What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness induced by a hypnotherapist, in which one can access creativity, retrace certain inhibitions, reprogrammed patterns and work with pain relief.
Healing by trance state (or an altered state of awareness) is among the oldest phenomena known to man and is found, in one form or another, in virtually every culture throughout the world. It could also be legitimately described as the original psychological therapy and somewhat more contentiously, as the basis for many of the more recent styles of psychological intervention.
Who may benefit from Hypnotherapy?
The answer to this question is “virtually everyone”.
Given that hypnotherapy can be utilised to access a person’s inner potential and that probably no one is performing to their actual potential, then this answer is literally true. However, it is not just potential which Hypnotherapy is well placed to address but also one’s inner resources to effect beneficial change. In this regard, it is the innate healing capacity of our own body that may be stimulated by Hypnotherapy.
Consequently, the list of problems that may be amenable to Hypnotherapy is far too long and varied to catalogue but certainly includes:
- stress
- anxiety
- panic
- phobias
- unwanted habits and addictions (e.g. smoking, overeating, alcoholism)
- disrupted sleep patterns
- lack of confidence and low self-esteem
- fear of examinations
- public speaking,
- allergies
- skin disorders
- migraine
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Additionally, it has proved of value within surgery, where normal anaesthetics have not been practical, in the wider sphere of pain management and in the areas of both sporting and artistic performance enhancement.
As an adjunct to other counselling techniques, it can also assist in helping to resolve relationship difficulties and be useful within anger management strategies.
What happens in a hypnotherapy session?
The initial task of the therapist is to establish rapport with the client. This involves encouraging the client to talk about his or her concerns. The therapist would spend time with the client first to take a clinical history. As well as establishing a clinical record, the discussion contributes to building trust and confidence between the therapist and the client. Feeling safe, comfortable and secure with the therapist helps the induction of a hypnotic trance.
Goals for therapy are discussed and agreed and a full explanation of hypnosis is provided. Any questions or misconceptions about hypnosis would also be dealt with.
There are many different ways of achieving trance state. Usually, you lie in a reclining chair or couch and the therapist talks to you in a slow and soothing voice. You may be asked to imagine or visualise walking down a country lane, or stare at a fixed point or listen to the sound of the therapist's voice. Suggestions for relaxation may also be given. To deepen the trance, the therapist may count you down from 10 to 1 or ask you to imagine walking down a flight of stairs. You will feel very relaxed but still aware of your surroundings
Is it safe?
Although there remain many other areas of human suffering in which Hypnotherapy may bring relief, there are instances in which it may not be a good idea. These could include some manifestations of depressive illness, epilepsy, psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia) and some breathing problems.
Your therapist
Alan Bagley is a certified NLP Master Practitioner, Health & Success Coach, Hypnotherapist and Neuro Linguistic Hypnotherapist*. His certificate is granted by licence from the Society of NLP, formed in 1979 by Richard Bandler and John Grinder. It is the first and largest NLP certification, training, validation and quality control organisation in the world.
As a NLP Master Practitioner Alan is someone who has learned to use the attitudes, principles and techniques of NLP as they are intended to be used, by its creator, for himself and with others.
(*Neuro-Linguistic Hypnotherapy™, a unique blend of NLP, Hypnosis and Coaching skills.)