Hypnotherapy
comes from the Greek word Hypnos, meaning “sleep.” Hypnotherapists use exercises that bring about deep relaxation and an altered state of consciousness, also known as a trance. A person in a deeply focused state is unusually responsive to an idea or image, but this does not mean that a hypnotist can control the person’s mind and free will. On the contrary, hypnosis can actually teach people how to master their own states of awareness and by doing so they can affect their own bodily functions and psychological responses.
When something happens to us, we remember it and learn a particular behaviour in response to what happened. Each time something similar happens, our physical and emotional reactions attached to the memory are repeated. In some cases these reactions are unhealthy. In some forms of hypnotherapy, a trained therapist guides you to remember the event that led to the first reaction, separate the memory from the learned behaviour, and replace unhealthy behaviours with new, healthier ones.
NeuroLinguistic Programming (NLP)
NeuroLinguistic Programming describes the fundamental dynamics between mind (neuro) and language (linguistic) and how their interplay affects our body and behaviour (programming). NLP is the technique used whilst in that state of hypnosis to create change.
How does Hypnotherapy work?
During hypnosis, your body relaxes and your thoughts become more focused. Like other relaxation techniques, hypnosis lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and changes certain types of brain wave activity. In this relaxed state, you will feel at ease physically yet fully awake mentally and may be highly responsive to suggestion. If you are trying to quit smoking, for example, a therapist’s suggestion may help convince you that you will not like the taste of cigarettes in the future. Some people respond better to hypnotic suggestion than others.
There are several stages of Hypnosis:
.Reframing the problem
.Becoming relaxed, then absorbed (deeply engaged in the words or images presented by a hypnotherapist)
.Dissociating (letting go of critical thoughts)
.Responding (complying with a hypnotherapist’s suggestions)
.Returning to usual awareness
.Reflecting on the experience
What conditions can Hypnotherapy help with?
Examples of problems or conditions that may respond to hypnotherapy include:
.Irritable bowel syndrome
.Tension headaches
.Alopecia
.Asthma
.Phobias
.Insomnia
.Addictions
.Bedwetting
.Fibromyalgia
.Labour and delivery – see Hypno-Birth for more details
.Skin disorders [such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema (atopic dermatitis)]
.Stress
.Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
.Cancer-related pain
.Weight loss – see Hypno-Slim page for more details
.Eating disorders
.Warts
.Indigestion (dyspepsia)
For further information please contact Debbie