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What is hypnosis?
The actual experience of being hypnotised is very difficult to describe, neither asleep nor awake. All hypnotic states are characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of relaxation, an altered state of consciousness into which individuals allow themselves to enter, so that desired, beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the unconscious mind. Hypnosis is a natural, effective way of making direct contact with the inner (unconscious) self, a source of many of our problems as well as a tremendous reservoir of unrecognised potential strength and knowledge.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat and relieve a variety of physical, emotional and psychological symptoms, enabling rapid and beneficial change at an unconscious level. It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to clinical hypnotherapy. It is often successful when other, more conventional methods of treatment have failed. By unearthing negative beliefs and thought patterns, changing them for the better, and tapping into all that wonderful wisdom, strength and knowledge your unconscious mind already possesses, you can experience enormous improvements in your emotional, psychological and physical health. This potential does not come from hypnotherapy, but from your own unconscious mind. All a hypnotherapist will do is facilitate that change in yourself. That change can be empowering, creative, liberating and life-changing.
Why could it be easier to solve my problem with hypnosis?
It's been estimated that only about 5-10% of our minds is under our conscious awareness, which means that up to 90-95% is unconscious and only accessible through things like dream imagery, flashbacks, meditation and hypnosis. You may consciously want to solve your problem, but unconscious beliefs and fears can steamroll your best intentions. In hypnosis, the conscious, analytical mind is bypassed to enable the unconscious thoughts, beliefs and needs to be accessed, thereby helping to treat the source of the problem or issue, rather than just deal with the symptoms. This is why hypnotherapy is so effective in helping people to stop smoking or lose weight, because using hypnotherapy the underlying emotional needs can be accessed and addressed first.
Is hypnosis safe?
Yes, hypnosis is absolutely safe provided it is done by a qualified practitioner who conforms to a strict code of ethics under their hypnotherapy society (eg. BSCH, GHR). They must also carry full professional indemnity insurance. If in doubt, phone the relevant professional body for reassurance. At HypnoExcel, all therapy is offered under the strict ethical guidelines of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH), which means that your treatment conforms to the highest standards in the UK and is delivered in the safest possible way. If you would like to contact the BSCH for reassurance, call 01262 403103 or visit www.bsch.org.uk.
Will I lose control?
No. Hypnotherapy gives you greater control over yourself, not less. Being hypnotised is like a state of heightened awareness - you actually become hyperaware of everything, even a pin dropping. It's just that during therapy you tend to focus on your inner mind - you can alter your focus any time you feel like it. You could also open your eyes or move at any time.
What if I can't be hypnotised?
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis (no one can hypnotise you against your will) and the chances are that you can. There are many things that might make it harder for us to be hypnotised at first. We may feel embarrassed or nervous, or it may just feel difficult to relax. Alcohol and caffeine can make it harder. But remember that hypnosis is just a deeper level of trance - you already go into a light trance every time you become absorbed by a film or a book and lose awareness of what's going on around you, or when you drive home on autopilot and cannot remember the route you took. To enjoy all the benefits of enjoying a relaxing hypnotic state, all you need to do is just forget about "doing" anything and just enjoy letting your body begin to relax so that your mind can begin to focus on your inner thoughts and feelings.
How 'deep' will I go?
During your first session you are likely to enter a very light trance and some clients feel they are only closing their eyes. But effective therapy can be achieved even in this light trance state, and most clients find that by their second session, they are so much more relaxed and comfortable with the therapist and environment that they rapidly enter a much deeper trance than they could have believed possible only a week before. A hypnotherapist's role is to specifically harness your natural ability to enter a hypnotic trance in order to facilitate healing at an unconscious level. How deep that trance is depends on how safe and comfortable you feel with your therapist and the environment. You'll only "let go" and relax as much as is right for you at the time.
What happens during a session?
Your first session usually lasts an hour and a half. During this time we talk about the issues involved and about anything in your life that may be relevant. Sessions are confidential and any notes made are to enable the therapy to be personal and specific. This is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you have and, if there are a number of issues you need help dealing with, talk about your priorities and expectations. This part of the session usually takes between 35-45 minutes, sometimes longer depending on the nature of the issue, but with few exceptions time is allowed for at least a short therapy session at the end.
What happens in between sessions?
Hypnotherapy aims to help you to gain control over your life. So it is very important for you, over the course of therapy, to begin to do that. During your first session you'll be taught self-hypnosis to enable you to spend a few minutes or more a day at home just quietening your mind and becoming relaxed. The more you do this in your daily life, the more powerful it can be in helping you to deal with everyday stresses and strains and in becoming more relaxed, focused and in control. Depending on the nature of the issues involved, you may need to do other bits of mental or emotional "homework" to help you gain control over your problem more quickly. It may only be something really simple and easy, but it is very important that you do this before your next session.
What about confidentiality - who sees my notes?
The client/therapist relationship is unique in that it may be the only occasion when you have the opportunity to openly express deep feelings and concerns that may otherwise remain suppressed. As ethical practitioners, confidentiality is absolutely paramount to our individual professional relationship with a client. Information about you is kept totally confidential. The only circumstance in which we would ever divulge notes or information about any client is if requested by law.
What if I have more questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, you are welcome to either ring, email or jot them down to bring with you to your first session. The most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and relaxed so please do not hesitate to ask questions, however seemingly small.
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