Your hypnotherapy questions answered

Hypnosis is a recognised psychological therapy process. Research has shown that hypnosis is highly effective in treating anxiety, helping in weight loss and addictions such as smoking. A 2007 randomised trial of 286 smokers found that 20% of smokers who received hypnosis managed to quit smoking. There is also evidence that it can help with reducing pain. Hypnosis has been used in dentistry procedures and even during labour.

During hypnosis, the trained hypnotherapist induces a state of focused attention. The hypnotherapist then uses a guided process with a combination of verbal cues and repetition. Whilst you are in a state of focused attention, the hypnotherapist will make guided suggestions to help you towards your desired goal. Once the session is complete, the therapist will bring your attention back to the present state or you may come back to that state on your own.

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine scanned the brains of 57 people and found certain sections of the brain visibly alter during hypnosis:

• Two areas of the brain responsible for processing and controlling what’s going on in your body show greater activity during hypnosis
• The area of your brain that’s responsible for your actions and the area that is aware of those actions appear to be disconnected during hypnosis

You are always in control during hypnosis. A hypnotherapist cannot make you to do anything you do not want to do. You are fully in control of your mind and body at all times. A hypnotherapist is guided by you. The important thing to remember is that you can only make positive changes when you are ready. This is why therapy is a delicate process and should not be rushed.

Hypnotherapy is an effective form of therapy that can help with many issues such as anxiety, self-esteem, addiction, pain management and phobias. For detailed information about the kind of issues Inner Resolve utilises hypnotherapy for, click here. You can also visit my profile on the Hypnotherapy Directory for an exhaustive list of the difficulties/issues I work with.

In a fast paced world, online therapy is becoming a popular choice for some people. At Inner Resolve, I am certified to provide therapy online and this also includes online hypnosis. Whilst it is possible to engage in some forms of hypnotherapy online, it is not the case for all form of hypnosis. You can visit my therapy online page for further information.

Hypnosis is safe and rarely has any side effects. Some people may experience mild side effects like headaches, drowsiness, tiredness after a hypnosis session but that quickly passes. It is important to contact your GP if you have any medical concerns.

You may look like you’re sleeping, but you’re awake during hypnosis. Hypnosis does not involve falling sleep. Instead, your focus is fixed in a way that may make you seem zoned out or in a trance.

People usually describe the feeling of being hypnotised as being in a calm, physically, and mentally relaxed state. In this state, they are able to focus deeply on what they are thinking about. During hypnosis, your muscles will become limp, your breathing rate will slow, and you may become drowsy.

This will essentially depend on the ‘problem.’ Every issue is different and in particular how we respond to such issues. Some issues may require just a few sessions to achieve the desired outcome you seek. Others, due to their severity, may require a longer-term process.