Frequently Asked Questions

The YES method is a whole-person approach to achieving change, incorporating The Five Pillars and using a wide variety of techniques (see next question) to suit you.  You are multi-dimensional so my approach is multi-dimensional too.  In this way, you can expect longer lasting results.

Hypnotherapy is used together with a range of other powerful techniques, including coaching, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), nutritional coaching, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation (EMDR), mindfulness, Body Talk and bio-energetic screening.  I don't use all these techniques on everybody, just the best ones for you.  They work on The Five Pillars which addresses all the factors which might be affecting you and is the most powerful, yet gentle way of helping you.

Because I believe that the body affects the mind and the mind affects the body.  By working on both, you are able to get the best possible results.  This integrative approach helps you to achieve balance emotionally and physically.

Anything that is made worse by stress can be improved by hypnotherapy, such as losing weight, managing anger, reducing stress, stopping smoking, increasing confidence, dealing with depression, anxiety and insomnia plus many more.

Some people have instantaneous improvement, others take more time.  You improve at the rate your subconscious mind is comfortable - even if your conscious mind wants results now!  Over the years we have developed ways of protecting ourselves which have the effect of masking our true thoughts and feelings.  Therapy will help to uncover these which means that you can expect to experience a number of reactions at different stages in the process, some of which will be positive and some will be negative.  The negative happens when we are neutralising the past and the only way out is through - it's really important to stay with it.

It is also important to note that it is completely natural for your motivation to vary throughout therapy.  You may make very quick progress in some sessions but seemingly little progress in others.  This may leave you feeling dispirited.  It is important to persevere because it is usually a sign that true gains are about to be made.  

The most common question I'm asked is how many sessions are needed.  This is very difficult to answer since everybody is different.  I work as quickly as your subconscious is comfortable.  There are a number of factors which can affect the number of sessions you have:  the number of conditions being treated; the severity of the problem; the complexity of your history; the length of the gaps between treatments and your commitment to the work.  Having said that, some of my most complicated cases have been completed very quickly.  It is very individual because we are all individual.  If you decide to work on new issues, this too will extend the treatment time.

To get the quickest results, have regular appointments, do any homework set diligently, following the simple instructions in the session and keep your answers brief.  Some people need to talk things through.  Whilst this is fine, it does take session time and often I just need a little information to move you forward.

It is important that, in deciding to do therapy, you are able to commit to the sessions so that you can complete treatment.

The first session is always a very thorough consultation where we look at the various aspects of your life and how they might be contributing to your problem.  Depending on your history and how you express yourself, there may or may not be enough time to do hypnotherapy in the first session.  Usually the answers I need can be quite brief, but some people like to offload and I give you the time and space to do that if is appropriate for you.  Or, if it seems appropriate, I will let you know that shorter answers are OK.  Most people find the first session therapeutic and often cathartic.  This session helps me plan for our work together which may consist of a variety of techniques to help you, or a particular process we will focus on.  At each session I will ask how you have been and this may mean that I need to make an adjustment to your treatment schedule so that you get what you needs.  This is a very tailored process so that you get the very best benefit.  Sessions may include hypnotherapy, CBT, EMDR, NLP coaching, nutritional guidelines, EFT or a bio-energetic assessment using the Asyra Pro.  

If you have booked a health assessment or food intolerance assessment, these will be the focus of the first session and any subsequent sessions.

One of the most common misconceptions about hypnotherapy is that you are 'under the control' of the hypnotherapist.  All I do is help you achieve what you want for yourself.  You can't be forced to do or say anything you don't want to say.  In addition, you have freewill and choice - I don't take that choice away from you.  You can only be supported in your own choice.

It isn't possible to become stuck in hypnosis, just as it isn't possible to become stuck in sleep.  At the end of the hypnotherapy session you will gently be emerged.  If, in the extremely unlikely event that something were to happen to me during the session, you would simply emerge on your own, just as you would wake up out of a nap or a daydream naturally.

Anyone from the age of around 5 with at least a normal level of intelligence who wants to, can be hypnotised. Some people need more practice than others, but everyone can be hypnotised.  However, you cannot be hypnotised against your will, so your willing co-operation is essential.

It is a perfectly natural experience, like the state you experience when driving.  Your conscious mind may have been thinking about your day whilst your subconscious mind takes care of everything.  It feels perfectly natural.  You are not transported to a third dimension and will be aware of what's happening.

Everyone experiences it differently, but most people simply feel as though they have their eyes shut, and are able to hear everything that goes on around them.  Nothing more than that.  Others feel a tremendous sense of relaxation.  Yet others feel tingly or numb, heavy or light.  Or all of the above.  Or none of them.  It is a highly individual experience.  Some people have busy thoughts going around their mind.  That's fine because it is only the conscious mind doing what it does best.  Your subconscious mind is still listening and taking in the suggestions.

