Hypnotherapy – What do you think it is?

Most people have a preconceived idea about what hypnosis actually is.Their understanding and perceptions are usually gained from watching stage shows with the likes of Paul McKenna and Derren Brown.

Stage hypnotists of course practice the art of hypnosis and use the state of receptivity that the person is in to achieve amusing results.

Hypnotherapy uses the same state of openness to suggestion but in a positive and therapeutic way to achieve a positive and desired change in a client’s life by dealing with psychological problems such as phobias

What is hypnosis?

At our current level of knowledge, the phenomenon of hypnosis cannot be conclusively defined but perhaps a reasonable interim definition might be that: Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind. It may be better to define “hypnosis” by what it does rather than what it is and in this regard, it is widely accepted as an excellent method by which we may access our inner potential. 

What is hypnotherapy?

There are many forms of psychological therapy but Hypnotherapy is distinctive in that it addresses the client’s subconscious mind. In practice, the Hypnotherapistoften (but not exclusively)requires the client to be in a relaxed state, frequently enliststhe power of the client’s own imagination and may utilisea wide range of techniques from visualisations, story telling, metaphor or symbolism (judged to be meaningful to the individual client) to the use of direct suggestions for beneficial change. Analytical techniques may also be employedin an attempt to uncover problems deemed to lie in a client’s past (referred to as the “there and then”) or therapy may concentrate more on a client’s current life and presenting problems(referred to as the “here and now”). It is generally considered helpful if the client is personally motivated to change (rather than relying solely on the therapist's efforts) although a belief in the possibility of beneficial change may be a sufficient starting point.Can hypnotherapy help me?

The list of problems which may be amenable to Hypnotherapy is far too long and varied to catalogue but certainly includes: stress, anxiety, panic, phobias, unwanted habits and addictions (e.g. smoking, overeating/weight control, alcoholism), disrupted sleep patterns, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, fear of examinations and public speaking, allergies and skin disorders, migraine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  Additionally, it has proved of value within surgery, where normal anaesthetics have not been practical, in the wider sphere of pain managementand in the areas of both sporting and artistic performance enhancement. As an adjunct to other counselling techniques, it can also assist in helping to resolve relationship difficultiesand be useful within anger managementstrategies.

Will I be asleep when I am hypnotised?

        No. The hypnotic state, or trance as it is often referred to, is a sate somewhere between being fully awake and fully asleep. You have experienced this state many thousands of times as we all go through it each time we fall asleep and wake up. You will not always be aware of it. Most likely you will recognise it as from that lovely warm relaxed feeling when you are having aSunday morning lie-in and you experience a feeling of being perhaps being light and floating or others may feel heavy but relaxed.

 Will I remember what happened to me while I was hypnotised?

Yes!Some clients report that they didn’t feel as though they had been hypnotised at all but still gained benefit while others report that they were completely absorbed by the whole experience but still remained fully aware of all that happened.

Can I be made to do something against my will while I am hypnotised?

No! People are sometimes concerned that they will “lose control” in hypnosis.  However, general consensus indicates that regardless of how deeply people may go in hypnosis and however passive they may appear to be, they actually remain in full control of the situation.  They are fully able to talk if they wish to (or not, as the case may be) and can stand up and leave the room at any time.  Neither can a hypnotised person be made to do anything against their usual ethical or moral judgement or religious belief.  It is likely that the notion of a loss of control stems from most people’s misconception of stage hypnosis, wherein participants are apparently made to perform all manner of (usually foolish) acts.  However, the reader should be aware that participation in a stage act is an entirely voluntary process (thus “permission” is already given to the hypnotist) and that there can be no such volunteer who is unaware of exactly what they are letting themselves in for! 

Can anyone be hypnotised?

The answer to this question is undoubtedly “virtually everyone”. This claim must, however, be qualified by the observation that some are more readily hypnotisable than others and that it will also depend upon one’s willingnessto be hypnotised at the time. This willingness will itself depend upon a number of factors, not least of which will be the strength of the person’s particular needand their trustand confidencein the therapist concerned. A corollary to this question is “What level of trance is required in order to achieve a beneficial outcome?” Although there remains some disagreement over the answer, most researchers concur that the actual level (or depth) of trance obtained does not relate to the beneficial results that might be obtained. In practice, this means that even where a person feels that they have not been hypnotised, given time (and this is a very important factor), the desired outcome of therapy might yet materialise. This matter of time is especially important in our current society, which has, in many respects, been coerced into believing that gratification of every desire should be instantaneous. Hypnotherapy can be extraordinarily effective but it is not magic. However, if the right ingredients are present, if the time is right and if a suitable practitioner can be found with whom the client is willing to work, then all their (realistic) goals are achievable.

How does hypnotherapy work?

There are several elements to hypnotherapy: An understanding of the client’s problem gained from the initial consultation. An understanding of the level of the Client’s problem i.e. how deeply an idea, concept or process is ingrained. An understanding of the trigger points for the behaviour or manifestation of the problem (e.g. becoming nervous manifesting itself as breathlessness & sweaty palms when faced with a job interview). Once the causes have been investigated either in open conversation by carefully phrased questions or perhaps if appropriate under hypnosis by regression to establish where the harmful belief or behaviour originated, a skilled therapist can then work with the client to explore ways to change the behaviour or belief for a more positive outcome.

How quickly can hypnotherapy deal with my problem?

Unlike many other psychological therapies, Hypnotherapy is generally considered to be a fairly short-term approach in which beneficial change, if it is to occur, should become apparent within a relatively few sessions and often after only one session the client will notice positive change.

How do I know that a Hypnotherapist is competent and works in an ethical manner? (Choosing a Hypnotherapist)

Regardless of the techniques employed, perhaps the most important thing is that a client should expect to feel comfortable and at ease with their therapist. This is of particular importance in Hypnotherapy, in which the value of the treatment is greatly enhanced when there is confidence in the practitioner. For this reason it is recommended that a single session only is initially booked, leaving the client subsequently free to decide if they wish to proceed with more.