What is Hypnotherapy?
Before I tell you what hypnotherapy is, let me tell you what it isn’t. It isn’t being forced to surrender your free will. It isn’t being made to cluck like a chicken! It’s definitely not something that can cause you any harm, when you are with a trained practitioner.
Hypnotherapy is a form of talking therapy that uses hypnosis to create a relaxed but heightened state in which the client’s imagination and subconscious can work to bring about positive changes in behaviour, thoughts, and physical and emotional feelings.
There are a lot of misconceptions about hypnotherapy, however it’s important to understand that you as the client are fully in control at all times – you are not asleep and you can’t be forced to think or do things that you do not want to think or do! Hypnotherapy is in fact an empowering experience, where the therapist is simply directing you to explore the unwanted behaviour and feelings you wish to address, and use the amazing power of your mind to make the changes that you desire. When delivered by a trained and qualified Hypnotherapist, Hypnotherapy is completely safe – during hypnosis you should be able to speak and move as you wish, and some hypnotherapy techniques even require you to do this as you interact with your therapist during the session.
Hypnotherapy is a tool that has been around for many years, with the earliest references dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece. Hypnosis is even named after the Greek God of sleep, Hypnos – although being in a state of hypnosis is not at all like being asleep. It is instead a very relaxing, pleasant and natural phenomenon, defined as a ‘state of relaxation and heightened awareness induced by suggestion’. During this relaxed state, it is proven to be possible to accelerate healing, reduce stress, control pain, change patterns of behaviour, and increase performance.
The only thing you need to feel the benefits of this amazing tool are an open mind, a genuine desire to change, and a good hypnotherapist that you can connect with!
How does Hypnotherapy work?
The British Society of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis state that “In therapy, hypnosis usually involves the person experiencing a sense of deep relaxation with their attention narrowed down, and focused on appropriate suggestions made by the therapist.” Different people experience this ‘trance’ state in difference ways – you may feel drowsy, you may feel more aware than usual, you may feel like you are floating or you may just feel very relaxed! For some people being in a state of hypnosis is very similar to the sensation we know as ‘autopilot’ – time may move differently, and you may not fully remember the session that has taken place.
During this period of deep relaxation, the aim of the client and therapist is to suppress the conscious mind (the left-hand, analytical side of the brain) and allow the subconscious mind (the right-hand, non-analytical side of the brain) to take control. It’s quite normal to continue to have an internal dialogue during treatment, as your conscious mind tries to keep track of what is happening, however you may be encouraged to distract the conscious mind with an activity (for example, counting back from 100 or concentrating on your breathing) while the therapist interacts with your subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind is the driving force behind most of our thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and as such the subconscious mind has to be fully convinced that the desired change is truly wanted, appropriate, and in the best interest of client before it will allow that change to take place. In order to do this the client must be highly motivated to see the change take place, and able to build a strong partnership with their chosen therapist.
Hypnotherapy will not work if:
You have low motivation to change or are not prepared to accept the change fully
You do not work with your therapist and follow any instructions given that are designed to help embed the change
You can’t build a positive and strong partnership with your therapist
Is Hypnotherapy effective?
Below you will find links to a number of studies and articles that demonstrate the power of hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy works for bowel pain – BBC.co.uk – A great article outlining the benefits of Hypnotherapy for IBS and Bowel Pain.
New Clues on the Inner Workings of the Unconscious Mind – PsychologyToday.com – An interesting blog sharing research that supports the existence of two cognitive systems – the “implicit” (unconscious) system and the “explicit” (conscious) system.
Who should I work with?
Firstly, you need to find a therapist that you trust and feel comfortable with. This is really important for your treatment to be successful.
Secondly, I believe that it is important to know that you know your therapist is recognised as a professional within their field, and monitored to ensure they practice at a high standard. As such, I am proud to confirm my accreditation by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council and registration to both the General Hypnotherapy Register and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council, where I am registered as a Clinical Hypnotherapist.
CNHC registration is recognised for reimbursement with a number of private health cash plan providers. If you are a member of a relevant plan you can claim for the cost treatments with me. Find out more information at the CNHC here or check your policy details.
Contact me now – laura@futureyoutherapies.com – to book an initial free phone consultation and hear how I can help you to change your life for the better.
