Hypnotherapy In Essex and London Hypnotherapy FAQs What Is Hypnosis? The world of hypnosis is often perceived as a strange and mysterious one. The truth is very different. Hypnosis is a very simple and naturally occurring process or state. To get an idea of how hypnosis actually works, consider two alternative states of mind - the first one is when your thoughts are occupied with what is going on in a very conscious way, in other words, you are very aware of what you are thinking. The second state is one in which things are running automatically. You are thinking about things but perhaps aren't consciously aware of what you are thinking. This is the state in which decisions are made which affect your beliefs and your emotions. Hypnosis, used properly and professionally is simply a way of helping you make the right decisions and develop the right beliefs for you, thereby helping you to 'feel' better and to get better day to day results.
What About All The Different Words? What Is The Difference Between Hypnosis And Hypnotism For Instance? You will hear lots of different words and expressions used as with anything. Hypnosis and hypnotism basically refer to the same thing. Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic use of hypnosis or hypnosis used in a clinical setting as opposed to say, stage hypnosis.
Can Anyone Be Hypnotised? Yes. Anyone can be hypnotised provided they want to be. No one can be hypnotised against their will. Some people find it easier to relax than others. By the same token, some people are able to go into hypnosis more quickly and more deeply than others. Most people can go into at least a light trance and with most hypnotherapeutic goals that is enough so therefore everyone can benefit from hypnotherapy to some extent.
Can Everyone Be Hypnotised? People differ in the degree to which they respond to hypnosis. A person's ability to experience hypnosis can be inhibited by fears and concerns arising from some common misconceptions. Contrary to some depictions of hypnosis in books, movies or television, people who have been hypnotised do not lose control over their behaviour. People remain aware of who they are, where they are, and remember what transpired during hypnosis. Hypnosis makes it easier for people to experience suggestions, but it does not force them to have these experiences.
What Can Hypnotherapy Be Used For? Weight control e.g. weight loss and/or weight management Performance improvement Insomnia and sleep memory Exams Motivation Pass driving test Speaking skills Self confidence Stop smoking Stress management Relationships Wealth and success Fears and phobias e.g. fear of flying Sporting success Fitness and health Problems and habits Interview nerves Personal development Phobias and fears Relaxations and breathing Pain management (including child-birth) IBS Will You Lose Control When Under Hypnosis? No. This is a common misconception about hypnosis. Nobody can be hypnotised against their will. Hypnosis is not about control by the hypnotist. It is about working together so that the client can be empowered to create change in his or her life. Nobody can be forced to do anything against their will. The 'control' misconception appears to originate from stage hypnosis, which funnily enough also involves people doing exactly what they want to be doing.
Will You Be Asleep When Hypnotised? No. Contrary to popular opinion, you are not asleep during hypnosis. The word hypnosis comes from the ancient Greek word 'hypnos' meaning sleep. It is a misnomer. Hypnosis is generally a very relaxed state but it is not sleep. You are fully aware of what is happening and what is being said to you. You give the impression of being asleep because your body is totally relaxed, but "hypnotic sleep" bears no resemblance to normal sleep. Many people after a session of hypnosis don't believe that they were hypnotised at all but that comes from misconceptions about just what a 'trance' in fact is.
Can I Get Stuck In A Trance? No. It is impossible to get stuck in a trance. You can open your eyes at any time during the session, ending the hypnotic state immediately. Sometimes clients feel so relaxed that they feel a little reluctant to end the sensation, but they never stay in a trance. We go in and out of hypnosis and other altered states of consciousness (e.g. daydreaming) many times a day but we always come back out of them easily and naturally.
Will You Say Or Shout Out Anything You Would Normally Not Want Anybody To Know Under Hypnosis? No. You remain in control the whole time and cannot be forced to say or do anything under hypnosis that you don't want to. Remember that you are completely in control and empowered. Again, if this was not the case, don't you think the police would just hypnotise their suspects and get them to 'tell the truth?'
Will You Be Able To Control My Mind? No. This is another common misconception. Hypnotherapy is all about you having more control of your own mind, so the client is the one who has and always remains in control. Nothing will be said to you under hypnosis that is not for your benefit, but if you didn't agree with anything, your mind would just reject it as a matter of course.
Are There Any Side Effects? No. There are absolutely no negative side effects from being hypnotised. It is a perfectly safe and natural way of using your own inner resources, to reorganise your thoughts and behaviours to bring about beneficial change. After the session you will feel very relaxed, but it's completely safe to drive, operate machinery or anything else.