Hypnosis is a natural, gentle state of consciousness and is familiar to us all. We spontaneously experience altered states of consciousness many times during our day - for example, that state between sleeping and waking, or when we daydream and our mind drifts for a while. However, we also experience hypnosis when in the throes of an intense emotional experience for example, fear, anger or elation, or perhaps when we are confused or in the presence of authority.  Whilst in the state of hypnosis we are able to accept suggestions (ie. statements, concepts, ideas) and to integrate these without consciously and critically judging them. This is how many negative patterns and behaviours can be acquired or learned as a consequence of this state eg. phobias, obsessions, compulsions - in these situations we are in an involuntary trance state which is responding to "suggestions" that are implicit in the situation and by integrating these we are conditioned to respond in a particular way. Hypnosis can enable people to 'step outside' of their usual experience of themselves, allowing new associations to be formed in their inner lives, whether on cognitive, emotional, behavioural or physical levels. Hypnosis alone does not affect a cure - it is what happens during hypnosis that has the potential to be helpful to people.

 

Hypnosis is a natural experience in which, through the power of suggestion, the individual can bring about changes they require in their lives, for example, to change negative beliefs, address serious emotional problems and to achieve their goals. Hypnotherapy can also treat serious emotional problems and alleviate a variety of medical conditions.

 

Hypnotherapy enlists the power of the client's own imagination and may use a variety of techniques from storytelling, metaphor or symbolism to the use of direct suggestion to elicit beneficial change. Analytical techniques may also be used to uncover issues within your past or to identify current problems today.

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What Happens in Hypnotherapy?

 

Many people believe that when undergoing hypnotherapy they may lose control, or that it is mysterious, threatening, disabling or unnatural.  This is certainly not the case. When in an hypnotic trance you experience a heightened state of focused awareness and as such are at all times completely aware of the words being spoken to you by the hypnotherapist. You are in control at all times, and should you feel the need to, you can immediately take yourself out of trance - for example, to respond to a fire alarm.