Perceive To Achieve

What is Hypnosis?  Hypnosis has been given various definitions. No one has discovered exactly how it works, only the effect can be described. The trance state is a naturally occuring, safe state of mind. It is experienced by most people many times, although they may not have called it hypnosis. When absorbed reading a book and not noticing day to day activities going on around you. When engrossed in doing something and not noticing how much time has passed. When driving immersed in your thoughts and not recollecting part of the journey. These are hypnotic-like trances, the main difference being that when in hypnosis guided by a therapist the trance is chanelled to achieve a goal. Hypnosis is not a form of sleep, although a person in a trance often appears to be asleep. In fact the opposite is true. The brain wave patterns of people in hypnosis show alert wakefulness. As each person experiences hypnotic phenomena in their own way, descriptions differ depending on their unique perspectives and perceptions. The reason many people don't believe they have been hypnotised the first time or two is that the hypnotic experience is not a unique one, and the feeling of absorption may feel familiar. I and many experts agree that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

What is Hypnotherapy?  In hypnotherapy you are guided by your therapist to develop your trance state. In the hypnotic state suggestions are acted upon much more powerfully than is possible under normal conditions. The power of conscious criticism is suppressed. The focus of attention is narrower and your level of awareness on a focal point is much higher. During this heightened focus and awareness suggestions from your therapist go straight into the sub-conscious mind. 

Is Hypnosis dangerous?  With a professionally trained therapist there is no danger in hypnosis. It is impossible to get 'stuck' and although there is a common belief that 'secrets' will be divulged, this is not true. The therapist has no power to control the client and the emphasis is on guiding the client during therapeutic work. You cannot be made to do anything which is against your moral or ethical code.

Who can be hypnotised?   My belief is that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis therefore anybody can be guided into a state of therapeutic hypnosis as long as:

All that is really needed from the client is the ability to concentrate, and the willingness to trust and work with the therapist.

What does it feel like to be in Hypnosis?  There are no specific feelings that let you know you are in hypnosis, however, generally people feel deeply physically relaxed. However, although the body is deeply physically relaxed the mind is generally more alert and sensitive, and the individual is aware of what they experience.

Is it like stage Hypnosis?  Therapeutic / Clinical Hypnosis is completely different from stage Hypnosis. Stage Hypnosis is used for entertainment purposes and is for the benefit of the audience. Therapeutic / Clinical Hypnosis is used to help people with a wide range of problems in a way that is safe and appropriate - it is for their benefit.