Did you know that January 4th is World Hypnotism Day? Hypnotherapy is still a type of therapy that that many people are cautious of or don’t understand fully. When you mention hypnosis to an average person on the street many will automatically think about stage hypnosis where people willingly offer themselves up to entertain the crowds by acting in uncharacteristic and foolish ways. This has led to a popular, fearful perception about hypnosis and how a hypnotist can possess some power over the person.
In a therapeutic context, hypnosis is a method of inducing a trance or a dream-like state of deep relaxation in order to treat a wide array of emotional, mental and physical disorders. It has been practised in various forms for thousands of years by many cultures including Druid, Celtic and Egyptian.
The National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), largest not-for profit hypnotherapy Professional Association in the UK, says that hypnosis is a completely natural state that everyone goes into and out of multiple times a day. When we are in a state of hypnosis your mind may wander or you may daydream or you may be completely absorbed in something like reading a book or watching a film and the outside world recedes in that moment. Brain scans of people who are in a hypnotic state show that brain wave activity changes to one similar to that found when a person meditates.
This change of state makes a person more receptive to suggestions that are made by a hypnotherapist. However, you still retain full control of yourself and your mind, just like when you are watching a film. The power of hypnotherapy lies in being able to access your subconscious or unconscious mind. This is the part of you that drives all behaviours and emotions. By connecting to and communicating with that part of you unconscious struggles can be resolved allowing you to make changes effortlessly and easily.
Of course it’s important that you choose a hypnotherapist that is well-trained, accredited and insured. You may wish to visit or have a chat on the phone with several hypnotherapists before you find one who feels like the right fit for you. It’s essential that you feel comfortable with them and their approach and that you have confidence in their skills. To find an accredited NCH hypnotherapist near you, visit our hypnotherapist finder.