Frequently Asked Questions

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Have any questions? Our FAQ section may be able to answer them. Below is a number of questions often asked regarding hypnosis, hypnotherapy and the treatment process here at Piper Therapy Services.

What is hypnosis?

There is considerable debate as to what hypnosis actually is, between academics and other therapists alike. Everybody will have their own exact definition for what hypnosis is, but here at Piper Therapy Services we see hypnosis as a mindset that comes from expectancy, a learnable and practicable skill. Part of the process of working with us will be teaching you self-hypnosis, and working on improving your skills so that when our time together comes to an end, you can continue to utilise your new skills to be able to have impacts elsewhere within your life. Hypnosis, we believe acts as a sort of 'amplifier' for other therapeutic techniques, for example those used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Because of this, we do not see hypnosis as accessing or editing the 'unconscious mind', and for this reason whilst we respect other interpretations and that others may strictly disagree, we also will not put you to sleep in hypnotherapy because the evidence suggests that being conscious and paying conscious attention, as well as having expectancy for suggestions to work make the ideal hypnotic subject, a role we will explain whilst working together.

Will you make me do something with which I am not comfortable?

Absolutely not. Unless it as at your own personal request or if you agree to do something that is inherently outside of your own comfort zone, for personal development. Being able to have an enjoyable, rewarding and helpful experience is something that is vital for the effectiveness of our sessions together and our hypnotherapy treatment plan will reflect this. It is for this reason that before commencing treatment, we will have an initial call, and then a follow-up consultation to build a bespoke treatment plan together so you have input, and know what to expect. Unlike in cinema or other media, hypnosis does not give the hypnotherapist or hypnotist some form of power of your autonomy, so there should be no concerns about being forced to cluck like a chicken for someone else's entertainment, for example. If you don't want to do something, you won't do it. After all, it's your conscious mind.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is an entirely subjective experience, that is it will feel different to every individual who has experienced it. Because no two people perceive hypnosis in the same way, and expect it to impact them the same way, it will feel different for them. There are however some common denominators when it comes to the hypnotic experience. Some people will notice changes in sensation, feeling lighter or heavier, some may not. Others may notice and be much more aware of changes in breathing, perception of their position in a set space or changes in sensory input, general relaxation or will feel as though small movements are actually much larger than they are. This however is not the case for every person, and since hypnosis can occur in many different environments, including active ones such as when exercising, there is an enormous number of variables. Some people feel practically no difference, since hypnosis is treated by Piper Therapy Services as a mindset. One thing that hypnosis does not feel like, is sleep. If you are asleep, studies suggest that hypnosis is considerably less effective since you are not able to take in anything that the therapist says, and so do not expect to be put to sleep and to wake up with changes in your 'unconscious mind'.

What is evidence-based practice and why is it so important?

Whilst hypnotherapy is still a field with a broad number of approaches, with the ever-growing number of scientific studies on hypnosis, hypnotherapy and its impacts, there is a stream of new evidence surrounding the efficacy of certain practices within hypnotherapy. Hence, in situations where a scientifically backed methodology can be used to help a client, we will endeavour to do so to ensure that you will get the most out of our sessions together. Keeping up with scientific advancements within the field is part of our commitment to you, and so continuing to read and learn is something we undertake in order to maintain a strict, high standard.

Do you accept my insurance?

If your insurance has referred you to hypnotherapy, providing that your referral is something that we can work on, we will take insurance referrals, yes.