Frequently Asked Questions
There are many questions I regularly get asked so I have gathered the answers to some below. Hopefully you can find any answers below, but if you can't - please do not hesitate to contact me by email.
General Questions
How much does a single hypnotherapy session cost? After the Free Consultation, I charge £70 per session*. Each session lasts 60 mins.
How much does a single relaxation session cost? I charge £35 per session for relaxation. Each session lasts 30 mins, this is not a therapy session.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with hypnotherapy? There are no risks whatsoever associated with a hypnotherapy session. Some people worry that there may be negative side effects, but there is no need whatsoever to be concerned.
Are all online hypnotherapy sessions confidential? Absolutely! All clients are given secure, private links to their appointments which are not shared with anyone else.
Are hypnotherapy sessions recorded? No hypnotherapy sessions are recorded in any way and the notes taken within each session are not transferred into an electronic format.
What conditions can hypnotherapy help with? Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, insomnia, fears and phobias, pain management, stress management, weight loss, giving up smoking, sporting performance, improving self-confidence/self-esteem etc.
Is online hypnotherapy effective? Hypnotherapy sessions conducted over the internet can be just as effective (in some cases more effective) as face to face hypnotherapy.
Do you have to be qualified to offer hypnotherapy sessions? People do need to be qualified to offer sessions, but there are currently a wide range of qualifications. When looking for a suitable hypnotherapist to work with, find out how long they spent getting qualified. It is also a good idea to research the governing body that issued the qualification as some are more reputable than others. It took me a year to gain my qualification, but there are hypnotherapy courses that provide people with a certificate after only a handful of training hours.
What is Solution Focused Hypnotherapy? Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a positive, forward looking approach. As well as being a highly effective approach, it can also be an incredibly enjoyable experience.
Are there advantages in receiving online hypnotherapy instead of face to face? There are many benefits to receiving hypnotherapy online. Booking online sessions means that you can undergo sessions in the comfort of your own home. It drastically cuts down the amount of time that is necessary to devote to each session (travel time etc). It also means that you have the opportunity to book any hypnotherapist across the world.
How does hypnotherapy work? The objective is to get a client into a relaxed, dream-like state. Once in this hypnotic state, it is possible, through the use of direct and indirect suggestions as well as metaphors, to work with the subconscious and help the brain to make the necessary changes.
Can I speak with someone who has worked with you? All hypnotherapy sessions are confidential. Therefore, providing details of people who I have worked with is not possible. However, you can read my testimonials on my website.
Is online hypnotherapy effective when working with children? The benefits of hypnotherapy can be just as pronounced in children. However, I do not work with children (under 18s) unless I have the consent of a parent/guardian. Children cannot book a session without me first discussing this with their parent/guardian.
What is the difference between a consultation and a hypnotherapy session? Anyone who is interested in utilising my services should first book a consultation. This is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and will enable you to make a more informed choice of whether you want to pursue hypnotherapy. The consultation is also completely free, with no obligation to continue into therapy. Hypnotherapy sessions are planned in advance as a result of the information gained in the consultation. This is where the 'therapy' commences.
Questions about the consultation
What will be discussed in a consultation? Firstly, I will ask some very general questions such as your age, full name, occupation etc. In addition to this, I'll also ask you some very brief, non-invasive questions regarding your general health and habits such as smoking and consumption of alcohol. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to talk in detail about what you need help with. I may ask some follow-up questions for clarification. You will have total control regarding how much information you wish to share with me. I do not 'pry'. Thirdly, I will try to give you an in-depth explanation of the brain and how it works whilst relating this information to your own personal circumstances. After this explanation, I will talk through what you can expect in your first hypnotherapy session. Finally, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that may have arisen as a result of our discussion. All consultations revolve around a two-way conversation and so this is only a rough guide of what to expect.
What do I need to bring to my consultation? It is a good idea to think about how much information you'd like to share with me. This will help us to move quickly and efficiently within the consultation. Other than that, there is no expectation to prepare anything prior to our meeting.
How long is a consultation? Most consultations last about an hour. However, this is only a rough guide. most consultations last anything between 40 minutes and 60 minutes.
Am I going to be hypnotised in the consultation? No. The consultation is purely based on the sharing of relevant information and getting to know one another.
After my consultation, how soon can I receive my first hypnotherapy session? People wishing to book a hypnotherapy session should leave approximately a week between the consultation and their first session. This allows time for a person to listen to the free hypnosis track to increase their understanding of what to expect.
