Questions On Hypnosis — UK Clinical Hypnotherapist Jon Rhodes

A while ago I did a series of article called “Ask The Hypnotherapist”. In this I took questions about hypnosis from you the reader.

These questions about hypnosis and health have been buried on my site due to more content. However there is some really good information about hypnosis in them. So I’ve revived them…

To make it easier for you to find them, I’ve compiled all the “Ask The Hypnotherapist” series on this page.

Check out the questions about hypnosis bellow. Any you want to find the answer to, click on the link of that edition of “Ask The Hypnotherapist”. Learning is fun – Enjoy!

(Also Check Out My Hypnosis FAQ For More Hypnosis Information)

Ask The Hypnotherapist #1

What made you decide that you wanted to become a hypnotherapist?

I have a question about if hypnotherapy can help me with severe pain. I have had to take morphine and now I am on Methadone for severe lower back pain that no operation can help. Could hypnotherapy ever help me enough with this pain so that I can stop taking this strong medication?

I am a big fan of athletics and I often notice that just before they begin their discipline (sprinting, long jump, etc) they close their eyes. Are they performing self-hypnosis? If so what exactly are they thinking?

If I fall asleep during one of your hypnosis sessions will it still have the required effect on me?

Can hypnotherapy work with children around the age of 10?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #2

I have paruresis (shy bladder) which is an anxiety disorder which leaves me unable to use public restrooms or go to the toilet if I know there is anyone else around. Could hypnotherapy help me overcome this?

Why do you think that some people aren’t willing to try hypnotherapy and/or don’t take hypnosis seriously?

Is there anything I can do to help make the process of hypnotherapy more effective while listening to one of your hypnosis downloads?

Should I consult my doctor before undertaking hypnotherapy?

Are there any differences between meditation and hypnosis, and if so what are they?

Recently I’ve noticed that I can’t get to sleep unless my bedroom is tidy and straight. For example if I’m lying in bed and see that I have a drawer slightly open I have to get up and close it. Is this something hypnotherapy could stop me doing?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #3

What are the maximum number of downloads you would recommend someone listen to at any one time? For example, if there were six downloads that I felt could help me would I be best served to purchase and listen to all six regularly for a few months? Or would it be better to purchase, say two, listen to them for a few months and then move onto another two?

I have quite bad hay fever. This makes the summer months miserable for me. I don’t expect an outright cure, but could hypnotherapy lessen the effects of hay fever?

Can hypnosis be used to make you forgot a negative event from the past?

Does my Doctor need to know if I am undergoing hypnotherapy sessions?

I have been to a few stage hypnosis shows. Please could you tell me why the hypnotists use a pendulum type device to put people “under their spell”?

If I have to stop listening to a hypnosis download halfway through would this have any negative effects?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #4

I was born in France and moved to America at the age of 8. I’m now in my mid-thirties and I’m contemplating moving back to France. When I was young, obviously I spoke French but that seems like a distant memory now. I’d like to try and re-learn the language before I make a serious decision on whether to move or not. Is hypnosis something that could help me with language recovery?

Has there ever been a case you’ve heard about of someone being stuck in a hypnotic trance?

What is your opinion on stage hypnosis? Do you think it harms the profession of medical hypnotherapists or do you see it as just another form of entertainment?

Do you ever place yourself under hypnosis when you feel the need to relax?

My question is, does this sound like a problem hypnotherapy could help me overcome? Would you recommend I make an appointment with a hypnotherapist in person?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #5

What are your plans, looking towards the future, for HypnoBusters?

Do you ever see a day where hypnotherapy is widely accepted amongst the medical profession?

My partner and I have been unsuccessfully trying to conceive. A friend of my wife’s suggesting we try fertility hypnotherapy before we go the IVF route. I’m sceptical on whether hypnosis can aid with fertility, what are your thoughts?

What do you think the values are of hypnotherapy in maintaining good mental health?

I’ve heard of great movies being described as “hypnotic” and “mesmerizing”. Can film (and television) produce an hypnotic effect in the viewer, or are the descriptions merely hyperbole?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #6

Is it safe to drive after listening to a hypnotherapy session?

I have a very specific problem which I’d like to see a hypnotherapist in person about. I’ve heard that most hypnotherapists start off with a consultation. What actually happens during these consultations?

Is it possible to be “trapped” within a hypnotic trance?

Will I be able to remember what went on during a hypnosis session?

