What is Hypnosis?
There are many fears and misunderstandings about the use of hypnosis, and Hypnotherapy which are completely undeserved. Hopefully the information that you read on this page will help to reassure you that what happens is actually very normal, and certainly not magical.
Dispelling some of the myths ...
Now... let's dispel a number of the concerns that some of you may have first...
- You cannot 'get stuck', this is quite impossible.
- You do not become unconscious or go to sleep.
- You know exactly what's happening at all times.
- You always retain complete control.
- You retain a full and accurate memory of everything that is said during hypnosis.
- You can leave the hypnotic state whenever you wish to.
- You cannot 'lose your mind'.
- There is no such thing as a 'hypnotised feeling'.
- It is a totally natural state of mind that we all go in and out of several times a day.
- It is very similar to meditation and relaxation techniques, however you are not expected to totally clear your mind, so it is easier.
- It is definitely not connected with the occult in any way.
- It is completely safe, natural and drug-free.
The above rules are applicable to all types of hypnosis.
A totally natural phenomenon...
Hypnosis is certainly a totally natural phenomenon. It is a safe and reliable therapeutic technique which is centuries old. When used on its own, it does nothing more than create a calm, relaxed state of mind at best. Although some people may not even achieve this, and that doesn't matter because it will still work. Hypnosis can be very useful for the temporary relief of stress but not for much else. The really important part is the therapy which takes place whilst the client is in the hypnotic state, known as 'Hypnotherapy'. When hypnosis and Hypnotherapy are used together, positive changes can be made that really benefit the individual, and improve his life for the better.
The power of visualisation...
The client is required to use visualisation during hypnosis. The subconscious
mind doesn't realise the difference between fact and fiction, everything is black or
white. Therefore if you imagine yourself doing something a certain way, it believes
this is real, and this action can bring about positive change, especially the more
often it is done. In the same way that we can make ourselves feel bad about
something that hasn't even happened by worrying constantly, we can equally reverse
this negative action, by thinking and visualising positively to create good feelings.
Can everybody do it?
Visualisation is something that everyone does on a daily basis, using the different senses (sight, sound, smell, touch and taste). In fact, most of the time we do it without even thinking about it, which is perhaps why this natural process seems to go unnoticed, just like breathing. For example, imagine what a wine bottle looks like. Think about the shape of it, and how full it is. Or imagine what the front door of your home looks like, and then think about its colour, texture, and any distinguishing patterns. If you can recall what your friends and family look like, or remember a particular place or route that you take to get somewhere, then these are all good examples of visualisation. It is a form of recognition that all human beings possess from the moment they are born. We can't speak when we are babies, so we learn to think and recognise things in images and pictures, and then eventually learn a language by this exact method.
What does it feel like to be hypnotised?
Well I hate to disappoint you... but contrary to popular belief, there really is 'no such
thing as a hypnotised feeling' though many people do find they are far more alert and aware
than usual. The fact is that hypnosis is actually very safe, and not that exciting! No
doubt, this is why people often don't believe that they have actually been hypnotised, and
insist that they simply 'didn't go under'.
After a few sessions, people start to become aware of how the hypnotic state feels to them.
Generally, they start to become more relaxed, and their conscious mind starts to drift off
in a pleasant sort of way. Some people may notice that they feel excessively heavy or light,
whilst others may experience a pleasant floating, whirling and/or spinning sensation. Most
people always suffer some sort of time distortion, usually feeling that the session was
much shorter or longer than it actually was.
Get smart and start using self-hypnosis...
Self-hypnosis is becoming increasingly popular, as more and more people recognise how effective this safe, self-help tool actually is. Many people including Sportsmen, Actors, Musicians, Business People, Artists, Housewives, Policemen, Engineers, Shop Assistants... use it to improve their lives. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, anyone can learn how to do it. Visit your local bookshop to buy a book on self-hypnosis or simply go on-line to one of the following websites:
Alternatively, if you would like to learn self-hypnosis from an expert, contact me directly to book your session.
A brief look at the history
Some people may find it hard to believe, but hypnosis and Hypnotherapy have been around from as early as 3,000 B.C. The Eygptians had a knowledge of it, and were using hypnotism - as is proven by hieroglyphics found on the tombs of that period. The Greeks, and Mayas of South America understood it. Hindu Fakirs, Chinese Teachers of Religion, the Persian Magi, the Celtic Druids and African Witch Doctors also used it. Perhaps it goes back to prehistoric times, handed down by various rituals.
The mystery surrounding Hypnosis
Even though the use of hypnosis was common with many primitive civilisations (though not by the name 'hypnosis'), its true nature still seems like a mystery to most people even to this day - as is evidenced by the movies. However, Hollywood is not entirely to blame for the mystery surrounding this subject. The first Hypnotists soon became the first Witch Doctors, Wise Men, Shamans, and so on (or vice versa) - and their knowledge of the art was jealously guarded, thus shrouding it in mysticism and religion.
Not to mention the lack of knowledge...
Another reason for the lack of knowledge, is the inborn trait in humans to fear, ridicule or turn our noses up at that which we don't understand. Indeed every science in the world has had to travel the same hard road from disbelief through to fear, to common acceptance.
Remember the Wright Brothers?
You may or may not know this but many people laughed at the Wright Brothers. Most people even thought that if God had intended man to fly, he would have given him wings! However, now we accept aeroplanes as a normal part of every day life. It is not therefore surprising that hypnotism is still considered an occult science by many, and that it should take so long to gain recognition and wide scale acceptance. Since day one, its secrets have been closely guarded from the average person.
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