Hypnotherapy can offer fast and impactful results for a variety of emotional, mental and physical issues.
However there are many myths and misconceptions about hypnotherapy.
So let’s have a look at a few of them:
It is magic?
It is far less mysterious and much more mundane than you may think. Hypnotherapy is simply a form of therapy that uses the power of suggestion to encourage positive change.
We use a deeply focused state that makes you more acutely aware of suggestions and allows you to be much more receptive to those suggestions.
Actually we all drift in and out of a form of hypnosis every single day. When you’ve been daydreaming or just lost in thought. When you suddenly look at the clock and notice it is far later than you thought. You have entered a light trance.
In hypnotherapy we utilise this trance state. When you’re in a trance, you’re in a different mental state. You are still awake and fully in control, but your attention becomes narrow and incredibly focused. In trance, you’re more receptive to any suggestions you may give yourself, or that a hypnotherapist may offer. This is shortcut to your subconscious.
Not magic, but certainly powerful.
I will lose control
Many people worry hypnotherapy will make them lose control. This is probably the most common concern people tell me.
Without your active consent, it's not possible to be hypnotized. You are always in control.
Hypnosis is known for using the ‘power of suggestion’, and you are free to accept only those suggestions that you want to accept. Language and communication are all about suggestion and through our chats before hypnosis, I will ensure I am making suggestions that will help you achieve your goal.
The more empowered you feel during the session, the more impactful and transformational the session will be. This is about making changes you want to achieve and we work together to achieve the goal which we have agreed. I am there to help and guide you to making changes.
You are in complete control of making changes.
I will do something silly
Similar to the concerns about control is the worry that hypnotherapy will make you do something silly! This all comes down to the image of hypnotism from stage hypnotists. They often use playful humiliation as part of their show. We're invited to laugh at the person who' appears to be under a spell. They may be clucking like a chicken, eating an onion like it’s an apple etc. However these participants are happy to be part of the show.
Stage hypnotism and hypnotherapy are very different things. I am a therapeutic guide whereas stage hypnotists are entertainers. I am focussed on serving my client with full integrity and confidentiality. I always obtain a client's consent and remind them that they are in control of their experience.
My intention is to help you achieve your goal – it really is that simple.
I won’t remember anything
Whether you remember what is said in hypnosis does vary from person to person. Some people won't remember anything, some remember some elements, many people clearly remember the full session. Many people think the hypnosis element is just a few minutes when it is much longer. All this comes from the deep relaxation you are guided in to. Think of it as a bit like daydreaming, aware but also drifting off. Whether you remember it or not is really not important as you will still be getting the full benefits of hypnotherapy.
I will get stuck in trance
Hypnosis is a natural state of mind similar to daydreaming and you don’t get stuck in day dreams. You can come out any time you choose. Most people though are more than happy to be guided out of trance and feel reinvigorated and energised.
Whether in light or deep trace, part of you is always aware of what is going on. Part of you is paying attention to what is happening and ready to bring you back into conscious awareness if need be.
You will easily come out of the hypnotic trance, and be feel more relaxed and more refreshed.
I will fall asleep
For some people trance feels a bit like sleep. You will be in a altered state of consciousness that some people describe as a bit dream like. However your unconscious mind is active throughout the session and it your unconscious that I am is working directly with. Your conscious mind will drift and wander and that is part of yeh process. You may be fully aware of everything that is happening and being said or not. That is all fine. You will find yourself drifting into different levels of awareness. Again this is all part of the process.
I can’t relax/I can’t go into a trance
It was thought for a long time that some people could not be hypnotised. However we now know that anybody who will allow themselves to be, can be hypnotised. It is the client who decides whether or not they are going to be hypnotised. It is certainly true that some people may go into a hypnotic trance quickly, others take more time. In fact the speed of going into a hypnotic trance can increase with practice. The same applies to the depth of trance; some people go deep in their first session and others may not do so until the second or third trance or never go deep at all. A light trance can just as effective.
Hypnotherapists are trained to help people to relax and we all have different ways to help you in to trance. Some hypnotherapists prefer quick inductions, others use a slower and gentle progressive relaxation technique. I work with you and choose the techniques that will be most impactful for you.
The best way to find out how hypnotherapy online can help you is to get in touch for a complimentary consultation.
Malcolm Struthers Hypnotherapy - Online and in-person in Dumfries & Galloway