What is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

"...a free period in which individuality can flourish"

This is how one of the most famous of the pioneering hypnotists, Milton Erickson, described the state of hypnosis - and who is to argue with him?

Given that some early practitioners in the 1700's donned glittery capes and acted like wizards, and in view of some of the antics of stage hypnotists, it is hardly surprising that people worry that hypnosis involves either the Occult or the paranormal or is a type of mind control.

The answer to the headline question is a little more mundane, and capes, pendulums and spinning discs need not be used for hypnotherapy! Click on the images below to stop them.

"Challenge your preconceptions about hypnosis..."

Hypnosis has been likened to the relaxed, dreamy state that we all go through in the moments just before falling asleep and just before waking up. It is an altered state of consciousness in which perceptions are actually heightened.

Think of a radio

As it is tuned in all the static and unwanted signals are filtered out until you are left with one clear voice. In the same way, as you relax in hypnosis all your attention to external noises, all thoughts of shopping lists and mental 'to do' lists fade away and finally, FINALLY you have a period of peace and calm in your hectic day.

In hypnosis we are aware of as much or as little as we want to be aware of. At times the mind will wander off (- do you remember what it was to stare out of the window at school and actually daydream?).

Although it is usual for another person to talk directly to you, the hypnotist once he has helped you relax, will address his comments to your 'unconscious mind'. The unconscious is that part of the mind that has been likened to the 'automatic pilot' - that part of your mind that has driven your car safely past three motorways turnoffs whilst 'you' have been otherwise occupied singing along to the radio (- had anythng happended that had needed your attention it would have alerted you straight away). It is where all your memories and experiences are securely stored. The unconscious mind also monitors and controls the biological mechanisms that run in the background, which safeguard your continuing wellbeing.

The 'Conscious mind' is the 'Executive', the logical, thoughtful decision-maker - the part of you that will take immediate action, should any emergency, like a smoke alarm going off, arise during hypnosis.

In hypnosis the conscious mind is happy to take a 'back seat' and allow the therapist to talk directly to the unconscious, safe in the knowledge that it can intervene at any point if it so chooses. In this way it can be said that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis as you allow yourself to be hypnotised.

Hypnotherapy is not to be confused with stage hypnotism, as all therapy work is discussed and agreed beforehand - there are definately no surprises.