WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is often referred to as an altered state of awareness which is characterised by an increased suggestibility to instructions. It is a natural state which is usually accompanied by feelings of deep relaxation and/or sense of a ‘loss of time’.

We may have all experienced being ‘spontaneously hypnotised’ at some point during our lives without consciously being aware. For instance, driving to work each day we may have little recollection how we get there. Most people talk about being on ‘automatic pilot’ but ostensibly what they are saying is that they have no conscious awareness of how they’ve managed to drive somewhere without remembering the journey. This may also occur when reading a really good book and you lose all sense of time, or perhaps when watching a riveting television programme. These types of experiences demonstrate how powerful our subconscious mind really is and how it comes into play when our conscious awareness switches into an altered state.

Unfortunately, there are numerous myths and misconceptions of hypnosis, much of which has come from the media or depicted in film and television. Most of such claims are over sensationalised and owe more to artistic licence rather than fact. People have a choice if they want to be hypnotised as it comes down to rapport and cooperation between client and therapist and no-one can be hypnotised if they do not wish to be so.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Generally yes, although it all depends on whether a person wants to or not

Will I be made to cluck like a hen or made to look stupid?

No! Hypnotherapy is a valuable therapeutic tool for the treatment of disorders, problems and/or issues. Moreover, I am a member of The National Hypnotherapy Society which has strict ethical guidelines which I adhere to in respect of the treatment of my clients.

Hypnosis on television and/or in theatres is known as Stage hypnosis and is for entertainment purposes only. The people who take part in such performances have been specially selected prior to the performance to test their motivation and how suggestible they will be on stage. Only people who are highly motivated and who are highly suggestible are generally selected to take part.