Hypnosis… Hypnotised… Hypnotherapy… All words that conjure up many images and impressions. If I had £1 every time someone said to me, “Are you going to make me bark like a dog?!” or “Will I end up walking like a chicken?!” I would be one very wealthy lady!
People are intrigued by hypnosis, but also a bit nervous. We have all seen countless movies and stage shows that portray hypnosis in a negative, controlling or humiliating way, it can be hard to see past that.
Before I trained as an NLP practitioner, and later a clinical hypnotherapist, I definitely had preconceived ideas about hypnosis. I now know that it is an incredibly beneficial experience, for so many reasons.
The aim of this blog is to answer the most common questions I am asked, and to open your eyes up to the possibilities and benefits of hypnotherapy. If you have a spare 15 minutes and would like to experience hypnotherapy for yourself, I also offer free (no-obligation) ‘hypnotherapy taster’ sessions for relaxation. Please contact me for more information.
So, what are the most common questions people ask me?
What is hypnotherapy?
Every one of us is regularly in a state of natural hypnosis. When you are focussed on one thing intently, so you don’t notice everything else that is going on around you, you are in a state of hypnosis. Just like when you are watching TV, daydreaming, on your phone or concentrating on something. Hypnotherapy is when a therapist helps you to get to that state, quietening your busy mind so you focus entirely on the therapy without any distraction.
Who does hypnotherapy help?
As well as hypnosis being used for relaxation and general well-being, hypnotherapy as therapy supports anyone who wants to make a change in their life; swap self-doubt for confidence, stress for relaxation or nervousness for strength. Hypnotherapy is also successful in helping people overcome limiting beliefs about themselves, habits or feelings about something.
How does hypnotherapy work?
We have two ‘minds’: our conscious mind and our subconscious mind. We notice our conscious mind the most. It’s ‘louder’ and it controls everything that we are aware of- speaking, writing, walking, talking etc.
Even though our subconscious mind is much quieter, it’s the driving force behind everything we do- almost like our sixth sense. Our subconscious’ main role is to keep us safe, so it’s responsible for our reactions to everything going on around us. However, sometimes our subconscious gets confused & tries to protect us from something that is not actually a threat!
So, when we react to something in a negative way, it’s because our subconscious has misunderstood that ‘something’ as a danger. Even though we consciously know we are over-reacting, we don’t seem to be able to stop it; Our conscious & subconscious minds are in conflict.
However much we tell ourselves to change, we find that change very difficult because our subconscious mind thinks it is protecting us. All we hear is our conscious mind saying, “Why did I do that? Why am I being so silly?” etc.
Hypnotherapy quietens that conscious mind, enabling us to work directly with the subconscious. By showing it other options, it enables long lasting change.
How is hypnotherapy done?
I get all the relevant information from you in advance so each session is individual to you, ensuring the upmost success.
My job is to ensure you feel relaxed, calm and safe because then you are comfortable to let yourself go into hypnosis. I make sure the atmosphere is calm and peaceful by dimming the lights and putting music on. Yes, I am the hypnotherapist, but I am not the one in control; You are… it is entirely up to you how relaxed you let yourself become.
To start off, I will guide you through some simple relaxation techniques, helping you to become deeply relaxed. After a while, when you are ready, I will calmly talk you through the therapy part of the session, before letting you slowly get yourself ready for the remainder of the day.
What is hypnotherapy like? How does it feel?
Calming… relaxing… spoiling… peaceful… a time just for you… invigorating… revitalising… empowering… dreamlike…
It’s different for everyone. For me, I feel so relaxed it’s almost like I am drifting. Sometimes I am aware of what is being said, sometimes the words disappear. I feel incredibly comfortable and safe. Day to day life seems like a distant memory and all I can focus on is the unbelievable relaxation cocooning me.
How will I know if I am hypnotised?
Everyone experiences hypnosis differently. The first time I was hypnotised, I thought, “I’m not hypnotised, I can hear everything that’s going on.” I knew I could open my eyes; I just didn’t want to as I was more relaxed than I had ever been before! Every time I have ever been hypnotised, it’s different. Sometimes I’m very aware of what’s going on around me, other times I have no idea, sometimes I drift in and out. It depends on my mood at the time.
Will I be vulnerable while I am hypnotised?
Your subconscious mind is always looking out for you and keeping you safe as it never sleeps. I was once in very deep hypnosis and felt slightly uneasy, so my subconscious instinctively pulled me out of the hypnosis, even though I was completely unaware of what was going on. I was completely fine after. It really proved to me that our subconscious is powerful and it is always looking out for us.
Will I tell you my deepest, darkest secrets?
A vast majority of the talking is done by the therapist and more often than not, you won’t be asked to verbally respond to anything. Even if you are talking, you will not say anything you don’t want to say. Once again, your wonderful subconscious is looking out for you.
Is hypnotherapy safe?
Provided you have no medical condition that prevents you from being hypnotised, hypnotherapy is safe. Nothing can happen to you. You are just incredibly relaxed.
What hypnosis cannot do.
You can’t be programmed to do anything you don’t want to do, your personality cannot be changed and you cannot be negatively influenced while you are hypnotised. Remember your subconscious mind is always keeping you safe.
Hypnosis is not a magic wand- it cannot miraculously change everything without you changing the way you do things. However, it does make those changes much easier.
What if I can’t be hypnotised?
A lot of people say this to me. There are many different stages of hypnosis; some people are very aware with their eyes open, others are in deep hypnosis with no conscious memory after, but the majority of people are somewhere in-between those examples.
Everyone can be hypnotised if they want to be, no-one can be hypnotised if they don’t want to be. You will find what is comfortable, and individual, to you. When you relax and listen, you may just find yourself drifting into the most relaxed state you have ever been in!
Why do people act ‘that way’ when hypnotised on stage?
The stage hypnotist spends a lot of time setting the scene, creating the mood, and building a sense of expectation and anticipation. They will then usually pick a large group of volunteers (or have prechosen volunteers) who, through discussion, banter and various activities, will be whittled down to the people who are most likely to perform in the required way. By clever use of language and questioning during run up to the actual hypnosis, the hypnotist pinpoints the people who will be particularly susceptible to hypnosis and would be happy to behave in certain ways. By doing this, there is a high chance of success.
How will I feel after I have been hypnotised?
You are likely to feel relaxed and calm after your session, while clear and focussed on the future. Obviously, how you feel will depends what you have been hypnotised for! This would be a good question to ask in your session as a more accurate answer can be given once the session has been planned.
I hope this blog has answered your questions about hypnotherapy. I have written other blogs about various topics, so have a read! Please get in touch to book. Whether it is for your ‘hypnotherapy taster’ session, or whether you would like to book a full session.
