Based in Basingstoke, Alton and Online
Call or Text - 07570200133
Email - debi@ibt-hyp.com
Hypnotherapy & Counselling FAQs
Your Questions About Hypnotherapy and Counselling Answered
Discover the benefits of hypnotherapy and counselling in a safe, controlled environment.
Our counselling & hypnotherapy faqs address your questions and guide you through the process.
Counselling and Hypnotherapy empower you to achieve personal growth, resolve issues, and find clarity.
Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about hypnotherapy, to allay any fears.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Hypnotherapy FAQS
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a relaxing altered state of awareness where your mind can remain clear and focused on a single thing. It is similar to daydreaming but in a controlled environment. Hypnosis can positively change behaviour and emotion more rapidly than many other forms of therapy.
What does hypnotherapy feel like?
It feels extremely relaxing and creates feelings of empowerment, motivation, confidence and general positivity. You feel and ARE completely in control and often find clarity and focus where maybe it wasn’t before. It is a heightened state of concentration in which you can pinpoint specific thoughts and feelings that will allow growth and change.
Will I be in control?
Yes you are in control at all times. In fact, you will feel more in control that you could probably have ever imagined.
Will I be unconscious or asleep during the session?
You will not be asleep or unconscious. You are able to have dialogue with the therapist during hypnosis and are completely aware and in control of what is happening and what you say throughout hypnosis.
Why do I have to be in an ‘altered state’?
Being in an ‘altered state’ is important so that the conscious mind (which acts as the barrier to the subconscious) can be bypassed, in order for change to occur. The subconscious is where all memories and behaviours are stored. By speaking directly to the subconscious, we are able to make changes that the critical conscious might have prevented.
Is it like stage hypnosis?
No. The client’s welfare is the sole focus of hypnotherapy and all sessions work to ensure the client’s issues are addressed and resolved. Again, you are completely in control of everything you say throughout the process.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes. Everyone can be hypnotised if they want to be. It is completely safe and natural and in fact we all enter hypnosis in our daily lives without a therapist to aid.
What if I can’t go into trance?
Even being in a light hypnotic state of awareness is enough to achieve the desired outcome. All people will achieve a trance deep enough to allow the process to take place. It may only feel like you are a little relaxed and that is absolutely fine.
Will I remember anything afterwards?
You will remember everything unless the therapist has good reason to delay the recall for the benefit of the client. For example, if early memories of traumas, abuse or neglect come to the surface. Your subconscious is always looking out for you so you will remember only what you are ready to remember.
Counselling FAQS
What Happens in a Session?
A counsellor will listen to you without judgment and help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and life experiences. Rather than giving direct advice, they work with you to discover your own solutions and make positive changes.
How long are sessions and how often are they?
Each session will last 50 minutes in total and is primarily client led. The frequency of sessions is decided by you, but at The Wellness Room, I would normally suggest either weekly or biweekly, depending on your preference. Therapy can be long or short term, again, depending on your needs.
I would recommend a minimum of 10 sessions to begin with and then assess your goals. For most people, around 18-20 sessions should be enough but again, everyone is different.
Will the sessions be confidential?
Yes. Counselling is confidential and the counselling room will be a safe, quiet environment. However, there are rare, legal limits to confidentiality (e.g., if there is an immediate risk of serious harm to yourself or others). The safeguarding limits will be discussed during your first session.
What if I decide after the first session that counselling isn't for me?
That's absolutely fine. The Wellness Room offers a 15 minute free discovery call for you to ask any questions you may have about therapy and also to decide whether you feel The Wellness Room and Debi are a good fit for you.
If you try a session and then realise you don't want to continue, for any reason at all, that is fine. Just tell Debi you do not want to continue.
Additionally, if you decide that you would like to try hypnotherapy in place of counselling, that is also fine to do. Just speak to Debi about your options and she will happily help.
Will the counsellor give me advice?
In short - no. Counselling is not about advice. It's about enabling you to realise the answers through talking and exploring.
Where appropriate, your therapist may make suggestions from previous experience, or give pointers to other services that can provide practical support – but there is never any obligation to follow such suggestions. From experience, listening carefully and helping you define what you need in your own terms enables you to come to your own decisions and take charge of your life.
What if I find the sessions difficult or triggering?
Counselling can be emotionally difficult, as you are dealing directly with those things that hurt. That's why, at The Wellness Room we will always go at your pace. If something is too triggering, we will step back until you are ready to go there.
It is so important to feel safe and comfortable with your therapist and also to notice how you are feeling outside of the therapy room.
It can be useful for some clients to write journals between sessions, or to keep a note of how you are feeling or what is coming up for you. These can be discussed in the therapy room if you would like to.
How do I pay for sessions?
Payment is usually taken as a direct debit, weekly and at least 48 hours' in advance of the session.
If you need to cancel a session, The Wellness Room asks for at least 48 hours' notice, otherwise the full amount will be charged.
I am on benefits, but I still need therapy - can you help?
Yes. If you are on benefits and cannot afford the full fee, The Wellness Room offers a discounted rate for online counselling and hypnotherapy sessions.
Please ask for details.