Hypnotherapy: direct access to the subconscious

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, and one we can enter on a regular basis. This natural state is induced by the concentration on a single idea or concept. When we day-dream we enter into a trance state, when we become emotionally involved whilst watching a film we are in a hypnotic trance. It’s a sensation of detachment from our surroundings, we can bring ourselves out of at any time that suits us.

The conscious part of the mind is where we make all our decisions and our logical thought processes take place, it can only cope with approximately five to nine things at any one time. The subconscious mind, however, is a much larger part of the brain and can cope with thousands of tasks. It deals with all the involuntary actions, breathing, heartbeat etc and it has a library that stores all events, memories and past learned and emotional experiences.

Hypnosis is effective as it bypasses the conscious mind, allowing direct access to the subconscious. Any stored information that can be having a negative effect upon our behaviour or thought patterns can be removed and then can be replaced or overridden with positive and beneficial messages. This process can enable you to achieve the goals you desire.

It is completely safe. Contrary to what stage and television shows will have you believe, you are in complete control throughout the therapy. Although there is no such thing as ’a hypnotised feeling’ many people say it is a sensation much like deep relaxation or similar to the feeling we have upon waking. No suggestions can be accepted by you that are against your moral beliefs or values, so only positive suggestions that are in tune with these will be taken up by your subconscious.

Suggestion Therapy
This treatment is effective by using the minds susceptibility to implement positive suggestions and to promote and reinforce positive changes. The subconscious mind readily accepts the suggestions given during the therapy. It would be used in cases such as stopping smoking or nail biting.

Solution Focused Therapy
Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) combines the traditional form of suggestion therapy with solution based therapy. It addresses the clients requirements, aiming to achieve change through focusing on solutions rather than concentrating on the problem(s). We often are able to identify the difficulties in our life, but in order to make change we need to have a positive focus of how we want things to be in order to move forwards.

This approach does not focus on the past, but instead, concentrates on the present and future. Therapy is used to promote and reinforce affirmative messages and patterns of behaviour. This facilitates the uptake of positive suggestions which enables any false beliefs or negative information stored to be overridden. This can allow the resolution of past issues or future anxieties. Often it is not the events themselves but our perception of those events that can contribute to stress levels or our ability to manage them. Symptoms can be mental, such as mood, confidence or habitual responses but can also have an impact upon our physical selves as well. This approach makes it possible for people to use the resources they have within themselves and is helpful with the treatment of anxiety or stress disorders.

“If people become aware not only of the influence of different factors on their lives but also of their potential to exercise choice, they are more likely to be empowered to participate in creating what they are to become.” Wetherell, M. (2001).

Find out more:
www.aphp.co.uk
www.hypnotherapists.org.uk