance. No ‘one thing’ is the magic key to achieving healthy lifestyle goals as it might be due to many things such as lack of motivation to exercise, portion control, craving for a certain type of food or a mindset that success is actually possible. Habits take a little time to catch on but you can rest assured that we will make as much progress as possible within the timescale set for your sessions and there is always the possibility of changes happening outside the appointments as the conscious mind will continue working long after the session has ended.

How do I know if hypnosis is right for me?

A lot of people are unsure about hypnosis and that is why I offer taster sessions, group sessions and a free consultation to help you decide if you would like to go ahead and if it is appropriate for us to use hypnosis as part of your treatment plan.

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Fortunately, if you find that hypnosis is not for you, I am trained in many different disciplines of therapy so a tailored package can be arranged to suit individual needs and requirements. I use a blended mixture of talking, some Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a Solution Focused Approached, Emotional Freedom Technique and Journal Therapy.

I like to think of my service as a giant pick and mix counter. I have lots of experience, techniques and interventions that will fit your problem. The collaborative approach relies on you, as the client, to choose what you like the sound of, what you think will fit in and what piques your interest. This way, we are wholly more likely to get the results you are after.

How Do You Convince People Who Don’t Believe in Hypnotherapy?

Good question!

The short answer is, I don’t.

It is not part of my job to convince anyone about anything. I respect their opinion on matters. I do, however, see it as part of my job to offer potential solutions to whatever is causing a problem to them at that time.

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A lot of people are very sceptical of hypnosis and that is fine. Fortunately, I am trained in many different disciplines of therapy so a tailored package can be arranged to suit individual needs and requirements. I use a blended mixture of talking, some Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), often Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), a Solution Focused Approached, Emotional Freedom Technique and Journal Therapy.

I like to think of my service as a giant pick and mix counter. I have lots of experience, techniques and interventions that will fit your problem. The collaborative approach relies on you, as the client, to choose what you like the sound of, what you think will fit in and what piques your interest. This way, we are wholly more likely to get the results you are after.

What’s the Difference Between Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy?

https://www.selfhypnosis.com/hypnotherapy-vs-psychotherapy/

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Psychology is the study of human behaviour and psychotherapy is an umbrella term for the many different ways of helping people with their thoughts and emotions. Hypnotherapy falls into this category, so the purpose of this article is to compare it with traditional forms of psychotherapy, such as working with a psychologist, psychiatrist or even a counsellor. Hypnotherapy has two significant advantages over other psychological approaches: Hypnotherapy deals directly with the subconscious mind. Hypnotherapy is usually far quicker in producing beneficial changes and results. These two factors are obviously linked. Hypnotherapy tends to be quicker, because it deals with subconscious thought processes, which are often the cause of many people’s problems. To be clear, I am not saying that hypnotherapy is superior, just that we have an advantage that sometimes can produce faster results than the other methodologies. Hypnotherapy can also sometimes produce results, where other methodologies might fail.

https://www.selfhypnosis.com/hypnotherapy-vs-psychotherapy/
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Is Hypnotherapy Safe?

Have you ever driven a familiar route only to ask yourself, “Did I pass that pub already?”

It would suggest that although alert and awake enough to drive your vehicle, part of your mind has drifted off for a moment and registered your surroundings in the same way as you do if you were looking for a street you had never been to before.

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In hypnotherapy we can use this naturally occurring phenomenon to help rest and reset your mind. And because your brain already does this naturally and easy several times a day it senses no threat or worry. The conscious mind will ask a few questions I’m sure, but in the subtle art of therapeutic language we can keep that part busy, so the subconscious mind gets the full benefit.

Hypnotherapy is non-invasive, gentle and effective and has been around for centuries. The birth of modern hypnosis is said to lie with Franz Mesmer in the early 1800’s, so now you know where the word ‘mesmerising’ comes from. Today, it can be regarded with some scepticism, however, delivered in the right way by a qualified professional I believe it can be most helpful.

For qualified therapists and ethics, please look at these websites:

www.the-ncip.org

www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com

www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk

Are There Any Side Effects from Hypnotherapy?

If you are worried that you may start clucking like a chicken if someone snaps their fingers, then you have no need to. The only side effects from hypnotherapy are good ones. So, if you would like to have or experience any of the following please get in touch to arrange an appointment.

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  • Feel calmer and more in control.
  • Feel lighter
  • Have more energy
  • Manage stressful situations better
  • Make better choices
  • Be more organised
  • Rebalance
  • Find your priorities
  • Manage time

This is by no means the full extent of what a therapy session can achieve so if your issue, problem, desire is not on the list then please feel free to chat with me.

Do I Need to Have a Particular identified Issue to Work with You?

The short answer is no.

We all tend to seek advice and support when something has gone wrong or just doesn’t feel right; when we can’t seem to find our mojo, or we just don’t feel like ourselves.