Do I have to commit to a 'course' of hypnotherapy sessions? No. Whilst I am happy for you to book a block of hypnotherapy sessions, there is no obligation to do so. Anyone wishing to cease their hypnotherapy sessions will be able to with immediate effect.
Do I need to provide details of what I'd like help with before the consultation? I don't mind. Whilst it is sometimes helpful to know what you'd like help with before we meet, it is not essential.
How do I book a consultation? Most people opt to book a consultation on the bookings page of my website. However, it is also possible to contact me to request a booking.
Questions about the sessions
What do I need for an online hypnotherapy session? The most important thing is to plan where you are going to base yourself for the session. Preparing a comfortable place to relax during hypnosis is important. Some people like to cover themselves with a blanket as it adds a level of comfort. Earphones are sometimes a good idea, particularly if there's a significant level of background noise. If you have pets, it's a good idea to prevent them from entering the same room during the hypnotherapy session. Dogs can often become extremely uneasy if they see their owners lying down, listening to someone talking to them via the internet. Trust me, it's not ideal if your cat decides that it wants attention halfway through the hypnotherapy session!
How can I prepare for an online hypnotherapy session? There's no set approach to preparing for a hypnotherapy session. However, trying to ensure that you start the meeting in as relaxed a state as possible is a good idea. For example, it's sometimes pretty difficult to relax properly after consuming 4 cups of coffee in the hour before your appointment! Ensuring that your laptop/device is fully charged is important. Having to find a charger halfway through a hypnotherapy session can be pretty disruptive to the session.
Does a hypnotherapy session involve anything other than hypnosis? Yes. The hypnosis part of the session is usually the second half of the appointment. Spending time talking through your week, looking at the brain and how it works, looking forwards to the week ahead as well as ascertaining how you're feeling in the current moment are all things that we could explore before commencing the hypnosis.
How long is a hypnotherapy session? You can expect a hypnotherapy session to last for an hour, but sessions can run for anytime between 60-70 minutes.
Do I need to subscribe to Zoom if I want to book a session? No, I subscribe to Zoom and give you access to the platform through links sent via email.
Whilst I'm being hypnotised, will I be completely under your control? No. You will be fully aware of what is going on throughout the session and you'll be able to come out of hypnosis/trance at any point. Most people find it to be a really relaxing experience.
Do I have to respond during hypnosis? No. All you need to do during the hypnosis part of the session is relax. Most people decide to close their eyes, but even this is not necessary.
What does it feel like whilst being hypnotised? For the most part, hypnosis is an incredibly relaxing and positive experience. Most people describe it as a pleasant daydream.
What if I fall asleep during an online hypnotherapy session? If you're worried about this, you can provide me with contact details of someone who can wake you up at the end of the session.
How will I know that hypnotherapy is having an effect? For many reasons, this is a difficult question to answer. You may not be completely aware of the effects of the hypnotherapy until you evaluate the differences that have happened in your life since commencing hypnotherapy. In most cases, the true impact of our sessions will be reflected in how you feel generally. This may not be immediately within the hypnosis part of our session, but will gradually work over time.
How often do I need to have a hypnotherapy session for it to be effective? This differs from person to person, but in most cases, the optimal time between sessions is a week.
How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need? For obvious reasons, this is a difficult question to answer and it ultimately depends on what you need help with. Someone asking for help to give up smoking can expect to receive no more than a single two hour session. However, other conditions will require many more sessions. I will be able to provide you with an approximation at the end of a consultation.
How much does a hypnotherapy session cost? A standard hypnotherapy session costs £70. However, a one-off two hour session to stop smoking costs £200 in total. A relaxation session costs £35 for 30 minutes. This is not a therapy session.
How do I pay for a hypnotherapy session? You will receive an emailed invoice. You can pay by bank transfer, or with cash.
What if I need to postpone or reschedule? We all face unexpected events. In the vast majority of cases, I am more than happy to rearrange sessions at no extra cost.
Questions about Karen
What qualifications do you hold? I have both a Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma and a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy. In addition I also have an International Diploma in Montessori Teaching.
Are you insured? Yes. I am fully insured for my hypnotherapy sessions, both online and in-person.
Where are you based? I am based in Newbury, in South Central England for in-person sessions, and am online for clients worldwide!
Do you offer face to face hypnotherapy sessions? I offer face-to-face sessions in Wash Common, Newbury in my own personal therapy room.
Have you always offered online sessions? Online sessions were part of my training so I have been meeting with clients online since I began my hypnotherapy practice.