With ‘You’re back in the room’ showing on ITV recently I felt it was time to explain the differences between Hypnotherapy and stage hypnosis. It was common to be asked “will I cluck like a chicken” but now people expect to be doing all sorts of random acts when they’re in trance. So what is hypnotherapy and how can it help you achieve your goals?
The very first thing to understand about hypnosis is when you focus on something, you amplify it in your awareness. Hypnosis is a natural state of deep relaxation and mental alertness which is achieved using techniques similar to guided meditations, or children’s bedtime stories. Being in a deeply relaxed state allows you to focus your attention on the aspects of your life you would like to alter in a constructive context.
How does it work?
Focusing on what you want from life and setting clear, defined goals will allow you to change your behaviour in a very direct and effective way. We can assist you to change your way of thinking, changing the sub-conscious reactions you have to situations or stresses, which will enable you to take control of your life without the intervention of medications or invasive treatments.
There are four different types of brainwave, during your usual waking state you will be using beta brainwaves to function. When you meditate, use relaxation techniques like hypnotherapy, or are deeply absorbed in an activity that you do without consciously thinking about your actions, you will begin to use alpha or even theta brainwaves. Delta brainwaves are usually recorded during very deep sleep so hypnosis doesn’t usually utilise these.
What does it feel like?
Have you ever experienced a day dream or been so focused, so involved, so ‘entranced’ in an activity or situation that your surroundings fade away and become unimportant? If your answer is yes, you have experienced a trance state. It is possible for anyone who wants to be hypnotised to achieve a hypnotic trance. The depth of trance will vary with every individual and depend on your own personal preference. Being in a trance state feels very plesant, it is similar to feeling sleepy or deeply relaxed. After the session is completed you will feel refreshed and relaxed – it is a stress free process, so why not give it a try?
Will I be in control?
Entertainment shows such as ‘You’re back in the room’ have wrongly portrayed hypnosis as a form of mind control, which can be done to a person without their consent and that it can be used to make a person do things against their will.
Hypnosis always requires your co-operation to achieve a trance state: hypnosis cannot make you do anything that you don’t want to do, or that is against your personal beliefs.
You will be in control of what you say during a session: hypnotherapy cannot be used to make you divulge personal information or secrets that you do not wish to share.
It is impossible to become stuck in a trance state. If you fall asleep during trance you will simply wake up naturally as you usually would, you are in control of the trance state and can end it any time you want to by simply opening your eyes.
What should I expect?
We would usually recommend a three session program, this will allow hypnotic suggestions to be deeply absorbed and reinforced into your sub conscious mind over a period of time, with repetition. This makes the therapy much more robust and effective. Some hypnotherapists will claim results can be achieved in just one hour-long session, for some people this will work but only a small percentage of people will respond to such a short and intense program.
Each session will involve your participation, you will be taught techniques that you will be encouraged to practice at home as the more you put into the process the more you will benefit from it. Hypnotherapy will not be a quick fix therapy: you will have to put effort into making changes in your life, giving yourself time to grow into the person you have always wanted to be.
We will teach you various techniques including self hypnosis, which can be applied to many different aspects of your life to change your outlook completely. We will also provide you with a hypnotherapy recording that you can listen to in the comfort of your own home. We recommend you listen to this and practice self hypnosis as regularly as you can, even once you have achieved your goal. Practicing self hypnosis and listening to the recording regularly will empower you to commit to the changes you have made. We also have a selection of Hypnosis downloads that you might like to look through.
Think of it like an old nursery rhyme you once knew word for word. Years later, without regular practice, you may find that you cannot recall all of the words or the tune. If you had listened to it regularly it would have stayed fresh in your mind and would have easily been recalled. The suggestions given in trance will fade just like the nursery rhyme if you do not keep refreshing them via self hypnosis or listening to a hypnosis recording.
Are you searching for Hypnotherapy in Letchworth, or Hypnotherapy in Hertfordshire? Call us today on 01438 358174 to discuss your goals further.
