Many People ask me:  What actually is hypnosis,  what does it do?

what does it treat? and what sort of people come for hypnosis?

It’s weird when we are aware or know about something we  assume that everyone else must know. Have you ever had the experience of thinking  a person knows only to be shocked or surprised at their not being aware?
I feel a bit silly for taking so long to write this particular blog as so many people I meet are curious about hypnosis and seem to have all manner of weird assumptions as to what ‘it’ is, what ‘it’ does and how ‘it’ is something to fear even!
So better late than never, I intend to introduce you to Hypnosis and hopefully educate you, reduce your fears in some cases and maybe inspire those of you who have avoided an appointment with a Clinical Hypnotherapist, to let go of your reservations and ‘give it a go’.

The best way of doing this is by answering some of the most common questions I have been asked over the years and I will answer these in the best way I can below.

 

1. What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural trance state, when a person is focused on one thing to the exclusion of everything else. When a trance is induced in a Clinical setting, this is a pleasant, voluntary state of relaxed attentive concentration. In this relaxed state of mind the conscious critical mind can be bypassed and the doorway to the inner, sometimes known as unconscious or subconscious mind can be accessed. To be  honest though I use this explanation because it sounds good and is a logical explanation.   Although, I personally believe that we have one mind and happen to process information consciously and unconsciously.

In this comfortable relaxed state suggestibility is heightened, mental absorption is increased, the senses are heightened and the imagination is activated in a controlled manner.  

 

2. Can I Be Hypnotised?

 I am asked this question by many of my clients and one of the biggest fears on their first appointment

is that of failure.

Research has shown that a large number of people are more hypnotizable than they believe and only 10% of adults are considered difficult or impossible to hypnotise. In my own experience over the past 11 years experience, I can have had two clients who didn’t experience hypnosis in the clinical setting.

Usually, when people say they couldn’t be hypnotized the reason is in the set up. Maybe a personality clash wit the therapist or or a failure to understand the instructions given.

I always tell my clients that I cannot hypnotise anybody, it is always about the client being willing to experience trance, to understand what to expect, what trance is and what it isn’t and to be willing to listen carefully and follow my instructions.

 

3. WilI I Lose Control?

 Hypnosis requires voluntary participation on the part of the client. Whilst people often feel that their actions under hypnosis seem to occur without the influence of their will, a hypnotist cannot make you perform actions that are against your values or morals. If the hypnotist were to give a suggestion that you were not happy with, you would either not go along with the suggestion or would snap out of the hypnotic state.

  

4. Will I Get Stuck In Hypnosis?

The simple answer to whether someone can get stuck in a hypnotic trance indefinitely is no. Trance happens naturally daily, and we do not get stuck in our daydream states. We all need to change psychological and physical states often. So, people always awaken from trance although sometimes they may feel reluctant to when they are having such a wonderful inner time.

Because of the similarity of hypnosis to the dream state, catalepsy can sometimes occur spontaneously, or it can be induced by suggestion. This natural catalepsy is one of the reasons why hypnosis is so good for pain control. But central to each person is a strong survival mechanism. Even though you might be dreaming at night and deeply cataleptic if someone yells “fire” a few times you will wake up and all the heaviness will vanish.  And that’s from a state of sleep.

 

5. Will I Give Out My Deepest, Darkest Secrets?

 No. You retain full control over what you say. You wouldn’t reveal any

secrets in the hypnotic state that you would not reveal in a waking state. Hypnosis is not a truth serum! Firstly as discussed earlier the person is aware at some level and in control to NOT say anything that they don’t want to make known. Secondly, human memory is inherently inaccurate and unreliable both in and out of consciousness (Brown, Scheflin & Hammond, 1997)

Recollections that come to mind in hypnosis are coloured by the client’s feelings. This can help the client understand how they feel about something, not about what really happened. Also, a client will not be expected to find out or talk about anything, unless the Client feels comfortable and totally safe and is ready.

 

 

6. Can I Be Made To Bark Like A Dog? or Cluck Like a Chicken ?

 This isn’t what happens in a clinical setting. However, volunteers during a Stage Show Hypnosis Show, which is for entertainment purposes only, will typically go along with the Stage Hypnositst’s suggestions as long as it is all good fun and for entertainment purposes.

Just think, if somebody can follow the suggestion to eat an onion and think it is an apple, or to be repulsed by an imagined smell. How great it would be to forget to have cravings for chocolate or cigarettes or to feel compelled to eat healthily and exercise often! Only if you want to though!

 

7. How Can Hypnosis Benefit Me?

 Hypnotherapy can be applied to many psychological, emotional and physical disorders.

Such as:

• Reduction of pain during childbirth
• Treatment of chronic pain
• To reduce stress & tension
• Diminish and control Anxiety
• Eliminate fears and phobia
• Treat Depression
• Improve Self Confidence
• Control mood swings
• Stop smoking
• Lose weight
• Improve memory
• Relieve Insomnia
• Stop habits such as nail biting, hair pulling etc.,
• Bed wetting
• Stop teeth grinding
• Prep for surgery
• Reduction of nausea or vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Alleviation of symptoms with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

 

        8.  How long will it take?

This is hard question to answer accurately as every person and every condition is different. If you look on my website you will see that I offer different packages. I usually suggest between three to six sessions for the best benefit as we learn through repetition and with each session the client tends to go uicker and deeper into hypnosis as rapport and trust is developed between myself as the therapist and the client I am treating.
 

9. What Is It Going To Cost Me?

I would also check the web and make sure you are happy with the qualifications and experience of the Clinical Hypnotherapist before you book an appointment.

I am and have been a member of the Australian Hypnotherapy Association

www.ahahypnotherapy.org.au since 2006 and I am also on the

National Hypnotherapists Register of Australia.

 

http://www.national-hypnotherapists-register-australia.com

 

 

When speaking to a potential therapist, you should ask:

• Have you dealt with this type of issue before?
• What level of success have you had in dealing with this type of issue?
• How many sessions will I need and what can I expect to experience from each one?

 

I would also suggest that you ask the Hypnotherapist you choose about the experience they have as well as establishing their credentials.

 

Finally, you should approach your treatment with both an open mind and an active intention to change whatever issue it is that is negatively impacting on your life.

Remember, if it is in the mind, hypnosis can help!

I hope I have answered any questions you had on hypnosis and if you have been wondering if it is suitable for you then go ahead.

My own first experience of hypnosis could have put me off for life but fortunately for me, my best friend decided she was going to attend a Clinical Hypnotherapy course in the UK. I took her along for her interview and decided to attend the course with her. I was already an established therapist but that first course set me on a path, I have since completed many other mind training courses and the power of the mind never fails to amaze me!

You could say I am a trance junkie!