Client’s FAQ about hypnotherapy

Below are some of the questions that we are regularly asked about hypnotherapy and the clinical work that we do. If you have a specific question that isn’t answered here, please use the form at the bottom of the page and we’ll do our best to answer your query as concisely as possible.

• Does hypnosis / hypnotherapy really work?
  Answer by Antoine Matarasso: There have been numerous studies conducted over the past 20 years showing how effective hypnotherapy can be for many types of problems and conditions. This is true for habit change, psychological conditions, many medical issues, weight control and much more. Medical search sites, such as PubMed,  Medscape and WebMD, contain medical journals on successful use of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. For example, hypnotherapy has been shown to be by far the most effective treatment for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). You can find research information about this by following this link.
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• Will hypnotherapy work for me?
  Answer by Antoine Matarasso: No one can guarantee the outcome of any form of treatment including hypnotherapy and you should be very wary of anyone who guarantees a treatment outcome, in Australia it is illegal to do so. There is no way to be 100% sure that hypnotherapy or any other form of treatment or medication will be effective for 100% of people, hypnotherapy is not like waving a magic wand. However, the majority of clients respond extremely well to hypnotherapy and as with any other modality, what the you bring to any therapeutic encounter is very important. . If you are open and positive about hypnotherapy and the process of change, there is no reason why you would not be successful  and achieve you goals.
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  Hypnotherapy is completely safe, natural and without negative side effects. In the very worst case it will do no harm, you will sleep better and be more relaxed and less stressed. Most clients see rapid improvement in their condition, and in many cases elimination of any symptoms.Most people realise that this is going to help them, it is nothing scary at all, they have complete control at all times, and we have many, many people who tell us they love their sessions and look forward to the peace and well-being they provide.
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• How will I know I have been hypnotised?
  Answer by Antoine Matarasso: We see many clients who have visited other clinics and remain convinced that they were not hypnotised. I’m actually pretty sure they were but didn’t recognise the signs of hypnosis known as hypnotic phenomena. Many people have never experienced formal hypnosis and really don’t know what to expect. Generally, because of what they may have seen on TV they expect that; “someone will hypnotise them, they will be unconscious, remember nothing, then they’ll wake up and all their problems will have miraculously vanished”!You may not even realise that you were hypnotised. Some people know that they were because they feel they have been asleep for awhile, then “wake up”, while others are totally aware of their surroundings and remember everything. Once you begin to see positive changes in the way you think and feel, you will know that you have been hypnotised.