Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are just a few of the questions I have been asked in the past but if you need to ask me any other questions please get in touch using these details:

Email: michael@mstherapies.co.uk
Facebook Messenger: www.facebook.com/hypnotherapymichael
WhatsApp: +447729536132
Mobile: +447729536132

How do I make an appointment with you?

You can get in touch with me via email, Whatsapp, Facebook or phone. If I am unable to take your call, I usually get back to you by the next working day.

What does it feel like to be hypnotised?

Have you ever caught yourself completely lost in a book or absorbed in a movie, or daydreaming? This kind of focused attention can be described as a form of hypnosis. With clinical hypnosis you have chosen to be hypnotised for a specific purpose and that is the difference.

Will you have control over me?

The short answer is No!  All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. I’m just guiding you to do it.  When hypnotised, you will reject any suggestions given if they conflict with your values or beliefs.  You also will not say or reveal anything that you do not want to whilst hypnotised.

What if I can’t be hypnotised?

As already stated, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  It is not something done to you,  rather, it is something you do yourself, guided by me.  What is important is for you to trust yourself and me; have confidence in yourself and in the hypnotic process; have a positive attitude to hypnosis; be motivated to achieve your goals; have realistic expectations; and be aware that this is a collaborative ‘team effort’ between us and that you play the role of hypnotic subject to the best of your ability.

How do you work?

Please look at my Sessions and Costs page for a summary of how I work.

How long will the process take / How many sessions do I need?

Each and every client is as individual as each case.  So it is impossible to put a definitive time frame on any treatment.  After an assessment session and first therapy session, I prepare a bespoke treatment plan that is individually designed for each person.  Some people may need more sessions than others.  I do recommend that you initially sign up for a 4-session programme, which will give us the necessary time to make a lasting improvement of your issue(s).

Each session lasts 60- 90 minutes.

Where do sessions take place?

We have lovely therapy rooms at my house in the country side just outside Nairn. If you are driving, parking is free and I will supply you with a map and clear instructions on to get here.  Alternatively, sessions can be undertaken via Zoom or VSee as both are HIPAA Compliant.  For more information on HIPAA compliance see here: https://digitalguardian.com/blog/what-hipaa-compliance or https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/index.html

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see you?

Hypnotherapy is not funded by the NHS, so no doctor’s referral is needed.  However, some local health professionals do refer people to me for various issues.  For some issues, like IBS, a medical diagnosis is needed before I will agree to help you, in case it may be a serious issue that requires more specialised treatment.  I will tell you if it is my opinion that that may be the case.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Finding the right therapist for you is the first step on your journey to success.  Potential clients have the opportunity to meet me, and ask any questions you might have.  If I can help you I will tell you and if I can’t help, I will also tell you.  I believe that it is up to the client to decide if and when they want to start the process of change to be the best version of themselves, so it is up to you.  Please look at my Sessions and Costs page or details or get in touch.

Do you offer any discounts?

Costs for all other sessions will be discussed on an individual basis.  Discounts are available for bulk booking and prepaid sessions.

Is hypnotherapy guaranteed to work?

No medical or therapeutic process has any definite guarantees. There are no medical professionals that would guarantee that their work would be 100% successful all the time. This is the same for any hypnotherapy programme.

Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process, which requires you, the client, to be 100% committed and motivated (of course, if your motivation is an issue for you, we can work to solve that together).

The work continues after your sessions have finished, as when one strives to make positive changes in one’s life, one has to work to achieve and maintain it before it becomes the natural thing to do in one’s daily life. I keep in touch with my clients and offer support if it is required.

I guarantee that I will do my best to help you.

Can you solve all my problems?

I’d love to be able to do that!  But sadly, no, I cannot solve all your problems. I always prepare a bespoke, solution focused treatment plan based on a particular client’s personal and particular nuances in order to help him, her or them to achieve their goals and facilitate lasting change in the best way possible.

Of course, you are welcome to ask any questions at any time – if I can help you, I will. If I can’t, I will, in most cases, be able to direct you to someone who could.

What about confidentiality?

I will always treat you and any information pertaining to you in the strictest confidence.  I lock up all physical records and keep them in complete safety.  Digital information is kept in a password protected and encrypted vault.  Because I have a responsibility to you as a client and the world at large, there may be some legal and moral limitations to confidentiality.  If I feel that such limitations become relevant, I will discuss it with you and explain my reasoning.  I will not discuss your treatment with a third party, unless it is necessary for me to consult with your psychiatrist or medical doctor – this will be done with your consent.  As above, if a situation arises where I feel there is a risk of serious harm to others or to yourself, or if child protection issues arise, legal and moral limitations will apply.

How do I pay the session fees?

Prior to your first session, I will send you an invoice with all payment details and instructions included.  All invoices are payable at least 72 hours before your first session. 

What is the Cancellation Policy?

I run a busy practice and often I have a waiting list. When you book an appointment, you are reserving time with me exclusively for your treatment.

A minimum of 48 hours notice is required for the rescheduling of any appointment – including the initial free* assessment session (*Please see the Sessions and costs page for details of how to book an initial assessment session).

Any session costs will be forfeited if you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours notice.  It is your responsibility to remember your appointment dates and times.  I appreciate the need to rearrange appointment/s can sometimes arise due to unforeseen circumstances. For instance, if the cancellation or change may be necessary due to exceptional circumstances, like debilitating health issues, loss of family member, etc. All cases where rescheduling or cancellation is requested will be dealt with on an ad hoc basis.

If for any unforeseen reason I have to cancel your appointment, the cost of your session will be refunded in full. I will not be liable for any other expenses.  If you have any questions about the cancelation policy, please get in touch.

Who cannot be helped with hypnotherapy?

People suffering from dementia, very young children, people who have psychotic disorders, drug addicts, anybody under the influence of alcohol and anybody with comprehension difficulties are usually contraindicated for hypnosis for the reason that in all cases there is an inability to establish effective rapport and so interact. Some people who suffer from asthma, epilepsy or narcolepsy may also be contraindicated, as deep relaxation can exacerbate the condition. That said, I have worked with clients who have asthma and epilepsy in certain situations. It is always best to just ask me if you have any concerns.

What don’t you do?

I do not offer short term, instant or immediate solutions or fixes.
I do not proclaim to be an expert on every known issue – there are treatments that are better than hypnotherapy for some ailments and issues.
I do not use interventions that do not have empirical evidence to support its effectiveness.