When people are asked about their understanding of hypnosis many are unsure of what hypnosis involves. Often their only experience is the stage hypnosis that they have seen on TV. This has led to many myths and misconceptions being formed about hypnosis. People fear they will not be in control and made to do things against their wishes or worry they will become stuck in hypnosis and wonder whether they can even be hypnotised.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring altered state of awareness and consciousness into which individuals allow themselves to enter so that desired, beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the unconscious mind. This altered state, the trance state, is pleasant and extremely relaxing. Thus, hypnosis is a natural, effective way of making contact with the inner (unconscious) self, a source of many of our problems as well as a tremendous reservoir of unrecognised potential strength and knowledge, i.e. the forgotten assets.
We naturally go in to hypnosis many times a day for example; when we are engrossed in a TV programme oblivious of anything else around us, when we’re driving our car and suddenly realise we’ve reached our destination but don’t remember part of our journey and again when we are reading a book unaware of what’s around us. Providing they are willing the majority of people are able to be hypnotised. Nobody can ever be hypnotised against their will and, even when hypnotised, people can still reject any of the suggestions given if they are not appropriate. When in hypnosis you are in full control and you can safely bring yourself out of hypnosis, at any stage, by simply opening your eyes.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a very effective psychotherapeutic tool that can help people with an extensive list of issues such as stress, anxiety, phobias, smoking, weight and sleep to name a few. Hypnotherapy can often help people with issues that they have had for a long time, in just a few sessions, provided they are wanting to make changes to the way they live their life. It consists of talking therapy, where the positive changes needed to improve and change someone’s life is discussed and this is then reinforced in hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is completely natural and safe and there are no harmful side effects. It is often successful when other, more conventional methods of treatment have failed. When administered by a professionally trained and skilled hypnotherapist the benefits are long lasting and often permanent.
Hypnotherapy not only helps you deal with current issues in your life but provides you with the skills to be able to help in the future. Self-hypnosis is one of these skills, something I use myself on a daily basis that I hope my clients will learn to benefit from too. Past clients often say that many months after finishing their therapy that they still use skills that they learnt and continue to benefit from them.
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