Hypnotherapy is a healing therapy, with a focus on deep physical and mental relaxation, which uses the power of the human mind to relieve anxiety, stress and tension, to remove negative thoughts, to alter unwanted behaviour, to change long standing habits, and to alleviate or eliminate a wide variety of stress-related or psychosomatic problems. Many such problems are brought about by a continuing, and often subconscious, misinterpretation of current, recent or past events in the client's life.
Hypnotherapy is concerned with helping the client to understand the symptoms and causes of such problems, and to deal with them in a positive and meaningful way. Hypnotherapy is a positive power for good, which improves both physical and mental health.
No medication or drugs are used, and there are no unwanted or unpleasant side effects. Hypnotherapy does riot require more than a light hypnotic trance to be effective. Tape-recordings, provided for the client at the end of individual sessions, art an important part of the therapy.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation and concentration with heightened awareness. You are not asleep nor is there any possibility you would lose control. It uses the subconscious to enhance the power of the mind to aid the improvement of both your physical and mental health.
Simple problems like smoking, phobias, nail biting etc. respond well to hypnosis. More deeply rooted problems take just a little longer, however they respond well. Hypnosis has no addictive or damaging side effects.
Can Anyone be Hypnotised?
Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be. Those who do not want to be hypnotised cannot be.
For example, there are those who should not be hypnotised, those suffering from epilepsy, those under the influence of recreational drugs, those who suffer from psychiatric type disorders and children under five.
Should I Stop Having Medical Treatment or Taking Pills?
Hypnosis is not a substitute for prescribed medications. Hypnosis will work with the medication and help reduce its necessity.
Can I Be Hypnotised?
Yes! Eighty five percent can be hypnotised quite easily. The other fifteen percent need a slightly different approach. Those who have a difficulty being hypnotised do not have a problem with strength of will - it is more to do with fear.
Will I Need to do Anything Between Sessions?
Usually there will be assignments or activities that will aid the treatment and help strengthen the effects of the hypnosis.
How Long does Each Session Last?
About an hour, however some sessions may need to be 2 hours.
What is the Success Rate for Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is successful in more than eighty per cent of all cases. However, it does very much depend on the effort the client applies.
Can I Eat and Drink Beforehand?
Yes but light, and no alcohol.
What Sort of Clothes Should I Wear?
Anything comfortable.
What Would Happen if I am not Woken Up?
You would probably doze for 10 to 20 minutes and then wake with no ill effects.
Can Hypnosis Relieve Pain?
Yes – however pain often has a good reason for existing and therefore should not be used for pain relief unless a doctor has been consulted.
Will I Have to Re-Live Distressing Experiences?
For most treatments No. However for very deep-seated problems it may be necessary.
Will the Symptoms Return if I Stop Having Treatment?
The aim is to deal with the problem completely within the sessions. However if the problem is in need of continuous treatment then self-hypnosis is a better option than further sessions.
Can Hypnosis Be Dangerous?
No. Hypnosis is a state half way between sleep and awake. In itself, its only effect is to get you very relaxed and open up communications to your sub-conscious.
How Will I be Hypnotised?
In most treatments the therapist will talk you into a trance. However there are other methods available.
How Will I Know That I am Hypnotised?
You will feel calm and relaxed. Also the therapist may use a test to check on the level of trance.
Will I be Unconscious?
No! Unlike stage hypnosis, therapeutic hypnosis does not take away your will power or your ability to control your mind. You will be able to hear, think and remember all. You will not allow anything that you do not want and if there is an emergency you will come out of trance immediately.
What Do I Have to Do?
You will need to co-operate and this is the only way that the treatment can work.
What Does it Feel Like?
Usually – warm, comfortable and relaxed, with a feeling of deep calmness.
How Many Sessions will I Need?
It is hard to generalise. Each person is different and each problem needs individual treatment. However most problems are treated with between 4 and 10, sessions.
Are There any Side Effects?
YES – more relaxed, less tension and probably sleep better. There are no harmful residual effects.