What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a process that enables you to concentrate deeply in a state similar to dreaming. It is often described as an altered state of consciousness. Hypnotic states can occur naturally and spontaneously, like when you daydream or become completely absorbed in a pleasant task, losing track of time. It can also happen when you do a mundane task while your mind wanders elsewhere, to the point where you can't even remember doing the task. Another example is when you don't recall much of your journey while driving home. Another example is how boredom can sometimes lull you into a dreamy state, like when you listen to a dull speech. Hypnosis intentionally induces this relaxed state of awareness. Each person's experience and description of hypnosis will differ because trance states feel unique to each individual.
Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can bring about positive changes in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours at an unconscious level. Our unconscious mind holds our beliefs about ourselves and influences our behaviours, patterns, and habits. While some of these may be helpful, others may be holding us back. You are only conscious of a tiny fraction of the activity in your mind, the vast majority of activity goes on unconsciously. If you want to change these deep-rooted automatic responses that you can't access on your own, hypnosis can be a valuable resource. However, for it to be effective, you need to be fully engaged and willing to participate. It's a partnership between us, where I communicate with your unconscious mind, and you commit to doing the necessary work to achieve your goals.
What is NLP
NLP, or Neuro Linguistic Programming, is a powerful tool that explores the connection between our thoughts and behaviours. By delving into how our brain and nervous system process language, NLP provides insights into how our past, present, and future are influenced. Through NLP, we can develop strategies to observe human behaviour and glean valuable lessons from various experiences. With a desire for change and a readiness to embrace new perspectives, transformation becomes achievable in how we interact with ourselves and others.
I use hypnosis to support NLP in making the changes you want.
What is CBT
Cognitive behavioural therapy is a psychotherapy approach that is designed to help you address your problems by changing the way you think and behave.
I use hypnosis to enable you to access your perceptions and beliefs to make the CBT process even easier and faster.
Is hypnosis real?
Hypnosis has a robust scientific framework and is being increasingly embraced in mainstream medical care. The British Psychological Society found that “Enough studies have now accumulated to suggest that the inclusion of hypnotic procedures may be beneficial in the management and treatment of a wide range of conditions and problems encountered in the practice of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy.” The American Psychological Association stated that “Although hypnosis has been controversial, most clinicians now agree it can be a powerful, effective therapeutic technique for a wide range of conditions, including pain, anxiety and mood disorders.” Hypnotic suggestions have the ability to alter your perception and experience. They can induce vivid hallucinations or even modify your perception of pain. Brain scan studies have demonstrated that hypnosis and hypnotic suggestions can influence how the brain processes information.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Everyone has the potential to be hypnotised to a certain degree; some may have a higher natural aptitude for it than others. I am of the opinion that hypnosis is a learnable skill that can be honed based on the proficiency and flexibility of the hypnotist. If you possess thoughts, dreams, memories, or imagination, then you can use hypnosis - it's simply a matter of mastering how to reach a deep enough state to achieve the desired transformation. Hypnosis isn’t for everyone. In rare cases people cannot fully reach a sufficient depth and this can make treatment less helpful.
Those who experience the most success with hypnosis tend to share some common traits, such as having a vivid imagination, getting absorbed in movies or books, and being able to concentrate and maintain mental focus.
Can I be hypnotised?
Here is a non-validated test to give you an idea of how easy you would find the process
Is hypnosis dangerous?
Hypnosis, when performed by a trained healthcare provider, is not inherently dangerous. The risks associated with hypnosis, such as mild headache, dizziness, or drowsiness, have been found to be similar to those experienced during a university lecture.
However, it is important to consider that hypnosis may not be safe for individuals with certain mental and physical health conditions. For instance, individuals with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, alcohol or drug psychosis, and severe clinical depression should avoid hypnosis due to the potential worsening of symptoms and detachment from reality. People with personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, may struggle to maintain a stable sense of self while being hypnotised, making hypnosis ineffective or potentially harmful for them. Individuals with epilepsy should also avoid hypnosis as it may trigger seizures or interfere with anticonvulsant medications. Additionally, hypnosis is generally not recommended for individuals with senility and dementia, as well as during the first trimester of pregnancy (except for specific purposes like smoking cessation or relaxation techniques). If you have severe heart problems, severe asthma, or IBS, it is important to discuss hypnosis with your GP before proceeding.
Obviously, I am happy to talk though any concerns you may have before starting a course of hypnosis.
Is hypnosis mind control, can it make me do things I don't want to do?
"Suggestion does not consist in making an individual believe what is not true. Suggestion consists in making something come true by making a person believe in its possibility."
JD Hadfield.
Your unconscious mind will always act in your best interests. Your desire for change indicates that there is a degree of loss of control, which prompts you to seek assistance in regaining it. The concept of mind control can be interpreted differently depending on your perspective. If it means aligning your thoughts, emotions, or behaviours with your true desires and overcoming challenges, then yes, it can be seen as such. It is often stated that during hypnosis, you will remember everything that is said, have control over your actions, and only accept suggestions that you consciously agree with. While this may hold true in a light trance or when you are deeply relaxed, daydreaming, or watching a movie, it's not the case in deeper hypnotic states. If simply being relaxed and drowsy was all it took to make changes, then anyone could just tell you to "quit smoking," "lose weight," "boost confidence," or "change your view of the past," and you would automatically follow through. It's only when you delve into the deeper levels of hypnosis, where your unconscious mind can be reached to make necessary adjustments, that real effectiveness is achieved. In these deeper states, it's normal not to be fully conscious of everything that's happening but even at this level you retain control.
Is hypnosis like sleep?
Although it takes its name from the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos, recent research has proven that hypnosis and sleep are not interchangeable. Scientific studies on brain activity have identified unique patterns linked to sleep, but these patterns have not been observed during hypnosis. While hypnosis may appear similar to sleep to those observing it, mainly because of the relaxation suggestions commonly provided during a hypnotic session, individuals under hypnosis are actually in a state more similar to being awake. Hypnosis can even be induced in fully awake individuals.
Can I get 'stuck' in hypnosis?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that anyone can become trapped in hypnosis. The worst-case scenario would be falling asleep and waking up without being hypnotised anymore!
What is the difference between behavioural and clinical hypnosis?
Behavioural hypnosis and clinical hypnosis differ primarily in their application and objectives;
- Behavioural hypnosis focuses on modifying specific behaviours and habits through the use of hypnotic techniques. It is often used to help individuals quit smoking, manage weight, reduce stress, or improve performance in various activities by reprogramming the subconscious mind to adopt new, healthier habits and responses.
- Clinical hypnosis, often called hypnotherapy, is a therapeutic approach used by healthcare professionals to address a wide range of psychological and medical conditions. It involves using hypnosis as a tool to delve into deeper psychological issues, uncover and resolve underlying trauma, alleviate chronic pain, manage anxiety and depression, and support overall mental health treatment plans.
Are My Sessions Be Confidential?
Always.
I focus completely on you during the session so rather than taking any notes the sessions are recorded. This means that they are available for review and support if needed at a later date, (this ensures I don’t miss anything when reviewing the session before any future work, or if you have any queries afterwards).
These are stored securely as per GDPR requirements.
Any Guarantees?
Yes. I guarantee you that I will make every effort to help you if I believe I am capable of doing so. However, if I determine that I am unable to help, I will tell you during the initial consultation. You pay for my time and expertise, I know I can do hypnotism very well; the end result is dependent on how well you can, and this very much depends on your level of engagement and cooperation.