The secret is not to expect a particular experience, not to try to relax, not to try to listen, or to try not to listen. Simply allow it to happen in whichever way is right for you.  Most people are surprised that, whilst they didn't feel hypnotised, they still got the results they wanted.  This proves that the hypnosis works, even when we don't think it does!  There are so many false myths about what hypnosis feels like, but really it feels very natural.

The success of the therapy will depend very much on your own commitment to it - you must be prepared and want to change.  A popular misconception is that the therapist creates the change for you.  The reality is that I  facilitate that change and that your openness, co-operation and commitment are absolutely vital for a successful outcome.  This is all about empowering you, after all.  Change doesn't happen  to  you but  through you.  It is a way of helping you regain control.

Most people can hear everything that happens in the session but may forget parts of it afterwards - just as we do with all things in life.

If you need to cough, sneeze, scratch your nose, or anything else for that matter, you can.  You are still in hypnosis.  If you needed a comfort break, you would ask in hypnosis and emerge.  We resume the session when you are ready.  It's that simple.

All you need to do to be hypnotised is follow the simple instructions and allow events to take their natural course.  Some people make it more complicated by anticipating what is needed, or in judging their responses before speaking, but this interferes with your subconscious process and means that more sessions will be needed.  Best just to allow things to happen naturally.  Your subconscious mind is very powerful and has all the answers you need - your job is to let it.

People often think that hypnotherapy will be a magic cure where someone can make them do anything without any effort on their part - just like stage shows.  And sometimes it is.  However, the only similarity with a stage show is that they both use the state of hypnosis.  A stage show uses it for entertainment.  All individuals who participate do so of their own free will.  The engagement is momentary.  The objective is fun.  There is no emotional agenda involved.  With hypnotherapy, this can involve working on problems which have often existed for years, through layers of self-awareness, possibly vulnerability and sometimes denial.  Even resistance.  If there was no resistance, you would have been able to resolve the problem on your own, wouldn't you?  This is  why it's important to work with a professional who knows what they are doing.  Through working with your subconscious mind together, it is easier to overcome these barriers, developing new ways of being so that you can live the life you want.

No.  I work with people in a number of ways.  Some people just come to me for health issues for which I use nutritional coaching and the Asyra Pro.  Others just want coaching, or someone to offload to.  Or I might use one of my other techniques such as EMDR, CBT, or EFT.  It is a highly individualised process.

The easiest thing to do is call me on 0345 130 0854 so that we can arrange a mutually convenient time.  We can have an informal chat first before you make your appointment so that you can be sure it is the right thing for you.  No commitment.  Does that sound reasonable?

My first appointment is 9am and the last at 6.30 pm.  Days as follows:

Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Byfleet Village, Surrey (close to Weybridge, Esher, Cobham, Guildford, Woking, Ascot.  Easy access to M3, M4, M25 and A3).

Tuesday
Harley Street, London W1 (close to Oxford Circus and Bond Street tube).

Skype sessions and Google Hangout are also available.  Other times by arrangement.

I offer a free telephone consultation so that you can see how my work can help you overcome your problem.  I also offer a no obligation first hour so that you can be sure it is the right thing for you.  However, once therapy starts, your commitment is absolutely essential.  This is a partnership and sticking with the program is essential so that you have momentum and build on our work in each session.  You are the only person who can decide if you are ready for change now.

Therapy is an investment in yourself which will be paid back many times over.  Sometimes there are tangible savings which easily cover the costs, such as money you save on junk food, alcohol, cigarettes.  However, some people just don't have the money.  An option is to pay by credit card so that you can spread the cost to suit you.

Another option is to opt for a program of self-help with one of my books and CDs.  Whilst it is not the same as receiving 1:1 therapy, it does produce good results if you are motivated and persistent.  Like an exercise bike, you have to use them to benefit from them.  Visit here to find out more.

Another option is to have the sessions spread out.  This is not ideal since it is helpful to build momentum between sessions.  It requires you to be super-diligent between sessions when doing any homework.

Yet others prefer to learn self-hypnosis which is like doing therapy in the privacy of your own mind.  It takes longer and is only for everyday problems but it is good and effective.  This can be learnt on a group or 1:1 basis.  Other courses are also available.

Finally, I do offer a 10% discount for anyone paying for six sessions in advance and this discount is preserved if you need additional sessions.

In addition, I occasionally run group sessions where there are sufficient numbers of people who are willing to share their problems in a group environment.

If you would like to know more, do get in touch by calling me on 0345 130 0854.