Hypnosis
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, that same feeling you experience just before you drift off to sleep. A feeling of complete relaxation, a feeling most people relish the thought of. That is why people who have experienced hypnosis remember it as very pleasurable and often learn self hypnosis and practice as part of a daily routine, time out.
Will I tell all my secrets?
No, you will not reveal all your secrets, you will only divulge any information you want to, you are fully under control of what you say at all times.
Will I get Stuck?
No, you won't get stuck, if you imagine hypnosis is just the same feeling you get just before you drift off to sleep and we never consider that we will get stuck. We often drift into trance like states each and every day, it may be when we are engrossed in a good book or film We are able to shut out other noises, activities around us so we may focus, we know that we are not stuck, we are just choosing to focus our mind on one particular thing.
What you should expect to happen in hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is something you allow to happen, are open to it happening, you cannot be hypnotised against your will or do anything against your will whilst hypnotised. You are fully in control and are aware of your surroundings but in a more dream like way.
How does it work?
Hypnosis can be used therapeutically because it gives the individual greater access to the important, but subconscious, parts of the mind in which are locked in our deepest beliefs, fears and emotions. This sometimes neglected part of the mind exercises a far greater influence over our personality and our behaviour and works in a quite different way than the more superficial part, of the conscious mind, which tends to think more verbally and logically. The deeper subconscious mind thinks in sensory ways, using visual images, sounds and feelings which may have a more powerful effect on our behaviour than words alone. It is the subconscious mind which calls most of the shots!
What is it good for?
Clinical hypnosis helps us to be aware of and cope with stress and emotional upsets. Symptoms of stress may bring fears, anxieties and depression which may lead to insomnia, overeating etc then physical effects appear in the form of digestive problems, headaches, high blood pressure, skin disorders. Stress also underlies our addictions to smoking, drugs etc to eliminate these feelings, but of course, these bring another set of problems and so to reach the subconscious (the bigger part of the mind) almost has the effect of getting rid of the middle man, going direct to the source.
If you think of your conscious mind as the computer hardware and the subconscious mind as the software, it is relatively easy to upload new software and delete old software, this is a good way to realise the possibilities with regard to reframing your mind! Hypnotherapy is the bridge to your subconscious mind.
"our imagination is the language of our unconscious mind"
Self Hypnosis
Clients may wish to learn self hypnosis so they can practise in between sessions and take on as a regular relaxation technique for every day use. Anyone can learn self hypnosis, it serves as a way to reduce stress levels, pain control, sleeping problems, decision making etc. It is a skill when utilised regularly, can influence particular thoughts and behaviour.
