How does hypnosis actually work?
Hypnosis is a combination of the therapist, (me) and you working together using focused attention, the soaking up of ideas, expectancy and imagination. Hypnosis is essentially a frame of mind that can help us to change the way we think, feel and behave in a more positive way. A pathway to the future.
It gives you the opportunity to mentally rehearse new ways of thinking and behaving, safely in your own imagination with the guidance of the hypnotherapist so that you can carry these out in confidence in real life.
By combining CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) it further enhances its effectiveness. We work in the present moment not focused on the past but looking forward with realistic expectation and motivation.
I love the flexibility and creativity that comes from working with CBT Hypnotherapy I think it’s a hangover from my youth work days where you were always having to think on your feet and keep things interesting to make sure people continued to engage. Plus, I like changing things up, it keeps it interesting for me!
The link below gives a more detailed introduction to CBT Hypnotherapy and makes for an interesting read.
Is Hypnosis real?
Yes! But please rest assured what I do is nothing like the staged hypnosis you may have seen on TV. I certainly don’t waft a pendulum in front of you or make your head jerk forward onto your chest as you appear to lose consciousness. That has to hurt! Neither will I make you act like a chicken or bark like a dog
The truth is I can’t make you do anything in hypnosis you don’t want to. You are fully conscious, fully aware, and able to stop whenever you want. You are in control not me.
What I will do is direct you into hypnosis using induction and then get you to focus your attention so you can use the positive images and suggestions I give you. The induction is there purely to help you focus; it allows you to concentrate fully on the exercise we are doing so you get the best outcome. I may ask you to fix your eyes on a point on the ceiling or ask you to close your eyes and focus your attention on your body and you’re breathing. Not a wafting pendulum in site!
Many clients describe hypnosis as feeling like dreaming but knowing they are fully awake and are conscious of my voice guiding them through.
These are just a few of the comments from clients describing how they felt during hypnosis.
“The mind becomes empty except for focusing only on Heather’s voice, her words, and the mental images she asks you to envisage. It’s an escape from the day-to-day. Face & body become relaxed, and mind is calm. The feeling afterward is one of peace. Rejuvenation.
I look forward to our group sessions. It makes me feel supported. A safe space.”
Laura (Member of my monthly online group session)
“Hypnosis is its own unique thing. Deeper than relaxation, a vivid sense of being somewhere else, while being in control. I really love how it feels” Kat (1-1 Coaching Client).
The below link is a short read and contains supporting evidence for the effectiveness of hypnosis in helping with depression, anxiety, weight loss, and smoking cessation.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Almost anyone can be hypnotised if they want to be. There are some people who are naturally more easily hypnotised. There are some recognised traits which have been to show an increase in responsiveness, suggestibility, good imagination, high expectation, intelligence, motivation and patience. But with practice, anyone can get better at it.
There are some mental health disorders which would make you unsuitable for hypnotherapy and these would need to be discussed with your therapist at your initial consultation.
Self-hypnosis is a great way of taking what you have learnt during your session and practicing it yourself, so you are able to use it to help you in any situation or circumstance. It isn’t difficult once you know what to do.
Remember every day we are talking to ourselves with our inner voice and most of what we tell ourselves is not always helpful, but we listen to it and believe it. Now just think if you were to use your inner voice to give yourself positive suggestions, helpful suggestions, and you believed them. Well, that is a simple example of self-hypnosis and the real difference it can make. Why not give it a go!
Self-Hypnosis Technique
Here is a simple technique that can be followed at home and should take between 10-15 minutes. This exercise will help you to relax, feel calm and confident.
Find a room or space where you will not be disturbed.
To help prepare, pick a trigger word that will help you to begin to relax, e.g. calm, peaceful, or relax. Take a deep breath and repeat it in your mind.
Pick an affirmation or positive suggestion to repeat silently to yourself. Be sure to use your inner voice in a calm, confident and reassuring tone.
Pick a relaxing scene to use, it can be imaginary or a memory of a time you felt relaxed and happy.
Now make yourself comfortable, take a deep breath through your nose down into your tummy, allow your eyes to fall shut. Focus your mind on your breathing, the rise and fall of your tummy.
Take another deep breath in and hold it for a few seconds, as you breathe out repeat your trigger word to yourself and relax your whole body. Allow your breathing to return to normal.
Take another deep breath in again and hold it again for a few seconds. Focus on relaxing your body again more deeply.
Repeat your trigger word and again take another deep breath in and hold for a few seconds. As you breathe out, focus this time on relaxing your face, letting your eyes soften, your forehead relaxing, your jaw loosening and slackening, your facial expression neutral, vacant.
Smile gently to yourself, notice that pleasant relaxation can increase when you smile.
Take a moment to allow your breathing to settle into its own pattern. Scan your body for any remaining tension and remind yourself that you can breathe that out on your exhalation. Notice how calm and tranquil your mind feels.
Now imagine yourself or have the idea (it’s the idea that counts) that you are at the top of a flight of stairs and that with every step down you take you are going deeper into hypnosis. Count yourself down from ten to zero.
At the bottom of those steps picture yourself stepping into your relaxing scene. Imagine as if it was happening right now, what can you see, notice the colours, what sounds can you hear, what can you smell? Let go completely and enjoy the feeling of physical and mental calm. Again, smile gently to yourself.
Now, repeat your positive affirmation slowly to yourself, be aware of your tone of voice, mean what you say. Repeat it a few times to allow it to sink in.
Settle and enjoy the scene and feelings of calmness, relaxation, peacefulness and confidence you feel.
When you are ready count from 1-5 to emerge. Open your eyes and have a stretch.
