Ok, what is it?

Well, you will be totally aware of everything that is going on. That statement may surprise you as most people assume that being in hypnosis means being asleep.

Think of hypnosis as sitting in your garden on a lovely afternoon, fully aware of everything going on around you, and then you fancy a cup of tea. However, you feel so comfortable, so relaxed, that you just can’t be bothered to get up and go and make a cup of tea.

Remember how sometimes we undertake a journey and arrive sooner than we thought, unable to remember much about the trip. What has happened is that we have really concentrated on something (shopping lists, what to do at the week end, loved ones) and we have consciously driven a car, and in doing so, have obviously been aware of all that was happening around us yet we fail to recollect going past the garage, or the school etc. That is also a form of hypnosis.

The state created by hypnosis is simply a means to an end as it is the therapy that is carried out whilst you are in a hypnotised state that helps provide the relief from your symptoms.

Oh, and the bonus is that the time you spend with the therapist is just for you, no phone to answer, nobody knocking on your door, nobody calling for your attention. How good is that!

Does it really work?

Yes. Were you expecting a different answer? Modesty forbids asking you to peek at the Testimonials.

How can hypnotherapy help me?

Hypnotherapy can be of benefit in dispelling so many ‘problems’ that a list would be almost endless. The following are just some of the symptoms that Bob Hannam has addressed: -

•SUGGESTION THERAPY - is used for problems such as smoking, pre-test nerves, weight management, relaxation etc and consists of hypnotic suggestions being made in order to elicit a positive response. Often only one or two sessions are required.

•ANALYTICAL THERAPY - is used to discover causes of psychological problems and can be briefly summarised as the doctrine of 'cause and effect'. Every effect (the symptom) must have a cause. Hypno-analysis reveals and thus removes the cause, and consequently relieves the symptoms. In such cases there is a complete and lasting release, by finding and removing originating causes. There is no reason why anyone should put up with something 'inside themselves but outside their control'. This technique may consist of several sessions.

Whilst a lot of Bob’s work utilises the therapies mentioned above, he draws on an eclectic range of therapeutical techniques to achieve results.

What can you tell me about the actual sessions?

Your initial consutation (30 to 60 minutes) will mainly be an information gathering session where full details are taken about how long you have had  your problem and how it affects you. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions as well. You will be given advice as to the best course of action in terms of the therapy style although there is no obligation at the end of the consultation for you to proceed any further if you do not wish to do so. The initial consultation and some therapy may on occasions be combined (as in the case of a Stop Smoking session which would then last about 60 to 90 minutes).

Please note that certain problems may require a doctor’s referral.

Subsequent sessions of therapy (50 to 60 minutes) will generally consist of being placed into hypnosis, perhaps with some gentle music in the background, and then you will be helped to resolve your problem.