For most people the first image to flutter into their minds at the mention of Hypnosis is the classic stage hypnotist reducing sane adults to chickens. It needn’t be this way as Clinical Hypnotherapy is a recognised complementary medical modality that can (if the subject desires change) assist over a wide spectrum of medical / personal conditions. Dealing with the ‘deeper parts’ of the mind (aka the subconscious) when practiced by a well trained practitioner it is an ideal modality for such problems as Phobias, Stress, Insomnia, Relaxation, Stopping Smoking, Stuttering, Migraines, Teeth Grinding, Bed Wetting, Shyness, Swearing, Nail Biting, Memory Recall, Motivation, Concentration / Focus and more.
Clinical Hypnotherapy can be used to amplify the positive. A rugby player can learn to leave their weeks worries on the sideline. A cricketer of tennis player can improve their focus / concentration. A marathon runner can be motivated through those long dreary miles and have that personal best race “hard wired” in their mind making it easier on race day. For us mere mortals these effects can be used in everyday life with hypnosis going a long way to increase our confidence / assertiveness and comprehension bringing benefits both personally and professionally.
The Collins Dictionary describes Hypnosis as, “an artificially induced state of relaxation and concentration in which the deeper parts of the mind become more accessible.“ As a Clinical Hypnotherapist using different methods of induction when working with clients (and have had many more used on me when hypnotised by other therapists) an induction is not necessary as at times we unknowingly go in and out of a hypnotic like state at least twice a day.
This hypnotic like state occurs naturally as going from deep sleep to full aware and awake and vice versa, we experience the entire range of mental consciousness. Research has shown the brainwave patterns at this half awake / asleep point to be similar to those of a subject that has been guided through a hypnotic induction. Additionally at one time or another we all daydream, miss an exit on the highway, pray during our religious practices, or ‘loose’ ourselves at group events and in doing so we enter a state of mind that can be considered hypnotic.
Hypnosis is a “state of consent” – if you don’t feel comfortable with your hypnotherapist they will loose their voice before you will enter the desired hypnotic state. In addition the better the buy-in and understanding of the process and the greater the desire for change the higher the chance of success. So although the media and stage hypnotists love giving people the impression that the best use of hypnosis is to manipulate others against their will this is not the case, hypnosis is not about mind control. Yes we see similar processes being used by the advertising industry and others to influence our behaviour, the fact is that the desired action will not occur unless there is a tendency towards that particular behaviour. For this reason when a client wants a behaviour change a well trained hypnotherapist’s role is to aid the client in achieving their desired goal, assisting them in the reprogramming of their subconscious. For this reason the client needs to be in full agreement and totally comfortable with any therapy suggestions the therapist may present. In other words a clinical hypnotherapist is there to give the subject more control of their life, not to take it away.
For anyone considering seeking the assistance of a Clinical Hypnotherapist their training is the key. In addition to their skills in hypnosis, what else is covered by their training ciriculum? What is their experience and backing in the modality – are they well versed in the field? Do they have the support of their peers in the form of a strong professional society (with the expected ethical and disciplinary support). Finally do you feel comfortable with the therapist? The failure to connect at the expected client / therapist level lessens the opportunity of a successful treatment plan. A good client / therapist relationship will see the client comfortable enough to willingly provide answers to the therapists questions and empowered enough to ask questions of the therapist while they seek insight into their reasons for seeking therapy assistance.
Paul Brown obtained his practicing certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in June of 2004 having enrolled in the most comprehensive course in the country. Study has continued along with support of the professional society which I am aligned with. Having a particular interest in stress and the conditions stemming from it Paul would like to work not only with the established modalities but other complementary modalities giving people the opportunity to maintain their bodies holistically (by way to relaxation, nutrition etc) rather than wait for the emergence of illness.
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