What Is Hypnosis?
Powerful words can release serotonin. Think of your favourite food and you salivate. Words and suggestions can produce physical responses.
Visualisation builds neuro-networks in the brain. A mental rehearsal results in a better performance.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is an extremely pleasant and relaxed state of mind. It is the
dream like state you experience just before falling asleep or just as you are
waking up. You already experience natural hypnosis many times a day, when day dreaming, watching TV or driving for example. A qualified hypnotherapist can help you to access this state of mind in a safe way, deliberately and with awareness.
What is hypnotherapy?
Your subconscious mind is responsible for all your autonomic processes
(eg: breathing, digestion, healing). It is also where all of your knowledge,
intelligence, creativity, imagination and emotions are stored, so it really is
the majority of your mind! We can use hypnosis to communicate with the
subconscious mind, and issue beneficial instructions or “suggestions” which
promote positive change.
How does it work?
Recent fMRI brain-scan studies have shown reduced activity under
hypnosis in areas of the frontal cortex which are involved with comparing
incoming information and current behaviours with existing beliefs and
expectations. This reduction in ‘critical evaluation’ allows the individual to
more readily accept new suggestions and behaviour patterns for therapeutic
benefit.
Will I be in control?
Absolutely. Although physically and mentally relaxed you remain aware
and in control throughout the experience. You can hear what is happening around you and can bring yourself out of hypnosis, should you wish, at any time. You cannot be made to do anything against your moral or ethical beliefs. This is why a hypnotherapist will prefer to use the term “suggestions” instead of “instructions”.
What about stage hypnosis?
Volunteers who appear in stage hypnosis performances make a conscious
decision to be a part of the show and are a small minority picked from a large
audience. They have chosen to accept hypnotic suggestions for the purpose of
entertaining the audience. Stage hypnosis is purely for entertainment and can be dangerous without adequate training of the hypnotist. Hypnotherapy is when a client chooses to accept hypnotic suggestions from a qualified therapist for the purpose of improving health and well-being.
What if I’m not ‘susceptible’?
Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be. It is such a relaxing,
pleasant and safe experience you may be surprised at how natural it feels.
Everyone perceives hypnosis differently, but it is the subsequent rewarding
changes and benefits that are most noticeable.
(Some mental health conditions are not compatible with hypnosis; if in
doubt, contact Peggy Melmoth or seek advice from your doctor.)
What is a hypnotic loop?
A hypnotic loop or ‘progressive loop’ is just one of the language tools
used in modern hypnotherapy. A positive suggestion (eg: more confidence) is
linked to and encourages another one (eg: more mental calmness), which in turn endorses and promotes the first one. It works like a vicious circle, but in a positive and progressive way!
How Can Hypnosis Help You?
Become more
Confident, mentally calm, physically relaxed, focussed, motivated
Free from
Depression, guilt/anger, allergies, anxiety, blushing, emotional
problems, habits and addictions
Become a non-smoker
Manage
Weight, eating habits/ problems, grief/loss, exam nerves, fears/phobias,
nail biting, panic attacks, pain
Improve
Self image, self esteem, competence, performance, memory, learning
skills, work, study, public speaking, relationships, relaxation, achieve goals
Enjoy
Better quality sleep, better health, better decision making, more
creativity, healthier eating