What is Hypnotherapy
Many people have a number of misconceptions about hypnosis which stops them seeking the help of a
professional hypno-psychotherapist
Many people falsely believe that in a hypnotic state they will be "under the control of the therapist"
and that they will be "made to do something against their will". The truth is that hypnosis is a natural
state of mind that can be likened to relaxation, meditation or daydreaming. It is a state of mind that we
can all achieve, if we desire to do so, and because the hypnosis comes from within the individual, the
individual is the one in control, not the therapist.
Hypnosis is experienced by all of us, often on a daily basis. Have you ever become so engrossed in a book,
TV programme or other activity that you lose track of time and someone wanting to get your attention has had
to repeatedly and more forcefully use your name? Perhaps you have even driven a long a stretch of familiar
road and arrived at your destination, not to be able to remember at least part of the journey? In effect all
therapist does is to assist you to obtain this self generated state of mind.
Our conscious minds deal with everyday situations while the subconscious part (which is considerably larger)
runs and maintains our bodies, regulating heart and breathing rates and the countless number of ongoing
chemical processes. The subconscious also stores memories of places, objects, people and events along with
our emotional reactions to them and is also the part of our mind responsible for our dreams. Normally the
processes undertaken by the subconscious mind serve us well, but occasionally throughout our lives they let
us down. Hypnosis simply provides a key to the subconscious allowing the client and therapist to access and
facilitate new ways of dealing with any difficulties. In the hands of a trained, experienced therapist,
hypnosis is a harmless, useful, therapeutic tool.
Although the state of hypnosis is a very relaxing experience by itself it does not bring about change. While
in hypnosis an appropriate therapeutic intervention takes place, this may take the form of suggestion, guided
visualisation, metaphor, psychotherapeutic, regression or NLP techniques. These techniques help the individual's
subconscious mind overcome misunderstanding, negative blocking emotions and to become motivated to replace old
unwanted ways of reacting and behaving with new, more desirable, useful ones. These therapeutic iinterventions
are specific to the therapeutic needs of the individual, hence the term; "hypnotherapy".
Firstly it is important that you feel safe and secure with the therapist, surroundings, and the information that
you are given. Any credible, experienced therapist will appreciate the need to build empathy and rapport between
you. Therapy begins at the first session which usually consists of the therapist taking an in depth case history
will interacting with the client in such a way as to illicit forgotten, misplaced, generalised or distorted
information.
Different therapists will employ slightly differing techniques to help you acquire the hypnotic state of mind.
Commonly you will be asked to relax into a comfortable chair and the therapist will employ an "eye fixation
technique". This involves you staring at a point, perhaps into a candle flame, a spot, on the ceiling, drawn on
the therapist's hand or at the tip of a pencil. As you stare at the point, the therapist may ask you to visualise
something or to carry out a mental exercise, while he talks to you in a precise and measured voice with suggestions
that will help you to relax.
Many people hold the false belief that they will fall completely asleep and will not remember what has been said or
done. For the majority of people this does not happen, although you may feel that because you are so deeply relaxed
you actually feel asleep, even though you can still hear the therapist's voice and are completely aware of your
surroundings. In fact many people cannot easily tell the difference between the normal waking and hypnotic states.
The experience is different for everyone. Often this sensation is described as being in the "twilight" zone, halfway
between sleeping and waking, while others later say that, it was "the most relaxing experience of their lives".
People sometimes report a feeling of "heaviness" or "drifting and floating", while time distortion is also a common
phenomenon (feeling that time has been compressed or expanded). It is often said that; "All Hypnosis is Self Hypnosis"
What does Therapy require of me?
Click below to find out more about what's required from you before attending therpy.
About your Therapist
I have more than 6,750 sessions experience and hold therapy qualifications accredited by NCFE to NVQ level 4. Click below
to find out more.