We hope to allay some of the fears concerning the use of Hypnosis, the myths and mystery surrounding which are totally undeserved, and to make clear that what takes place is very normal and non-magical, with predictable results.

There is absolutely no question of being controlled or manipulated, or even induced into a deep trance state. A person in Hypnosis is not 'asleep'; they are often more aware of what is taking place than usual and their senses function more efficiently than normal. Nobody could possibly be made to do anything that they did not want to do, and anybody (except the truly mentally sub-normal, very young children and inebriates) can enter the hypnotic state. People who say or think, "Nobody could get me under", or "I wouldn't want anybody controlling my mind", or "I might blurt my secrets out", are really demonstrating that they have a total misconception of what hypnosis really is.

The state of Hypnosis, a totally natural phenomenon, is most pleasant and particularly relaxing, and a person can converse quite easily whilst in hypnosis. The centuries old technique of hypnosis is being used increasingly as an adjunct to orthodox medicine where it is proving a valuable alternative to drugs for anaesthesia, to accelerate healing, relieve stress and control pain. A good definition of Hypnosis is: 'A state of relaxation and concentration at one with a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion'.

We use our voice to induce Hypnosis and, although you are unlikely to feel 'hypnotised' as such, you will probably experience a feeling of mental and physical relaxation and your memory may well be enhanced. You will find us to be caring professional people totally devoid of any mystical or magical powers! No flowing robes or swinging watches - just a reassuring manner to put you at ease, and the expertise to help you with your problem.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of mind that is induced by suggestion. Hypnosis allows a therapist to work with your unconscious mind so that it can support your conscious aims.

No. Anyone who can follow simple instructions can be hypnotised.

Not in our practice. Some psychiatrists do use drugs but they are not required and are no substitute for sound knowledge and skill in hypnosis.

That varies from person to person and even from session to session. Most people report feeling very relaxed and lethargic but focused. They are usually aware of everything that happens during the session.

What are the dangers of hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not dangerous. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind, rather like a daydream, which everybody experiences every day. As you go to sleep and as you wake up you experience a hypnotic state and you can see people in hypnosis in every day life; we say "they are in a world of their own". Your mind creates the hypnotic state and accepts or rejects any suggestion made by the therapist - at all times your mind is in control. There are so many misconceptions about hypnosis that any specific worries you may have are best addressed at an introductory consultation.

We use two entirely different hypnotic treatments:

Suggestion therapy is used for simpler problems such as smoking, nail biting, pre-test nerves, slimming, relaxation, confidence boosting etc, and which require only one or two sessions with perhaps a booster later on.

We also use Analytical therapy to discover causes of psychological problems (and, of course, we do mix the two therapies).

Hypno-analysis can be summarised briefly as the doctrine of 'cause and effect': every effect (the symptom) must have a cause. Hypno-analysis reveals and removes the cause, and consequently relieves the symptoms.

Emotional problems respond particularly well to Hypno-analysis. The object of Analysis is to bring you to 'a moment of surprising and liberating enlightenment', and one can be fairly confident that a release will be obtained usually within eight sessions of Analysis. In these cases we are talking about a complete and lasting release, by finding and removing originating causes - as opposed to mere control of symptoms by suggestion.

There is no reason why anyone should put up with something 'inside themselves but outside their control', provided they are prepared to devote time, money, effort and self-discipline to be free of their problem. The use of Hypnosis dramatically 'speeds up' Analysis, and similar results can be achieved in a few weeks as would be expected from a more conventional '1000 hour' Analysis.

As the brochure makes clear, we deal with many, many problems. You can be sure, however, that whether you are a modest smoker merely needing a little help to stop, or a suicidal melancholic feeling you have little to live for, you will receive the best attention at all times. Your therapist will respect totally your confidentiality and right to privacy and anonymity.

Both Philip and Sarah trained with the Hypnotherapy Centre, Bournemouth and went on to become registered members of the National Council for Hypnotherapy. Training involved hypnosis and psychology to provide an in-depth knowledge of hypnotherapy. Philip is also a member of the Hypnotherapy Research Society. The NCH and HRS are both affiliated to the UK Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations.

Members of these Associations are bound by a strict Code of Practice and Ethics. The Rules of the Associations require, among other things, that members are covered by Professional Indemnity Insurance and such a Certificate of Insurance is available for inspection. Members have also agreed to discharge each and every client from treatment at the earliest possible moment consistent with that client's good care. Every Member undertakes to respect a client's confidentiality at all times and we would not even disclose to a spouse or parent that a client is undergoing treatment.

We are also registered with the NHS as independent health-care providers so that we can accept referrals from your GP and the NHS can pay for such treatment.

Sarah is fully trained in childcare, having been a registered childminder and playgroup leader, and can help with such childhood problems as bedwetting. School phobia, stammering, behavioural problems, etc. These usually respond to a single session of therapy.

We ask that both parents attend with the child if possible. We recommend that children are at least seven years old before they come for treatment.

For anything except smoking cessation our first session is likely to be a free introductory consultation. This is so that we can answer any questions you may have about the therapy and to ensure that our therapy is right for you.

We do a single session taking approximately one hour. For groups of up to3 people.

- £75 per session regardless of size of group.

(For slimming, nail biting, pre-test nerves etc)

We usually do one or sometimes two sessions. A 'boost' session may be recommended after an interval.

- £50 per session (approximately one hour).

(For most other problems.) This is a totally private and individual therapy. Everybody is different, but as a guide it is usually completed in 8 one hour-long sessions held at weekly intervals.

- A one off charge of £300 at the end of the second session (once we consider that the therapy is suited to your needs).

Bookings should be made by telephone. Consultations are strictly by appointment and it is regretted that casual callers cannot be seen. A minimum of 24hrs notice must be given of a cancellation or the full session fee may be payable.