What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a mixture of hypnosis and therapy. Hypnosis is a normal and natural state of altered awareness which we all experience naturally every day. It is essentially a relaxed, day dream state. Everyday examples of this include being absorbed in a TV programme or driving to work in ‘auto pilot’. It is an optimum state for therapy to take place, because it allows you to focus very clearly and enables you to access your subconscious mind, which is the hard-drive of all our experiences and the seat of our emotions.
There are two main types of hypnotherapy:
Suggestion therapy: This involves being guided into hypnosis and receiving a series of powerful suggestions which utilise hypnotic language to communicate with your subconscious mind. This is appropriate after we establish for certain that there are no deep seated emotional issues causing your symptoms. If there are deeper emotional issues analytical hypnotherapy is required.
Analytical hypnotherapy: By using analytical hypnotherapy we remove the root cause of your problem. This is very important because failing to remove the root cause of a problem can lead to what is known as ‘symptom substitution’ which simply means that one symptom is suggested away and another replaces it, because the negative emotions which caused it have not been dealt with.
How many sessions will I need?
All individuals, their issues and their goals with hypnotherapy are different. Stop smoking, sports performance and exam nerves etc can generally be resolved in one or two sessions. Other issues may take anything from 2 through to 8 sessions. At Bodyscope Health our clients are important to us, as is our reputation. We will not bring you along for more sessions than you require.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes. Please bear in mind that becoming hypnotised is a cooperative endeavour between the therapist and the client. If you follow some simple instructions then nothing can stop you from becoming hypnotised.
Can you make me tell you anything under hypnosis?
No. You are always in control of what you say.
Can I be made to do something against my will?
Absolutely not, although this is commonly believed. Hypnosis stage shows are in fact no more than a hypnotist-entertainer selectively hand picking a group of extroverts to perform. The fact of the matter is that you cannot be made to do anything against your will in hypnosis. In any case, as part of an ethical hypnotherapy association we do not endorse the use of hypnosis for entertainment.
Will I lose control?
Absolutely not. In fact hypnotherapy helps you to gain control of your breathing, blood pressure, heartbeat etc. A person in hypnosis will only accept suggestions which are beneficial to them.
What will I feel?
For most people hypnosis feels surprisingly normal and natural. As mentioned above hypnosis is a state we go in and out of naturally each and every day. Most clients report feeling very relaxed and energised after a session.
Is hypnotherapy dangerous?
No. It is a safe and natural therapy which has an excellent track record in getting results without the risk of harmful side effects. However it is not recommended for anyone who has been diagnosed with epilepsy or a psychiatric disorder.
Will hypnotherapy cause me to fall asleep?
If you go into a very deep state of hypnosis you may drift off, but normally you won’t, you will be aware of everything that is being said, and you will find it very relaxing. Hypnosis is actually a state of heightened awareness
What if I don’t wake up?
You will wake up. Even if you fall asleep during a session, you will wake up in the normal way.
What does a Life Coach do?
Life coaches are professional coaches who work with healthy people who want to improve their lives. They help you get from where you currently are in your life to where you want to be. Coaching may involve clearing up issues that are affecting your past which are preventing the actualisation of your goals, although the focus is always on the future.
What happens if I am being treated for an existing medical condition?
If you are currently being treated by a doctor or therapist for a condition, please note that in keeping within the law we may require a referral from your medical doctor or licensed mental health practitioner. Please contact us if you have any questions on 3390 3314.