Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy FAQ - Healthy Audio
How are these programmes developed?
The whole process began in 1993, when Michael became interested in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), due to increased referrals from doctors and gastroenterologists who could not help with current treatments. At this time, IBS was a new label, placed on an old condition. For several years Michael wrote specific hypnotherapy processes, and amended them, to match the needs of presenting patients in his medical centre based practice.
However, it became clear that there were many common threads to IBS symptoms, and he focused on these and continued to refine his processes. After several years, his success in treating this condition became better known locally, and he began receiving referrals from gastroenterologists, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, as well as, by word of mouth from IBS sufferers who had been helped.
One medical practice then invited Michael to take part in a medical research project, that the practice would fund and this was conducted over a 12 month period. After the project was over, it showed an overall reduction in all symptoms of approximately 80% of the patients. This was borne out by Michael’s own finding in his practice. However, it was important because the figures came from patients, selected by doctors whose orthodox approach had not been found to alleviate the symptoms.
After the project Michael continued to refine his processes, and decided to take these new processes from the clinical environment and transfer them onto audio tape and CD for patients who could not attend his daily practice. To test the efficiency and effectiveness of this audio program, Michael asked new patients to his practice if they would consider being involved in private research trials.
Once the program was completed the findings were logged, and the patients were contacted for 3 years after completion of the Program to obtain development history and progress.
From there in 1998 on the IBS Audio Program 100 was available to IBS sufferers over the internet, and is now the benchmark product in its field, used by sufferers in 39 countries.
From there, Michael became interested in migrating his knowledge and experience of working with patients and their presenting symptoms. Over his many years in practice (since 1986) he has pioneered new ways of applying hypnotherapy to a wide variety of conditions. The programmes on this site are the result of many years experience and knowledge and development.
How do these programmes differ from other on the market?
Some areas are clear, some less so. With these recordings you are working with an acknowledged leader in his profession. Michael Mahoney is respected by many in his profession and his work has won awards in innovation and research, some of his programmes have been subject to trials and patient piloting. His IBS Audio Program 100 is used in some hospitals, his Emotional recovery after breast cancer is currently used / recommended or information about it is given in discharge packs in over 110 English National Health Hospitals.
Others are recommended by patient support groups. Some have listening schedules and use Michael’s Ongoing Progressive Session Induction Method (OPSIM)© developed by Michael over many years. This provides structure and understanding to some of the major multi sessions recordings on this site, ensuring ease of use, structure and guidance for the interlinking programme sessions.
Can they be used by anyone?
Anyone with a basic grasp of English can use these programmes as long as they have the standard educaton for their age range.
Any exceptions?
Anyone with any mental illness, injury or disease should avoid using any hypnotherapy programmes. However with doctor approval one to one sessions may help. To err on the side of caution people with Epilepsy or Schizophrenia for example should not use these or other self help programmes.
Are there any side effects?
Any side effects are feelings of well being and calmness. Because the processes are natural, not intrusive in anyway, no drugs or potions, or manipulation, there is no way that negative side effects could be developed. If you are unsure about using any of these or any other self help recordings, do not buy them, wait until you feel more comfortable and about them.
Do I lose consciousness?
No it simply does not happen. Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis (an altered state of consciousness) as a therapy for a wide range of problems. Hypnotherapy is not Stage Hypnosis, which is completely different from the Clinical Hypnotherapy processes used in the programmes on this site.
What if I fall asleep during the sessions?
It is quite common and natural for individuals to sometimes drift into sleep while listening to the recordings. If this happens, don’t worry, don’t try to stay awake; if you do this then you are tensing yourself up and not getting the best results of the programme. Remember that your subconscious mind is always alert to keep you safe. The programme sessions are still effective if you fall asleep. Some individuals fall asleep and some do not, it doesn’t really matter.
What are the differences between the recordings on this site?
Some recordings cover one CD; other recording on this site may have multiple CDs and multiple sessions. These will have a listening schedule accompanying them; others like the IBS Audio Program 100® also have a booklet with listening schedule progress log and other relevant information. A lot of work and knowledge has gone into developing these recordings and the same effort has been made to make them easy and enjoyable to work with.
What can I expect when using these programmes?
