How long is a therapy session?

Counselling sessions are typically 50 minutes and hypnotherapy sessions range from 60 to 90 minutes. I offer a 30 minute free introductory session for you to discuss your therapeutic needs and what I can do to help you.

Will my counselling or clinical hypnotherapy session be held online?

Yes, I conduct all my therapy sessions online via Zoom. You will be sent a secure link to click on at the time of your appointment. Additional information about the online session will be sent to you when you book an appointment. However, depending on my current location, I can provide in person sessions in Hong Kong and the UK on request.

How many sessions will I need?

This can vary as it is dependent on the issue we are dealing with and your commitment to therapy, but I would usually recommend a minimum of six sessions. Counselling is a collaborative process where we work together to achieve your goals and make positive, long-term changes. For clinical hypnotherapy some issues such as smoking cessation, can be effectively treated in 3 sessions, whereas, a complex phobia or trauma may take 6+ sessions to resolve.

How frequently should I attend an online session?

Regular attendance increases the efficacy of therapy so I would recommend weekly sessions, and where possible, at the same time and day.

What should I expect from the introductory session you offer?

The aim of the introductory session is for us to get to know each other and for me to understand what you wish to gain from your therapy with me, the goals wish to achieve and for you to share your story with me so I can explain how I can help and what the support I offer will look like.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of altered awareness during which your unconscious mind is more open and receptive to suggestions. We called this the “trance state” and it is a naturally occurring phenomenon. We actually drift in and out of different levels of awareness throughout the day.

How does it feel to be hypnotised?

Every person experiences hypnosis in a different and unique way. Some say their body feels light and as if they are floating like a cloud, others report feeling heavy, like a lead weight. However, most people agree that they feel more relaxed, calm and peaceful than ever before.

Will I be asleep?

Sometimes people become so relaxed that they do fall asleep. However, your unconscious mind will remain active and receptive to the hypnotherapy. In most cases you will be aware of everything that is happening, but sometimes you will be so deeply relaxed that you find yourself drifting in and out of different levels of awareness from light to deep trance.

Will I remember everything afterwards?

This depends on the level of trance you enter into, you may remember everything that has happened, certain parts of the experience or very little. You are likely to find that suggestions you have been given whilst in hypnosis resurface in your conscious mind after the session and these suggestions will be the thoughts that produce changes in your behaviour, thoughts and feelings.

Will I remember things that happened in my past whilst under hypnosis?

Maybe, but this mainly depends on the approach being used and the issue you have brought to therapy. If the cause of your problem relates to a repressed memory it may be helpful to bring the memory back into your awareness so you can view the problem from a different perspective to change the way it impacts your life today. Sometimes painful memories do resurface, or need to be addressed, and certain techniques can be used to help you dissociate from them so you can safely revisit the memory without experiencing the intense emotions previously associated with it.

Can I be made to do something whilst under hypnosis?

This is a common misconception of hypnosis. No, you won’t say or do anything that you don’t want to. Your unconscious mind will reject or disregard any suggestions that don’t correspond with your own moral code and values.

I’m scared I will get stuck in a trance, especially as the therapy is in a virtual setting.

We go in and out of hypnosis several times every day. For example, have you ever driven somewhere familiar and not remembered a thing about the journey? If so, it is likely you were in a trance state during which your conscious mind was focused elsewhere whilst still processing the information needed to drive safety, as if you were functioning on auto-pilot.

No-one has ever remained in hypnosis indefinitely and even if you lost internet connection mid-session you would come out of the trance state naturally without the guidance of your hypnotherapist.

I’m worried I am not able to be hypnotised as I’m very strong-willed.

This is actually big advantage when it comes to hypnosis. People with strong willpower and an open mind respond the most effectively to hypnosis. This is because they are good at focusing their attention in order to affect positive change in their lives. This is not to say that those of us without these qualities are not as receptive to hypnosis. Each session is designed specifically for you, taking into account your strengths and personality, and using the techniques most appropriate for you and the condition being treated.