Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

Something we do Naturally

Being in hypnosis is entirely natural and is something we do every day, usually without realising. It is synonymous with a particular type of brainwave pattern called theta, one of three types associated with relaxation, delta being related to sleep and alpha with light relaxation.

Hypnosis without even realising

Daydreaming, or being deeply engaged in a book or film and unaware of time passing are both forms of hypnosis.

Most people have experienced a time when they have driven somewhere but cannot recall the journey. They were on ‘automatic pilot', in a mild trance, and yet were driving perfectly safely and would have switched into full awareness had the road conditions called upon them to do so.

Another time which is similar to hypnosis is that short period just before going to sleep when the body is relaxed but the mind still alert.

So who is in Control?

There are many misconceptions about the nature of hypnosis which are encouraged by stage shows where it looks as if the subjects are in the control of the hypnotist. Sometimes I even have clients who expect me to knock them out, make them better and wake them up again.

But it’s not really like that

At Life Changes now we want to put the emphasis on the word ‘control’. We can’t make you do or say anything. What we can do is help you learn to relax, perhaps deeper than you’ve ever done so before, and show you how to use that relaxed state to make the changes you want. We guide, we show you tools, but ultimately you are responsible for, and control, the work.

Hypnosis is entirely voluntary. No one can be hypnotised against their will. The hypnotherapist is simply a guide. Sometimes there is a fear of getting ‘stuck' in hypnosis, but as you are in control you will know that you can open your eyes at any time.

Hypnosis is not sleep, nor does it entail a loss of consciousness. There is no loss of awareness. You will not do or say anything if you do not want to.

Whilst everyone will experience hypnosis differently, most people find that they feel very relaxed. Then with the guidance of the therapist they are able to focus on their issues in new and positive ways.

So how does Hypnotherapy work?

When you’re in hypnosis, your conscious mind is less active; it’s as if it is slightly off to one side, although still watching out for you (If someone shouted ‘fire!’ you would immediately return to full awareness and take the appropriate action).

This means that in hypnosis the subconscious is more accessible. So that with the guidance of the hypnotherapist you are able to achieve a greater understanding of your issues and start to find new ways of thinking, feeling and behaving.

Many of us, at one time or another, have unresolved difficulties, habits or symptoms. But however hard we consciously try to change, something seems to stop us from being or behaving the way we really want. This is because the subconscious has a different agenda from what we consciously desire, and unless changes can be made at that deeper level, it will nearly always get its way.

One of our clients gave the following report of their hypnotherapy experience:-

Prior to contacting Liz I had been suffering from feelings of anger, low esteem and hopelessness. These feelings were affecting the way I lived my life. It took just three sessions with Liz to help find the root of these feelings, and by applying different methods of hypnotherapy we were able to bring about the positive changes that I so badly needed.

It is important to remember that all parts of the mind are trying to work for our benefit even if it doesn’t always seem that way. Understanding the underlying purpose of the unwanted habit or behaviour is an important part of preparing the mind for change.

Not only Problems but also Enhancing Life Experience

Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of psychological, emotional and physical difficulties. These can be specific issues such as phobias and weight gain or more general problems like stress, lack of confidence or even quite vague feelings of uncertainty and dissatisfaction with life.

Hypnotherapy is not always about problems. It can be an effective way to enhance skills or improve sports performance.

Hypnotherapy is also about self understanding and through the teaching of self-hypnosis can be used regularly for relaxation and coping with the ups and downs of modern life.

Side Effects

The only side effects are positive ones. Clients frequently find that in addition to addressing whatever problem they are seeking to resolve, they generally feel more relaxed and happier about themselves.