In contrast to the common misbelief there is nothing weird or mysterious about the hypnotic state. It is a totally natural state which can be most closely likened to day dreaming or the period just before going to sleep.

Utilising fixity of attention, hypnosis brings about an inward focusing of attention, which results in a state of deep relaxation. During this altered state of awareness, the critical, analytical mind reduces activity, consequently rendering the unconscious mind more accessible.

During hypnosis the subject is not asleep and remains in control of the session. Nothing can happen without the individual’s consent and they will be aware of what is being said though may not, post hypnotically, remember all that has happened.

Hypnotherapy is a complementary therapy, a useful supplement to conventional medicine and can achieve considerable success in its own right.

Can Anyone Be Hypnotised?
Virtually everyone can enter the hypnotic state, if they choose to do so. It is important however that techniques utilised are appropriate for the individual subject and that confidence in, and rapport with the hypnotherapist exists.

The ‘hypnotisability’ of an individual is innate, though with practice, everyone can become more proficient. Some of the best hypnotic subjects are intelligent people with a strong ability to visualise.
Low IQ can mitigate against successful induction, however it is likely to be the level of concentration that a person of low IQ can maintain which is relevant to whether hypnosis occurs or not rather than low IQ per se.

Anyone suffering from psychotic illness should not be treated with hypnosis.

Is there a loss of control?
Many people are concerned that they will have to rescind control to the therapist and that the hypnotherapist will, therefore, have some sort of power over them. Be assured there is no ‘magic’ and the only power used is the power of the subject’s own mind.

Is the subject rendered unconscious?
During hypnosis EEG recordings reveal that the hypnotic subject is actually more alert than during the waking state. There is however, a focusing of attention inwards so that outward attention becomes less.
This experience is similar to daydreaming or the state encountered, and rarely remembered, in the few seconds before one drops off to sleep.

The subject is simply in a state of deep relaxation where the analytical part of the mind ceases to carry out its normal full function and the unconscious mind becomes more open to suggestion.

Is the hypnotised subject under the 'Power' of the hypnotherapist?
MOST CERTAINLY NOT - No-one can be made to do anything against their will, codes of conduct, values or morals. The subject retains full control throughout the entire hypnotherapy session.

Is regression necessary?
The human brain is an amazing organ in that the restrictions placed on it during childhood may still be acted on and used as criteria for decisions made later in life, often in situations where those restrictions are obviously no longer relevant or appropriate. Hypnosis can help to reprogram these references so they are relevant to the here and now.

In some instances however, the behavioural change desired may be resolved by suggestion therapy alone, especially if the original template of behaviour has already been modified and the subsequent behaviour has become an empty response.

Can one’s innermost secrets be exposed?
Definitely Not!! The subject retains full control whilst in hypnosis and cannot be compelled to reveal anything they wish to keep secret.

Should the GP be informed?
It is recommended that subject inform their doctor of any complementary treatment they are contemplating. In fact, in some cases a professional hypnotherapist will be reluctant to commence treatment without written consent to do so.