Frequently Asked Questions
James Patrickson Hypnotherapy
These answers explain what to expect from hypnotherapy and my use of the Provocative Change Works approach. Sessions may combine focused attention and therapeutic suggestion with warm, lively conversation designed to interrupt unhelpful patterns and invite fresh choices. If your question is not covered, please get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation, focused attention and therapeutic suggestions to support changes in thoughts, feelings or habits. When appropriate, I may integrate Provocative Change Works: a flexible conversational approach using carefully judged challenge, humour, metaphor, indirect hypnosis and new perspectives on time. You remain aware of what is happening and can respond or stop at any time.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Most people can experience hypnosis when they are willing to take part and feel comfortable with the process. Everyone responds differently, so there is no single “right” way to feel.
Will I lose control or reveal secrets?
No. Hypnosis is not mind control. You remain in control, can reject suggestions and can bring the experience to an end whenever you choose.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
People often explore hypnotherapy for relaxation, confidence, stress management, sleep difficulties, fears and unwanted habits. Your needs, goals and circumstances will be discussed before any work begins. Hypnotherapy is a complementary approach and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.
What happens in the first session?
Before your first session, you will be invited to provide brief client notes about the problem, how it affects you and what you would like to change. This gives me useful insight in advance and helps make the initial conversation more focused. During the session, we will explore your goals, relevant background information and any questions or concerns. I will explain the process and agree an approach with you. Depending on your needs, the conversation may include playful questions, exaggeration, metaphor or an unexpected viewpoint to help loosen a familiar “stuck” story. These interventions are responsive rather than scripted, and hypnosis or provocative methods will only be used with your informed consent.
What is Provocative Change Works?
Provocative Change Works is a conversational model developed by Nick Kemp. It aims to help people move from rigid or repetitive patterns towards greater flexibility and choice. Rather than simply agreeing with the problem story, the practitioner may gently turn it around, amplify it or approach it from an unusual angle so that you can notice new responses.
Does “provocative” mean confrontational?
No. Here, provocative means calling forth a useful response—not criticising, shocking or humiliating you. The intention is warm, respectful and collaborative. Humour or playful challenge is used only when appropriate, with close attention to your reactions, preferences and boundaries.
Why use humour and unexpected questions?
When used sensitively, humour, exaggeration and surprising questions can interrupt an automatic way of thinking and make room for curiosity. You might be invited to consider what would happen if you kept the problem forever, what the problem appears to be protecting, or how your future self might view it. The aim is not to trivialise your experience but to help you discover a different relationship with it.
What if this approach does not suit me?
I cannot simply hypnotise you and make your problem disappear; meaningful change requires your full attention and commitment so that we can work through the problem together. The pace, language and level of challenge can be changed at any point, and another therapeutic style can be used where appropriate. You never have to laugh, agree with an interpretation or continue an exercise that feels unsuitable.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Many people describe feeling calm and deeply focused, rather like becoming absorbed in a book or film. You may hear everything that is said and remember the session afterwards.
How many sessions will I need?
I usually suggest one to three sessions, depending on your goal, circumstances and response. We will discuss a personalised plan and review progress regularly; no particular outcome or number of sessions can be guaranteed.
Is hypnotherapy suitable for everyone?
Not always. Please mention any diagnosed mental health condition, serious illness, medication or current treatment when enquiring. Before each session, please remind me of any medication prescribed by your doctor. If you have psychosis or a personality disorder, seek advice from your GP or an appropriate healthcare professional before considering hypnotherapy. I may also recommend speaking with another professional where this is in your best interests.
Is the service confidential?
Your information will be treated respectfully and confidentially, subject to the limits explained in the client agreement and privacy notice. Confidentiality may need to be broken where required by law or where there is a serious risk of harm.
Can sessions take place online?
Online sessions may be available where appropriate. You will need a reliable internet connection, a quiet private space and a device positioned so that you can be seen and heard comfortably. Availability and suitability can be discussed when booking.
How can I prepare for my session?
Give yourself enough time to arrive or settle in without rushing. For an online session, choose a quiet, private place where you will not be interrupted. After the session, listen to the session recording to reinforce the work completed.
How do I book, and what does it cost?
Please contact me for current fees, appointment availability and accepted payment methods. At least 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule an appointment. Before booking, you can ask questions and check that the service is appropriate for your needs.