The term “Hypnosis” comes from the Greek word “hypnos” meaning sleep and was only coined circa 1840 by Dr James Braid, a Scottish physician. Actually hypnosis does not induce sleep but involves the person experiencing a deep level of relaxation and enhanced awareness, with their attention narrowed down and focused on appropriate suggestions made by the therapist. The conscious mind is suppressed and the subconscious mind revealed. These suggestions help people make positive changes within themselves – long gone are the days when hypnosis was seen as waving watches and controlling peoples minds. In a hypnotherapy session you are always in control.
What is hypnotherapy
The practice of promoting healing or positive development in any way is known as hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy aims to reprogramme patterns of behaviour within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative and suppressed emotions to be overcome. During hypnosis the therapist is able to suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle adaptations, the seeds of which become firmly planted. As the body is released from conscious control during the relaxed trance-like state of hypnosis, breathing becomes slower and deeper, the pulse rate drops and the metabolic rate falls
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnosis is thought to work by altering our state of consciousness in such a way that the analytical left hand side of the brain is “turned off” while the non analytical right side of the brain is made more alert. The conscious control of the mind is inhibited and the subconscious mind awoken. It is the unconscious part of the mind which is deep seated and has a more instinctive force than the conscious mind; it is therefore this part of the mind that is targeted during a hypnotherapy session as it is the part which has to change in order for behaviour and physical state to alter.
Does hypnotherapy work for everyone?
Everyone can be hypnotised although some people are more readily hypnotised than others and it much depends on the persons willingness to be hypnotised at the time. The most important thing is that the person wants to change some behavioural habit or addiction and is highly motivated to do so. The readiness and ability of a person to be hypnotised varies considerably and may require several sessions to achieve meaningful results. Willingness can depend on the strength of a persons character and their particular need for change to occur. Most researchers concur that the actual level or depth of trance obtained does not relate to the beneficial results that might be obtained and even if a person feels that they have not been hypnotised, given time the desired outcome of the therapy may yet materialise. Hypnotherapy can be very effective but it is not magic!
What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
You will fell comfortable and relaxed during the session, concentrating on the therapists voice intently. You will be aware of everything that your senses report to you and will be fully aware of your surroundings and situation. Most people feel mentally alert and physically relaxed during hypnosis. Some people have a distorted perception of time and may feel that only a few minutes have passed when actually an hour or so may have passed. Your body may feel weighted down and heavy or light, as if you are floating. Some people feel warm and many feel tingling throughout their bodies. Most people find that deeper relaxation is obtained if they are lying comfortably, in a warm environment, with their eyes closed. Everyone’s experience will be different and you will experience it in whatever way is right for you. Your breathing rate will be noticeably slowed down, your eyes will close and your eyelids may flutter. There is no reason for you to have to speak at all during the session (after the initial consultation) unless there is something that you particularly want to say.
Can I be made to do anything that I do not want to do?
No. A suggestion made by the therapist will only be accepted by you if it is something that you believe in and want to do. During hypnosis you will always have the option of rejecting suggestions and at any time during the process you can return to your regular state. You cannot get “stuck” in a trance, at the end of a session the therapist will gently count you back to being fully awake and alert. Clinical hypnosis is safe (when practiced by a reputable practitioner, for therapeutic purposes). It was reviewed by the BMA in 1955 and declared as an integrative practice that can be incorporated alongside standard medical disciplines. The BMA endorsed the practice of hypnosis in medical school education. There are no harmful side effects.
How many sessions will I need?
This very much depends on the individual and the problem being addressed. Some sessions like smoking cessation may have a resolution after one session whereas therapy for weight loss may require further sessions at regular intervals to monitor progress and reinforce suggestions made. It is entirely up to you if you wish to return for a further session and no commitment will be expected from you.
Who can benefit from hypnotherapy?
Virtually everyone! Hypnotherapy can be utilised to access a persons inner potential and as probably no one is performing to their actual potential hypnotherapy can help by addressing ones inner resources to effect beneficial change. The list of problems which may be amenable to hypnotherapy is long and varied, some of which are discussed in the “treatments” section.
