Hypnotherapy FAQs

Definition of hypnotherapy

Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep.  It does involve the induction of a trance-like condition, but when in it, the client is actually in an enhanced state of awareness, concentrating entirely on the hypnotherapist’s voice.  In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed and the subconscious mind is revealed.  The hypnotherapist is able to suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle adaptations to the client, the seeds of which become firmly planted.

The practice of promoting healing or positive development in any way is known as hypnotherapy.  Hypnotherapy aims to re-programme patterns of behaviour within the mind, enabling irrational fears, phobias, negative thoughts and suppressed emotions to be overcome.  When the body is released from conscious control during the relaxed trance-like state of hypnosis, breathing becomes slower and deeper, the pulse rate drops and the metabolic rate falls. Similar changes along nervous pathways and hormonal channels enable the sensation of pain to become less acute, and the awareness of unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea or indigestion, to be alleviated.

How does it work

Hypnosis is thought to work by altering our state of consciousness in such a way that the analytical left hand side of the brain is turned off, while the non-analytical right hand side is made more alert.  The conscious control of the mind is inhibited and the subconscious mind awoken.  Since the subconscious mind is a deeper seated, more instinctive force than the conscious mind, this is the part which has to change for the client's behaviour and physical state to alter.

For example, a client who consciously wants to overcome their fear of flying may try everything they consciously can to do it, but will still fail as long as their subconscious mind retains this terror and prevents the client from succeeding.  Progress can only be made by reprogramming the subconscious mind so that deep seated instincts and beliefs are eliminated or altered.

What form might the treatment take

Firstly, any misconceptions a client may have about hypnosis should be dispelled.  The technique does not involve the client being put into a deep sleep and cannot be made to do anything they do not wish to do.   The client remains fully aware of their surroundings.  The important thing is that the client wants to change some behavioural habit or addiction and is highly motivated to do so.  The client has to want the treatment to work and must establish a good clinical rapport with the therapist in order for it to do so.

The readiness and ability of clients to be hypnotised varies considerably and hypnotherapy generally requires several sessions in order to achieve meaningful results.  However, the client can learn the technique of self-hypnosis which can be practiced at home, to reinforce the usefulness of formal sessions with the therapist.  This can also help with distress and anxiety-related conditions or purely for relaxation.

What problems can be treated by hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy can be applied to many psychological, emotional and physical disorders.  For example it is used to relieve pain in surgery and dentistry and has proved to be of benefit in obstetrics and it can reduce the need for painkillers.  It can ease the suffering of the disabled and those facing terminal illness, and it has been shown to help people to overcome addictions such as smoking and alcoholism, and to help with eating disorders. 

Hypnotherapy is used for phobias of all kinds and anyone suffering from panic attacks or obsessive compulsive disorder, and stress-related problems like insomnia, could benefit.  Conditions exacerbated by tension, such as irritable bowel syndrome, psoriasis and eczema, have been known to respond well.