Clinical Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. Guided by a trained hypnotherapist, hypnosis allows you to be more open to suggestions to making healthful changes in your perceptions, sensations, emotions, memories, thoughts and behaviours.
Hypnosis is a natural state that we all go in and out of throughout any given day. We all pass through the deepest state of relaxation at least twice a day when we wake in the morning and when we drift off to sleep.
Think about times that you’ve been daydreaming or been trying to block out background noise so you can concentrate, or when you drive from A to B and can’t quite remember the whole journey. These are all the brainwaves going in and out of different states.
In this relaxed, calm and safe state, your conscious mind is quietened so that the gentle positive guidance can replace the unconscious thoughts that have been driving your current behaviour that you wish to change.
Identifying the root cause of any issue brings the opportunity to be mindful and make the necessary changes where needed.
Myths about hypnosis:
Myth: Hypnosis isn’t real. It’s a form of entertainment
Hypnosis isn’t a stage act or some magical act. Clinical hypnosis is a type of medical therapy that’s often used as part of a treatment plan that includes traditional medical approaches.
Myth: You lose consciousness or have amnesia when you’re hypnotised
Most people remember everything that happens during hypnosis. You remain aware of who you are, where you are and remember what happened during a hypnosis session. If you don’t remember your session, it’s always recorded for you to fill in any perceived loss of time and also for your benefit to listen to the recording to reinforce positive change.
Myth: You’re under the control of your hypnotherapist when you’re hypnotised.
Your hypnotherapist guides hypnosis, but hypnosis is something you do yourself. You can’t be made to do anything against your will. You won’t reveal any information that you wish to remain secret. You don’t lose control over your behaviour. Hypnosis makes it easier to experience suggestions but doesn’t force you to have certain experiences. Stage hypnosis is a very different thing altogether.
Myth: Hypnosis is nothing more than deep sleep.
Hypnosis isn’t sleeping. There are some deeper forms of hypnosis that could make you appear to be asleep because your body is very still and quiet, but you aren’t asleep. We all go in and out of various stages of hypnosis every day.
What can hypnosis be used for?
Hypnotherapy may help treat any number of medical conditions in which psychological factors influence physical symptoms. Here’s a short list of some common issues people use hypnotherapy for, but not limited to:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Pain control
- PTSD
- Phobias
- Fears
- Insomnia
- Fibromyalgia
- Menopause
How do people describe the hypnotic experience?
People describe hypnosis in different ways. You may feel like you’re really relaxed and in a trance-like state. In fact so focused that you’re able to block out surrounding distractions. Have you ever been so focused on a TV show or so entrenched in a good book that you don’t hear your family talking around you or even your dog barking? This experience is somewhat similar to how you might feel while hypnotised. Many people say they feel calm and relaxed despite their increased concentration. Most described it as a pleasant and enjoyable experience. A huge benefit to this type of therapy is it’s non-invasive, pain-free and people often leave the end of a session feeling happier, relaxed and lighter.
Hypnotherapy for most issues isn’t an overnight fix, even though it can be for some people. It requires consistency and often goes hand in hand with making positive life changes alongside. There’s no typical length of treatment as it’s dependent on the person and the issue. The exception to the rule is a smoking cessation that can be done in one session, although some people prefer to do this over several to get used to the idea of the positive life change slowly.
Anyone can be hypnotised, but it comes down to belief. If you have decided it won’t work for you, it’s unlikely to because you’ve instructed your brain to not allow the change. It’s simply how the mind works.
The type of person who can benefit from hypnosis is someone who’s highly motivated to overcome an issue and is ready to make positive change.
Hypnotherapy is safe and confidential and a gentle way to bring about positive changes in your life you’ve been desiring.
If you’re considering hypnosis, reach out for a chat to discuss your goals. I’m here to help.