What is Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis, also referred to as hypnotherapy or hypnotic suggestion, is an altered state of consciousness. This state of consciousness is usually achieved with the help of a Hypnotherapist and is different from your everyday awareness. When you're under hypnosis:Your attention is more focusedYou're more responsive to suggestionsYou're more open and less critical or disbelievingThe purpose of hypnosis as a therapeutic technique is to help you gain more control over your behaviour, emotions or physical well-being.

It's not clear how hypnosis works. However, it appears to affect how your brain communicates with your body through nerve impulses, hormones and body chemicals, such as neuro-peptides.

Hypnotherapists say that hypnosis creates a state of deep relaxation and quiets the mind. When you're hypnotized, you can concentrate intensely on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. You're more open than usual to suggestions, and this can be used to change your behaviour and thereby improve your health and well-being.

Brief History

Hypnosis was used way before history records began to describe it as such. People in places such as Africa, India, Australia and Egypt used rhythmic chanting, strained fixation and monotonous drums in order to enter a trance state; this happened regularly during their religious or healing ceremonies. Even though hypnotic trance was used it was not given its current name until 1842, when a Scottish surgeon called James Braid (1775-1860) took the Greek word “hypno” with means “to sleep” and coined the term hypnosis.

Who is hypnosis for?

Hypnotherapy has the potential to help relieve the symptoms of a wide variety of diseases and conditions. It can be used independently or along with other treatments. For example, it's one of several relaxation methods for treating chronic pain that has been approved by an independent panel convened by the National Institutes of Health. Hypnotherapy may be used to:Change negative behaviours, i.e. smoking, bed-wetting and overeatingReduce fear, stress and anxietyEliminate or decrease the intensity of phobiasTreat pain during childbirth and reduce labour timeControl pain during dental and surgical proceduresRelieve symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)Lower blood pressureControl nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapyReduce the intensity or frequency of headaches, including migrainesTreat and ease the symptoms of asthmaHasten the healing of some skin diseases, including warts, psoriasis and dermatitis

Although hypnosis may have the potential to help with a wide variety of conditions, it's not a magic bullet. It's typically used as one part of a broader, more comprehensive treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone therapy. Like any other therapy, hypnosis can be very helpful to some people and fail with others. It seems to work best when you're highly motivated.

Hypnotherapy Quotes from satisfied clients

'It was so relaxing, then I began to change, hardly noticed it happening!’

'Kumlaish is gentle and thorough, I believed I could not be hypnotised, but I did go under it was very helpful to me’

'I could not stay at home as I feared being alone at home, after the first session I stayed in five hours, now it is no longer a problem for me – thank you’

'When I came round, my body told me I needed to go to the toilet, totally amazing’
(constipation)

'I now look forward to joining my husband, I was terrified before’
(fear of flying)

'‘I found a way out of being stuck in my relationship; counselling and hypnosis helped me see things differently’

‘I found the strength to challenge and recognise who I am’

‘I have learnt to relax and be me!’