How does hypnosis / hypnotherapy work?
During our lives things happens to us and we remember these events and learn a particular behaviour in response to what happened. When ever things that are similar happen, our emotions and physical reactions attached to that memory are rerun. In some instances that reaction is unhealthy. In Hypnotherapy, a therapist can guide you to remember and feel differently about certain situations or emotions and allow you to change non productive behaviours with new, healthy ones.
During a hypnotherapy session, you will be guided to allow your body to relax and let your thoughts become focused. Hypnotherapy is a relaxation technique, Whilst being hypnotised most peoples blood pressure and heart rate lower, hypnosis has also been shown to alter certain types of brain wave activity. During this state of relaxation it is common for you to feel relaxed physically although mentally aware of your surroundings during this time most people are highly responsive to suggestion. You will also find that your conscious mind will probably becomes less aware of your surroundings whilst your subconscious mind gains increased focus.
Whilst hypnotherapy is a fantastic tool for change for many people it is a known fact that some people respond better to hypnotic suggestion than others.
Hypnotism works by altering our conscious state so that the analytical left side of the brain becomes dormant while the non-analytical right of the brain is enhanced. Your conscious control of your thoughts becomes inhibited, and your subconscious mind enhanced. Because your subconscious brain activity is a deep seated, more instinctive force than your conscious brain activity, this is the part that will alter to allow your behaviours and physical states to change.
Example
Sometimes a person consciously wants to overcome their fear of pigeons, they may try everything they consciously can to do to overcome it, but, usually, they still struggle. Whilst their subconscious mind retains this fear it inhibits the person from succeeding. Progress will only become possible by allowing the subconscious mind to be reprogrammed so that old, negative, beliefs and instinctive behaviours are changed permanently.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
The therapist, must first, establish a rapport with the client by talk about his or her concerns and getting a full history of how the problem affects them and what else they have tried, good and bad! This will create a full clinical history. The reason for this is not only to establish a full clinical history, it also contributes to building confidence and rapport between the clinician and the patient.
During this session targets or outcomes will be discussed and a full explanation of what is about to happen and how you may feel during the session. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions and dispel any misconceptions.
There are many different techniques a therapist may use to help you achieve your trance state. Normally you will be invited to sit or lie in a reclining chair and the therapist talks to you in a slow and soothing voice. You may be asked to imagine or visualise many different things or simply listen to the voice of the therapist whilst relaxing music plays in the background and relaxing suggestions are given. Suggestions for relaxation may also be given. You will probably feel very relaxed but you may still be aware of your surroundings.
To return to full consciousness, which you can do all by yourself at any time, the therapist may count up from 10 down to 1.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT HYPNOSIS
- Nobody can ever be hypnotised against their will and even when hypnotised, people still remain in complete control of any suggestions given.
- The whole object of clinical hypnosis is to take back control that has been lost and which has therefore resulted in the symptom or problem.
- It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to hypnosis.
- There is no guarantee of success for every client. However, clients will only be seen if the therapist believes there is a very good chance of a successful outcome.