Are some people more hypnotizable than others?

I came across a couple of news pieces recently where a hypnotherapist worked to affectively “anaesthetize” a patient while a doctor or dentist operate on them, to great success. Do you see this becoming common practice in the future?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #7

What sort of training is involved in becoming a clinical hypnotherapist?

Are there any scientific studies which prove that hypnotherapy works?

Can hypnotherapy be used to control pain?

Is self hypnosis as effective as being hypnotized by someone else?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #8

After a hypnotherapy session should I remember what went on during that time?

Is there any way to test if I’m hypnotizable before trying it?

Should I use hypnotherapy as an alternative to prescribed medication?

I’ve noticed that you have started to add hypnosis downloads to HypnoBusters that deal with more physical issues such as Breast Enhancement and Erectile Dysfunction. I can understand how hypnotherapy works with mental and emotion issues but could you please explain how hypnosis works towards aiding physical problems?

How long do the effects of hypnosis typically last?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #9

Are there any risks associated with hypnosis?

What is the difference between sleep and a “hypnotic sleep”?

If hypnosis works on the unconscious mind does this mean I have to be unconscious during a session?

I’m interested in becoming a hypnotherapist, how did you go about finding a course or teacher when you were training?

Have you ever found a patient that is just unable to be hypnotized?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #10

Do the effects of hypnotherapy last a lifetime, or do they run out after a certain length of time?

What questions should I ask a hypnotherapist to make sure they are right for me?

Have you ever performed stage hypnosis?

How does hypnosis work in terms of weight loss?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #11

Does a sports psychologist use hypnosis as part of their profession?

When I listen to one of your hypnosis download I try to lie down so I can completely relax. At the moment though I’m suffering through a prolonged virus which has made this position uncomfortable. Is it okay to sit up in a chair or even stand up while undergoing hypnosis?

Is hypnosis a new age practice akin to crystal healing or aromatherapy?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #12

If there was one common misconception about hypnosis that you could dispel, what would it be?

What is the best way to go about learning self hypnosis?

I love the relaxation hypnosis videos you have been posting on Youtube. You’ve said that you have four in total, do you have any plans to do more in the future?

When you’re not working how do you like to relax?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #13

Hi. Can you explain to me how exactly your Breast Enhancement hypnosis session works?

Have you ever worked with a client who was terminally ill, to help them with pain relief? If so what are your experiences of this?

Why are your prices on your mp3s and scripts so low in comparison to other hypnosis sites?

I saw on your Twitter feed that research shows hypnosis as a better alternative to anaesthetic to sedate children before operations. Can you see a day where hypnotherapy is commonly used in place of anaesthetic?

How do I go about recommending sessions that I’d like to see on HypnoBusters?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #14

Are there any books you’ve read and enjoyed on the subject of hypnosis/hypnotherapy?

I’m about 40lbs overweight and would like to shed this load but at the same time I find myself feeling very unmotivated when it comes to starting a diet and exercise program? What would you recommend to give me the motivation to lose weight?

How can I improve my ability to go “under hypnosis”?

Is there anything you don’t like or wish you could change about your profession as a hypnotherapist?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #15

Derren Brown correctly predicted the UK national lottery numbers on Wednesday. He later explained that he did this either by using “the wisdom of crowds” or by fixing the draw. Do you think he really used one of these methods or was this more misdirection?

What are your opinions on past life regression and the use of hypnosis in this field?

Do you offer any free samples of your work that I can try before I buy?

How can I test if I can be hypnotized or not?

On your bio it mentions you’re a musician. What instruments do you play and who are some of your musical influences?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #16

Are there any specific types of people who cannot or should not be hypnotized?

Can children be hypnotized?

Will a hypnosis session work if listened to while asleep? I use them in bed and often find myself falling asleep halfway through.

What are your feelings on conversation hypnosis?

Can the use of hypnosis cause any negative side-effects?

Captain Kirk or Captain Picard?

Ask The Hypnotherapist #17

Are there any forums or communities on the internet that are good for talking about hypnotherapy?

How long before I can expect hypnotic suggestions to take root in my unconscious mind?

Does hypnosis always work for everybody?

I’m interested in learning stage hypnosis. Do you perform shows? If you do where/how did you learn?

I really enjoyed your article on Paul McKenna. Do you plan to write anymore personality profiles on other famous hypnotherapists or self improvement experts?