What
Hypnosis is derived from the Ancient Greek work for sleep (‘hypnos’). Hypnosis can be described as an altered state of awareness. It is a natural state of relaxation similar to daydreaming or when you are completely absorbed in an activity, such as reading or watching TV; however, you also experience a heightened focus of attention and concentration at the same time.
Hypnotherapy uses relaxation techniques, which allow the listener to alter their state of consciousness in a controlled and pleasurable way. The listener is very relaxed but aware of all that is being said and is always able to take whatever action would be needed in their best interests.
A person cannot be hypnotised against their will. It is a consenting process only.
When
When is hypnosis used? – Hypnosis can be used to change undesired behaviours and cope better with psychological and physical pain. Hypnosis has been used in the treatment of a wide range of difficulties such as physical pain; anxiety and phobias; depression; gastro-intestinal disorders; skin conditions; post-surgical recovery; relief from nausea and vomiting; childbirth and more.
Three common difficulties people experience with stress are:
- Being unable to sleep;
- Difficulty managing racing or uncontrolled thoughts;
- Being unable to relax.
In the exercises below you will find the hypnosis tracks help with these. Whilst wellbeing strategies such as mindfulness and mediation are super helpful for our wellbeing day to day, when we are experiencing significant amounts of stress, often we cannot focus our attention well enough to meditate or be mindful, that is where hypnosis is incredibly helpful. It acts as a first aid strategy; then once you are able to concentrate more easily you can move back to your regular wellbeing practice!
How
There are some common questions people have about hypnosis that are important to share:
Will I be able to enter hypnosis? – Nearly everyone can enter a hypnotic state. The depth of hypnosis is irrelevant to a successful outcome; it is the individual with high motivation for change who achieves the best results.
Can I get stuck in hypnosis? – It is not possible to get ‘stuck’ in hypnosis. As with sleep or daydreaming, people emerge naturally from hypnosis, particularly if there is a need to do so.
What if I fall asleep? – If you fall asleep whilst listening to a track you will wake naturally when you are ready, just as you would normally.
How does hypnosis work? –In a nutshell, hypnosis helps change associations, replacing those that have a negative effect on our life (for example – ‘I never sleep well’), with powerful positive associations (for example – ‘I can relax easily and sleep well’). Because the listener is relaxed when listening to a hypnosis track it is easier to get past the ‘gatekeeper’ that is the conscious mind and change the associations deeply rooted in our unconscious.
How will I get the most benefit from hypnosis? – Practice, practice, practice! Hypnotherapy, as with any tools and techniques, are not miracle cures; rather they are a set of tools that utilise a state of awareness that can be used to help. Whilst they are a powerful set of tools, a strong commitment on the part of you the listener is essential for a successful outcome. The best way to get started is to listen to the audio tracks whilst wide awake and with your eyes open – so you are aware of exactly what is said throughout each exercise; this helps people feel safe to then relax whilst listening. Once that is completed, then listen with your eyes closed, allowing yourself to relax.
