What happens in Hypnosis?
Hypnosis or Trance is a state of mind when our conscious awareness is altered. It’s very natural and safe, all of us go in and out of trance many times a day when we are concentrating on something, driving or watching telly. It’s similar to a day dream. During hypnosis the unconscious mind is more aware, open to suggestion and positive thoughts.
Hypnosis used in hypnotherapy is very different to what you may have seen on television. It’s not mind control. During hypnosis, you are still very much in control. You will have the ability to decide what suggestions and information is useful to you or not and you could not be convinced to do anything against your will. It’s an incredibly pleasant and relaxing experience. A special time where we can relax, reflect, and consolidate information, and utilise different parts of our brains for different activities.
What’s happening scientifically?
Over the course of the day, and night while we are sleeping, our brain wave activity changes all the time, influencing our feelings and behaviour. Brain wave activity and conscious awareness can be measured using an Electroencephalography or EEG. During Hypnosis, you are guided into a state of deep relaxation, using mental imagery, which causes a natural shift in the brain wave patterns. As you find yourself totally relaxed, the brain shows more alpha and deta wave activity. It’s in this lovey, hypnotic state of mind that we feel calm, can utilise our imagination, reflect on ideas and find solutions.
What can hypnotherapy help with?
Hypnotherapy can be used to treat and aid a wide range of problems. This is because most of our unwanted habits, behaviours and concerns are a result of increased anxiety; our “stress buckets” being too full. Hypnotherapy helps you control the emotional part of your mind, therefore spending more time in your “intellectual brain”. When this is achieved, you’ll be amazed how your fears, phobias, bad habits and even physical symptoms are reduced.
There are many research studies that show the effectiveness of hypnotherapy on Anxiety, Depression, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, PTSD, Chronic Pain, Weight loss, Fears and Phobias, Sleep Deprivation and Insomnia, Smoking Cessation, Improving Confidence and Motivation.