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What is Hypnosis, why is it used and what are the benefits?

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of deepened relaxation. Your body is behaving in exactly the same way when you are just falling asleep or waking up. In other words, you know where you are and you feel very comfortable.

Why is it used?

We have many emotional states. Our emotions are governed by two things, how we think and the emotion chemicals released. When we are frightened or stressed chemicals are released that prepare us to run, fight or perform at a high level. If however, the chemicals are released excessively our ability to perform at a high level decreases and rational thought and behaviour is effected. We can panic, tense, get angry and frustrated. If this is repeated enough times, a habit is formed that in the long term will exhaust these chemicals and open the doors to bigger health problems. These habits develop in the part of our mind that we are not consciously aware of, hence sometimes we don’t know why we panic as it is an unconscious response.

BUT, relaxation is also an emotional state and we cannot be in two emotional states at the same time. So if you are anxious or stressed, using hypnosis to help you relax will decrease your anxiety or stress symptoms. The hypnotic state quietens your conscious mind, your thoughts in the present and allows you to access your unconscious mind. This is the part of you that houses all your memories, skills, beliefs and your flight or fight system. This part of you automatically keeps your heart beating, your nervous system sensing, breathing in and out all the time 24/7. Working with the therapist you can change your habit safely and effectively, whether it is teeth grinding, a fear of choking or an unwanted habit. This is achieved using the therapist's suggestions to your unconscious mind. Your unconscious mind will not take onboard suggestions that are not for your benefit. Simply be suggesting a healthy alternative to an unhealthy habit whilst in hypnotic trance elicits a change.