"The mind-body’s innate healing capacity is stimulated by hypnotherapy and so there is an extensive range of problems and issues which can be addressed..."
Hypnotherapy
Healing by trance state has been acknowledged for centuries in almost every culture. But, the term ‘hypnosis’ (from the Greek ‘hypnos’, meaning ‘sleep’) was only coined around 1840 and it is not an accurate description of the experience, as the hypnotic state is totally different from sleep.
A useful definition of hypnosis may be ‘Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind.’
Hypnotherapy is distinctive, as it aims to address the client’s subconscious mind. In the session this is done through accessing the client’s own imagination and creative resources, story telling, images, metaphor or symbolism and direct suggestions.
Pretty well anyone can be hypnotised, but it is important that they feel comfortable and relaxed with their hypnotherapy practitioner. Successful outcomes are more likely where the hypnotherapist tailors their suggestions to the client. Generally, hypnotherapy is a short-term approach. For example, a single tailored session is often enough to enable a client to give up smoking.
The mind-body’s innate healing capacity is stimulated by hypnotherapy and so there is an extensive range of problems and issues which can be addressed through hypnotherapy, for example:-
- anxiety, panic, phobias
- fear of flying, public speaking and examinations
- unwanted habits and addictions
- low self-esteem and lack of confidence
- disturbed sleep, migraine
- allergies, skin disorders, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- areas of surgery, such as pain management
- performance enhancement (sport or artistic)
- relationship difficulties and anger management.
You may have only experienced stage hypnosis where individuals are apparently ‘made’ to perform all sorts of (usually foolish) things. As participation in a stage act is entirely voluntary, the ‘permission’ has already been given to the hypnotist! Hypnotherapy is totally unlike stage hypnosis. A client is always in control.
(These notes are based on the information leaflet on Hypnotherapy, published by the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, who also oversee the General Hypnotherapy Register.)
