HOW DOES HYPNOTHERAPY WORK?

When we want to make a change in our lives, we most often have to rely on will power and determination. These are changes in our conscious mind. However it is our unconscious mind which is the overall winner. This is where our imagination lies and imagination often determines what will actually happen. Take for example, someone who is trying to diet, imagines the look and smell of their favourite food. They may even experience their mouth watering. This demonstrates how the imagination can be more powerful and lead someone to break their diet.

Imagination is key to effective hypnosis and as previously mentioned, it is held in your subconscious. When the conscious mind is relaxed, the subconscious mind  is more accepting of suggestion. Therefore, the more you tune into the voice of the hypnotherapist, listening and imagining in your minds eye, what is being said, the more likely the session will be a  success.

WHAT IS HAPPINING IN YOUR BRAIN?

When measured by an EEG machine, your brain goes through cycles. There are four stages in each cycle which are known as, Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta.

In the Beta stage you are fully conscious, able to make logical decisions. The Alpha state, is where the hypnotic state lies. Here your brain is open to your imagination, learning and suggestibility. The Theta state is where you will dream. And you will be asleep or unconscious in the Delta state.

So you will only be in the first two states for hypnotherapy.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE IN A TRANCE?

In a trance state you are still conscious. You will not accept a suggestion if you don’t like it. You will be able to come out of Hypnosis if you desire.

Common feelings are, being in a state of relaxation, sleepiness, limpness, tingling feelings, slowing of breathing. It might feel similar to day dreaming meaning that it could give rise to anger or anxiety or joy.

The vast majority of people report enjoying being in a hypnotic state,  commonly for the feeling of total relaxation.

HOW LIKELY IS IT TO BE EFFECTIVE?

We are driven by our subconscious mind and since it believes what it is told, we can make changes by introducing new, positive ideas providing we can bypass the conscious mind and tap into our subconscious.

Many different hypnotherapists believe that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis, so it is up to the individual to be open to suggestion and use their imagination, guided by the words and instruction of the hypnotherapist.

We can see that the mind does have influence over the body by physical changes that respond to feelings. For example, if you become embarrassed, your face will turn red. If you watch a sad film, it will induce tears, even though it is just a story. It can also be experienced in arousal. There are many examples to choose from.

WHAT IF I DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE?

Often people worry that they will be made to do things they don’t want to under hypnosis, the type of things you see in stage shows. This is not the case as your mind would not allow you to do this and you would naturally come out of a hypnotic state.  The conscious mind does not disappear, allowing you to stay in control and make decisions.

An example may be that of a mother who is very much asleep but will wake at the slightest disturbance of her baby. It is easy to come out of hypnosis at your own will.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Hypnosis can be used to make you feel physically or mentally better, or indeed to change habits.

If you are open to the idea of being hypnotised, are able to relax and listen to the words of the hypnotherapist, there is a very high likelihood that it will work for you.

The power of your imagination, your belief and commitment to change, is the key to its success.