If you are feeling like you would benefit from some therapy, it can often be confusing to know where to start! Terms like hypnosis therapy and hypnotherapy are often shrouded in mystery and misconception.

Many people associate these terms with stage shows or fantastical portrayals in movies, but in reality, they are powerful tools with huge therapeutic benefits.

In this blog post, I will delve into answering the question, “what is hypnosis therapy”, the difference between hypnotherapy and hypnosis and if it would work for you. Here’s everything you need to know…

Hypnosis Therapy: Accessing The Subconscious Mind

Hypnosis is the part of the hypnotherapy session where you will go into deep relaxation. It is a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility. It is not a form of unconsciousness or loss of control, on the contrary, you will remain in complete control throughout.

During hypnosis, that lovely floaty stage between being awake and asleep, your mind will become more receptive to suggestions. Think of it as a way to bypass the critical faculty of the conscious mind, accessing the subconscious mind directly.

During hypnosis, clients typically experience a sense of calmness and mental clarity. I will then make positive suggestions to your subconscious mind, using beneficial language such as feeling in control, calm and confident. This process underpins the whole therapeutic experience and clients often see a difference very quickly.

Hypnotherapy: Utilising The Best Tools From CBT, NLP And SFBT

Hypnotherapy is the term used for the whole therapy session. The hypnosis part will typically last for about 30 minutes and will take place in the final part of therapy. The first half of the session is a talking therapy, using the best techniques from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

The first part of the session is a lovely, positive process that will challenge and reframe your existing thought patterns in a safe and confidential space.

As I offer Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, we will also look at what you would like to achieve (for example, weight management), and work together on the small, manageable steps to get there. We will focus on the solutions to help you to feel better and overcome your challenges, and not dwell on the problems.

What Can Hypnotherapy Help With?

Hypnotherapy can help with a wide range of issues, both physiological and physical. Many of the conditions are rooted in stress and anxiety and once we have addressed these issues, clients often find their presenting problem has dramatically improved, if not, cured.

For example, IBS can be significantly helped with a course of hypnotherapy. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published guidance for GPs and consultants saying that there was good evidence hypnotherapy was effective in the treatment of IBS and it could be recommended for chronic IBS. Often IBS is closely linked to anxiety and once this is treated, clients have seen significant improvements.

I help clients every day with issues such as insomnia, symptoms of depression, weight management, fears and phobias, performance enhancement, confidence and self-esteem and habit control such as alcohol addiction.

Will Hypnotherapy Work For You?

Almost everyone can be hypnotised although there are many different levels of trance, and everyone will experience it differently. Many of my clients say that their experience of hypnosis changes over the course of the treatment and they feel that they are able to go deeper after a few sessions.

Hypnotherapy is hugely effective in accessing the subconscious and to make real, positive, lifelong changes. There is, however, often a misconception that hypnosis and hypnotherapy is a magic wand. The best results are when the client puts in the effort away from the therapy room and implements all the changes we talk about into their everyday lives. This is where the magic truly happens.

So Now You Know What Hypnosis Therapy Is….

I hope I’ve managed to help you answer the common question of ‘what is hypnosis therapy’ and if you’re interested in finding out more, I’d love to hear from you! Whether you need support with symptoms of depression, weight management, or fears and phobias, I am here to support you on your journey.

You can learn more here about all of the services I offer or simply get in touch and book in for a free initial consultation here.