What is Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses hypnosis to help people make positive changes in their thoughts, feelings, and or behaviors. 

It's important that my clients know what happens when they are in a hypnotic state in a therapy session.

Every therapist's pre-hypnotic talk will differ. 

I would start by asking, what do you know about hypnotherapy?

You may have been to a stage show or seen a hypnotic show on television. That is not what I do.

Hypnotherapy is often used to help with issues such as anxiety, stress, phobias, quitting smoking, weight management,  sleep struggles / insomnia,  and confidence building.  

Is Hypnosis Safe?

Hypnotherapy is a safe and controlled process, where you remain in control while also becoming very relaxed.

You will be aware of what is happening, and that is exactly how it should be. The control is with you.

You may be able to remember everything I say afterwards.

You can never be made to say, or do, anything you don't want. If I or anyone else were to give you suggestions that you don't morally approve of, you would reject them or come out of hypnosis.

What is a Hypnotic Trance State?

When you are in a relaxed state, your subconscious mind is more open to the suggestions spoken by the hypnotherapist.

You are able to hear everything during the hypnosis session.

You may be asked to visualise certain images, such as a mountain, a forest, or a river. However, if you can't visualise because you are more auditory (hearing) or prefer to connect to feelings, that is fine. I can work with all your senses to hear, see, touch, feel, smell, and taste.

Your body may experience a feeling of being 'light' or 'heavy'; this is perfectly normal. Time may appear to pass more quickly, and most of the time, you will feel you are able to open your eyes if you want to. But because you are in such a relaxed state, it will usually feel more comfortable to keep them closed.

If you experience your eyelids flickering, that is perfectly normal too.

After the hypnosis session, the only difference you may be aware of is feeling more relaxed than usual.