Hypnotherapy FAQs
- What is Hypnosis?
- What is hypnotherapy?
- Can anyone be hypnotised?
- What can I expect?
- Will I fall asleep
- Will I remember everything?
- Will I lose control?
- Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy & NLP
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.
Although such altered states have been known for thousands of years, the term “hypnosis” (from the Greek “hypnos”, meaning “sleep”) was only coined circa 1840 by Dr James Braid, a Scottish physician and remains a somewhat less than accurate description of the experience, as the hypnotic state is, in most respects, entirely dissimilar to sleep.
At our current level of knowledge, the phenomenon of hypnosis cannot be conclusively defined but perhaps a reasonable interim definition might be that: Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind. It may be better to define “hypnosis” by what it does rather than what it is and in this regard, it is widely accepted as a most excellent method by which we may access our inner potential. The state of mind referred to may be brought about either by oneself, unaided (self-hypnosis) or with the help of another person. If this other person is a trained professional, who utilises the resultant state of mind to encourage beneficial change to occur, the process is referred to as “Hypnotherapy”.
The information is provided courtesy of the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
What is hypnotherapy?
Psychological therapy and counselling (sometimes referred to as the “talking cure”) is the treatment of emotional and psychological disorders, unwanted habits and undesirable feelings, using psychological techniques alone. The aim of all such therapy is to assist people (usually referred to as clients) in finding meaningful alternatives to their present unsatisfactory ways of thinking, feeling or behaving. Therapy also tends to help clients become more accepting both of themselves and others and can be most useful in promoting personal development and unlocking inner potential.
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 often (but not exclusively) requires the client to be in a relaxed state, frequently enlists the power of the client's own imagination and may utilise a wide range of techniques from story telling, metaphor or symbolism (judged to be meaningful to the individual client) to the use of direct suggestions for beneficial change. Analytical techniques may also be employed in an attempt to uncover problems deemed to lie in a client's past (referred to as the “there and then”) or therapy may concentrate more on a client's current life and presenting problems (referred to as the “here and now”). It is generally considered helpful if the client is personally motivated to change (rather than relying solely on the therapist's efforts) although a belief in the possibility of beneficial change may be a sufficient starting point.
Regardless of the techniques employed, perhaps the most important thing is that a client should expect to feel comfortable and at ease with their therapist. This is of particular importance in Hypnotherapy, in which the value of the treatment is greatly enhanced when there is confidence in the practitioner. For this reason it is recommended that a single session only is initially booked, leaving the client subsequently free to decide if they wish to proceed with more.
Unlike many other psychological therapies, Hypnotherapy is generally considered to be a fairly short-term approach in which beneficial change, if it is to occur, should become apparent within a relatively few sessions.
N.B. In actual practice, most Hypnotherapists will combine hypnotic procedures with other appropriate counselling and therapeutic techniques. Should there be any doubt about the combination of skills utilised in individual cases, the therapist should be asked directly for a further explanation of their preferred methodology
The information is provided courtesy of the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
Can anyone be hypnotised?
The short answer is “Yes”. Some people find it easier than others to relax. Others may go into various levels of hypnosis faster or more deeply, but almost all individuals are easily capable of reaching the light to medium states of relaxation.
Modern hypnosis has many tools available, and a good hypnotherapist will be able to tailor a session to your needs and personality.
What can I expect?
Perhaps the most important thing is that you can expect to feel comfortable and at ease. This is of particular importance in Hypnotherapy, in which the value of the treatment is greatly enhanced when you have confidence in the practitioner.
The next stage is that I will ask you a few questions about the problem and about yourself which helps me to know the best way to help you.
The third stage is hypnosis itself. The approach I chose to use will vary upon the individual but most Hypnotherapy involves the following:-
You are led, by means of my voice guiding voice, into a state where your body and mind are relaxed and nearly asleep. To an onlooker it might seem as if you were totally asleep but in fact, though you will normally feel very relaxed, you will remain awake enough to be aware. Also awake will be those parts of your mind which I will be working with to induce beneficial changes. This may mean that you will be picturing, as in a daydream, the things which are being spoken of and that you may experience the associated pleasant feelings.
Remember that if at any time you feel uncomfortable and want to terminate the session, then you will be perfectly capable of doing so.
The fourth stage, after the Hypnosis proper, is when you may discuss any experiences that you have had during the session. This is often an important part of the process.
Will I fall asleep
I doubt it! Some clients who are physically tired may fade in and out of a light sleep state. Unlike awakening from sleep, as you are guided out of a state of relaxation, you open your eyes and feel refreshed, relaxed and wide awake.
Will I remember everything?
You will remember everything that you want to remember. Much as in our day-to-day lives, we remember the significant events. While in hypnosis and upon returning to normal waking consciousness, you will be easily able to remember anything about the session that you want to remember, and the therapist will provide suggestions to the subconscious mind so that this happens.
Many clients are surprised at how quickly time passes while in deep relaxation, but most are able to remember everything about a session.
Will I lose control?
No. A hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything against your ethics, values or beliefs. In a hypnotic state you cannot be made to do anything against your will.
Rather than experiencing a lack or loss of consciousness, you will quickly discover that, while in a relaxed state, all of your senses operate in a heightened state of awareness. A sense of calm, equanimity and balance permeates your mind. All or most of the daily “chatter” of your conscious mind disappears and is replaced with an expansive, cantered awareness in your mind and body. For anyone that has ever daydreamed, lost themselves in a good book or movie, experienced a pleasant lucid dream or simply “zoned out”, a light to medium hypnotic state will feel very familiar and comfortable.
Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy & NLP
Some people call NLP the study of excellence. It began with the work of highly talented and successful therapists such as Milton H Erickson and Virginia Satir. NLP offers many tools to make fast, comfortable and effective changes to match your needs in the areas you wish to address - changes which will assist your personal growth and above all enhance your place in the world and your role in life now and in the future.
Therapy using NLP and the power of hypnosis enhances the speed of your desired changes, making them both comfortable and empowering. Your unconscious mind can only work in your best interests and safety and when we work with this your limits are limitless.
Freeing you of phobias, fears, unwanted habits such as smoking, eating disorders slimming, insomnia and anything you wish to be different.
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