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It’s a bit like having an intermittent fault on your car. The question is, do you try to nip it in the bud quickly or wait until there is a more serious problem?

And, just like taking your car to the garage you will not know what the problem is exactly, although you may have some inkling as it may be something that has happened before, or is similar, or that you have been aware of.

This is where expertise come into play. Asking the right questions to get the information on the problem so a correct diagnostic can take place is crucial. The collaborative approach works well in the information gathering stage and can continue to play an important role in checking out what is working well and what problems, if any, are still evident.

It is quite normal for someone to start a conversation with me along the lines of, ‘I just don’t feel right’ or ‘I’m aware of what I am doing but just can’t seem to stop’.

Rest assured, there is no judgement here, just gentle exploration of your experience of the problem or issue. Then the collaborative approach continues in the discussion on what would be a probable next step. There are always choices. You are always in the driving seat. I am simply the guide and will present options that, in my experience, will be useful for you.

So if it’s feeling out of sorts, needing a boost to confidence or self esteem or tackle a particular behaviour, let’s have a free, no obligation 30 minute chat to discover your way forward.

How do you find a qualified practitioner?

I can’t stress enough how important it is to find a trained, qualified and insured practitioner.

In your search you should always check the practitioner’s credentials, don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

Are you registered with a governing body?

What are your qualifications and where did you train?

How long have you been a therapist?

Are you insured?

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As an Accredited Member of the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists I agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct which is readily available on their website – details below.

https://www.the-ncip.org/conduct

I trained with a company called MindWorks in Nottingham in 2014. I chose this course above others because of the high level of experiential learning involved. I remember thinking that I felt ‘thrown in at the deep end’ as from the very first module I was delivering techniques. But this proved to be a sterling way forward as it grew my confidence and made me eager to learn more.I now assist in training other students to become hypnotherapists with the same company and I am a qualified supervisor too.

I have been a full-time therapist ever since. And I love it!

I am insured as a full-time therapist for all the techniques and strategies I currently advertise.

How long have you been a therapist?

Gosh, that’s an interesting question.

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I have had many roles in the children and families sector from the late 1990’s. All of these roles have had the need for some element of therapy in order to be an effective worker with families in challenging circumstances. Qualities such as active listening, demonstrating empathy, supporting people to problem solve and dealing with people in crisis was a day to day occurrence. And this built up a broad skill base.

In terms of qualification, I started out, in 1999, with a diploma in counselling skills which great enhanced my effectiveness in working with the issues faced by my clients. I then went on to add in Emotional Freedom Technique, Hypnotherapy and NLP, Journal Therapy, Weight Management Coaching and Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Inner Child Freedom Technique, Stress Management Practitioner and Hypnotherapy in Schools Practitioner.

I started my own therapy business in 2014, then as a trainee hypnotherapist but I knew right from the start that this was going to be what I did so I took the plunge. And I’ve never looked back.

You can find out more about me and my journey on my website at;

https://www.susangraingertherapy.co.uk/about-me/

Is your profession regulated?

Gosh, that’s an interesting question.

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Membership to governing bodies or regulators is optional to individual therapists. I find it very useful to be part of both the National Council for Psychotherapists and the General Hypnotherapy Register. I also advertise on the Hypnotherapy Directory which stipulates association to some overarching organisation and so can be seen as a standards element to the industry.

As an Accredited Member of the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists I agree to adhere to the Code of Conduct which is readily available on their website – details below.

https://www.the-ncip.org/conduct

Where are you based?

My comfortable and quiet clinic room is in Ilkeston, Derbyshire on the Nottingham Derbyshire border. It is on a main road so is easy to locate and there is ample car parking available around the venue.

How would I know if I need to have therapy?

People often think that they must have a major problem to seek some expert help with it. This is a misconception

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Take the car care analogy; you would obviously take your car to the garage to get expert advice if there was a presenting problem, but you may also have regular checks on your vehicle such as a service and MOT.

You would get the tyres checked and check the oil and water levels on a regular basis.
These checks give peace of mind and also may help to highlight any issue that is brewing so it can be quickly nipped in the bud before it becomes more bothersome.

Therapy sessions can also be used in this way. You may not have a problem to discuss, a phobia to sort out or a behaviour to modify. You might want to be more self-confident or have more focus. You may well want to understand more about how your mind works and why you think the things that you do. It is all good discussion and the information can stand you in good stead for the future.

How do I know the hypnosis has worked?

You will notice changes. Some of them might be subtle and it might be that you think retrospectively about a certain situation and notice that you responded differently.

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Small steps are great however, some clients experience a larger shift in mindset and behaviour patterns. It very much depends on the nature of the problem and the willingness of the unconscious mind to align new strategies with already held beliefs.

You may experience subtle differences and find the following advantages:

  • you sleep better,
  • are more relaxed
  • and have improved self-esteem and confidence