Initially most listeners can expect a general feeling of continued calmness and deepening relaxation. Improvement of symptoms is realised within varied time-frames for each individual. There is no need to worry about having any pre-conceived time-frame for feeling better. Just allow the programme you have chosen to do its work, and be sure to complete it according to any schedule provided. No matter at what point during or after programme completion that you begin to experience symptom improvement.
What do I have to do?
Simply listen. Find a time that is your own when you will not be disturbed, and listen to the program as guided.
What is the best time to listen to the recordings?
Whatever fits into your daily routine. Some listen to them in the morning, some prefer after the day has finished, whatever fits into your schedule.
What if I can’t do it?
There is nothing to do, except listen and lay quietly.
What are the benefits of using the program over seeing a hypnotherapist in person?
First, finding a hypnotherapist who has the background experience and training for your presenting condition may be difficult.
Cost might be a constraint. The price of one of the major programmes on this site providing a complete course of treatment may be equivalent or less than the fee charged for ONE session of live one-to-one clinical hypnotherapy.
Convenience: No appointments to keep, or traffic to travel through.
Confidentially
Comfort
These programmes have been specifically developed for home use, no unfamiliar noises, odours or surroundings, this allows you to be truly ‘at home with your program’.
Michael Mahoney is a recognised leader in this field, guiding you in safe, gentle, tried and tested techniques.
How do I order my programme(s)?
Either go to the programme you have chosen (click here to list all programmes) and click on and either order through the shopping cart, choosing either MP3 format download, or hard copy.
By telephone on either 01925 629899 or free phone number within the UK: 0800-085-39-70
If our lines are busy, please leave your details on our secure line.
How Long from receipt of order to my home?
We endeavour to keep adequate stock of all titles, so from ordering we would expect to despatch within 1 or 2 working days.
Within the UK: Delivery should be 1 or 2 working days after despatch
USA: Delivery should be within 5 working days of ordering.
Canada: Delivery should be within 6 working days of ordering.
Australia: Delivery should be within 10 working days of ordering
Switzerland: Delivery should be within 6 working days of ordering
European Communities: Delivery should be within 7 working days of ordering
All postal times approximate barring any unforeseen delays.
All other destinations: Delivery should be within 10-14 working days of ordering.
Problem solving
What if my CD won't play correctly?
All our CDs are 1st generation productions, professionally recorded in a state-of-the-art sound studio, duplicated with the latest technology and are tested before being packaged for proper playback and consistent product quality.
In the unlikely event that your CD(s) should skip or have improper playback, try playing the CD in another CD player. Usually this solves the problem. Determine whether the CD is not playing back properly, or if your player is malfunctioning.
Make sure your CD is free from debris, and handle with care to avoid scratching and abrasion.
If you have no other CD player, play another CD in the same player. If you still have a problem, with a different CD, then the problem is with the CD player.
Try cleaning the player if applicable, according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Please be aware, too, that many portable CD players have a limited lifetime, and can become unreliable after a while. Also check to see if your skip control is “on” if your player offers this feature. Sometimes this will easily solve the problem.
If the CD continues to play back incorrectly, please follow the returns procedure outlined in our terms and conditions below:
Other Common Questions and Concerns - Some worth Repeating!
It is OK to fall asleep while listening to your session?
Your mind still takes it in - if you fall asleep naturally during your session, then this is what your body needs at that time. Your subconscious still takes in information up to about 90 minutes after falling asleep. Since the sessions are about 1/2 hour in length, you are covered! In the IBS Audio Program, Michael talks about this in the intro and the booklet.
Getting off track with the schedule:
For those programs that follow a specific schedule, this is mentioned in your booklet or print out - Just use good common sense with this - if you miss one day, go back and relisten one day prior to the one you missed and carry on from there - each day missed, is another session back from where you left off to relisten to. If you don't listen to your sessions for a full 2 - 3 weeks, then just start over from the beginning. If you are more than half-way through, then back-track to where you left off. A few blips and missed days here and there, that are not re-listened to, won't derail you that much, so don't get too concerned about it - however, respect the schedule as much as possible, because this is an integral part of the OPSIM (Ongoing Progressive Session Induction Method) that contributes to how successful you will be with the program.
