Hypnotherapy

What is hypnotherapy?  Hypnotherapy is a therapy using hypnosis.   During a hypnotherapy session you will be guided into hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.

The history of hypnosis  The word 'hypnosis' comes from the Greek 'hypnos' - 'to sleep'.   It was quickly realised that this is actually a misnoma, as when you are in trance you are not asleep, but rather in a very relaxed state.   However, the word had already become known, so it was too late to change it.

What is hypnosis?   Hypnosis - or trance - is a naturally occurring state which we all experience many times in different ways throughout a normal day.   If you have ever been so engrossed in a book or a film that you were not aware when someone came into the room, then you have experienced a trance state.   If you have been on the internet and looked at the time when you finished, being surprised at how long you have been there, then you have experienced a trance state.   When we daydream we are inwardly focused as we experience those thoughts, often not aware when someone speaks to us.   At such times our subconscious mind is being accessed rather than our conscious mind.

What is our subconscious?   Our subconscious - or unconscious - part of our brain is the part which we use to do things without having to think about what we're doing, eg making our heart beat, breathing and controlling our temperature.  When we begin to learn a new skill, eg driving, we have to think consciously about everything we do, but as we become accomplished at that skill it becomes something we do without thinking about what we're doing - we can then do it unconsciously.

What is it like to be in trance?   Being in trance brings a profound sense of mental and physical relaxation.   It is a dream-like state, similar to that experienced just before falling asleep - when you are aware of things going on around you, but you are comfortably detached from them.

How does hypnotherapy work?   Hypnosis is thought to work by altering our state of consciousness.  The left-hand side of the brain - the analytical side - is quietened down, while the right-hand side of the brain - the non-analytical side - is made more alert.   This allows access to the subconscious.  Our subconscious is the part of our brain where we store memories and it controls our thought patterns and behaviours.  By accessing the subconscious, the hypnotherapist can help the client to change unwanted thought patterns or behaviours.  Memories may be recovered and resolved.

How can it help me?   Hypnotherapy can be a very effective way to change unwanted or out-dated thought patterns or behaviours.  It can be effective for many problems, including anxiety, stress, panic attacks, insomnia, depression, stopping smoking and weight control.   It can also be effective for physical conditions including digestive disorders, asthma and eczema.

FAQ

Am I in control when I'm in trance?   Yes.   When you are in trance your subconscious is able to accept or reject any suggestions that you wish to.  If you were uncomfortable about being in trance with your hypnotherapist you would come back to full consciousness naturally and easily.

Can you make me do anything I would rather not do when I'm in trance?   No.   Again, you are in control of which suggestions you wish to accept or reject, and also what you are happy to do or not do.   Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapy to help the client make positive changes in their life.  As a clinical hypnotherapist I will always seek to work with the client to help you make the changes that you want in your life.

Will I be aware of what is going on?   Yes.  When you are in trance you will be aware of things happening around you, but you will be comfortably detached from them.

Will I remember anything after the session?   Rather like when you read a book or watch a film, you may remember quite a bit of what happened, or you may remember very little.  How much you consciously remember does not have any effect on the work done while in trance.