Understanding Hypnotherapy

Is hypnotherapy a recognised profession?

Hypnotherapy is a well-established field with recognised training programmes and professional associations that uphold the highest standards of practice. There is research evidence to show that hypnotherapy helps people achieve positive changes in some areas, even when other approaches have failed. There are national occupational standards for the profession and the Department of Health recognises hypnotherapy as a viable complementary therapy.

Hypnotherapy is different from other talking therapies because it uses the state of hypnosis to enable changes to be made to your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

The idea of hypnosis seems a bit odd, what does it actually mean?

Hypnosis is not a mystical process but a natural state. In fact, everyone enters the state of hypnosis twice a day, when they are falling asleep at night and waking up in the morning. It is the same state of mind that people experience when daydreaming, although children are usually the experts on this as adults tend to use their imagination less positively as they get older.

The benefit of hypnosis is that it allows access to the unconscious mind, where habits are stored, so that unwanted feelings and behaviours can be changed. The client is the person who makes the changes to the way their mind operates. The hypnotherapist is a guide who understands how the mind works and has a variety of tools and techniques to help you overcome problems.

Does hypnosis mean you are out of control?

In a state of hypnosis you will always be in control and able to return to a normal waking state any time you choose. You will be able to withhold information if you wish and will not be compelled to tell the truth. You will simply be in a relaxed state that will help you make positive changes. In a state of hypnosis, you will be acting in your own best interests by connecting with your inner wisdom and discovering how to retrain your mind to achieve a better perspective.

How many hypnotherapy sessions will I need?

As a general rule, the more specific the change you wish to achieve, and the clearer you are about the outcome you want, the less hypnotherapy sessions will be needed. Some problems can be resolved in one session, usually when there is a specific behavioural change that is desired, such as quitting smoking or stopping finger nail biting. Phobias relating to one specific cause, such as spiders, are usually relatively easy to deal with and usually take between 2 – 4 sessions to overcome. People who want to develop confidence in a specific situation such as meetings at work or giving a presentation also make rapid progress.

However, some issues are more complex, such as low-self esteem or anxiety that is impacting on every aspect of your life. It may be necessary to unravel such problems layer by layer, using a range of techniques but even when this is the case, clients usually find that each session improves the situation.

Some therapeutic approaches spend time talking about your problems and trying to understand where they came from. My aim is always to help you feel better as quickly as possible, working towards the solution rather getting immersed in the problem. Hypnotherapy helps you gain a new perspective on your problem which allows positive improvements to be made each time you attend. It is not a passive process and you contribute to the speed at which you make progress.

The techniques offered by hypnotherapy focus on achieving a positive outcome. Your unconscious mind is in control of your behaviour and it can only do what it has been taught to do. Exploring a problem is not the same as teaching your unconscious mind how to think, feel and act differently. It is like the difference between complaining about the cake you are eating, and baking a new one.

What happens during a hypnotherapy session?

Firstly we explore the problem you are experiencing to understand exactly how it affects you. We then discuss the changes you would like to see as a result of therapy and discuss how this can be achieved. You will experience hypnotherapy and a range of other approaches may also be used if appropriate. You will always be fully informed and the sessions are confidential.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is a natural state that can most easily be likened to daydreaming and is also known as a trance. In a state of hypnosis you will become relaxed yet your mind will be both open and highly focused, allowing you to embed changes on a deeper level than can be accessed consciously.

Can people be hypnotised against their will?

It is not possible for people to be hypnotised against their will as for hypnosis to be successful, the client needs to be willing to follow the instructions that will facilitate a trance state.

Will I be asleep during hypnosis?

Hypnosis is not the same as being asleep as you maintain consciousness even though your eyes are closed. Although you will feel more relaxed than usual, you are always in control and can become fully conscious any time you choose.

Can strong-minded people be hypnotised?

Yes, in fact people who have the ability to focus their minds strongly find it particularly easy to achieve a state of hypnosis. People misunderstand hypnosis, thinking it means giving control of your mind to another person, which is not true. Hypnosis is a skill that involves focusing your mind and the more you practice, the better you become. The majority of people can learn how to do this and guidance from a hypnotherapist makes it easier to learn.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

Everyone who wants to experience hypnosis can do so with the help of an experienced hypnotherapist. Some people find it easier than others and the trick is to let go of your inner commentary so you can follow the therapist’s suggestions and relax. Fortunately, there are techniques to help with this as well.

Many people who have not experienced hypnosis before are amazed to discover how wonderful they feel and how easy it is to achieve. By learning how to enter a state of hypnosis and using this for your benefit, you will find that desirable changes can be embedded in your mind and acted upon in the future.

Why do people do strange things in hypnotic stage shows?

Hypnotic stage shows are different than the therapeutic use of hypnosis. Everyone knows that if they volunteer to be on stage at one of these shows, they will be required to act in odd ways for the amusement of the audience.

Do I have to believe in hypnosis for it to work?

No, hypnosis is not the same as faith healing. However, beliefs are powerful and changing limiting beliefs is part of the process. Hypnotherapy is based on a therapeutic alliance and you will be fully involved in overcoming the difficulties you are experiencing. Hypnotherapy has been researched extensively and demonstrated effective for a range of issues.

Can I get stuck in hypnosis?

No, you are no more likely to get stuck in a trance than you would become stuck in a daydream. It is not possible to get stuck in hypnosis as you would naturally return to a state of normal wakefulness or would fall asleep then awaken naturally.

Is hypnotherapy suitable for children?

Children generally respond well to hypnotherapy and it can help them overcome childhood issues such as bed wetting. It is best to find a hypnotherapist who has specialist training in working with children and has developed expertise in this area.

Please note that working with younger clients is not one of my special interests and I only see clients who are over 17 years of age.

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