What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a deeply relaxed state of being in which the subconscious mind is very receptive to positive ideas and suggestions. Sometimes referred to as ‘trance’, it is not sleep, and you may have an awareness of things going on around you. Being hypnotised is simply a very calming, pleasant experience – in itself very healing for the body, mind and spirit – but also allowing a very narrow focus of concentration. In this physically relaxed but highly focused state the subconscious mind easily absorbs helpful information, encouraging powerful change within.
Although during hypnosis people tend to have their eyes closed, they can open them whenever they want to, but in most cases they are so deeply relaxed that they would rather not! In fact I have had clients say, on ‘waking’ from hypnosis, they feel as if they have just had a refreshing night’s sleep.
We all go into hypnosis quite naturally without realising it. Have you ever been driving somewhere, and then on reaching your destination, wonder how you got there? Have you ever become so absorbed in a film that you lose all track of time? Have you ever got so involved in a book that you are totally unaware of what is going on around you? These are all examples of naturally-occurring trance states that are quite common for everyone.
What is hypnotherapy?
Quite simply, hypnotherapy is using the state of hypnosis to make therapeutic change by positive suggestion. In hypnosis, that feeling of deep relaxation means that your mind is like a sponge, absorbing all the helpful ideas, thoughts and suggestions that are placed there by the hypnotherapist.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis?
You are in complete control and you can ‘awaken’ whenever you want to.
What would you say if I said that I am not sure that I could be hypnotised?
I would say ‘try it’ – you will probably be pleasantly surprised. Each person’s experience of hypnosis is different. At the very least, you will find that you will benefit significantly from beginning to allow your mind and body to relax and let go of stress. And you may be aware of subtle, but powerful differences in the way you think, feel and behave after the session.
What should I look for in a hypnotherapist?
It is important that you find a therapist who has been trained by a well-recognised hypnotherapy body, and as a result has the very minimum of practical skills and knowledge in the subject. As a student of the East Anglian Institute of NLP and Hypnosis I have received many months of training with written assessments and case studies, culminating in a practical exam. In addition I am a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH) and the General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR), the two largest hypnotherapy organisations in the UK, as well as being on the government initiated Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) and a Senior Associate Member of the Royal Society of Medicine..
It is essential that you feel comfortable with your hypnotherapist, and it is for this reason that I offer a free, no obligation, half-hour consultation.
What is NLP?
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a cutting-edge therapy developed by Richard Bandler (a psychotherapist) and John Grinder (a linguist), and used with great success by Paul McKenna. In essence it involves understanding what makes people tick, how they relate to the world around them, and this is unique for each individual . We all have a different ‘map’ of the world and by tuning into our unique, subjective way of doing things, we can use this information to:
- communicate better with others
- achieve our goals
- learn new skills more effectively
- help us to feel happier, calmer, more confident
When used in combination with hypnotherapy, it is an extremely powerful therapy, leading to positive and lasting change.
As a graduate of the East Anglian Institute of NLP and Hypnosis I have received the only practical NLP training in the UK which is recognised and accredited by the NCFE.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is quite simply being in the present moment. Defined as a ‘moment-to-moment, non-judgemental awareness’, it is the basis for a therapy known as MBSR or mindfulness-based stress reduction.
Whilst its roots are in Buddhist philosophy, it is not spiritually-based and can be learnt and practiced by anyone.
It is being increasingly recognised as a valuable therapy for those suffering from anxiety, depression and chronic illness. I like to incorporate elements of mindfulness in my hypnotherapy treatment where I feel it is of particular value to the client.
