There are many fears and misunderstandings about the use of hypnosis
and hypnotherapy, and the myths and mystery that surround it are
totally undeserved. This page will help to reassure you that what
happens is very normal, certainly non-magical, with generally
predictable results.
It is used on a daily basis in literally millions of therapists offices around the world, working with all sorts of 'human conditions', including:
Personal matters
Emotional difficulties
Psychological problems
Many Physical problems
Performance enhancement
Sporting improvement
Habit control
Weight control
Sleeping difficulties
Relationship problems
Hypnosis and hypnotherapy has been around for probably more than 5000 years; it is now being recognised as a safe and effective tool to assist with a great many issues - in fact, is has been accepted by the British Medical Association as a valuable treatment methodology since 1955.
While it's certainly not a 'once size fits all' type of therapy, it can help with a huge number of problems. Here are the four things we are most often asked about:
We'll have a look at each of those but remember that we are only giving an outline here; if you want to find more detailed descriptions of how it works and what it can do for you, you can consult a qualified therapist (you can find a worldwide listing of professional therapists at: www.aphp.net) or read one of the many books that are available on the subject, some of which you will be able to find on this site.
Self Hypnosis
Self hypnosis is gaining in popularity as one of the most exciting and effective self help methods currently available. It's free, it's safe, and it's effective.
Self hypnosis is used on a daily basis by sportsmen and musicians, business people and artists, housewives, policemen, engineers, shop assistants... in fact it's used by millions of people from all walks of life all over the globe.
Let's dispel a few of the anxieties that some visitors might have... the following 'rules' are applicable to all types of hypnosis:
You cannot 'get stuck' - this is quite impossible
You do not become unconscious or go to sleep
You know what's happening at all times
You can exit the state whenever you wish to
You cannot 'lose your mind'
It is not connected in any shape or form with the occult
There is no such thing as a 'hypnotised feeling'
It is actually a totally natural state which we all go into several times a day
It is very similar to meditation or relaxation techniques
IT IS COMPLETELY SAFE
Getting into a state of self-hypnosis is a specific skill and as with all skills, some people are better at it than others. It is fair to say, though, that almost everybody can benefit from learning how to use it. Among other things, you can help yourself to:
Lose weight
Quit smoking
Improve sporting and other performance
Increase concentration and recall
Improve confidence and self-confidence
Work with motivation issues
There are many books on the subject but you can download our completely free, seven-lesson self hypnosis course from this site by filling in this simple form (Email addresses are never sold/leased/loaned/given to third parties) Please fill in both boxes:
The course was written by Terence Watts, the owner of this site - it will take you from the very basics all the way through to the way the professionals do it. You will receive the first lesson immediately and the rest will follow at two-day intervals.
Online Hypnosis
Of all the the methods of therapy that are available today, there are few that can be used online as effectively as hypnosis. Online hypnosis can help with an amazing number of difficulties, including fears, phobias and anxieties of all sorts and such problems as social phobia, communication difficulties and problems with meeting the opposite sex. You can even have online hypnosis to help you pass a driving test, go confidently into the dentist's chair, for example, or to help you jet off on holiday without a care in the world!
It is fair to say that many people can experience almost as much success via online work as in a 'live' session, though this does depend a great deal upon the individual.
Hypnotherapy and anxiety
There is probably no finer way to permanently reduce anxiety than with hypnotherapy. It was discovered in the 19th century that hypnotherapy could reduce anxiety effectively and even though there are now powerful and effective medications, hypnosis and hypnotherapy remains the first choice for many people suffering from anxiety.
Slef hypnosis can help, but this symptom really needs the attention of a professional hypnotherapist who will often be able to help you far more quickly than you ever thought possible!
Follow the link to 'APHP' at the bottom of the page to take you to the website of a reputable association of hypnotherapists.
For many people, hypnosis has proved to be the best and easiest way to quit smoking, quite often with just a single session - in fact, an article in the New Scientist, in 2003, stated categorically that hypnosis is the most effective way to quit. A frequent comment is that there is just no urge to smoke after the 'stop smoking hypnosis' session and this happy circumstance seems to be sustained for the vast majority of individuals. Although self hypnosis can sometimes be effective, it is likely that you will need a one-to-one session with a professional therapist for best results.
The therapist's voice...
Hypnosis is usually induced by the use of the therapist's voice,
though you are unlikely to actually feel hypnotised. There is
no such thing as a 'hypnotised feeling', though many people find
their senses to be far more alert than usual - you will certainly
not 'lose control' at any time, nor can you be manipulated in
any way.
There is no form of unconsciousness and nobody can be made to
do anything that they do not want to do; a person in hypnosis
is aware of everything happening around them, aware of themselves
and their therapist, and will normally retain a full and accurate memory of everything afterwards.
Hypnosis, a totally natural phenomenon, is simply a very comfortable
and relaxed state during which it is quite easy to converse sensibly
with the therapist, although not all styles of hypnotherapy employ this technique. And here is something that may surprise you - whilst almost anybody can enter the state of hypnosis, the strongest minds do it best! To be unhypnotisable is an indicator of some sort of difficulty with focussing the mental processes and is actually extremely rare.
The Therapy
Hypnosis itself is unlikely to provide a relief of symptoms, whatever those symptoms might be. It is the therapy - hypnotherapy - which is carried out within
the hypnotised state that is important. It takes two entirely different forms.
Suggestion Therapy
This form of treatment is ideal for helping to cope with such things as examination fears, driving test nerves, smoking, nailbiting, some weight-control problems, stress, and so on. Usually, between two and four sessions are needed and some therapists will work with 2 or more people at one time, often reducing costs.
Analytical Therapy
This is sometimes used for more deep-rooted problems. The technique aims to find and remove the underlying original cause of such things as irrational fears, emotional problems, relationship difficulties, psycho-sexual problems, lack of confidence, moodiness, sleeping difficulties, stuttering/stammering, anxiety inferiority complex, unhappiness, phobias, etc. and most other problems where there is a psychological
factor at work.
The treatment period will normally be between six and twelve weekly sessions and will usually produce a complete and lasting release from the symptom(s). It is a totally private and individual, one-to-one form of therapy.
If you would like to find a reputable and properly trained hypnotherapist, or would just like to ask a few questions about hypnotherapy and hypnosis, contact us for a free initial consultation to assess your exact needs.
To find a competent and properly trained therapist, go to: APHP - The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy
To train as a hypnotherapist, go to: EICH - The Essex Institute of Clincal Hypnosis
