What is Hypnotherapy?

What is it?

So what is Hypnotherapy?  Hypno or Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of mind. Everyone has already experienced hypnosis, by accident or by design. We use this commonly occurring ,and natural state of mind, unknowingly, all the time. It is just natural for us. For example, if you have ever watched a television program or movie and become really absorbed in the program, you were most likely in a light trance. This trance is what caused you to not hear your mother telling you that dinner was ready, until she raised her voice for the third time. Advertisers understand this. They use television programs to induce a hypnotic trance and then provide you hypnotic suggestions, called commercials! Hypnosis is a state of inner absorption, concentration and focused attention.  Therapy is defined as a helpful remediation and treatment of a health problem.

What it’s not?

A lot of people have a misconception of the word hypnosis, the magical pendulum watch, being swayed side to side, or the stage hypnotists making you do some ridiculous or funny act. Hypnosis is being more and more accepted in the medical world of today to treat all sorts of problems and issues with some outstanding results. Hypnotherapy is a very safe and effective therapy that is gaining more acceptance as ongoing clinical trials and research provide evidence that the brain really does respond when in a trance state.

What does it feel like?

Everyone has experienced trance many times, but we don’t usually call it hypnosis. All of us have been so absorbed in thought – for example while driving a car on a motorway, your mind has wondered off on what you have to do that day, but you were kept safe and did not crash because your unconscious mind took over to keep you safe. This is called highway hypnosis.

How does it work?

We have two levels of consciousness, the conscious and subconscious mind. We make decisions, think and act with the conscious mind. The subconscious mind controls all our habits, our emotions and feelings. The Hypnotherapist allows you to connect to the subconscious part of your mind and it is during this stage that long lasting change can occur. It is important to understand that all Hypnosis is self Hypnosis, and therefore you are in control at all times.  Its important to understand that your hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you don’t want to do and if a suggestions is put forward that you don’t like or want, you will reject it. Through repetition and reinforcement you will find that the neural pathways of your brain start to change and take on board your new habits.

Is it safe?

It is similar to meditation, visualisation or day dreaming.  You are aware and in control at all times, you can speak and can awaken any time you wish by just opening your eyes. It is a consent state and you will only go as deeply into this state as you are comfortable.

Can everyone be hypnotised?

Most people can be hypnotised to some degree, however only if you want to be as hypnosis is a consent state. Typically 20% of people will experience deep hypnosis, 60% mid level and 20% light hypnosis. Minors under the age of 18 need to have parental approval.

What to be aware of when choosing a therapist?    

Unfortunately at this point in time the hypnotherapy industry is not regulated which means that anyone can do a weekend course and set up business as a Hypnotherapist.  However there are a number of Hypnotherapy Associations around the world which provide a set of standards, ethics and developmental programs to therapists who join their association.  The AHA is the Australian Hypnotherapy Association and has been the premier association for hypnotherapy and hypnotherapists since 1949.

Registration with such a professional body reflects a hypnotherapist’s willingness to demonstrate to the public a strong desire to be accountable. Membership requires the business is properly insured, that the therapists have an up to date blue card/police check to allow them to work with children, have an up to date First Aid Certificate and acquire Professional Development Points through training and peer/supervision reviews each year.  Registration is the only formal process that members of the public can rely on in relation to standards and accountability.  So check to make sure the therapist you choose is a member of such an association.