Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a psychological therapy; it works with the mind to bring about positive change. The big difference between hypnotherapy and any other therapy is the use of hypnosis and hypnotic inductions to facilitate change and uncover the subconscious reason for emotional disturbance. Hypnotherapy can be effective for a whole range of emotional, psychological and behavioural issues.
What isn’t hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is not at all like the performances you see in stage shows, where you might see people barking like a dog or clucking like a chicken. There are no swinging pocket watches. In a hypnotherapy session, you are in control the entire time. You will hear the suggestions made to you, and you will be able to remember them after the session. Hypnosis cannot do anything that a client resists happening.
You cannot get stuck in hypnosis – this is quite impossible.
2. You do not become in any way unconscious or semi-conscious.
3. You cannot, at any time, be made to do things you do not want to do.
4. You are totally aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times.
5. You do not go to sleep.
6. You are not in anyone’s power, and nobody can take control of you.
7. You can leave the hypnotic state whenever you want.
8. You cannot lose your mind.
9. Hypnosis cannot permanently remove memories or thoughts from your mind.
10. You will not suddenly blurt out your ‘dark’ secrets.
11. Hypnosis cannot bestow psychic abilities or supernatural powers.
12. Hypnosis cannot make you act against, or abandon, your moral code.
13. You do not say or do ‘funny things’ unless you want to.
14. Hypnosis is a truly natural state of mind and body and is therefore perfectly safe.
What’s hypnosis like
During your first session, you will likely begin by telling the therapist about your goals and issues. You will then work together to come up with a treatment plan. Once you enter a state of hypnosis, your body will feel calm and relaxed, similar to the way you might feel when meditating. Your therapist will speak to you in a calm and gently assertive voice and place the suggestions you agreed to in your treatment plan into your subconscious mind.
Who does hypnotherapy work for
If you want to have hypnotherapy, you are a good candidate for it. Hypnosis is a willing state. If someone is trying to hypnotise you against your will, it simply won’t work. For that reason, if you are highly sceptical of its efficacy, or if you are frightened of it, it may not work for you.
What does it work for
Hypnotherapy either on its own or in conjunction with conventional mainstream treatment can be extremely effective in the management and improvement of so many issues both psychological and physiological for instance;
Stress
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Phobias and Fears
• Preparation for surgery and invasive medical procedures
• Pain management and pain relief
• Gastro-intestinal disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure
• Dermatological disorders such as Eczema and Psoriasis
• Gynaecological disorders such as PMT, Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods)
• Infertility
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
• Sleep disorders
• Weight control
• Smoking cessation
• Breaking unwanted habits
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Improving sports performance
• Improving academic performance including exam nerves
• Public speaking
• Building self-confidence and self-esteem
• Positive thinking
What doesn’t it work for
It’s important to remember that hypnotherapists are not medical doctors and hypnosis is not magic or mystic. While hypnosis can help with pain management, it does not cure the disease but it has been scientifically proven to promote healing, improve manage and reduce symptoms of many psychological and physiological issues.
