Questions & Answers

In contrast to common misbelief there is nothing weird or mysterious about the hypnotic state. It is a totally natural state which can be most closely likened to day dreaming or the period just before going to sleep.

Hypnosis is an inward focusing of attention through which the demands of the outside world are switched off. It is a state of deep relaxation during which the critical analytical mind shuts off making the unconscious mind more accessible.

During hypnosis you are not asleep and nothing can happen without your consent. You can hear everything being said and afterwards will usually remember all that has happened while in hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a useful supplement to orthodox medicine and can achieve considerable success in its own right.

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· Can Anyone Be Hypnotised?

Virtually everyone can enter the hypnotic state using the right techniques and hypnotherapist with whom you feel empathy. Some of the best hypnotic subjects are intelligent people with a strong ability to visualise. It was thought that those with a very low IQ could not achieve the hypnotic state however it is more likely to be the level of concentration that a person of low IQ can maintain that is relevant to whether hypnosis occurs or not .

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· Is There Anything Magical About Hypnosis?

The main worry of most people is that the hypnotherapist will have some sort of magical power over them. There is no magic and the only power used is the power of your own mind

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· Will I Be Totally Unconscious?

During hypnosis EEG recordings show that you are more alert than during the waking state. There is however, a focusing of attention inwards so that outward attention becomes less, which is similar to daydreaming or to how you feel in the few seconds before you drop off to sleep. You are in a state of deep relaxation where the analytical part of your mind closes down and the unconscious mind opens up to listen and to react.

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· Will I Be Under The 'Power' Of The Hypnotherapist?

MOST CERTAINLY NOT - You cannot be made to do anything against your wishes or moral code. You retain full control throughout entire hypnotherapy session.

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· Is Regression To Childhood Memories Necessary?

The human brain is an amazing organ in that the restrictions placed on it during childhood are still acted on and used as criteria for decisions made later in life in situations where they are obviously no longer relevant. Hypnosis can help you to reprogram these references so they are relevant to the here and now.

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· Will I Expose My Innermost Secrets?

Definitely Not!! Since you retain full control whilst in hypnosis you cannot be compelled to reveal anything you wish to keep secret.

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· Should My Doctor Know If I Am Having Hypnotherapy?

It is wise to tell your doctor of any complementary treatment you are contemplating. In fact, in some cases your hypnotherapist may be reluctant to start treatment until you have done so.

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Advantages of Hypnotherapy

· Hypnotherapy is one of the safest, quickest and most effective forms of treatment for the majority of psychological and emotional problems with few risks and side effects.

· Hypnotherapy fosters an attitude of independence and mastery in coping with problems and can also accelerate the healing process in many physiological problems.

· Positive aspects of hypnosis include the production of a much more profound level of relaxation with a concomitant reduction in stress levels.

· Doctors are becoming increasingly supportive of hypnotherapy as an aid to better health. It is a non-invasive therapy, complementary to orthodox medicine.

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Problems Suitable for Treatment Include

· Eating & Appetite Disorders: Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, etc.
· Stress Disorders & Management: Anxiety, Asthma, Hypertension, Arthritis,
· Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Gastric Problems, Cardiovascular Problems, Migraine, Tension Headaches, Decreased Concentration Levels, Energy Depletion, Tension, Frustration, Panic Attacks, Increased Irritability, etc.
· Addictions & Disorder of Habit: Alcoholism, Smoking, Insomnia, Bed-wetting, Nail-biting, Thumb-sucking, etc.
· Lack of Confidence: Public Speaking, Shyness, Stage Fright, Blushing, etc.
· Fears & Phobias: Irrational Fears of Height, Darkness, Snakes, Animals, Insects Water, Rats, Insects, Birds, Dental, Blood, Flying, Closed / Open Spaces, etc.
· Psycho-Sexual Problems: Impotence, Frigidity, Premature Ejaculation, etc.
· Social Disabilities: Speech Disorders, Tics, Tremors, etc.
· Depression & Unresolved Grief: Separation, Divorce, Death of Family Member/ Friend/ Pet, Job Loss, Business Failure, etc.
· Skin Disorders: Eczema, Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Excess Sweating, Warts, etc.
· Gynaecological Disorders: Menopausal Problems, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, etc.
· Obstetric Uses: Ante-Natal Training, Morning Sickness, Heartburn, Labour Contractions & Pain Management, Post-Natal Depression, etc.
· Academic Difficulties: Studying, Exam Nerves - School, Nursing, Driving, etc
· Pain Management: In Acute & Chronic Illness, Burns, Cancer, Dentistry, etc.
· Sports Difficulties: Performance Enhancement, Training Discipline, Event Nerves.
· Executive Stress-Sales Performance-Burn Out-Interview Performance, etc.

Hypnosis can also assist, ease and relieve the suffering for those with conditions such as M.E., M.S., Cancer, HIV & AIDS related illnesses, etc.

Whilst it may not be possible to obtain a cure, techniques and treatments are available which can assist in the relief of distressing symptoms and help subject to come to terms with their illness so bring about a significant and beneficial change in the quality of their life.

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Last updated November 8, 2008
Q&A- Revised & collated by
Vicki Watson
RGN FNSPH FNCP MGHR SQHP