What is Hypnosis?

The first thing to understand is that hypnosis is not sleep- the hypnotised person remains fully conscious. In fact, it’s part of my job to stop the client from dropping off to sleep, even though they’re as physically relaxed as if they were asleep.

Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness, in which the mind becomes more open to suggestion. There are many ways to do hypnotism but most involve focusing the client’s attention in different ways. Some methods involve the hypnotist touching or lifting the client’s hand or arm, but no other physical contact is needed. Hypnotism is a pleasant experience if undertaken with an experienced and empathic practitioner. But it’s far more than a nice experience. It is also an effective method for helping people change their thoughts, feelings and reactions.

History of Hypnosis.

Doctors and other healers have used hypnotism for thousands of years. It was especially common in India, where British doctors learned it from the Indians. It has been studied scientifically since the 18th Century. Many doctors, dentists, psychologists and researchers use hypnosis. The British Society for Clinical and Academic Hypnosis, to which I belong, organises training and professional discussion of this subject.

It would be a very great benefit to the people of this country if all health professionals working in our National Health Service had at least a basic knowledge of the hypnotic state. Unfortunately we have a long way to go before that happens. Some other countries are ahead of us in this. For example, in Sweden doctors and other health professionals commonly use hypnosis.

To learn more about how hypnosis is used in therapy, click HERE.

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