Hypnotherapy

What is Hypnotherapy

• A relaxed, focused state of concentration, where the conscious mind is at rest and the subconscious is accessed to allow for real and lasting change to be made
• A state that the brain enters into making it more receptive to suggestion
• A time when the mind is very open to visualisations creating a rich sensory experience
• Hypnosis involves a change in brain wave activity, similar to the time just before sleep
• An ideal base for the therapeutic treatment of a range of conditions by a skilled therapist

The Origins of Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis has been practiced in one form or another throughout all of recorded history. Many historians can trace it back to the records kept in ancient temples of the early Egyptians. In the 20th century, however, Milton Erickson became consensually known as the ‘father of modern hypnotherapy.’ Employing his method involves taking into account the personal experiences, thought processing style, and frames of reference when developing a treatment plan. Treatment involves helping the subject alter their perception of events and their evaluation of those events and other interactions. The work also focuses extensively on accessing the subconscious thought processes, as well as observation of non-verbal communication patterns. Despite many variations having been made on his work to date, his basic theories are still the cornerstone of modern hypnotherapy.

How Hypnotherapy Works

Conscious thought usually works hand-in-hand with the subconscious when thinking of how to resolve problems, what to say etc. The subconscious constructs ideas and plans and forwards them to the conscious for consideration. New ideas have already been thought through by the subconscious. The subconscious also takes care of everything we think we do automatically. It is the part of you that processes physical information that the body receives before it is acknowledged by the conscious.

Hypnosis is believed to be a way to access the subconscious mind directly through bringing about relaxation of the subject and introducing a focus on the inner state. The subconscious is key in influencing thoughts and behaviour. Although the conscious evaluates a lot of these thoughts, it the subconscious which can colour the interpretation and influence responses and behaviour. By communicating directly with the subconscious part of the mind, it is possible using hypnosis to exert influence on thought and behavioural patterns, allowing for positive and lasting change at a deeper level of functioning.

Research into brain wave activity during hypnosis confirms this through the display of increased lower frequency waves, associated with brain wave activity during sleep, when the conscious mind is less active. Studies of the cerebral cortex has also shown increased activity of the right hemisphere of the brain which is associated with the creative subconscious.

The System of Training and Accreditation

Although there is no single regulatory body for Hypnotherapy, qualified hypnotherapists who complete a diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy through a recognised organisation are eligible for accreditation through the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council and registration on the General Hypnotherapy Register.

There is also an increasing move toward voluntary self-regulation and the formation of a unitary National Register, and a working group is currently working toward furthering this aim this aim. Further steps to full regulation of the hypnotherapy profession is also being taken by the UKCHO United Kingdom Confederation of Hypnotherapy Organisations in consultation with the Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health.

At present however, the main UK register of Hypnotherapy practitioners remains the General Hypnotherapy Register, validated through registration with the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council.

What Conditions Can Hypnotherapy Help With?

Almost everyone can benefit from Hypnotherapy as it can be used to access a person’s inner potential. It is also well placed to address inner resources to help beneficial change, and a range of behavioural, performance and anxiety related problems can be treated. The full list of problems that have been successfully treated using hypnotherapy is vast, and some of the conditions for which hypnotherapy is sought include:

• Anxiety
• Smoking Cessation
• Alcoholism
• Allergies
• Headaches
• Dental Treatments
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Childbirth
• Extreme Nervousness
• Insomnia/Sleep Disorder
• Sexual Problems
• Sports Performance
• Pain Management
• Phobias or Morbid Fears
• Self Confidence
• Increased Assertiveness
• Increased Enthusiasm
• Elimination of Habits (Nail biting, etc)
• Extreme Guilt
• Depression
• Ego Strengthening
• Weight Reduction
• Stammering/Stuttering

This is by no means a definitive list as a number of other conditions can also be treated through the use of Hypnotherapy. It has also proved of value within surgery, where normal anaesthetics have not been practical. Combined with other counselling techniques, it can also assist in helping to resolve relationship difficulties and can also be useful within anger management strategies.

Where necessary Hypnotherapists work closely with other healthcare professionals such as doctors, sports therapists, and dieticians in order to develop a complete and targeted treatment plan for the client in order to maximize positive impact.

Areas of specialisation include panic & anxiety disorders, phobias, sleep disorders, confidence-building & ego strengthening, overcoming addictions (including smoking cessation), performance anxiety and weight reduction.

The Truth About Hypnosis – Myths Expelled
Hypnosis can be an important tool to change the way your mind views your world. Qualified hypnotherapists know how to gently release blocks and fears, and create a new inner belief that will set the wheels in motion to make changes in the way you think, feel and behave.
There are some common misconceptions about what hypnosis does… the following aims to address some of them….

Hypnotherapy is the same as stage hypnosis

False

While some stage hypnotists are very skilled in the techniques of hypnosis and these techniques are similar to those used in clinical hypnotherapy, the applications are very different. Hypnotherapy is used for therapeutic gain, not entertainment.

Everyone can be hypnotized

False

Not everyone can be hypnotised. No one can be hypnotised against their will.

When you’re under hypnosis, you ‘lose control.’

False

Hypnosis is a heightened state of concentration and focused attention. When you’re under hypnosis, you don’t lose your personality, your free will or your personal strength. You go into a trance because you want to, the hypnotherapist is merely the facilitator or guide.

Hypnosis is dangerous

False

Hypnosis is safe and natural.

Hypnosis can cure everything

False

Hypnosis is very powerful and can cure, or aid in the relief of many problems. It is not however, the answer for everything. Hypnosis is a powerful, natural tool we all have available to us to help improve our lives in a great many ways.

Only weak minded people can be hypnotised

False

Any willing person who can concentrate on what is being suggested can be hypnotised.

Under hypnosis, you lose consciousness and have amnesia, or fall asleep

A small number of people who go into a very deep hypnotic state experience spontaneous amnesia. However, most people remember everything that occurred under hypnosis. If you are asleep, you are not under hypnosis.

You can get ‘stuck’ in hypnosis

False

Hypnosis is the accessing of naturally occurring states. You will always come out of this state.

Interesting articles and links:

Evidence for Hypnotherapy

Radio 4 hometruths

BBC health article