What is hypnosis?

First of all, contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not always a trance state or a sleep state. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind and is an important part of daily life. Whenever our mind wanders, daydreams or is focused on something, like driving a familiar route, watching a film, reading a book, shutting out the outside world we are in a state of hypnosis. EEG scans on people who are in an hypnotic state show that brain wave activity moves between the Beta state, Alpha state and sometimes a Theta state. This is not unlike the brainwave activity during meditation. Recent studies have shown that the medical world is more and more recommending meditation as a relaxation and stress busting technique. In the same way hypnosis sessions are generally very deeply relaxing and stress relievers.

Will I lose control under hypnosis?

When you’re driving a familiar route and disappear off into a daydream do you lose control? Do you lose control when you’re watching a film or reading a book? No, not at all, you retain the control and power to emerge from that trance state at any time, just like you can wake up from a dream.

When you realise you are the one in control, then you become aware of what hypnosis is and can decide just how deeply to go into trance. The hypnotherapist is a guide for you on a journey, providing suggestion, but any change can only be made by you.

The realisation that you are in control, and that you can make change yourself, is actually very empowering. You’ll find that the more often you going into hypnosis, aware that you are in control, the easier it is to let go, safe in the knowledge that you can always stop at any time.

What does hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is incredibly relaxing, and in lighter hypnotic states people are often surprised that they hear every word and could get up and walk around. The deeper you go the more like sleep it is, you may find that you start to block out the outside world and just focus on what’s happening inside you now. You may find that you lose time and that a 30 minute session seems like moments, or you may feel like 5 minutes is hours. You may relax so deeply that, just like when you’re asleep, you can’t feel your body. You may forget the entire session, or parts of it, or remember every word. It’s different from person to person and from session to session.

Most people are surprised at just how relaxing it is.

What happens in a hypnosis session?

The session will always start with a conversation about how you are now with your problems, what you expect, and what you want to get out of it. You can ask any questions that you have, and your hypnotherapist may ask you some details about the problem you’re having. This in itself can be a very relaxing process and will always be handled in a gentle & confidential manner. Once you and we have agreed the outline of the session, the actual session can begin.

Using a range of different techniques we will get you feeling relaxed, make you feel comfortable and work with you towards achieving your goal.

After a session you may feel uplifted, lighter and very relaxed. Often change is very subtle, as we’ll be working with you subconscious mind, and you may just notice a very positive shift in how you are feeling.

What can hypnosis be used to treat?

Hypnosis can be used to help treat a wide range of issues such as:

  • Fears and phobias
  • Physical conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, skin conditions and migraines
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Panic attacks
  • Tinnitus
  • Fertility
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of confidence
  • Manage pain
  • Improve performance at work or in sport
  • Improve birth outcomes
  • Stop smoking
  • Weight loss
  • Pretty much anything you can think of, give us a challenge.