Background

Hypnosis or suggestive therapy is one of the oldest of all healing techniques. It has been a part of all cultures for many years. In 1955 the British Medical Association endorsed the practice of hypnosis in medical school education, allowing it to become a valuable addition to conventional medical treatment.

In advanced therapy a technique of utilising side to side eye movements is very effective. But generally we rely on relaxation and visualisation to enable people to 'let go' of their conscious mind and allow access to the unconscious.

What is Hypnosis?

It is very difficult to describe the actual experience of being hypnotised, one is neither asleep or awake. All hypnotic states are characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of deep relaxation. Individuals allow themselves to enter into an altered state of consciousness, so that desired beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the unconscious mind.

Hypnosis is a natural and effective way of making contact with the inner self, the unconscious self. Several studies have shown that hypnotisability is unrelated to personality characteristics such as gullibility, hysteria, psychopathology, aggressiveness, submissiveness, imagination or social compliance.

Under hypnosis subjects do not behave passively, but are active problem solvers using their individual beliefs to incorporate the suggestions given by the therapist into their own framework. The experience is often described as entirely effortless, something that 'just happens'.

The Clinical Applications Of Hypnosis

Hypnotherapists use hypnosis as an aid not only for medical purposes but also for the resolution of many problems of psychological origin. It is estimated that approximately 85% of people of all age groups will readily respond to Clinical Hypnotherapy. It is often successful when other more conventional treatments have failed.

The use of self hypnosis can usually be taught in one session, and can be highly effective in many disorders, both physical and mental. The terms: life coach, stress management, visualisation techniques are perhaps more fashionable nowadays to describe hypnotherapy, but the techniques and the aims are the same in most instances. Hypnotherapy can be used to help with:

• Weight control
• Increased work / study / sporting performance
• Improved concentration and memory
• Boosting self confidence
• Combating phobias
• Breaking unwanted habits such as nail biting
• Smoking
• Stuttering
• Helping to free individuals from emotional problems such as - insomnia, inhibitions, preoperative anxiety as well as generalised anxiety
• Pain control in many applications - dentistry, arthritis, minor surgery
• Obtaining relief and even remission from symptoms such as migraine
• Sexual problems such as frigidity, impotence, premature ejaculation, vagismus and others

Hypnotherapy is not a miracle cure, willingness and determination are needed to succeed. It is completely natural and safe. There are no harmful side effects.

When administered by a professionally trained and skilled Clinical Hypnotherapist the benefits are long lasting and often permanent.

Hypnosis in Childbirth

Hypnosis in childbirth works exceptionally well in helping the mother to have a gentle and calm birth, using techniques such as visualisation, relaxation and 'reframing' the concept of pain. It is a collaborative method of childbirth, it does not preclude the introduction of medical intervention, addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of labouring women and their babies.

During a period of a few months the mother and her partner will learn valuable and profound relaxation skills in preparation for the birth, which often help to have a calming effect upon the baby and in their whole life in general.