Even under hypnosis, the client remains fully in control, and cannot be influenced to do anything they do notwant to, or to which they are morally or ethically opposed.

An approximate idea of how many sessions are required is usually established within the first session.

• What does hypnosis feel like?
• Does the client remain in control?
• Is hypnosis safe?
• Are there any side effects?
• Can everyone be hypnotised?
• What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
• How long does treatment take?
• How long do the effects of hypnotherapy last?
• Do you provide hypnosis tapes or CDs so I can practise at home?
• How do I choose a hypnotherapist?
• If I stop smoking with hypnosis, will I put on weight?

What does hypnosis feel like?
People experience being under hypnosis in many different ways – some feel heavy and still, some report a floating sensation, some feel fully alert, others drift on the edges of sleep – but for all it is physically pleasant and deeply relaxing, and leaves clients refreshed as after restful sleep. Clients remain able to speak and move if they wish to, and can remember everything that happens in their hypnotic states afterwards. Many are surprised by how ‘normal’ hypnosis feels – something like daydreaming, or being on mental autopilot while making a familiar journey, or carrying out mundane routine tasks.
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Does the client remain in control?
Unlike the stage hypnosis familiar from cabaret and television, and which promotes a rather distorted image of the nature of hypnosis, hypnotherapy’s healing power is based on a trusting, open, evolving dialogue between client and therapist. The client is aware and in control at all times, and all of the positive suggestions offered by the therapist are by definition of the client’s choosing, and intrinsically focused towards his increased wellbeing. And, of course, all treatment is on a private and confidential basis.
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Is hypnosis safe?
Hypnosis is completely safe. It is a natural, heightened state of physical relaxation, which in itself helps the nervous system process stress, and mental focus. As hypnotherapy’s results continue to forward its positive reputation, more and more departments of the medical profession are endorsing its use as a therapeutic tool.
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Are there any side effects?
Beyond the positive benefits targeted by client and therapist, and the other ‘knock-on’ benefits which usually follow treatment such as a general sense of relaxation and quiet confidence, there are no side effects.
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Can everyone be hypnotised?
Almost everyone can be hypnotised, if they wish to be.
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What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
A significant part of a first session will involve finding out about the client’s situation, background, and goals, and each session thereafter begins with some flexible discussion of the client’s feelings, needs and desires, and progress and experiences so far. Zoe then uses techniques to help the client, lying on a couch or sitting in a comfortable chair, mentally and physically relax into a hypnotic state. Then, communicating clearly with the client at all times, she then uses whatever methods have been suggested to and agreed with the client towards his or her specific goals.  Zoe may ask you to do assignments between sessions. These will help reinforce the new positive habits seeded in the therapy room to accelerate and consolidate their benefits.
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How long does treatment take?
Some symptoms, such as smoking addiction, can be resolved in just one session, more complex problems may take several more. Because it addresses issues simply and directly, at root level, hypnotherapy is considered a rapid therapy and most clients require between two and six 90-minute sessions.
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How long do the effects of hypnotherapy last?
As hypnotherapy works directly with the unconscious part of the mind, its effects are potentially permanent. But the changes to thinking and behaviour which are effected almost effortlessly can be influenced by habitual situations and negative circumstances, so clients may need to take away conscious techniques to bolster the progress they have made. Zoe teaches clients the techniques they may need, and discusses with them in detail how to give themselves the best support and maximise the benefits of their treatment.
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Do you provide hypnosis tapes or CDs so I can practise at home?
One-on-one sessions teach clients tools and techniques which help them take lasting control of their situations, and sometimes will be encouraged to practise them between sessions. These techniques can then be easily and conveniently used wherever and whenever they may be needed without the need for tapes or CDs.
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How do I choose a hypnotherapist?
There are a lot of hypnotherapists out there, with varying amounts of training and expertise. Check that any hypnotherapist is member of an organisation that governs the ethics and code of conduct of its members such as the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (www.ghsc.co.uk). On that website you'll be able to see the requirements of membership and the code of conduct to which its members subscribe.

Check that the hypnotherapist is well-trained. Zoe teaches for the European College of Hypnotherapy, the college where she trained and worked as a Clinical Hypnotherapist for the National Phobics Society for three years.

Get a shortlist of two or three therapists and phone them. Ask them any questions that may not have been answered by their website. Ask them about their fees, the number of sessions you may have, their methods of working etc. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the therapist you choose. A professional therapist will understand that you may feel nervous talking to them on the phone or at the first session and will want to put you at your ease.
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If I stop smoking with hypnosis, will I put on weight?
Zoe uses strategies that directly address this concern. After kicking the smoking habit using hypnosis, people can find that they are more in control of other habits too, like snacking.
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