Demystifying hypnotherapy.

Have you ever wondered what exactly is hypnotherapy?

hypnosis is a state of focussed awareness

Hypnotherapy is a type of therapy that uses hypnosis to facilitate change for people (often alongside psychotherapy or counselling). You may then be wondering what hypnosis is? Simply put, hypnosis is a state of focussed awareness. It can be similar to guided relaxation, meditation or mindfulness, and these terms may be used interchangeably. Have you ever found yourself concentrating on one particular task so much that all else fades away into the background to the point where you are no longer aware of your surroundings? This is very much like a hypnotic trance. These words may seem unfamiliar or strange but the action itself of entering a state of relaxation is really quite natural and simple.

the client is always in control

A hypnotherapist facilitates (and holds space for) this state of relaxation (hypnosis) for their clients, which in itself is beneficial for one’s health, and during this state of focussed awareness the mind and body are very relaxed (when was the last time you felt completely relaxed…on holidays perhaps?) It is during this state of relaxation that the hypnotherapist can guide a person to use their creative abilities to make changes for themselves. The suggestions offered are only ever things that the client themselves has identified as wanting to work on, so in that sense it is a collaborative process, and the client is always in control.

hypnotherapy can help support a person to make changes for themselves

Hypnotherapy simply makes it easier for people to make changes for themselves by removing blockages that hold them back. These blockages may not be something we are aware of and can be held deep in our subconscious, often created by us some time earlier in life as a protective mechanism. Because of this, wanting to make a change with willpower alone can sometimes not be enough to enable the change to happen. This is why hypnotherapy can help support a person to make changes for themselves. Hypnotherapy can help overcome obstacles, break unwanted habits, and help achieve goals. It does this by helping to release outdated beliefs (blockages) that are no longer useful.

At the end of a hypnotherapy session, clients usually feel relaxed, peaceful, and will often have a smile on their face. After all, relaxation is enjoyable…

Contrary to popular belief, hypnotherapy is not a magic wand, it is a form of therapy which requires desire to make change from the client. It can be gentle yet powerful though for making change.

For more info on what hypnotherapy is:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hypnosis/about/pac-20394405

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/mental-health-pica