What is hypnosis or hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a method of inducing a very relaxed, dream like state in order to treat psychological or physical symptoms. It has been used in various forms for many years, across many different cultures. Hypnosis is generally used as a part of psychological, medical or dental treatment, rather than being a therapy in its own right. It can be used as a tool with other therapies such as cognitive therapy, interpersonal therapy, and anxiety reduction techniques. Andrew Mitchell (Psychologist) at our practice is able to tailor the integration of hypnosis with other treatment modalities to suit each client’s individual needs.

What can it be used for
Hypnosis has been used to effectively treat a range of concerns including:

• Anxiety and phobias
• Chronic pain
• Stopping challenging habits such as smoking, nail biting, teeth grinding etc
• Insomnia or sleep disturbances
• Panic attacks
• Improving self-confidence or performance
• Physical health problems such as high blood pressure, and preparation for childbirth

Can everyone be hypnotised?
Most people are reasonably open to hypnotic suggestion and can therefore be hypnotised. There is a small percentage of the population who are very easy to hypnotise, and a small percentage of the population who are not responsive to hypnosis. Generally speaking, people with certain characteristics are more open to hypnosis, including those with a good imagination or degree of creativity, and those with an ability to concentrate and maintain mental focus.

What does it feel like?
A hypnotic trance or state often occurs naturally and spontaneously in our everyday lives, such as when you are “day dreaming” or when you have been absorbed in a task and don’t realise how much time has passed. Hypnosis is the deliberate induction of an altered state of awareness – it is not the same as sleep. Most people report feeling extremely relaxed during hypnosis; however people very rarely fall asleep during hypnosis. It is described as similar to the dreamy feeling you have just before falling asleep, although you are alert and aware of your surroundings. Hypnosis can be induced with a variety of methods which generally involve the use of imagery, such as imagining a peaceful scene, or focussing on a physical sensation.

Will I still be in control?
A hypnotherapist can only induce a state of hypnosis or trance in people who want to be hypnotised. The therapist does not control what a person will do when they are hypnotised. During the session, a hypnotherapist will often make suggestions for improving or changing your situation; however these suggestions will only be effective if they are acceptable to you. In other words, you cannot be made to do anything against your will. Clients who choose to enter a state of hypnosis remain in control of their actions and are also able exit or stop the hypnotic trance at any stage.