Mind-armies - and shadow fears.
This sometimes happens - we hesitate to mention this, because it doesn’t happen to everyone, and rather not give the idea that it "could" happen. But once-in-a-while and for some individuals, the subconscious mind fights the new thought patterns, and some initial progress is lost temporarily, and the condition or negative thinking comes back for a brief time, then finally dissipates and improves again. To the patient, it might seem that the symptoms came back even worse than before (in reality it is simply that you have got used to feeling better so returned symptoms seem bad and unfamiliar again).
So don’t be concerned - just know that you did feel better before, and you can do it again. After all, you have had the condition with you many more days than the time it takes to complete your program sessions, so be patient and know that this too shall pass, and continue with the sessions.
Catching a cold or becoming ill while using your programme.
If you get the flu, or a cold, etc. You may wish to take a break in the sessions until you feel better. It is not mandatory, but sometimes, if you are feeling under the weather it may be worth just taking a few days off until you feel better. Again, use your own sense - if the sessions make you feel better, then it may help you cope with your illness; it is up to you, but that is an option. Then if you do take a break, follow the make-up sessions guidelines in the booklet and mentioned above if you have a program with a schedule. For programmes without a schedule, just listen as desired.
This also applies to travel - if you don’t think you can keep to the schedule on a trip, then apply the guidelines there too.
Repeating the programme:
For some programmes, there is a booklet that gives the time-frame for this, if you wish to listen again. It is not always necessary, but some people choose to do so, often because they have favourite tracks! As individuals, symptom resolution isn’t always a one-size fits all deal. Usually, if you have had better sleep, or a bit less negative thoughts, or just the beginnings of feeling more hopeful, another round will get you further. Again, the programmes are not a cure - there will always be a certain percentage of some people who don’t get help from hypnotherapy; but this method has the highest success rate of symptom reduction - AND this is usually based on people who have tried everything else first. So that is extremely encouraging.
Daydreaming and mind wandering:
NORMAL, normal, normal...!!! Did you ever have the radio on in the background, not really listening, but then suddenly you heard something that brings your attention to what they are saying? Well, that is because the subconscious still is monitoring things all the time, even when you are thinking of other stuff. This usually subsides a bit as you go along, then it can come and go, but don’t worry about it; when you realize you are doing it, then bring your thoughts back to the session.
Medications:
If you are on them, continue with them - especially if they are prescriptions; always consult your doctor. If they are OTC, then take them if they help you, and as you progress you may find you don't need them as much or at all. One of the outcomes of some of the programmes, may be reduced or elimination of need for medications. Of course this does not apply to required or prescribed medications, including SSRIs, etc. for your diagnosed conditions. Always consult your physician regarding your medications. Hypnotherapy works alongside medications and can be an enhancement to them.
Imagery:
Everyone puts their own spin on the imagery - don't ever worry if you do it right or wrong - you always do it right for you - you will adjust the imagery to suite what is needed for you.
Getting tired or frustrated or anxious while listening
When do you listen to the programme? Is it at a time when you are totally alone and undisturbed? Some people like to listen first thing in the morning as an energiser, and find that they do sleep better that night - others use it as a mid-day relaxer, and the majority listen before bedtime, while ready for bed... reconsider your time of listening if you feel it could be a factor for you. The half-hour or so sessions can be the equivalent of three hours sleep, so this is another big advantage for the listener.
Can’t seem to get the negative thoughts out of your mind but feeling a bit better:
Do you read a lot about your health or emotional condition on the internet, perhaps on a message or bulletin board community, or do you talk about it a lot? The programmes are designed to move you away from negative thinking - that is why so many people who have been helped no longer come to the message boards - in a way that is great for them, but not so great for those coming there looking for support!
Sometimes reading about symptoms can put you back into negative thought mode, so if that is the case, take a break from any thoughts and reading about your condition if this is at all possible (sometimes doctor visits, etc. may preclude this) - even coming to a message board and reading/posting neutral content, "may" still signal subconsciously that this is a site "for" the condition - thought this may seem a bit farfetched, it could be a possibility - not necessarily true for everyone, as sometimes the support and care and camaraderie are more important and may be better for you than staying away - so only you would know if there is a pattern that way.
