Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnosis is a natural and powerful therapy that is able to create effective change for resolving a variety of problems such as phobias, panic attacks, obsessive behaviour, trauma, emotional concerns, certain allergies, psoriasis, lack of motivation, smoking and weight control.

Hypnotherapy involves teaching clients how to access a state of calm where they remain totally in control, but are able to dip into a world of complete physical and emotional relaxation.

At this point positive suggestions, which can be agreed beforehand, are given. These work on the subconscious mind and help steer towards a chosen solution by creating inner motivation to affect a change. The subconscious mind also controls much of the body’s functioning and welfare, therefore it is possible to “reprogramme” body systems back towards health.

Clinical hypnotherapy is totally safe and cannot be used to force any change against someone’s wishes. It will only create the effect that the person undergoing hypnosis allows it to have. Whilst this protects each individual, it also means that the desired outcome has to totally match the client’s needs in order to be fully accessed.

Part of the process, therefore, is to establish appropriate and realistic goals prior to embarking on a course of solutions. Once this has been decided, the hypnotherapist will work out with the client the various stages that make up the course of therapy. This will give an indication of the progress expected.

Hypnotherapists may often combine their treatment with other therapeutic or counselling skills in order to give a more rounded approach. Some cases, such as stopping smoking, may only require a few sessions while more deeply rooted concerns will take longer. Hypnotherapy is a proven and lasting tool for change and leaves the client with a number of beneficial techniques to empower themselves in other areas of their life.

How does hypnosis work?

When something new happens to us, we remember it and learn a particular behavior in response to that circumstance. Memories stored in our brains hold the original physical and emotional reactions that occurred when the given memory was first formed. Each time similar events occur again, the physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. These reactions may be inappropriate or unhealthy. In some forms of hypnotherapy, the trained therapist guides you to remember the event that led to the first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behavior, and reconstruct the event with new, healthier associations.

During hypnosis, a person's body relaxes while their thoughts become more focused and attentive. Like other relaxation techniques, hypnosis decreases blood pressure and heart rate, and alters certain types of brain wave activity. In this relaxed state, a person will feel very at ease physically yet fully awake mentally. In this state of deep concentration people are highly responsive to suggestion. If you are trying to quit smoking, for example, a therapist's suggestion may successfully convince you that in the future you will have a strong dislike for the taste of cigarettes.

There are several stages of hypnosis. The process begins with reframing the problem; becoming relaxed, then absorbed (deeply engaged in the words or images presented by a hypnotherapist); dissociating (letting go of critical thoughts); responding (complying whole-heartedly to a hypnotherapist's suggestions); returning to usual awareness; and reflecting on the experience.

What happens during a visit to the hypnotherapist?

During your first visit to a hypnotherapist, you will be asked about your medical history and what brought you to see them -- in other words, what condition it is that you would like to clear up. The specialist will then, likely, explain to you what hypnosis is and how it works. You will then be directed through relaxation techniques with a series of mental images and suggestions intended to change behaviors and alleviate symptoms. For example, people who suffer from panic attacks may be given the suggestion that, in the future, they will be able to relax at will. The hypnotherapist will also teach you the basics of self-hypnosis and give you an audiotape for home use. This enables you to recreate the feelings you experienced during the session and reinforce the learning on your own.

How many treatments will I need?

Each session lasts about an hour, and most people begin to improve within 4 - 10 sessions. Together, you and your hypnotherapist will monitor and evaluate your progress over time. Children (aged 9 - 12), because they are easily hypnotized, tend to respond after only one or two visits.

What illnesses or conditions respond well to hypnosis?

Hypnosis is used in a variety of settings -- from emergency rooms to dental offices to outpatient clinics -- to relieve conditions with an emotional or psychological component. Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis may improve immune function, increase relaxation, decrease stress, and ease feelings of anxiety.

Hypnotherapy is effective in reducing the fear and anxiety that accompany pain and uncomfortable medical or dental procedures. For example, when used during an operation, hypnosis may improve recovery time and decrease anxiety as well as pain following the surgery. Clinical trials on burn patients suggest that hypnosis decreases pain (enough to replace pain medication) and speeds healing. Generally, clinical studies indicate that using hypnosis can lessen your need for medication, improve your mental and physical condition before an operation, and reduce the time it takes to recover. Dentists also use hypnotherapy to control gagging and bleeding.

A hypnotherapist can teach you self-regulation skills. For instance, someone with arthritis may be told that they can turn down pain like the volume on a radio. Hypnotherapy can also be an effective tool for managing chronic illness. Self-hypnosis can enhance a sense of control, which is often eroded by chronic illness. Children may benefit the most from hypnosis, probably because they are most easily hypnotized.