Have you ever been so involved with a task that you have lost track of time? Have you ever driven from one place to another and arrived safely, but not remembered the journey? Have you ever read a book and become so involved with the plot you can see scenery and hear characters speak? Have you ever day-dreamed? These are everyday examples of an altered state of awareness.
Hypnosis is another example of an altered state of awareness-one which can be used for self help. It is a perfectly natural state which occurs between being fully awake and fully asleep. In the clinical setting hypnosis is usually accompanied by a pleasant feeling of physical relaxation which in itself is beneficial, especially if the problem being treated is induced or aggravated by stress. The term Hypnotherapy means the use of hypnosis for the treatment and relief of a variety of somatic and psychological symptoms. Hypnotherapy is a very natural way of getting in touch with the right side of the mind; which has unlimited potential and stores all the memories from the past as well as the automatic processes. This includes the bad habits as well as the good habits. Hypnotherapy is completely safe and the techniques used bear no relation to stage hypnosis.
The British Medical Association endorsed the practice of hypnosis in Medical School education in 1955 and since that date it has been valued as a very useful addition to conventional medicine. It is important to note that no one can be hypnotised against their will and no one can be forced to do things while under hypnosis that they do not want to do.
Hypnotherapy is completely natural and safe. There are no harmful side-effects. When administered by a professionally trained and skilled Hypnotherapist the benefits are long lasting and usually permanent. During hypnosis, you will be aware of what is happening: most people do not “feel hypnotised”merelly pleasantly relaxed. Clients will often feel that they ‘”drifted off” for a moment, before their attention returned to the sound of my voice. The important thing to remember is you are still in control. When in hypnosis, you can move around, the same way as you would during sleep, and it won’t disturb you. If you wish to talk, you can do so. Most importantly, you will hear and remember everything that is important for you to remember, even though you may not consciously be able to recall everything that was said.
Your Unconscious Self
When we talk about hypnosis we often talk of its ability to bypass the ‘conscious’ mind and gain access to the unconscious or sub conscious mind. It is estimated that up to 80% of the things we do are done without conscious thought or control, so when trying to make a lasting change, it makes sense to communicate with the part of the brain responsible for most of our behaviour. Talking directly to the unconscious means that the lessons you learn when in hypnosis are learnt deeply, powerfully, profoundly and quickly. Most other more traditional therapies can take many weeks, months or even years before new ideas can be accepted. Using hypnosis, a person’s understanding can be accelerated greatly, because when a person is in a state of hypnosis, naturally that person is more receptive to any lessons learnt at that time. (Receptive, by the way, doesn’t mean gullible – if I was to tell a person in a state of hypnosis “And now you’ll get up and jump out of the window” OF COURSE that person would actually get up and give me a piece of their mind for giving them such a ridiculous suggestion!)
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate – Carl Jung
So when trying to understand how hypnosis can help you, realise that it’s the therapy delivered in hypnosis that produces results, not just the act of being hypnotised, (though the stress relieving properties of spending time in hypnosis have been well documented) The benefit of using hypnosis is that therapeutic lessons are learned deeply and quickly, because you’re listening with that deeper, greater part of you. What you hear in hypnosis can help facilitate positive change because you learn something different – an idea, a way of being, maybe a way of looking differently at the past.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Generally speaking, anybody who is willing to participate with their therapist, is not suffering from a mental health issue (e.g. psychosis), is able to concentrate, and is not already in an altered state due to alcohol or drug intoxication, can be hypnotised. No one can be hypnotised against their will and you are always in control when you are in hypnosis.
What to expect
During any hypnosis session we will be working together to enable you to achieve the end result you desire. To be successful any therapy must be based on mutual respect, trust and honesty. We will be undertaking a journey together – I may have the map, but you are the one choosing the destination and mode of transport! Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool; however it is not a magic panacea for all ills. It takes commitment and hard work to change, but I will be with you all the way, encouraging, motivating and guiding you. I will be giving you tasks to complete at home to speed along your progress and keep the momentum of our sessions going, whilst enabling you to learn skills that will be helpful throughout your life.
At Lynn Ward Hypnotherapy I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental and completely confidential environment within which you will be able to explore your true potentials and become your true self. You may be surprised how soon you begin to notice positive results – change can happen in a trance.
If you are currently being treated by a medical practitioner, I may ask your permission to contact them. This is to ensure that the hypnotherapy I offer will work in tandem with your medical treatment and is not contra indicated in any way.
You’ve made the decision to transform your life; you’ve taken the first step by visiting my website, NOW make a quick enquiry and set yourself on the road to freedom.
Email me at lynn@lynnwardhypnotherapy.co.uk or call me on 01278-760003.