Forget those Hypnosis Myths!

You are getting very sleepy …. “ According to TV, hypnosis involves a tuxedo-clad magician, dangling a pocket watch in front of somebody’s eyes. Once the victim has sucuumbed, they find themselves doing all sorts of strange and bizarre things - barking like a dog, or starting to dance every time a certain word is said. Is it any wonder most people are sceptical or even fearful, when they hear that hypnotherapy is a tool which has been embraced by the field of psychology? While research remains ongoing, evidence already supports the efficacy of hypnotherapy for helping people with:

• managing pain (yes, even during labour!);
• anxiety and depression;
• weight loss;
• insomnia;
• trauma;
• stress;
• and addictions.

Despite popular belief, you do not go to sleep during hypnotherapy. Rather, hypnosis induces a very relaxed state known as a trance. It’s probably not surprising then, that it can be particularly helpful if you are suffering from high levels of stress! During hypnosis, you are still in full control of both your mind and body; you are not under anybody else’s power. Hypnosis cannot be forced onto you; and if the hypnotist should suddenly stop, you will not be left in a limbo-like state. And because you are not actually asleep, you will most likely remember what is said and done while you were under hypnosis. So how does it work? In simple terms, your conscious mind is where you think; while emotions, memories and habits reside in the subconscious. If you’ve ever tried to quit smoking or lose weight, you’ll know that willpower alone – determining in your conscious mind that you will make changes – is usually not enough. Your subconscious mind will likely fight you every step of the way. Ideally, to break habits or better handle certain emotions, you want to harness the power of your subconscious mind as well. Hypnosis gives direct access to the creative power of your subconscious mind. As a result, your two minds are able to work in harmony, instead of constantly fighting against each other. As with most treatments, results vary between individuals. But with no harmful side-effects, and as a treatment approved by both the British and American Medical Associations for over  50 years, you certainly have no need to fear seeking help from a certified hypnotherapist – and could potentially change your life for the better.