Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. It does however involve the induction of a trance-like condition, but when in it, the patient is actually in a heightened state of awareness (HSA), concentrating entirely on the hypnotherapist's voice.
In this state, the conscious mind is suppressed and the inner-conscious mind is revealed.
The hypnotherapist is able to suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle adaptations to the patient, the seeds of which become firmly planted.

How does Hypnosis work?

Hypnosis works by altering our state of consciousness in such a way that the analytical left-hand side of the brain is turned off, while the non-analytical right-hand side is made more alert. The conscious control of the mind is inhibited, and the inner-conscious mind awoken. Since the inner-conscious mind is a deeper-seated, more instinctive force than the conscious mind, this is the part which has to change for the patient's behaviour and physical state to alter.

For example, a patient who consciously wants to overcome their fear of spiders may try everything they consciously can to do it, but will still fail as long as their inner-conscious mind retains this terror and prevents the patient from succeeding. Progress can only be made by reprogramming the inner-conscious mind so that deep-seated instincts and beliefs are abolished or altered.

What form might the treatment take?

Firstly, any misconceptions a potential patient may have about hypnosis should be dispelled. The technique does not involve the patient being put into a deep sleep, and the patient cannot be made to do anything they would not ordinarily do. They remain fully aware of their surroundings and situation, and are not vulnerable to every given command of the hypnotherapist. The important thing is that the patient wants to change some behavioural habit or addiction and is highly motivated to do so. They have to want the treatment to work and must establish a good clinical rapport with the therapist in order for it to do so……

Hypnotism is a totally natural state of mind. When under hypnosis you will feel very relaxed, just like that wonderful feeling when you are tired lying in your bed and you are so overcome with comfort that you wish the moment could last forever. Through simple hypnotic, relaxation techniques you can easily attain this state at which time it becomes easy, with the help of a trained hypnotherapist to visualise yourself becoming healthier, happier, and more confident.