What is Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a natural state where the critical (chattering and evaluating) mind is calm and the imagination is absorbed in the focus of the hypnosis. In this state the conscious mind and subconscious mind are aligned and focused and we are open to suggestions - responding directly and positively to suggestions given. Modern psychology defines hypnosis as a state of increased suggestability.
It is a simple but extraordinarily powerful state - and when directed thought is used in this state one can change behaviour, bodily functions, beliefs and emotional responses. Some people compare it to opening up a "control panel" to the mind and body. The hypnotherapist works with the client to achieve this state and then suggests powerfully crafted thoughts, ideas and visualisations that introduce change at the very deepest levels.
Changing the way we think - not so easy!
Fundamentally thought (conscious and less conscious) directs our lives, providing the framework for emotional responses, initiating our actions and conversations.
Most of us know that if we could change the way we think we could change our lives. However most of us can't hold a single thought in our minds for longer than a few seconds!
Hypnotherapy works by allowing us to be absorbed and focused for periods of time on the thoughts we would like to have running through our minds. In the state of hypnosis we can change the way we think - and so change our lives.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is a wonderful collaboration between the client and the hypnotherapist. The client tells the therapist what they want to work on - and the therapist then takes (or induces) the client into a state of hypnosis. Typically this is done through a guided relaxation of the mind and body as the client continues to focus more and more intently on the voice of the hypnotherapist. When the hypnotherapist is satisfied that the client is in hypnosis he then introduces powerful suggestions and visualisations into the focused mind of the client - carefully crafted so that the client can achieve their stated goals.
Read more about Hypnotherapy: A Clinical Approach
What is it like?
The state of deep physical and mental relaxation feels extremely pleasant. Your mind will remain clear throughout - however deep you go. Although you might be given the suggestion to "go to sleep" you will not actually fall asleep. The therapist is simply guiding the mind to relax deeply and cease critical thinking.
Do I lose control under hypnosis?
This is a common fallacy and nothing could be further from the truth! You can hear and respond to everything during the therapeutic process and you are an active participant in the therapy. Everyone under hypnosis has the experience "oh I could stop this and come out of this anytime I want."
A collaborative"dance"...
One of the best analogies for a hypnotherapy session is that of ballroom dancing! In dancing one partner leads and the other follows. In hypnotherapy the therapist leads and the client follows. Just as dancing partner cannot be forced where they don't want to go - similarly the client is in complete control and chooses to follow the therapist's suggestions.
Why Hypnosis?
The subconscious mind is where the majority of your behaviour is controlled. Once a new behaviour has been consciously learned it is delegated to subconscious control (e.g. riding a bicycle, driving a car). The same is true of the way we "process" information about the world around us - having acquired a set of beliefs and concepts we delegate them to subconscious control and - we automatically engage in thoughts, feelings and behaviours subconsciously - i.e. not under our conscious control. In a way we are controlled by these unconscious habits of thinking, feeling and behaving.
To change we have to change our automatic thoughts and responses.
Ever wondered why when you change a habit or behaviour it only lasts for a short while?
This is because there is a lack of alignment between the conscious mind, will power, and the subconscious mind, our emotional brain. Most times the subconscious, emotional brain, will "win" because the vast majority of our behaviours, thoughts, beliefs and concepts have been delegated to automatic subconscious control.
(Which is why it gets harder to change the older you are. You've delegated more and more to subconscious control as you've learned more and more).
Hypnosis is the best way available to bring into alignment the conscious mind, our will power and the subconscious mind - allowing us to make the powerful, deep changes to improve the quality of your life.
Hypnotherapy - A Powerful Alternative
Hypnotherapy is an effective, relaxing, comfortable, drug-free choice for change. You cannot and will not ever be compelled to do or say anything under hypnosis that is in conflict with your personal, ethical and moral standards. Cognitive Hypnotherapy
At Inspired Hypnosis I combine the two most powerful psychological therapies: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy; offering you the most effective and proven therapy currently available. Indeed such is the effectiveness of this combined therapeutic approach that we believe that Cognitive Hypnotherapy (also known as Hypno-CBT) will become the treatment of choice in the NHS over the next five years.
Evidence Based Treatments = real results
Hypnosis is one of the most researched therapies, referenced in over 11,000 research studies to date.
It is recognised by the British Medical Association and the British Psychological Society as well as the American Medical Association and the US National Institute of health. Recently the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidance to the NHS that there was good evidence that hypnotherapy was an effective treatment for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Scientific research studies have shown it be effective in treating anxiety attacks, phobias, pain management, post-operative healing, smoking cessation, stress reduction, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), weight control - as well as supporting behaviour/habit changes, confidence building and sports performance.
Cognitive Hypnotherapy (CBT + Hypnosis) is on the US Empirically Validated List of Treatments for treating obesity and also for IBS.
Hypnotherapy can help with...
The session
Hypnotherapy sessions are private and professional.
All information discussed remains confidential. Sessions are generally one hour in length and take place in a private, comfortable environment. Stop Smoking sessions are two hours in length.
How many sessions?
Considerable progress can be made in one session - although typically a treatment plan of three to five sessions will be most effective. Smoking Cessation is handled in a single two hour session - however this is preceded by a structured phone interview and preparatory work assignments one week prior to the day you will stop smoking.
We can't guarantee cures but we do guarantee satisfaction. If you aren't satisfied that the therapist has brought all the necessary skills and efforts to bear in your session you can apply for a refund or another session. (Terms & Conditions apply)
Where? Clinics in North London and Central London
Are you interested in learning self-hypnosis or training in hypnotherapy?
If you'd like to take a workshop to learn self-hypnosis or train in hypnotherapy then we encourage you to read more our Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy offered by The UK College of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy where Mark is Vice-Principal and one of the trainers.
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions about hypnosis or hypnotherapy feel free to contact us here.
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