What is Hypnotherapy?

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At Inspired to Change we use a Solution Focused approach based on modern clinically proven, neuroscience based techniques. We help you to understand how our brains work and why they get us stuck sometimes, and we teach you how to get your brain working better for you so you can achieve the outcomes you want.  We guide you to find your own solutions to getting your life on track feeling positive, confident, motivated and focused. And the best bit? We do all of this without any need to revisit the past or unpick old problems!

Even though hypnotherapy has become relatively mainstream, compared to even just ten years ago, the profession is still very misunderstood and there are many misconceptions about both hypnosis and it’s application in therapy.

Here we answer the most commonly asked questions and seek to help you understand what’s involved and what it can help with, so that you can decide whether it’s right for you.

What is hypnosis?

The word Hypnosis is derived from the word Hypnos which is Greek for sleep, however Hypnosis is not sleep. Hypnosis is a natural altered state of mental and physical awareness, which occurs when brainwave frequency slows down. It is a state that we all experience frequently, when we daydream or just before and after we sleep.

Hypnosis is a safe and non-invasive way of accessing the subconscious mind, which is the source of all our behaviour.

Although a hypnotic state is usually induced by a hypnotherapist, you must willingly accept and follow their suggestions in order to enter an altered state of awareness.

In essence all hypnosis is really self hypnosis. However, in a therapeutic setting, you are guided into a state where both the body and mind become calm and relaxed and the mind becomes very focused and extremely open to positive suggestion.  Even without any suggestion, the experience of extreme relaxation can have a profound effect in itself.

What is solution focused hypnotherapy?

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy differs from other forms of talk therapy because we do not focus on the past or delve deeply into the issues.  Our focus is on the future – how you want to be feeling and what you want to be doing – and helping you achieve positive outcomes. Our aim is to empower you to recognise the skills and resources you already have and to discover the small steps which you can take to help you move forward and cope with the day to day challenges life throws at us.

What is hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is the term used to describe the use of hypnosis as a treatment method for various conditions and issues. Hypnotherapy works by directly accessing the subconscious mind and, in a therapeutic setting, creating a state of relaxation where the conscious mind becomes less active. When this occurs the subconscious mind becomes open and receptive to positive suggestion and reinforcement and positive suggestions are integrated much more effectively than is possible while the conscious mind is alert.

It is through this process that subconscious belief systems, which govern our conscious decisions and behaviour, can be changed and negative beliefs, values, principles, and patterns can be altered. This process enables more positive principles to be created and reinforced, including establishing new ways of thinking and behaving and, subsequently, creating the basis of a much more positive, healthy and happy life.

What should I expect at a hypnotherapy session?

Your first session will be a free initial consultation which will last up to an hour.  This will allow us to

  • gain an understanding of what’s going on for you now and how you would like it to be different
  • explain how our brain works and why this is impacting on how you feel
  • explain how we can use hypnotherapy to create positive change in your life
  • And most importantly to make sure that you feel happy working with me to achieve the results you want!

You also get to take away a free relaxing audio CD which you can use to help you to release stress and to build confidence in the future.  There is no hypnosis in this first session.

If you choose to book for hypnotherapy sessions after this initial consultation each session lasts around an hour and our clients tell me they always find it a very positive, uplifting experience that leaves them feeling both motivated and relaxed!

What are the myths about hypnosis and hypnotherapy?

Only weak minded or unintelligent people can be hypnotised
The induction of Hypnosis requires concentration and focus, so intelligence is actually an advantage.

The Hypnotherapist takes control of your mind
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Without your co-operation, you will not be hypnotised. You retain full control at all times, including the ability to accept or reject a suggestion.

Hypnosis is just like being asleep
Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness which involves heightened concentration and focus. It is nothing like sleep.

You can get stuck in Hypnosis
Although many people are reluctant to return to conscious awareness due to the pleasant state of hypnosis, it is not possible to get stuck in the hypnotic state. If the hypnotherapist failed to bring you out of hypnosis for any reason, you would simply either fall into a deep and relaxing sleep waking feeling refreshed, or you would simply regain conscious awareness naturally and feel refreshed and revitalized.

I am not hypnotised if I can hear the Hypnotherapists voice
Being able to hear the Hypnotherapists voice is imperative in order to be able to follow their suggestions. Often the client remains aware of the therapist’s voice for the entire experience – this is perfectly normal. It is the internal experience that is important. Sometimes people do enter deep states of hypnosis where they become unaware of the voice of the therapist. At this deep level, it is less important for you to be able to hear the suggestions as the connection with the subconscious mind is stronger and the effect of the therapy therefore likely to be incredibly profound.

I won’t remember anything
You will remember everything you wish to remember and forget everything you wish to forget. It is your mind. You are in control.

Hypnotherapy is like stage Hypnotism
The people we see on TV shows doing silly things, do so because they want to, not because they are being made to. You cannot be made to do something you don’t want to do.

Book a FREE initial consultation with one of our therapists today.