About Hypnosis

Does hypnotherapy work? What can it be used for?

Hypnosis is a safe and effective technique that has been extensively scientifically studied for decades. It is especially suitable for helping with physical conditions that have a psychological component or intensifier, such as stress-related (or worsened) syndromes and disorders like IBS, asthma, insomnia, etc. It is also an incredibly powerful tool for pain management, both chronic and acute. Another area of proven efficacy is in changing habits such as smoking cessation, overeating, and other self-soothing behaviours.

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What happens when someone is hypnotized?

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Hypnosis is a natural state that humans come in and out of all the time to some degree. If you have ever been so deeply focused on something that you didn't hear someone right next to you saying your name, you have experienced a similar state to what we call hypnosis. In a clinical setting, we go into a much deeper state of relaxation and focus with the assistance of the hypnotherapist.

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Contrary to popular belief, you are not so much hypnotized *by* someone as you are learning the skill of entering the state of hypnosis at will. 

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What if I can't be hypnotized?

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Hypnosis does vary from person to person in terms of how easily they pick up the skill and how suited it is to their particular situation. 

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In terms of our policies at Oak Tree Hypnotherapy, if it turns out that you are one of the rare people for whom hypnosis just doesn't happen despite your best efforts, we will offer you a full refund. 

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What is a hypnotherapy session and treatment program like? 

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Although similar in some ways, hypnotherapy isn't counselling,

A first session usually starts with a discussion of concerns and goals, and then we do a short hypnosis trial session just to get introduced to the experience of hypnosis and if that works out well, begin the treatment. Then you are sent a recording of the session which you are encouraged to listen to daily in a quiet and uninterrupted setting to reinforce the effectiveness of the treatment between sessions. 

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Very often people find the initial reason for seeking assistance is dealt with in only a few short sessions, often 5 to 10, but sometimes as few as 2-3 for things like quitting smoking. My smoking cessation clients often come back for other things after that program, because of how quickly hypnotherapy helped them effectuate personal change.

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