What is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?
As a qualified, Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist with practices at The Centre of the Hills, in Malvern, The Regency Practice in Cheltenham and Bedford Consulting Rooms in Bedford, I help people from all walks of life overcome a range of issues and problems that have been holding them back from living fulfilling personal or professional lives.
Quite often, people turn to me because standard medical approaches and conventional methods of treatment have not produced the desired result or because sheer will power alone hasn’t quite done the trick and naturally – especially given the dramatic portrayal of hypnosis by Hollywood - I’m often asked what hypnosis actually is, how safe it is, and whether it can really help people deal with what can sometimes feel like deeply personal or seemingly insurmountable problems.
So, to help put your mind at ease, allow me to answer many of the questions that you might have, and when you feel fully confident that I can help you, please give me a call on 07824 554418 or send an email to
What is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a naturally-occurring, altered state of awareness. Hypnosis itself is not a treatment, but it enables a mental state that can facilitate a variety of treatment strategies. Hypnosis is a form of highly focused attention coupled with dissociation (in hypnosis the term “dissociation” is used to describe the ability to detach, separate or disconnect – like the splitting off of a group of mental processes from the main body of consciousness). Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy in which the use of hypnosis forms the core aspect of the treatment.
Which Problems Does Hypnotherapy Address?
Hypnotherapy is used to treat a variety of medical and psychological problems and can help with:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Stress management
- Panic attacks/panic disorder
- Phobias
- Smoking
- Weight management
- Pain management
- IBS
- Skin problems
- Psychogenic infertility
- Assertiveness
- Sports performance
- Snoring
- Insomnia
- Nail biting
- Erythrophobia (fear of blushing)
- Nocturnal enuresis (bed-wetting)
- Stammering
- Bruxism (grinding and/or clenching teeth)
- Dystonia
- Asthma
- Tinnitus
How Does Hypnosis Work?
There are many theories as to how hypnosis works and research suggests that hypnosis is an altered state of awareness that allows positive, beneficial suggestions to be directly “planted” into your uncritical subconscious mind, bypassing the more critical faculties of your conscious mind. The very spirit of hypnosis is reflected in the belief that people are usually more resourceful than they think they are: it is through hypnosis that meaningful possibilities can be created.
This altered state of awareness or consciousness is largely characterized by a state of suggestibility, showing an increased ability to produce desirable changes in motivation, habits, lifestyle, health, perception and behavior as well as modifying physical sensation – often used in pain relief.
What is a ‘Trance State’?
Perhaps surprisingly, we experience trance states (altered states of awareness) and have hypnotic experiences routinely during the course of our lives. Even drifting into sleep involves a kind of trance state. Experiencing hypnosis is similar, but hypnosis is not sleep: it is a narrowing of the focus of attention and is usually underpinned by a pleasant feeling of deep relaxation. You might say that a trance state is to consciousness what a telephoto lens is to a camera.
Is Everyone Hypnotizable?
The overwhelming majority of people will respond at some level to hypnosis. The likelihood is that hypnotherapy can help you if you’re looking to make changes in your life.
Is Hypnotherapy Safe?
Yes, it’s completely safe. Hypnotherapy is an entirely natural treatment with no unpleasant side-effects.
Will I Remain in Control?
Yes, absolutely. You cannot be hypnotised against your will and even when hypnotised you can still reject any suggestion and bring yourself out of trance whenever you want. In fact, you are always in total control from start to finish, willingly choosing to enter into trance as well as choosing to accept the beneficial and positive suggestions I make, to help you regain control over the issues and problems that are holding you back.
Are the Benefits of Hypnotherapy Permanent?
When carried out by a professionally trained and qualified hypnotherapist the benefits of hypnotherapy can be long lasting and are often permanent.
How do I Choose a Hypnotherapist?
Even though hypnosis has been recognised by the British Medical Association since 1955, in the UK there is, as yet, no legal requirement for hypnotherapists to undertake any formal training or join any professional organization. So make sure that whoever you choose to help you is a qualified hypnotherapist who has successfully helped people with similar problems to yours. You can find a qualified, registered, Clinical Hypnotherapist at the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH).
I qualified in Clinical Hypnotherapy at the London College of Clinical Hypnosis; am a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) and a Member of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) where I am registered as a Clinical Hypnotherapist, holding Diplomate Status.
I’m also registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
For full details of my qualifications visit the About Me page.
