Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation; an altered state of awareness.

The word Hypnosis comes from the Greek word ‘Hypnos’ (to sleep) but far from being asleep, the person in hypnosis may well be in a heightened state of awareness, with improved memory, in which they have complete control of their mind. The hypnotic state or trance state is a perfectly natural state of mind and everyone is capable of achieving this state if they want to. It might be that someone needs to learn to relax in order to tune into their ability more easily and this can be learned relatively quickly

Therapy is a co-operation between patient and therapist to help change and improve your life and hypnosis is often a very effective therapeutic tool.

Hypnosis is increasingly being used as an adjunct to orthodox medicine where it is providing, for doctors and dentists, a valuable alternative to drugs and anaesthesia, to accelerate the healing process; to help with pain control and diminish anxiety. Hypnosis is a natural state where the conscious mind can drift and the subconscious mind is much more accessible.

Whilst the client enjoys this deeply relaxed state; the therapist will bypass the conscious mind in order to access the subconscious mind. This could for instance be to; change negative habits into positive habits or to change detrimental beliefs into productive helpful beliefs.

Self defeating behaviour can be looked at, understood and altered whilst self esteem, self belief and confidence can be build upon.

The subconscious mind contains our belief system and learned information and responses. Some responses can become habitual responses and some beliefs incorrect, outgrown and unhelpful. Behaviour and habits are learned over time and can be adapted and changed if this is of benefit to the individual.

Basically; you will be relaxed into a lovely, calm hypnotic state (where you will be wide awake and fully in control - but nice and relaxed) and you will be given suggestions that will affect your behaviour and feelings once you are out of the hypnotic state - hence the term 'post-hypnotic suggestion'.

Hypnosis is a deeply beneficial and relaxing experience; the client can stop the process at any time.

Ultimately the client is in charge, no one can go into hypnosis against their will.

Hypnoanalysis

Occasionally hypnoanalysis, which is where the therapist asks questions while the individual is under hypnosis, is advisable to use.

Hypnoanalysis is mostly used when eliminating phobias and extreme anxieties but might also be helpful if deep rooted causes need to be identified to treat certain issues.

Regression can be linked within this and might be used in order to identify the initial sensitising event and “find” lost information, memories and emotions.

Sometimes hypo analysis is simply used as a tool to allow the client to express themselves easier whilst deeply relaxed thereby aiding progress.

Just to note that past life regression is something I will not get involved with since it has currently no evidential therapeutic benefit.