FAQs

There are many myths around hypnosis and self hypnosis, which is a form of hypnotherapy. In fact all hypnotherapy is self hypnosis - a hypnotherapist is there to guide you, but the work is done by you. People often still cling to misguided beliefs, sadly even some hypnotherapists are unwilling to change outdated and incorrect views.

1.  What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is a completely natural feeling. There are lots of common stories around how hypnosis feels. Many people believe they will feel different, expect to be unconscious, 'go under', not remember the experience at all or have a feeling of being controlled. This could not be further from the truth. There is no real feeling in hypnosis; it is more of an after fact.

2.  Is hypnosis sleep?

Hypnosis is not a short nap, but a heightened state of awareness. You are aware of everything going on around you. People talking, telephones ringing and any other noises are heard - exactly the same as daydreaming. If anything untoward happened, such as a fire alarm going off, your subconscious, would give your conscious a signal and you'd snap out of it immediately.

3.  Will I be able to go into hypnosis?

Anyone can do it. Everyone who is conscious and not brain damaged can be hypnotized. It is a case of following a set of simple instruction. The depth of the hypnosis varies between individuals, but the more you practice the better and deeper you will be able to go.

Some research and hypnotists suggest that only two thirds of the population are hypnotizable. This is incorrect, and a myth created by a lack of understanding around ‘non- visual’ people. Non-visual people imagine images or just 'know' they are there, but visual people who can ‘see’ images cannot understand how people can imagine without actually seeing. Non-visual people can be hypnotized – both Valerie Austin and Katie Glen are non-visual. However, this does not mean every hypnotist or download has the expertise to hypnotize everyone. The special test that we include in the instruction accompanying each download is designed

4. Will I still be in control?

Yes. In hypnosis, you are fully aware and in control at all times. In fact because hypnosis is simply a heightened state of awareness, your senses are even sharper than usual. You cannot be made to do anything that you would not wish to do, and it's your choice whether to take on board any suggestions given to you in hypnosis.

5. How will I know if I am deep enough?

Depth is not important. Depth or degrees of depth has little to do with the effectiveness of hypnosis. People often think that if they didn't go into a deep hypnosis that they were not in hypnosis.

You are either in hypnosis, or you are not. It is like being pregnant. You can not be a little bit pregnant, you either are or you're not. Don't make the mistake of saying that the hypnosis didn't work because you weren't in deep enough. However, having said that, there is no denying that for most people it is a wonderful feeling to be in deep relaxation.

6. Is hypnosis safe?

One of the most common beliefs and biggest myths around hypnosis is that it’s dangerous in some way. Hypnosis is a completely safe and natural phenomenon.

Furthermore, you cannot be hypnotized against your will. You have to agree to it.

Many of us have seen stage hypnotist shows where volunteers make fools of themselves, but they know the show format and agree to it by volunteering. You do not need to be in hypnosis to make yourself look foolish on TV. Think about how many willing 'victims' air their personal problems on shows like Jeremy Kyle or Jerry Springer!!

Just as in everyday life, you can be persuaded to do something, but you're still able to reason and you can still say 'NO'. After all, you not asleep, but are completely aware in hypnosis.

7. Are there different types of hypnotherapy?

Yes. There are many types of hypnotherapy - that is therapy that's done in hypnosis - and hypnosis downloads on the market. However, like anything else that you can buy, the quality can range from excellent to useless.

When it comes to hypnosis downloads, writing a script, recording it and putting it online is simple. What is not so easy is knowing that it will actually work. We don't just write scripts, record them and hope they'll work.

Every one of our hypnosis downloads have been recorded from scripts developed and refined from working with real life client cases. And hundreds of real life clients with relationship problems have been fixed with help from Austin trained therapists worldwide.

All our hypnosis downloads have been developed from tried, tested and proven traditional suggestion hypnosis. Based on techniques originating from the founders of hypnosis such as Marques of Puysegur, James Braid and Bernheim, which have been proven in hypnosis research for over 200 years.