Hypnotherapy

What is Hypnosis?

Healing by trance state (or an altered state of awareness) is among the oldest phenomena known to man and is found, in one form or another, in virtually every culture throughout the world. It could also be legitimately described as the original psychological therapy and somewhat more contentiously, as the basis for many of the more recent styles of psychological intervention. In reality, we fall into a trance state multiply times a day for example when we daydream or on a journey when we suddenly look around us and think “how did I get here?”

What is Hypnotherapy?

There are many forms of psychological therapy but Hypnotherapy is distinctive in that it attempts to address the client’s subconscious mind.  In practice, the Hypnotherapist requires the client to be in a relaxed state, frequently enlisting the power of the client’s own imagination and may utilise a wide range of techniques from storytelling, metaphor or symbolism to the use of direct suggestions for beneficial change. It is generally considered helpful if the client is personally motivated to change (rather than relying solely on the therapist’s efforts). The mantra of hypnotherapy is: ‘want it, expect it, let it happen’.

Who can be Hypnotised?

The answer to this question is undoubtedly “virtually everyone”. This claim must, however, be qualified by the observation that some are more readily hypnotisable than others and that it will also depend upon one’s willingness to be hypnotised at the time. This willingness will itself depend upon a number of factors, not least of which will be the strength of the person’s particular need and their trust and confidence in the therapist concerned. 

Hypnotherapy can be extraordinarily effective but it is not magic.  However, if the right ingredients are present, if the time is right and if a suitable practitioner can be found with whom the client is willing to work, then all their (realistic) goals are achievable.

What are the common concerns when being Hypnotised?

People are sometimes concerned that they will “lose control” in hypnosis.  However, general consensus indicates that regardless of how deeply people may go into hypnosis and however passive they may appear to be, they actually remain in full control of the situation.  They are fully able to talk if they wish to (or not, as the case may be) and can stand up and leave the room at any time. Neither can a hypnotised person be made to do anything against their usual ethical or moral judgement or religious belief.  It is likely that the notion of a loss of control stems from most people’s misconception of stage hypnosis, wherein participants are apparently made to perform all manner of (usually foolish) acts. 

What can you be Hypnotised for?

Again, the answer to this question is “virtually anything”.  Given that hypnotherapy can be utilised to access a person’s inner potential and that probably no one is performing to their actual potential, then this answer is literally true.  However, it is not just potential which Hypnotherapy is well placed to address but also one’s inner resources to effect beneficial change.