Hypnotherapy                   


Hypnosis is the technique which allows us to communicate with different parts of the mind by inducing a trance or altered state that enables an experienced practitioner, or Hypnotherapist, to talk to the unconscious without the conscious blocking communication. The actual term hypnosis (derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep) is perhaps an inaccurate description as the hypnotic state is entirely dissimilar to sleep. Perhaps a more satisfying definition is that:

Hypnosis is a condition of profound relaxation which you allow yourself to enter, during which time there is an altered state of
conscious awareness (1)

During hypnosis, people generally say that they are still aware of what is going on around them but that it does not seem to matter. It goes into the background and is rather like being absorbed in a book or some music or a daydream.

The application of hypnosis (which in the healing sense is called Hypnotherapy) is generally accepted as one of the most effective methods by which we can access our inner potential, though it is most useful when employed to uncover difficulties that are deemed to lie in our past, or which we cannot consciously bring to the surface.

Problems which are amenable to Hypnotherapy include: stress, anxiety, panic, phobias, unwanted habits and addictions (e.g. smoking, overeating) disrupted sleep patterns, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, fear of examinations and public speaking, allergies and migraine. Utilized alongside other counselling techniques, it can also assist in helping to resolve relationship difficulties and be useful within anger management strategies.

Most people can be hypnotised as long as they:

allow it to happen, want it to happen, expect it to happen

It is important to state that you do not lose control when being hypnotised. You are fully aware of yourself and your surroundings and it is impossible for you to be forced against your will to do anything that you would not ordinarily want to do. This fear of losing control stems from stage “hypnotism”. People who claim that they get hypnotised in this scenario are already highly suggestable and are fully briefed beforehand as to what to expect, and how to behave.

Before undertaking hypnosis, the hypnotherapist will explain to you the exact procedure and what is likely to occur. When you are under hypnosis, s/he will ask you to imagine various scenarios that are going to help you overcome your problems.

In addition to the hypnotic procedure (which can last around 30 – 40 minutes) you will, during the first session, be issued with a booklet explaining the basic techniques of self-hypnosis, which will give you a comprehensive background into this highly-effective method of achieving calmness and tranquility.

1) As defined by the UK National College of Hypnosis & Psychotherapy