So what is hypnotherapy all about? First lets dispel the myths. Is it like stage hypnosis? Absolutely not. Will I be unconscious? Absolutely not. Will I have total control? Absolutely yes.
Hypnotherapy is a safe, enjoyable and highly effective tool that can be used to help break the negative cycle of depression and anxiety whilst enabling you to make positive changes in your life.
Hypnotherapy can help increase self confidence, self esteem, reduce stress, anger, weight control, insomnia, IBS, relationship difficulties, obsessions, childbirth, infertility treatment, fears and phobias, panic attacks, sports performance, painful memories, traumatic experiences and increase overall happiness in your life.
If its not like stage hypnosis, what is it?
Hypnosis is very natural. It can be described as a relaxed state or a daydream. We go in and out of hypnosis throughout the day. For instance, when we are watching a movie or listening to music and someone is talking to you but you are so absorbed in the movie/music you don’t notice, it is when we block out any distractions and we focus on one thing.
When you are in a trance or relaxed state it enables your mind to focus on your goals and come up with solutions without any other influences. Most importantly, it is a very relaxing, enjoyable and natural thing to do. It doesn’t matter how relaxed you go, whether you feel profoundly relaxed or just a little bit, you will still reap the rewards and benefit from it.
How does hypnosis work?
Hypnosis works by allowing us access to the sub-conscious mind which stores large amounts of information and emotions that we don’t always have conscious knowledge of. Although you do not have conscious knowledge of it, it still causes your conscious mind to think and react in a way that can cause you stress or unhappiness in your life.
Sometimes there are conflicts between our conscious and sub-conscious mind which results in us acting irrationally to certain situations or events. When we are in a trance our two minds come together and focus on the same thing. This allows us to change the responses that have caused you problems by enabling you to react in the way our conscious and rational mind is telling you. It can help get rid of unwanted habits that have restricted you from being happy in the past.
For instance, the conscious mind knows that there is no logical reason to be afraid of spiders but the sub-conscious mind has attached a fear to spiders which can over ride your conscious thoughts. When you are in a trance state you are in control and focussed on how you want your life to be rather than how you don’t want it to be.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
Absolutely not. You are totally aware of what the therapist is saying and your mind will not take on anything that is against your belief system. You are able to walk out of the room if you like.