Hypnotherapy FAQs

Hypnosis has been around since ancient Egyptian times. Doctors used hypnotism for pain relief during surgeries back in the early 1800s. And mainstream medicine accepted hypnosis in the 1950s.  But, there are still lots of myths and misperceptions out there surrounding hypnotherapy. So I’ll answer all your questions here. If you still have questions, feel free to contact me.

Who’s Anna Siljama?

It is important that you make the right choice of therapist for you. To make the most of your investment of time and money, you need to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with. Before making your decision, find out more about Anna.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind. Like that state of mind entered into while meditating, reading a good book, or watching a good movie. It’s that daydream-like state of mind. Where you absorb yourself into something, like a hobby, or a sport. Where time flies by and minutes feel like seconds. Often described as a trance, zoned out, or in the zone, flow state of mind. The only difference between this trance state and hypnosis is your intent to accept the positive suggestions for change, given to you by your therapist or by yourself. You can find more about what hypnosis is here.

What to expect?

If you haven’t experience hypnotherapy before, then I’m sure you are a little nervous and not sure what to expect. Don’t worry, everyone feels a little unsure on their first visit. I want to reassure you that you have nothing to worry about. To find out more about what to expect here.

How does it work?

Think of your mind as an organic computer. When you were born, it’s like getting a brand new computer. Before you can start to use it, you need to install programs. And over time, as you use the computer more and more, you install more programs and forget about the old ones. Then you may also pick up a few viruses along the way. And eventually, the computer starts to run slow and starts to create a lot of frustration.

Your mind is no different. And unlike a computer, you can’t just go out and buy a new one. You’re stuck with the one you are born with.

Hypnosis is used as a tool to unlock the deeper part of your mind, to uncover the outdated programs that are no longer serving you, and either updating them or uninstalling them. And while we are there, running an antivirus check for you.

When you have completed the program, it will be like you have a brand new computer. Working efficiently and effectively for you. Making your life so much easier.

Can I be hypnotised?

Yes, if you want to be. Anyone of normal intelligence who can and is willing to follow instructions can be hypnotised.  I have hypnotised the most cynical client. Belief has no effect on your ability to be hypnotised.

What can hypnotherapy help with?

Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of problems, from emotional to behavioural. A simple rule of thumb is, ‘anything that stress makes worse, hypnosis can make better’

How is hypnosis going to help me?

Hypnotherapy is the only profession that deals with the subconscious mind. And that is where the unhelpful behaviours are coming from. You see, your subconscious mind stores your habits and beliefs. Your beliefs, generate your emotions, which affect your behaviours (habits). Hypnosis is simply a tool I use to access your subconscious mind to affect change directly at the source of the problem.

Can you treat multiple issues at the same time?

A lot of people come in with a shopping list of problems. And that is normal. But, hypnotherapy is most successful when we focus on one issue at a time. And it is quite possible that when we neutralize the root cause of the main problem, then we also knock out some other issues that may be bothering you. But, sometimes there are multiple root causes, so additional sessions will be required.

Will I remember what happens while in hypnosis?

Yes. When you work with me, you enter a depth of hypnosis where you remain awake, alert, in control, you hear and remember what happened in hypnosis. The same as you do when you are in a normal waking state. Unless of course, you fall asleep during the session! You don’t want to do that, because it will be a very expensive nap 😉

How many sessions?

I work with someone for an average of 6 sessions.  But, as you can appreciate, everyone is different, and I tailor the program to you. So depending on the complexity of the issue, or what we uncover as we work together, sometimes you will need a few extra sessions to achieve your desired outcome.

Can I try one session?

One session may feel good and you may walk away with some hope, but it doesn’t take care of the problem. If you’ve had this problem for a while, I can’t resolve an issue overnight for you. But, I can help you if you are willing to go through the process to uncover the cause of the problem and resolve the issue at the source.

Having said that, there is no risk in booking in for the program. Because I process the payment of the program at the end of your first session. That way, you get to experience a session with me before you fork out the full investment of the program. If for some reason you feel that it is not the right thing for you, then you pay for that first session at the full sessional rate and we part ways, no hard feelings.

If your intention is only to try to see if it ‘works’, and you’re not ready to make this commitment. I would rather you save your money. Because one session is not going to give us the time to address the heart of the problem. I prefer to have you committed to coming in for the whole process.  So when you are ready, feel free to contact me.

How long are the sessions?

The sessions are 90 minutes long. This is longer than most other therapy sessions with counsellors or psychologists. What tends to happen with shorter sessions of 50 – 60 minutes, you only have time to unpack the issue. Then times up, and you leave feeling raw, open and exposed. Leaving it up to you to pull yourself back together. I don’t do that you. That’s why, with the 90 minute long sessions, I have enough time to unpack the issue, resolve it, and leave you feeling better than when we started.

Can I bring someone into the hypnotherapy session with me?

The answer to this is, no. I prefer you to be able to freely answer questions I may have for you. Some of the questions I ask are personal in nature. Also during the hypnosis session, I want you to be comfortable without any distractions.

Do you work with children?

I find that my techniques work best from ages 13 and upwards. So, unfortunately, I do not work with young children still in Primary School.

Are sessions covered by private health insurance?

There is only a few private health funds that offer a rebate for hypnotherapy. And of those few funds, there are certain conditions that need to be met before you are approved for the rebate. For example, some health funds will only cover hypnotherapy with a licensed Psychologist (I am a Certified Hypnotherapist), or for specific issues such as quit smoking. Many of my clients with private insurance are disappointed to find out that they have inadequate cover for hypnotherapy. Therefore, I have chosen not to offer cover for private health insurance. 

Are results guaranteed?

I work under the strict rules and regulations of the AHA code of ethics that prevent me from guaranteeing results. So, no, I do not guarantee results. Besides, there is a human factor involved. Hypnosis is not a magic pill where I make you do something you don’t want to do. You have to want to change, you have to want to make those changes. If you don’t want to, there is nothing I can do to force you to do that. Doctors, Psychologists, Counsellors, etc, do not guarantee. So I don’t guarantee either. And my advice is to stay away from therapists that do!

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