What is hypnotherapy? Is an easily answered question. It’s simply using hypnosis to help you feel better in some part of your life.
That’s the top line. But for a lot of people the question, ‘What is hypnotherapy?’ Needs a lot more unpacking.
Here I’ll answer the questions I’m asked the most often.
What is hypnotherapy and how does it work?
Medically hypnotherapy is a type of psychological therapy that uses a deep state of relaxation to help treat a variety of conditions.
And it works like this. A trained hypnotist simply guides you into a deeply relaxed state where they are more open to suggestions to help you - that patient - easily achieve their goals.
What do you do during hypnotherapy?
You let the hypnotist lead you into a deeply relaxed state. It’s here you can visualise yourself succeeding (for example, stopping smoking, being a confident public speaker, losing weight, less stressed), or not being so bothered by things (flying, spiders snakes, needles, heights).
Then you simply let the hypnotist gradually bring you out of hypnosis – most people feel refreshed and relaxed.
Is hypnotherapy recognised by the NHS?
Yes. It’s recognised as a complementary therapy.
What is the role of a hypnotherapist?
Hypnotherapists simply use hypnosis to help people make positive changes to their health, lifestyle and behaviour.
The word hypnotherapist means therapy/healing through hypnosis.
What is the disadvantage of hypnotherapy?
Perception. One thing that lingers in some quarters is the belief that if a person is easily hypnotised, it is a sign that they’re gullible and weak willed.
But in fact, the opposite is true. You draw on your intelligence, concentration and imagination.
To reiterate the view that those who are “easily hypnotised” are weak, gullible or lacking in intelligence comes from the idea that subjects are passive and that hypnosis is “done to them”.
How successful is hypnotherapy?
There is plenty of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. Here’s a review of seven applications of hypnosis that were rated as “highly effective” by at least 70% of respondents: stress reduction, enhancing well-being, preparing for surgery, anxiety, mindfulness, childbirth, and enhancing confidence.
How do you feel after hypnotherapy?
After hypnotherapy, people can feel a variety of emotions and experiences. Usually people are relaxed, confident, calm and refreshed after a session.
Although there can be an emotional release. It's not uncommon to cry after hypnotherapy. This can be a normal and beneficial part of the process, as it can help with healing and personal growth. Letting go of old feelings, coming to terms with a bereavement, or dealing with a partner’s infidelity. Knowing things are over. You’ve moved on.
How long does hypnotherapy take to work?
It really depends. Some issues, like smoking cessation, can be pretty much instant. Phobias (heights, spiders, needles, flying) usually take a couple. While others like anxiety, addiction, an abusive relationship, or unresolved childhood trauma may take weeks or months.
Who should use hypnotherapy?
Quite simply anyone who wants to change their thinking for the better.
Hypnotherapy can help with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic attacks. It can also help with stress and anxiety before medical procedures.
Also if you’re in pain hypnotherapy can help ‘dial it down’ so you’re less troubled by chronic pain, pain from headaches, migraines, and tension headaches, and pain from burns, cancer, childbirth, and dental procedures.
For a good night’s sleep hypnotherapy can help with insomnia, sleepwalking, restless legs, teeth grinding and getting back to sleep if you keep waking in the night.
Hypnotherapy can also help with the side effects of cancer treatment easing the side effects from chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Finally if you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) hypnotherapy can help improve symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.
What is hypnotherapy? Isn't it the same as hypnosis?
Not quite. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and increased focus. During hypnosis, people are more open to suggestions that can change their perceptions, thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Meanwhile hypnotherapy is a type of psychological therapy. You're using hypnosis with talking therapy to help people make positive changes in their lives.
What to expect from a hypnotherapist
Before any work is done it’s most likely that you’ll discuss your goals and what you want to achieve.
Generally sessions take place in a comfortable setting. The process is in three parts:
(1). Getting you into a deeply relaxed and focused state - hypnosis.
(2). Making the suggestions to improve you for the better such as reducing pain or cravings to smoke. They may also help you visualise yourself accomplishing your goals.
(3). ‘Emergence’. Your hypnotherapist will gradually bring you back into the present moment.
Usually you remain aware during sessions and remember what happens. Most people feel refreshed and relaxed after a session.
How long does hypnotherapy last?
Typically sessions are an hour/one hour and ten minutes. But the effects can also last a lifetime - like stopping smoking.
Does hypnotherapy work if I fall asleep?
Not quite. No, hypnotherapy doesn't put you to sleep during a session, but it can help you sleep better after therapy. Hypnosis is a state of consciousness. What you’re doing is focussing your attention on an image or idea. This is not the same as sleep. Basically, during hypnosis, your brain activity changes making you more open to new ideas and recommendations
Does hypnotherapy work for weight loss?
Simple answer, yes. How? Hypnotherapy can deal with the following:
- Cravings
- Hanging around the fridge
- Portion control
- Exercising more (not thinking of excuse to put it off)
- Not thinking food is the answer - comfort eating
- Eating slower
- Being less stressed and thinking of food as a relief
Does self-hypnosis work?
Very much so. I give clients self-hypnosis scripts all the time to record and play between sessions. “Brain re-training’ if you like.
Is hypnotherapy scientifically proven?
Yes. And the evidence grows and grows.
Is a hypnotherapist a psychologist?
Not quite. A psychologist can be a hypnotherapist, but not all hypnotherapists are psychologists.
But, like all medical professionals, hypnotherapists need professional indemnity, a supervisor and to undergo Continuous Professional Development - I use The Royal Society of Medicine.
Is hypnotherapy better than CBT?
It’s not that one is better than the other, rather that they can be combined. With Cognitive-Behavioural hypnotherapy (CBH) some research suggests that combining CBT with hypnosis produces better results than either treatment alone.
What is the controversy with hypnosis?
It’s not so much ‘controversy’. It’s understanding the therapy versus the entertainment aspect. Yes, people have been made to dance the funky chicken or eat a raw onion at a show. But used as a therapy, hypnosis becomes hypnotherapy and can be used for clinical and psychological purposes.
What makes a person a good hypnotic subject?
Lots of factors feed into successful hypnotherapy (the last is THE most important):
- Imagination. People who are easily absorbed in daydreams, movies, or novels may be better subjects.
- Confidence. Clients who are confident in their ability to respond to hypnosis and suggestions may respond better.
- Motivation. People who want to be hypnotised find it easier.
- Personality. Those with the most open minds and with good visual imaginations.
- The bond/therapeutic alliance between the hypnotherapist and the client. If there’s trust flowing both ways then invariably it’ll work. Believe in the process and invariably success follows. Simple as that.
James Thomas is a Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist.
My company (there is only me!) is called The Gentle Mind. Why? Because I believe you’re better version of yourself when you’re calmer, more relaxed. You can let go of old habits and be a new improved version of yourself. Easily learn new skills. I’ve worked with seven year olds up to 87 year olds. Smokers. Vapers. Addicts. Over eaters. Board-level executives. If you’re out of sorts I can try to get you to see how to be kind to yourself.
Call me on 07787563099 or email me at jamesthomas@thegentlemind.co.uk I’m in Leeds, York, Lincoln and Louth.