Hypnosis is a structured way of focusing attention and using agreed suggestions to change specific problems. People usually remain aware of what is happening and can choose whether to respond, pause or end the session.
It is often associated with deep relaxation, although relaxation is not essential and hypnosis is not the same as sleep. Many people feel as if they are comfortable and drifting similar to waking in the morning. Responses vary, so a responsible practitioner should discuss realistic aims rather than promise a particular result.
Hypnosis is commonly described as focused attention, reduced conscious awareness of some surrounding distractions and an increased capacity to respond to suggestion. A practitioner may use words, imagery and guided attention to help you become absorbed in an agreed idea or experience.
This does not mean that somebody has taken control of your mind. You remain an active participant and can reject suggestions that don't align with your goals.
Hypnosis describes the procedure the part that puts you into the hypnotic feeling or experience of focused attention and suggestion, . Hypnotherapy is the therapeutic donte withing the hypnosis to support an agreed aim. It may be used on its own or alongside another psychological or medical treatment.
Self-hypnosis uses similar attention and imagery skills without a practitioner present, often after a person has learned an approach in a session or through recordings.
A session should begin with a conversation about what you want help with, your relevant health history and what the practitioner proposes. You should be able to ask questions and agree goals.
The practitioner may invite you to concentrate on breathing, bodily sensations, an image, a sound or a spoken description. Some people feel deeply relaxed; others mainly notice that their attention has become more absorbed or even heightened.
Suggestions should relate to the aim you agreed. They may involve imagining a situation, rehearsing a response or considering a different way of interpreting an experience. They are invitations, not commands. Suggestions can be used to reframe the past and create focused suggestions for a positive future.
The practitioner will bring the exercise to a close and discuss what you noticed. Progress should be reviewed over time rather than assumed from how relaxed or “deep” the experience seemed. You will begin to notice the changes in daily life.
Hypnotherapy is useful to break bad habits and establish new positive habits. It is commonly used for to release bad habits such as smoking, drinking, cocaine, food addictions, cravings, sugar, broken sleep, stress, anxiety, ptsd. And is used to instill new confidence, public speaking, study success, exercise/ sport motivation, goal setting, relaxation, sleep improvements.
Hypnotherapy can compliament other treatments, such as coping with the emotional side of a health diagnosis or treatment.
Yes, hypnotherapy with a qualified therapist is considered low risk when used appropriately. Tell the practitioner about relevant physical or mental-health conditions and any treatment you are receiving. Ask a GP or relevant healthcare professional before starting if you are unsure, and do not stop medication or other treatment without speaking to the clinician responsible for your care.
Choose a hypnotherapist from the National Hypnotherapy Society which is acredited by the Profesional Standards authority In the UK. Check qualifications, relevant experience and professional accountability.
No. People are generally aware and able to communicate, even when they feel deeply relaxed.
People vary in how readily they become absorbed and respond to suggestions. Everyone will experience hypnotherapy in their own way.
Yes. You remain able to speak, reject a suggestion, pause or end the exercise.
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