What are hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a natural state of being, where your mind is active, but you are not consciously thinking about what is happening around you. We all experience natural hypnosis (trance) in everyday life; for example, when daydreaming, reading, watching a good film, or concentrating deeply on something.

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Hollywood films and stage-hypnosis portray hypnotists as having a ‘special power’ and ability to ‘control’ their subjects. This view of hypnosis is completely wrong. Your mind is always active and always looking out for your safety. In hypnosis, because your mind is awake, you stay in control at all times. You can only be hypnotised if you agree to it, and when you are in hypnosis, you will only do things which you are happy to do.

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Hypnotherapy is a way for your therapist to work in partnership with your unconscious mind in order to make positive changes to your health and wellbeing. Our unconscious mind is always trying to take care of us, but sometimes this is not always helpful. For example, someone who falls whilst walking, might then worry about standing up, incase they fall again. To be able to work with their physiotherapist and start exercising and walking again, they need to overcome the anxiety.

 

In this instance, once someone is physically able to walk, hypnotherapy could increase confidence in working with the physiotherapist, and standing up and walking. It could also be used to increase motivation to exercise in order to improve balance and strength.

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What is Mindscaping?

Mindscaping is an enjoyable personalised guided-visualisation journey through the subconscious, which leads to solutions to almost any difficulty you are facing. The effects can be profound and are long-lasting.
Mindscaping can be used in conjunction with any other therapy. It is fantastic for helping people build internal resources, build confidence and make positive changes

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Hypnosis FAQ

 

Am I in control during hypnosis?

Yes. You are always in control and conscious of your surroundings in hypnosis. You hear everything that the therapist suggests, although you do not need to actively listen.  If at any time you feel uncomfortable and do not wish to continue you will naturally come out of hypnosis.

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What does hypnosis feel like?

The experience of hypnosis is difficult to describe and differs from person to person.  It can also be different from session to session. It is often described as a pleasant and enjoyable state very similar to daydreaming or drifting off to sleep.  Most people say they feel deeply relaxed and calm, and that they were aware of everything happening around them. 

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What should I expect during a hypnosis treatment?

At the start of each session you and your therapist will discuss what you want to get out of the treatment. 
The therapist will then use one or more techniques to help you achieve hypnosis, which may or may not include relaxation. You may experience a feeling of your mind and body relaxing.

 

When you are in hypnosis, the hypnotherapist makes suggestions to help you achieve your goals. Afterwards you may remember everything, or only remember parts of the session, in the same way that you often only recall parts of a dream. After the session, the therapist may ask you to do some homework, (for example practicing relaxation at home) in order to gain the most benefit from the sessions.

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Are there any side effects to hypnosis?

Yes. Often people report that after hypnotherapy, they feel more relaxed and more confident about life in general; also, many people find that they sleep more easily, and their sleep is better quality.

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Are hypnosis and hypnotherapy suitable for everyone?

Different therapists have skills and expertise in different areas. Your therapist will assess your needs and requirements and only offer treatment where their skills are suitable for your needs. They will suggest you seek alternative support where necessary.

 

As with other interventions, your therapist will not treat you if you are under the influence of drink or drugs, or if your symptoms would affect your participation (for example, if your medication affects your ability to stay awake through a session).

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