The National Council for Hypnotherapy (of which I am a member) describes hypnosis as follows:
Opinions vary on the exact definition of this natural state of mind. First of all, contrary to what many people believe, hypnosis is not always a trance state or a sleep state even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping. Hypnosis is really a natural state of mind and is an important part of everyday life. Whenever our mind wanders, daydreams or is focused on something, such as reading a book, driving a familiar route or watching a film we are in a state of hypnosis.
People who are in a hypnotic state are known to slow down their brain waves from a Beta state to an Alpha state, sometimes in a deep trance this could also be to a theta state. This is not dissimilar to the level of brain activity experienced during meditation.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy – Where Neuroscience, Modern Talking Therapy and Hypnosis meet
Many people relate to the state of hypnosis by remembering a time when they have been driving for some distance before realising that they have no awareness of having driven the last few miles. Research shows that we enter this state of mind on average six to seven times an hour and that it plays an important role in the process of learning and taking on board new information.
During trance we are able to quieten the voice in our heads that stems from the conscious part of our brain. In so doing we gain access to the sub conscious mind which is less judgemental and can take on board information, ideas and suggestions far more readily. Modern tools such as MRI scanners have demonstrated that whilst we are in this state of hypnosis we are using different parts of the brain, in particular those same areas we use for decision making and error detection.
As a clinical hypnotherapist I will help you utilise this state to encourage positive change, allow you to achieve your full potential and achieve your goals whatever they may be. This trance state is simply created through the use of relaxation and visualisation techniques. It is an entirely pleasant experience, which can differ significantly between individuals.
About Solution Focused Hypnotherapy:
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy uses practical, modern and well researched strategies to help people make significant, positive changes in their lives in a relatively short period of time. As a solution focused hypnotherapist I look at what my clients want to achieve rather than on the problem(s) that prompts them to seek change.
During Solution Focused Hypnotherapy we use a variety of different techniques that have been proven time and time again to be highly effective in bringing about positive and sustained change. Above all we endeavour to make this process a fun one and we do not spend time going over painful past memories, focusing instead on the present and the future. We do of course use the immensely powerful and completely natural state of hypnosis to help bring about these positive changes.