What is Hypnotherapy?
The word Hypnosis is derived from Greek words, hupnos- sleep and osis - condition. Hypnosis is basically a sleep like condition (not fully awake and not asleep) characterized by heightened awareness and suggestibility. It is a naturally occurring state in which all of us go everyday without particularly being aware of it. We pass through the hypnotic state whenever we go to sleep and when we awaken again. You have probably already experienced natural hypnotic states (trance states), for example when daydreaming about something nice or being absorbed in a good book or film. During the trance state there is heightened concentration for the specific purpose of maximising potential, changing limiting beliefs and behaviours and gaining insight and wisdom.
“Definition of Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention. It is like using a magnifying glass to focus the rays of the sun and make them more powerful. Similarly, when our minds are concentrated and focused, we are able to use our minds more powerfully. Because hypnosis allows people to use more of their potential, learning self-hypnosis is the ultimate act of self-control…. Recent research supports the view that hypnotic communication and suggestions effectively changes aspects of the persons physiological and neurological functions.”
- The American Psychological Association Division 30 states in their 2014 revised official definition
Clinical Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy is the use of an induced altered state of consciousness, or trance, for therapeutic endpoint. Hypnotherapy utilises the beneficial state of hypnosis along with various therapeutic techniques to maximise your potential and facilitate change. Under hypnosis, the conscious, rational part of the brain is temporarily bypassed, making the subconscious part, which influences mental and physical functions, receptive to therapy. This shift in consciousness enables us to tap into many of our natural abilities and allows us to make change more quickly. It is a natural and effective way of making contact with the inner (unconscious) self, a source of many of our problems as well as a tremendous reservoir of unrecognised potential strength and knowledge. Research demonstrates that hypnotic communication and suggestions effectively changes many aspects of the person’s physiological and neurological functions. It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to hypnosis.
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Students and children: For Academic Excellence, excellence in sports, for Positive self image and self esteem, breaking bad habits like nail biting, bed wetting etc
Adults : Gynaecological problems chronic illness like asthma, migraine, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. Chronic pains like arthritis, migraine, gastrointestinal problems etc, fear and phobias, compulsions, emotional problems, insomnia, inhibitions, guilt feelings, jealousy,Stress,tension and many of the worries and anxieties of everyday life.
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1. You do not lose control:
People often fear that being hypnotized will make them lose control, surrender their will, and result in their being dominated which is absolutely a wrong assumption. These assumptions are often made based on stage acts where stage hypnotists screen their volunteers to select those who are cooperative, with possible exhibitionist tendencies, as well as responsive to hypnosis. Stage acts create a myth about hypnosis which discourages people from seeking legitimate hypnotherapy.
In hypnosis, the client is NEVER under the control of the hypnotist. Hypnosis is not something imposed on people, but something they do for themselves. A hypnotist simply serves as a facilitator to guide them. Nobody can ever be hypnotized against their will and even when hypnotised, people still remain in complete control of any suggestions given.
All Hypnosis is self-hypnosis
Myths Clarified
2. It is not magic it is a therapy
Any therapeutic intervention implies change, so entering a trance state alone does not signify a therapeutic endpoint. Once the individual has achieved a trance state the hypnotherapist uses many different therapeutic methods ranging from simple suggestions to psychoanalysis. For example, the therapist may ask about past, present or future concerns to establish the reasons for the problem. Alternatively the therapist may give suggestions to the subconscious mind aimed at overcoming specific problems such as lack of self confidence.
It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality: it is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients, but it can fail, just like any other clinical method.
Professionals use clinical hypnosis to help clients bring about both psychological and physiological change in three main ways.
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By the use of mental imagery or one’s imagination. The mind is capable of using imagery, even if it is only symbolic; to assist us in bringing about the changes we are working toward.
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By presenting ideas or suggestions to the Client. In a state of concentrated attention, ideas and suggestions that are compatible with what the individual wants have a more powerful impact on the mind.
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For unconscious exploration, to better understand underlying motivations or identify whether past events or experiences are associated with causing a problem.
How do hypnotherapists work?
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I offer my help to
Children (≤16 yrs)
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For Academic Excellence: I work with students for improving study performance, improving concentration and memory, developing the imagination, boosting self confidence, and achieving more of the potential which we each possess.
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For Positive self image and self esteem: I work with young girls with eating disorders, emotional issues like anger, anxiety, stress etc and them build a positive self image and a healthy self esteem.
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Excellence in sports: I work with young player for performance in sports. This is a very goal orientated form of therapy focusing on positivity and motivation and dealing with performance limiting beliefs and attitudes and strengthening strong and healthy beliefs and establishing constructive self images.
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Breaking bad habits: Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), nail biting, stuttering.
Women (all age groups)
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Gynaecological problems such as PMT, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, psychogenic infertility and in obstetrics.
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Obtaining relief and remission from symptoms such as: asthma, migraine, gastrointestinal and neurological disorders.
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Chronic pains like arthritis, migraine, gastrointestinal problems etc
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Fear and phobias, compulsions, emotional problems, insomnia, inhibitions, guilt feelings, jealousy and many of the worries and anxieties of everyday life.
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Stress and tensions caused by modern day living.
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What to expect in a session with me?
The first session is often about knowing each other before working as a client and a therapist. A brief introduction followed by a demonstration to show how the subconscious mind works. I usually encourage my clients to talk about their concerns. The clinical history is taken and clinical records are established. Any questions or misconceptions about hypnosis are also dealt with. Goals for therapy are discussed and agreed and a full explanation of hypnosis is provided. As a therapist I always discuss suggestions to be made first and then they are tailored for the individual.
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How long does it take to see results?
The length of treatments depends on the problem or symptom and the individual's circumstances. With some people a problem like nail biting can be successfully treated in one session. Other problems such as panic attacks can take up to 5 or 6 sessions.
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