Hypnosis and Self Hypnosis

Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy and Self Hypnosis

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:

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:

Self hypnosis
Online Hypnosis
Hypnotherapy and anxiety
Weight loss hypnosis
Stop smoking hypnosis

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:

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:

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.

Self 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.

Weight loss hypnosis

Weight loss, (more correctly, weight control) using hypnosis can be astonishingly effective. Whilst it is usually necessary to make some modification to diet and exercise, this can take only a fraction of the will-power that might otherwise be needed. Weight loss hypnosis is not magic and whatever anybody tells you, you will need to do some of the work yourself... but if you want the easiest way to trim down, this could be it!

Self-hypnosis can work well, though you do need to keep at it; many people fail simply because they give up too early.

Once you have learned how to get into a state of self hypnosis - either from a book or the course that is available from this site - then you can construct a 'mind video' of how you want to be and just observe it several times whilst in the hypnotic state. You could also record some positive suggestions onto a tape and listen to them (you can find a good script in the 'scripts' section of this site) though you should set the player going before you start, leaving just some backrgound music on it at the beginning, so that it plays until you are ready to listen to the suggestions - for most people that will be about 10 - 15 minutes.

Probably the best way, though, is to visit a professional hypnotherapist to get you started and to help you discover any subconscious reasons for the existence of the weight problem - there often are some. There is a link at the bottom of this page that will take you to 'APHP' a reputable organisation for therapists.

Stop smoking hypnosis

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

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