Hypnotherapy

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What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a therapy that involves putting people into a relaxed state called hypnosis and then making positive suggestions to them.
Some people describe hypnosis as a deep state of relaxation, while others state that it is more like a trance or like daydreaming.
You can be hypnotised by a hypnotherapy practitioner or you can self hypnotise with some training.
You are awake during hypnosis, you are not asleep. However, you are said to be in a dream like state.
Hypnosis has been around for a long time (since the 1700s) and was used by famous practitioners such as Sigmund Freud and Milton Erickson.
Hypnotherapy has countless applications and is used to treat chronic pain, IBS, weight issues, sports injuries and phobias. It is also widely used in the field of addiction and even during childbirth!
Scientists still aren’t sure how it works exactly. That doesn’t mean it is ineffective though.

How does a typical hypnotherapy session work?

The hypnotherapist will introduce themselves and ask you what you would like from hypnotherapy.
The hypnotherapist will then guide you into a hypnotic state. They may do this by counting backwards from 10-1 or by asking you to imagine yourself stepping down stairs one by one, again counting backwards.
Some hypnotherapists will also get you to focus on an object as a way of entering the hypnotic state.
Once you are considered to be in the hypnotic state, the therapist will make positive suggestions related to whatever issue you wanted to work on. For example, if you had contacted the hypnotist for help with quitting cigarettes, they will make positive suggestions to you about how easy it is to quit etc.
You are deeply relaxed during hypnosis, but you are also aware. Therefore, a hypnotist cannot make you do something that you do not want to do.
Many people say that time moves differently during hypnosis and that it seems to move much more quickly. It’s very common to come out of a hypnotherapy session thinking that it was only five minutes, when it was really forty minutes, for example.
The amount of sessions you need really depends on the problem itself. Some problems only require two sessions, while others require six to eight sessions.

Is hypnotherapy for you?

Do you believe in it? If you don’t really believe in it, will the hypnotherapist’s positive suggestions work?
Are you comfortable with the therapist? Many people prefer to go to a hypnotherapist of the same sex, for example.
Do you have a clear goal of what you want from hypnotherapy?
Are you dealing with a significant trauma, addiction or mental health issue? If so, you may need to see a professional counsellor and/or your doctor. Hypnosis may not offer enough support for you at this time.
Do be aware that hypnotherapy is like any form of therapy or medicine in that it works fantastically for some people and doesn’t work for others at all. You may find that other alternative therapies or conventional therapies will work better for your problem. Check out the help section or the natural health section for further information.

How to find a hypnotherapist

Check out holisto.com for listings of hypnotherapists.
Contact the Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy for a list of qualified practitioners.
Enquire in your local area, ensuring that any hypnotherapist you go to is fully qualified. Any qualified professional will be happy to show you details of their qualifications. If they cannot show you evidence of training, it is best to look elsewhere.

Further Information

Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy

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