What is hypnosis?
It may be better to define hypnosis by what it does rather than what it is, hypnosis is widely accepted as an excellent method by which we access our inner potential. Hypnosis itself is not a therapy, it's an altered state of consciousness, very similar to day dreaming. We can all experience this many times a day, for instance, when our attention is fixed on one thing to the exclusion of everything around you, like being lost in a really good book, absorbed in TV programme or fixated on an object.Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not a state of deep sleep. It does involve the induction of a trance-like condition, but when in it, the client is actually in an enhanced state of awareness, concentrating entirely on the therapists voice. The therapist is then able to suggest ideas, concepts and lifestyle changes to the client. Once in hypnosis, the client is still generally aware of their surroundings and can choose to come out of hypnosis at any time. No responsible therapist would attempt to hypnotise anyone against their will, or encourage an individual to act against their natural inclinations whilst in hypnosis.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the application of therapy during hypnosis to address a clients unconscious mind and help the client to address issues and support changes in unwanted behaviour: smoking, over-eating, etc..What is hypno-psychotherapy?
Hypno-psychotherapy is the practice of psychotherapy with applied hypnosis being the primary approach. A qualified Hypno-psychotherapist has at his/her disposal a deeper psychological understanding, training and skill in providing a supportive, empathetic therapeutic relationship (generally accepted as possibly the most important factor in treatment success) as well as added techniques for helping a client creatively resolve physical, psycho-physiological, psychological or emotional difficulties. Both hypnotherapy and hypno-psychotherapy utilise hypnosis in a therapeutic form, however an individual that only practises as a hypnotherapist may not have undertaken training in psychotherapeutic theory and practice.In 1977 the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), the lead body for the provision of Psychotherapy in the UK, formally endorsed the term Hypno-psychotherapy as 'a branch of psychotherapy using hypnosis'.
How hypno-psychotherapy works.
Prior to any hypno-psychotherapy taking place there will be a consultation session. This is where the issue, or problem to be resolved is discussed, and where the client has an opportunity to discuss the treatment approach, the probable number of recommended sessions and the likely cost.There are a few medical conditions that contra-indicate the use of hypnosis, and in some cases, liaison with the client's doctor may be required.