FAQs

Q. What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an awareness dominated by the unconscious mind.

As you enter into a relaxed state, the conscious mind (the analytical mind) becomes less dominant and your unconscious mind, the creative mind, becomes more dominant and is ready to accept the relevant suggestions.

In therapy, hypnosis usually involves the person experiencing a sense of deep relaxation with their attention narrowed down, and focused on appropriate suggestions made by the therapist. Our brain waves vibrate at different frequencies and when are going into hypnosis, the brain waves tend to slow down from Beta to Alpha to a Theta state (similar to a meditative state).

Q. Will the hypnotherapist control my mind?

No. Hypnotherapy is not about mind control. The hypnotherapist helps to facilitate your experience – hypnotherapy is not about being made to do things, in fact it is the opposite, it is about empowering you to help you make the changes you want.

Q. What does being in hypnosis feel like?

It is different for everyone, however, most people explain hypnosis as a very relaxed state, where they can hear things going on around them like when you press “snooze” on the alarm in the morning, you are in that day dreamy state.

Your muscles feel free of tension and some people say they feel like they are floating. You may have a sense of weightlessness or heaviness in your arms and legs as you relax.

Q. How will I know if I have been “under“? 

People often ask me this and use the term “under”. Everyone experiences hypnosis differently, but you may feel like you only had your eyes closed for a very short time when in fact it was a long time. You may experience heaviness of limbs or weightlessness as you relax. You could experience heightened sensory perception too where images, sounds, smells and taste become more vivid. There are many convincers that hypnosis has been achieved and your therapist will discuss these with you.

Q. Will I be ok to drive after a session?

Yes. The therapist will ensure you are fully re-orientated back into full conscious awareness before you leave and give grounding techniques if appropriate to do so.

Q. How long does a session last?

The first session is up to 80 minutes for adults and up to 60 minutes for children (age 5-16). Follow up sessions are up to 60 minutes for adults and fifty minutes for children.

Longer sessions are available to book if required.

Q. How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required will be discussed between you and the therapist. Typically I suggest starting with three sessions and then review how things are going. Some people will need more sessions depending on what they would like support and help with.

Q. What is the cancellation protocol?

I respectfully ask for 48 hours working day’s notice if you wish to reschedule or cancel an appointment. Giving this notice is to allow someone else to benefit from therapy as I work from two busy clinics. Please contact me via telephone in office hours or email penny@pennyhawkins.co.uk ensuring you give 48 hours working day’s notice.

Fee’s will be applied if the above notice is not given.

Q. What are your office hours?

My office hours are Monday to Thursday 9am – 6.30pm. Any correspondence will be addressed and answered within these times.

Q. How much does each session cost?

Fees  

Specialised approaches

Sessions held which are ad-hoc or with more than bi-monthly intervals, my fees are £180 per session for adults for one hour.

Longer breakthrough sessions (up to 3 hours) are priced accordingly dependent upon the client’s specific needs. Please contact me for more details.

I offer negotiated rates for those on low incomes or income support/ benefits. Please contact me for further information.