About Hypnosis and Types of Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis is a completely natural state – You know when you are daydreaming, watching something on T.V. or engrossed in a book – you are so absorbed in the moment you don’t notice when someone walks in the room or speaks to you? Well these are examples of natural hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been used for almost as long as man has walked the earth, it is believed to go back as far as 3000BC. It was used by the Ancient Egyptians amongst others and there are many myths surrounding it, mostly completely untrue.

There are many myths surrounding induced ‘Hypnosis’ such as the hypnotised person being unconscious or asleep or not remembering anything, or even being under the control of the ‘Hypnotist’. None of these are true – infact your senses are even more alert than normal, you will remember your session fully and at no time will you be unconscious. You will never be under the control of the hypnotherapist and you will be capable of ending the session at any time you wish.

You can ask me to explain fully the difference between ‘Stage Hypnosis’ and ‘Hypnotherapy’. You may be surprised by what you learn!

There are many unwarranted scare stories that surround the use of hypnosis. The following list, though not exhaustive, should help to dispel any groundless worries or fears that you might have.

• You cannot ‘get stuck’ - this is actually quite impossible.
• You cannot ever be made to do things you don’t want to.
• You do not become unconscious - you are totally aware of yourself and your surroundings at all times.
• You can leave the hypnotic state whenever you want to - you are always in control.
• You cannot ‘lose your mind’ or be in any way ‘possessed’.
• You will not suddenly blurt out all those dark secrets - unless you actually choose to do so.
• You are not in anybody’s power and nobody can take control of you in any way.

There is no particular ‘hypnotised’ feeling – some people feel a bit different, some people don’t feel anything at all – although most people report feeling very relaxed and calm both physically and mentally.

Anyone can be hypnotised with the exception of just a few, those being – children under the age of about 6 yrs, due to a short attention span, those that do not want to be hypnotised (we can all resist hypnosis if we choose). Hypnosis is also not suitable for some mental health conditions; please contact me for further information.

Hypnosis on its own does nothing more than produce a relaxed and calm state of being for most people. It is actually the therapy that is used during hypnosis that makes the difference and this is called Hypnotherapy.

There are two main forms of Hypnotherapy, although a well trained therapist will be able to choose from many techniques and methodologies to use within these two main Therapies.

The therapist will guide the client into hypnosis usually using their voice. Once in hypnosis therapy comes in either the form of:-

This is used in cases such as Quit Smoking, Relaxation, Driving Test Fears, Exam Nerves, Some Weight Control Issues, Public Speaking/Performance, Habits, and much more.

In most cases you will only need between 1 and 3 sessions to effect lasting change.

This is used for more deeply rooted emotional or psychological problems where suggestion would not be an effective or lasting treatment. Using suggestion for these more deeply seated issues would only result in the problem returning or the symptom being replaced for another seemingly unrelated ‘substitute symptom’.

Analytical therapy is an effective treatment for dealing with issues such as Emotional Problems, Phobias, Relationship Difficulties, Addictions, Irrational Fears, Anger, Eating Disorders, Social Anxieties, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Depression, Unhappiness, Panic Attacks and more.

Between 6 and 12 sessions are normally needed and treatment will in most cases bring about a thorough & lasting release from the symptom.

Once the problem is addressed and put right it will simply cease to be – i.e. there will be no symptoms.

There are several conditions and issues that can be dealt with using either suggestion or analysis including: Lack of Confidence, Stress & Anxiety, Confidence Issues, Pain Control & IBS.

Hypnotherapy can be available on the NHS in some cases and is actually one of the most effective treatments in dealing with the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). 1 in 4 of the population suffers this condition at some point in their lives. There is no medical cure for this condition but research shows that hypnotherapy has proven successful at eliminating symptoms in 80% of cases. Most sufferers only need between 6 and 8 sessions to achieve this.

I have an NHS independent provider number, which means I am able to take referrals from NHS doctors and consultants.

I offer a FREE consultation and other concessions in cases of financial hardship – aiming to make therapy available to everyone.