Here are some common questions and answers on hypnotherapy. If you have any questions that are not covered here, then please call or get in touch.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state of bodily relaxation and a heightened state of mental awareness. This state of relaxation is the same state that everyone goes into just before going to sleep and just before waking up. It is the same state, which occurs when you are in bed and your body is totally relaxed and you do not really wish to move, perhaps in order to get a drink or go to the bathroom; of course you are capable of moving should you wish to. Hypnosis is that same relaxing and lazy feeling you experience whilst lazing in the summer sun, on a beach or in the garden. Although your body is totally relaxed your mind's awareness increases and you experience a concentrated form of attention. During this heightened state of awareness your subconscious mind is more open to any positive suggestions that are made, although it is important to remember that you are always in control. Suggestions that are agreeable are accepted whilst any that are unacceptable are rejected; you are always in control.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to bring about positive change. Positive suggestions are given to the subconscious mind, for example increased confidence, calmness under pressure or no withdrawal symptoms for giving up smoking. Because the rational and conscious mind agrees and wants these new qualities, immediate, lasting and positive changes take place.
What does it feel like?
You are not asleep but in a very pleasant trance-like state - you are in control. During hypnotherapy your body is totally relaxed however your mind is in a heightened state of awareness. You are aware of everything that is being said. Your body may feel lighter or heavier; many people experience a state of euphoria when they are in trance as all their tension is released.
Stage Hypnosis.
I have said that you are always in control during hypnosis and hypnotherapy, what about the participants of stage hypnosis, are they in control? The answer is yes, anyone who has agreed to take part in a show, knows that they will perform some strange or exaggerated actions and their subconscious has agreed to this. If they were asked to perform anything that would be harmful, then they would simply come out of the hypnotic state.
Is it safe?
Yes it's safe. Hypnosis cannot damage your mind. A hypnotherapist or hypnotist cannot have remote control over you or your mind. Imagine what fun governments and criminals would have if this was possible. Your subconscious contains all your protective instincts and intuitions, which keep you alive. This is why you don't have a long conversation with yourself about avoiding immediate dangers such as a stampeding bull. Your subconscious pulls you out of danger and you will not accept any suggestions from a hypnotist that are deemed harmful to you. You cannot get stuck in hypnosis or stuck in trance. If the hypnotherapist left the building and you were in the trance state you would come out of it naturally or fall asleep, however you will not get stuck in the hypnotic state; that is impossible.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes, provided that they want to be, a better question may be can anyone go into trance? Again the answer is yes, the trance state is completely natural and everyone experiences it daily. When you are totally focused on a particular activity such as reading a book, watching television or playing a game, you may have been so focused that you forgot about everything else and you were unaware of someone talking to you or forgot to drink a cup of tea, which of course went cold. Time went quickly while you were so absorbed in what you were doing. Maybe you have had the experience of driving a car and then not remembering part of the journey although you arrived perfectly safe because your subconscious protected and guided you; we call this "highway hypnosis".
Trance is an essential part of our lives and is where we daydream, use our imagination, creativity, and problem solve. When I started training in hypnosis and psychology, the college principle Nicola Martin said, "the creative subconscious is the most powerful tool for change known to man" quite a statement don't you think? I have to say that at the time, I was a tiny bit sceptical; however by the time I had practised, undergone all the training and qualified I was in no doubt that she was right. The trance state is a wonderful and comfortable experience. I often teach my clients self-hypnosis so they can access the trance state at any time. Self-hypnosis is a Mental Toughness, tool for life; amongst its uses are relaxation, stress reduction, concentration, learning, creativity, pain relief and problem solving.