Why do people worry about hypnosis?

Most people’s understanding of hypnosis is not based on experience. They have seen a show, been told about one, or just picked up impressions from jokes they’ve heard. These usually involve volunteers clucking like chickens, dancing with brooms, or singing like Tina Turner. And none of this would inspire you to look at hypnosis as a way of dealing with personal problems! 

The fictional version of the hypnotist is just as bad. From Kaa the Snake (‘Jungle Book’) onwards, I have never yet seen a film or read a book in which the hypnotist was the good guy. (If you find one, by the way, drop me a line. I want to read it!)

In fact, although I guide people into hypnosis on a regular basis, I don’t have revolving or multi-coloured eyes. And I’m not bent on world domination (although getting the kids to clean their rooms would be nice).

What does trance feel like?

People’s experiences do very, but contrary to popular myth, hypnosis is not the same as being asleep. If you are asleep, you don’t know what’s going on around you. Anything obvious enough for you to notice wakes you up.

In trance, you generally stay aware of your surroundings, although background noises may not notice much. Your body might feel heavier or lighter than usual and you will probably feel wonderfully relaxed.

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy

The difference between hypnosis and hypnotherapy is the therapy element. Hypnotists on stage and therapists both use hypnosis but only therapists offer hypnotherapy. Once you’re in hypnosis, many therapists work with the idea of a conscious and unconscious mind (though some use different terms for them). Your conscious mind is the rational one that you’re aware of when you’re thinking. Your unconscious mind is behind it and acts a bit like an attic. It stores all your life experience (at least in theory), but it’s not always easy to find what you need!

Experiences or beliefs in the unconscious can be negative or positive. Hypnotherapy helps you to use identify and release any unwanted negative beliefs, and use your positive resources to resolve problems. In very broad terms, it’s a way of bypassing the part of your mind that says “I’d like to … but I can’t”.

Hypnotherapy excels in resolving problems where this type of conflict is involved: smoking, phobias, stress reduction, motivation and weight control. It’s a fairly rapid therapy (though rarely instant) and most people need only a few sessions to see a result.

Hypnosis and mind control

Hypnosis is not mind control. If it was, all hypnotherapists would have a 100% success rate in one session! All I’d need to do is click my fingers and say ‘don’t’ and that would be it. But life isn’t like that. If I suggested you should rob a bank and send me the proceeds, for example, you’re unlikely to do it! If I suggest that you see yourself as a permanent non-smoker, it works because it’s what you want.

Going right back to where we started, this point about mind control is also true of stage hypnotism. Volunteers who are not open to the idea of going along with a few silly suggestions do not agree to go on stage. The same goes for hypnotherapy. If you don’t believe it can help you, it probably won’t. You’ll resist going into trance or reject the suggestions just to prove yourself right.

But if you do approach it with an open mind, and a willingness to give it your best, it can perform the odd minor miracle.

Want to give it a try? I offer relaxation sessions and therapy using hypnosis, so get in touch.