What is hypnosis like?
The best description is the Sunday morning dozing feeling when a car alarm goes off in the distance. If you are tense, the alarm will become louder and louder and make you feel irritable. If you are relaxed, you will think to yourself, “So what? I hope someone turns it off soon” and just continue relaxing.
Hypnotic trance is a perfectly natural state which we all experience to some extent when driving a car, being engrossed in a film – physically present but somehow far away. Children live in this daydream state which is why they respond so well to hypnosis, even with their eyes open and moving around.
How does hypnosis change habits and negative emotions?
90-95% of brain activity is in the unconscious. All permanent change occurs in the unconscious. If only 5-10% of brain activity is in the conscious mind, is it any wonder that we can consciously know why we want to change something eg get rid of an unwanted habit or irrational phobia yet we cannot make the change by ourself? The conscious brain activity is just the tip of the iceberg sticking out of the sea. No one really knows how hypnosis works yet there are thousands of case studies showing how hypnosis has been used to effect positive change. Some results have occurred after years of unsuccessful or limited treatment by doctors or mind therapists such as psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Hypnosis bypasses the critical factor, the doorkeeper to the unconscious mind. The unconscious has stored a memory which triggers off a fear, a habit, a negative emotion or a psychosomatic health problem. Talking to the adult conscious mind has not worked up to now. You know all the reasons why change is necessary but you have hung on to the negative. In some cases, it has become your identity.
To talk to the childish unconscious, I have to bypass the doorkeeper, a bit like a bouncer outside a club. I gain his confidence by guiding you into a state of deep physical and mental relaxation and he allows me to talk to the unconscious. Once the door is open, changes can happen in an instant.
THE HUMAN MIND IS BY FAR THE MOST POWERFUL COMPUTER EVER CREATED
JUST LIKE A COMPUTER, THE PROGRAMMES IN IT CAN BE CHANGED
Is it like stage hypnosis when people are made to make fools of themselves?
In no way. Inducing a hypnotic trance is the same but in therapy, my aim is to help you solve a problem or overcome a negative habit. It is not to make fun of you.
Will I be aware of what is going on around me?
Absolutely, hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness. If a dog barks or a motorbike drives by, you will hear it but it will not disturb you. I will suggest that such sounds just take you deeper into relaxation.
Will I be comfortable?
Before we start, I shall ask you whether you need to use the lavatory and suggest you loosen any tight clothing, possibly take off your shoes or glasses so you are as comfortable as possible.
What if there is an emergency?
In the event of fire or any other emergency, you will be fully aware and I will bring you back into the room immediately.
Can Hypnosis be dangerous?
In the wrong hands, possibly but your unconscious will not let you take on any ideas or instructions which are against your belief systems. For example, if a hypnotist told you to murder or harm someone, you would instantly snap out of hypnotic trance. I am here to help you in a caring way, not to harm you.
Is hypnosis addictive?
Not addictive like drugs, alcohol or smoking, no, but you might enjoy the deep feeling of relaxation so much that you want to come back again!
Is it magic?
You will find that I am a caring professional person, totally devoid of any mystical or magical powers. No flowing robes or swinging watches, just a reassuring manner to put you at ease and the expertise to help with you problem.
"Only stupid, gullible people can be hypnotized"
This is not at all true. In fact, you will need to use all your powers of intelligence, imagination and concentration to fully benefit from your therapy. You may be asked to visualize a scene, or imagine a taste or sound. In stage hypnosis it is probably the most gullible who are made to look the most idiotic simply because the hypnotist recognizes who wants to be star of the show. The same person would deny any intention of singing at a Karaoke evening but reluctantly allow his name to be given to the DJ.
Is there anyone who cannot be hypnotized?
I do not hypnotize very young children (-7), anyone with severe mental problems such as schizophrenia or anyone under the influence of alcohol.
Can I talk during hypnosis?
You are in control of yourself at all times so yes, you could say something if you wanted to or if asked but it is usually not necessary. Sometimes you will be asked questions in hypno-analysis or regression.
Do I need a problem to come for therapy?
No, you can visit for a session of relaxation and de-stressing. It will re-energize you and make you feel more positive and ready for the day. I charge a reduced fee when a client just wants a feel-good feeling of deep relaxation without specific therapy.
Does the result from the therapy last?
I use hypnotherapy and NLP techniques (Neuro Linguistic Programming) which effect change in a moment and this change lasts. Complete Mind Therapy is just what the title suggests – complete.
Can I return for different problems?
Of course. Maybe you want to stop smoking and later want to build confidence because you have to give presentations at work, feel nervous about exams, have developed a skin problem or whatever. Each session is personally tailored to suit whatever problem the client needs solved.
How many sessions do I need?
Generally, just one session to stop smoking although if you need a back-up session, this is included in the fee. For weight loss, I suggest once a month until you reach your desired weight. Simple lack of confidence and health problems may be solved in one or two sessions whilst some issues will require several sessions, whether close together or spaced out. Compare this with types of therapy which require you to commit to many sessions over months or years.
What are your payment terms?
I require payment in cash at the session. I only want to work with clients who are committed and intend to show up for their therapy. No shows clients could be taking up time for clients who really want the help. If clients book a session in Brussels or Berchem and do not cancel within 48 hours of the session, the full session fee will be due as I have to pay for the room.