Frequently Asked Questions
Hypnotherapy
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is being able to enter a relaxed state that allows the therapist to work with your subconscious to shed old ideas and accept new patterns of thinking.
Is Hypnotherapy mind control?
No! Hypnotherapy allows direct communication with the subconscious mind which is where a lot of our deeply held beliefs and drives are. In talking directly to the subconscious, clients see profound change. As the client YOU are always in control. You choose your goals and your therapy will be shaped around that.
Will I end up making a fool of myself or sharing private information?
Absolutely not. The subconscious mind is a very clever thing. Although you will experience intense relaxation, your mind will only accept suggestions and therapeutic work that it believes are in your best interest. This means that you would not say or do anything whilst in hypnosis that you wouldn’t do usually.
Will Hypnotherapy work for me?
The effectiveness of Hypnotherapy hinges on your willingness to change. Though Stephanie has skills in facilitating your journey, you are in control of whether your unwanted thoughts and feelings are banished for good.
Can we still work together if I don’t want to disclose what’s going on with me?
We can. There are methods of Hypnotherapy that allow the client to be freed from whatever is holding them back without having to divulge any personal details.
Is there anyone you would dissuade from taking up Hypnotherapy?
Anyone in an active episode of psychosis, schizophrenia or depression are recommended to see a psychological professional for structured, specialist support in place of Hypnotherapy. The reason for this is that the Hypnotic state taps into the emotions and so if a client is in an unstable emotional state, their turmoil would be heightened.
If you’re in crisis…
Hypnotherapy is not a substitute for specialist mental health or crisis care. The following are a few, of many, fantastic organisations that support people in crisis:
Samaritans - Call 116 123
Shout - text SHOUT to 85258
If you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline.
Logistics
Where do sessions take place?
In person in Surrey or online. Stephanie is based in the UK so online sessions will be scheduled according to GMT. Please bear this in mind when contacting to book.
Would Hypnotherapy really work online?
Clients benefit from being able to participate in therapy from the comfort of their own home. This promotes comfort as the only prerequisites are a strong internet connection, a device with good audio output and microphone input and a private, relaxing space to have sessions in. Online therapy can also increase accessibility and flexibility to fit around other commitments.
How long does a Hypnotherapy session last?
A session of Hypnotherapy will last an hour. This will consist of a ten to fifteen minute check-in and the remaining forty-five minutes will be spent in hypnosis. Time passes remarkably quickly when you’re in hypnosis.
How long is a course of Hypnotherapy sessions? Can I book just one session?
It is in very rare cases that one session would be enough to help you effectively deal with an issue. Having a single Hypnotherapy session and expecting change would be like attending a single gym session and expecting to feel markedly fitter or developing a six pack. For most, four sessions of Hypnotherapy for a specific target is sufficient. Work develops cumulatively and the subconscious needs time to feel safe letting go of ingrained habits, thoughts and feelings. There are some cases in which a couple of additional sessions are needed, or desired, and this can be discussed during the course of sessions.
What do I need to do before attending a first session?
All fees must be paid in full and your therapy contract must be signed and returned. If these steps are not completed within the allotted timeframe, sessions will not go ahead.
Are there any situations that would cause a session to be cancelled?
If you, as the client, turn up to a session intoxicated or significantly late, the session will be cancelled and full payment will be retained. In all cases where appropriate effort is made after the fact, Stephanie will provide one rearrangement slot. If this is not attended or the issue recurs, payment will be retained in full and sessions will be forfeit.
About Ashwood Oasis
What qualifications do you have?
I have a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy awarded by the Innervisions School of Clinical Hypnosis. I have also been awarded a BSc in Social Psychology and an MSc in Gender, Sex and Sexualities. Additionally, I have completed Levels 1 & 2 counselling certifications and Mental Health First Aid training.
Which professional boards or organisations are you registered with?
I have a registration with the General Hypnotherapy Register, which is an ethics board, requiring all therapists to be undertaking regular supervision, continual professional development as well as adhering to a charter in order to maintain membership.
Do you have supervision? What is supervision?
Supervisions are attended regularly. A supervision is a therapist’s therapist, if you will. A supervisor is someone who works in the same field with a greater well of knowledge and experience. From time to time, it may be necessary for Stephanie to communicate with her supervisor about clients, this is done in confidence and with the intent to provide the best possible service.
Do you have insurance?
Any Hypnotherapist worth their salt is insured. I am insured by Balens Specialist Insurance Brokers.
Data Protection
Will my information be safe?
Yes. All data, online or in-person, is stored in accordance with GDPR regulations.
Are there any times that would require a sharing of data?
If Stephanie feels that you or someone else is at risk of harm or radicalisation, Ashwood Oasis is duty bound to make a report about this information. Only information in line with this concern would be shared with outside bodies.