If I start this journey will I be locked into frequent visits over a long period of time?

How effective is this therapy?

Dr Alfred Barrios, a Clinical Psychologist quoted in the American Health Magazine said that Hypnotherapy has an efficacy index of 1550 (93% recovery rate over just 6 sessions) in comparison to Psychotherapy's efficacy index of 19 (38% recovery rate after 200 sessions!) with Behavioural Therapy positioned between the two with an efficacy index of 327 (72% recovery after just 22 sessions.)

However, we don't just use hypnotherapy as our only tool to bring about change but we combine it with two other powerful tools: NLP, that has a long track record of excellence in improving one's communication and fast-tracking one's personal development; and Life Coaching, that teaches one how to focus, get into states of flow and to improve one's motivation to drive specific personal projects and business successes.

How many sessions will I need?

Although it is hard to exactly predict how many sessions you will need, because it depends upon the nature of what needs addressing and how speedily you are able to make the transition, it is safe to say that a few sessions (between 3 and 6)spaced about a month apart, usually does the trick for most issues. Remember that this is a general rule of thumb and so, we include a list various specific issues below to demonstrate how we prefer planning sessions around the issue, rather than forcing issues into rigid plans.

You should leave every session elated, feeling that you accomplished something profoundly important. Although we all have common issues that manifest differently from those of others, we are unique beings and deserve personalised attention, tailored problem solving and specific help. One-size-therapy cannot fit all clients. We take the time to listen carefully, to understand the stressors that manifest in the problems you present and to craft a bespoke solution to specifically help you on your way. Our challenge is to deliver empathetic, long-lasting results.

Further guidelines:

• Weight Management: It's often quick to get the mind to think differently about food and one's relationship with it but it is a much slower journey for the body to shed its weight and to play catchup with the mind. Weight reduction of more than 1—1½ kilograms per week can be an unrealistic goal to set. This means that weight reduction is a slowish process and one might need regular direction and motivation to see one through to the end. The first two sessions are important as they dig into the underlying issues that result in weight gain and set strategies for a successful outcome. The rest of the sessions are flexible and more strategic. We encourage you to book a session as a placeholder. If you get to within a few days of that session and you are motivated and on track, we suggest you to reschedule it by rolling it forward by a few weeks. If you find that you lost focus and motivation, we suggest that you attend the session to get the help you need.


• Quit Smoking: This is one of those wonders where the vast majority of clients quit after just one session. Some could need a follow-up or two whenever they feel a relapse coming on and about 10% of all smokers become medically addicted to their cigarettes. They need different interventions with longer-term coaching and mentoring strategies.


• Exam Phobias and Anxiety: It is best to climb in early with a session or two before you begin swatting for your exams. Follow this up with a session as close to your actual exam as possible. This sharpens your mind reduces your stress and anxiety.


• Post-operative Pain Management: We include this example to illustrate the different strategies and flexibility we need to manage a condition like this. None of the other session planning strategies have relevance in a case like this. It calls for frequent sessions spaced only a few days apart.

In summary, session planning needs flexible strategies depending upon the situation and the urgency but, in general, one can apply the rule of thumb and bank on 3—6 sessions spaced about a month apart.

What is the best gap between my visits?

Spacing your sessions about a month apart helps track your progress. However, there are some times that call for urgent action and, in cases like these, it is wise to reduce the time gap between visits by booking an urgent appointment. Conversely, there are also times when you feel on top of the world and have mastered that aspect of your life and it is perfectly acceptable indefinitely extend the gap between your visits. We are willing and ready to guide you. However, we also encourage you to take the lead and to be at the helm of your journey. We strongly encourage you to decide when, where and how you need that help from us.

What is best for me: in-person or teleconferenced visits?

There is a really simple answer to this question: It's entirely up to you!

The Coronavirus Pandemic helped the world in various strange ways, one of which is the way it thrust us all into the world of video conferencing. We were pleasantly surprised and impressed to witness just how amazing teletherapy, conducted over a digital platform, really is. StartLiving?! pioneered this method several years ago to work with clients in the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Indian Ocean Islands. The success of these remote sessions inspired us to offer similar sessions to everyone as an alternative to their in-person visits while under Coronavirus stay-at-home orders. This continuity during lockdown has been a blessing for many clients as they faced some of their most difficult challenges in isolation.

The choice between teletherapy and an in-person visit shouldn't be between first and second class treatment, to the contrary, both formats are equally powerful and very successful. Rather, the decision is, "Do I have the time and means to travel?"

Many clients used to contend for the few available weekend slots we offered because they couldn't take time off work but that's no longer such a big problem as it is now easier to put aside an hour for a teleconference session without having to travel all the way out to Protea Ranch.

Lastly, choosing between teletherapy and an in-person appointment need not be a permanent choice. Many clients have had one or two in-person sessions and then toggle across for a few teletherapy follow-ups whenever the need arises. Quite honestly, the choice between the two is entirely up to you.

Is it possible to spend a few days in retreat at Protea Ranch?

Of course it is! We have over the years welcomed many of our clients as overnight guests. Sometimes it's just the right thing to do, to get away from the rat-race and focus on rebooting one's systems before getting back out into the world once more. Our large, two-bedroom guest cottage at Protea Ranch is accredited and managed by AirBnb. If you choose to stay over, there are two things to do: Book at least one in-person session per day with us and then book the accommodation via AirBnb.

Staying over at Protea Ranch is a great idea as it enhances the benefits you'll get from your session. Instead of rushing in and out or staying elsewhere if you are travelling from afar, take time to relax, meditate and reflect on your session in the peaceful and secluded surroundings of our secure, serene and beautiful place. If you aren't in the mood to cater for yourself, Yvonne will happily prepare a dining experience to suit your needs and tastes. You're in very capable hands as she is a Swiss-trained Hotelier and Chef and knows exactly how to tempt you with a multitude of options and to suit all dietary requirements. Why not give it a go?