WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
There are many misconceptions about hypnosis and people often worry that they will be 'made' to do something that might be embarrassing or that they may reveal something that they want to keep private. Furthermore they are under the impression that they might be 'out of control'. In fact it is the total opposite and the whole object of hypnotherapy is for the individual to regain control that may have been lost and which might have resulted in the symptom or problem. However, it is a fact that no-one can be hypnotised against their will and even when hypnotised, a person can still reject any suggestions offered which they may feel are inappropriate. An individual will NOT do or say anything that is not within their usual personality or moral standing. They are also able to return to normal waking consciousness at will. Hypnotherapy is actually a state of purposeful co-operation between the therapist and the individual to work towards an agreed specific outcome.
The state of Hypnosis is a totally natural phenomenon and is characterised by a pleasant state of relaxation. The experience is difficult to explain as you are neither awake nor asleep. Hypnosis is a method of communication that induces a trance-like state where the attention is narrowly focussed so that outside stimuli in the environment, for a time, are ignored or blocked out of the conscious awareness. It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to clinical hypnotherapy.
Unbeknown to most individuals we all enter the hypnotic state quite easily during our day to day living. Perhaps you have driven along a country road and suddenly realise you do not recall part of the journey. You may remember being so absorbed in a book when you almost felt as though you were there with the characters. You may recall talking to a colleague or friend and notice their gaze as though they were not really listening and appeared to be 'somewhere else'. These are natural light trance states of hypnosis which we all experience every day. It is often defined as an 'altered state of consciousness' or a state of 'heightened awareness induced by suggestion'.
Hypnosis can help patients enter this relaxed, comfortable state for obtaining specific therapeutic outcomes by way of suggestions designed to assist them formulate specific internal processes leading to the mutually agreed outcome of the therapy.
People often ask whether hypnotherapy will be successful for them. There will need to be a strong desire to 'change' (whatever it is they want to work on) and a willingness to be hypnotised. It is also very important that a rapport and trust is built between the patient and therapist.
