Understanding Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that we all experience at various times and in various depths throughout the day. When you are absorbed in a book, a film, a sport or a craft you are in this natural light trance state. Have you ever driven home, having no conscious recollection of the route taken?
The experience of hypnosis has been described in many ways but is often explained as a streamlined state of focused attention or an altered state of consciousness. Many people describe hypnosis as feeling similar to daydreaming, when they are neither fully alert, nor asleep.
Everyone’s experiences and therefore descriptions of hypnosis will vary because all trance states feel different to different people. Hypnosis is usually associated with a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation and this can be part of the therapy.
How will you feel?
- Always conscious, in a relaxed state
- Remain in complete control, empowered, you are not asleep or unconscious. You can end the session at any time
- Hear what is said and sounds around you
- Can answer questions or choose not to
- A little tingly feeling or sensation
- After the session, you will feel like you had just been discussing your concerns and you will feel awake and relaxed.
How does it work?
The beliefs we all hold about ourselves (positive or negative) are stored within our subconscious mind, as are many of our behaviours, patterns and habits. At some stage in the past, they have moved from consciouness to the sub-conscious and become learned, conditioned or automatic responses. They are not easily accessible to most people’s conscious thought which is one reason why they are difficult to change by normal cognitive or thinking based processes or will power alone.
By combining hypnosis with talking therapies, you can change your thoughts, feelings and behaviours through a therapeutic alliance with a hypnotherapist.
New insights and perspectives can change limiting beliefs and remove blockages rapidly, often much quicker than traditional psychotherapy and counselling.