What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring deep state of relaxation. The person under hypnosis does not  lose conscious awareness of the outside world, or them lose their own free will (a misconception brought on by the activities popularised by stage hypnotists). It is a permissible state, as it is the client who  allows themselves to relax under the guided instruction of a trained hypnotherapist.

 

The Human Mind

The human  mind exists in two states , the Conscious and the Unconscious.

 

The  Conscious Mind

The conscious mind, or the waking mind represents the feelings and thoughts that a person has at any present moment during the day. It is extremely important in that it helps us manage all our waking activities by filtering out all unnecessary stimuli and input. It helps us focus on the task at hand and is essential when learning.

 

The Unconscious Mind

The unconscious mind is that part of our mind  that is not easily accessible. It contains all the memories and experiences that we  have accrued during our lives. Based on our life experiences it dictates our responses to the world around us. When we experience an event, or a situation in the present, it is our unconscious mind that dictates our response based on previous experience stored deep in our memory, without us having to consciously think. How we  react as a result of our unconscious mind can either be positive or negative. Running away from a lion chasing you, or smiling when you hear a baby laugh, are positive responses, based on our life experiences stored in our unconscious mind (we learn very early in life the dangers of chasing a lion).  Having a panic attack before a job interview or feeling a sense of failure in a group discussion may be negative responses, based on previous experiences stored in our unconscious mind. 

 

How Hypnotherapy  works

Hypnotherapy, focuses on the unconscious mind, as this is where all our life experiences and memories are stored. The silent hand that guides all our emotional responses, both  negative and positive, to the outside  world, instantly,  without us being aware. By speaking directly to the unconscious mind,  the Hypnotherapist  can assist a client in changing attitudes and emotional responses rapidly at the subconscious to deliver effective positive change both quickly and permanently.