Hypnosis is not like in the movies. No dark, penetrating eyes, swinging watches, deep, zombie like trances and so on. In fact many people are aware of everything that is said during a session, some don’t remember anything and others only remember feelings. All of that is fine because they are still under hypnosis which is a perfectly natural state of consciousness.
We all slip in and out of trance several times a day when we perform routine functions like driving the car. How many times have you reached a point in a journey and realised you don’t remember the last 10, 20,or 30 minutes? You have been in a trance. It doesen’t mean you have been driving dangerously or like a zombie. If break lights go on in front of you, if a car overtakes you or a horn sounds, you are in complete control. Just as you are when under hypnosis. Watching TV, playing video games and even reading. Again, how many times do you end up reading the same page over and over because you don’t remember what you just read? You’ve got it – trance.
Hypnotherapy allows us to go into a highly relaxed state when we want it instead of “waking up” from it wondering what had just happened. While in this relaxed trance state we are up to 200 times more likely to accept hypnotic suggestions. Some people may or may not carry on conversations and recall what was said during a hypnosis session. This does not mean that the hypnosis has not worked. You are always in control and can open or close your eyes, speak, move. I am simply here to guide you through the steps and keep you safe. We wouldn’t want you rolling off the couch, would we? You can bring yourself out of hypnosis, or stop yourself from going into hypnosis, simply by willing it. You are in control.
Even if you fall asleep during the session you will still obtain the full benefit of the hypnotherapy. Recent research has shown that our hearing never sleeps. This probably dates back to our caveman days being alert to predators that hunt in the night. And today, of course, while we sleep we are still aware of babies crying, intruders, sick family members, telephones, knocks at the front door etc. So even if you do happen to fall asleep the message will still get through to your sub-conscious loud and clear.
Hypnosis has been clinically proven to provide medical and therapeutic relief particularly in the areas of pain, stress and anxieties. Research throughout the world has many times shown the effectiveness of hypnosis as a treatment. Studies in America have found hypnosis to be effective in quitting smoking. Other studies have shown hypnotherapy to be effective in improving self-esteem. Studies in England have shown hypnotherapy can quantifiably improve the quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients and people living with dementia. Many more studies into hypnotherapy have indicated its usefulness across a broad range of issues.
Hypnotherapy can be used to treat a growing number of conditions and has many advantages over many other treatments. This includes, but not limited to, cost, time and safety advantages when compared to other clinical and pharmaceutical options. People experience hypnosis in vastly different ways. From feeling total detachment and extreme relaxation to feeling guided to achieve an outcome. Or even to feeling that they have remained fully awake and can remember everything that was said. All of these reactions (and many more) are perfectly fine for the individual and occur naturally as part of being in a hypnotic state. Healing will still take place.
