Butler

Hypnotherapy 

WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?

Most people are surprised when they're first hypnotised: they expect to be asleep and “out of it”, but this isn’t the case. Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness which bypasses your critical faculty (i.e. your judgement and reasoning conscious mind) and allows your subconscious mind to be more focused, and therefore more responsive to suggestions that can help you release any negative or limiting beliefs and behaviours, and establish ones that are more positive.

If you’ve never been hypnotised, chances are your main point of reference is that of stage hypnosis: Therefore you may worry that you will be out of control and performing on stage like Madonna.  This is not the case (unless you are a Madonna impersonator and want help with mastering her act!). Hypnosis is often misrepresented in film and television, by an evil Svengali-type character trying to manipulate and control others for his own means (and usually with menacing eyes and slicked back hair!).  In reality, hypnosis is not mind control:  No-one can use hypnosis to make anyone do anything they don’t want to do - so unless someone wants to write you a cheque for £1,000,000 – hypnosis won’t make them!

 Here’s the reality of hypnosis:

•  You cannot be hypnotised without your consent:  in order to have a successful session you will need to be a willing participant.

•  You will not lose control or do anything you don’t want to.

•  It’s an enjoyable and relaxing experience, and can be highly effectual in making positive improvements and changes in your life.

•  You are in control, and are able to come out of hypnosis at any stage you chose to.

•  The hypnotic state can feel different to different people: some people feel light, and some feel heavy, but either way they are relaxed.

•  All hypnosis is self-hypnosis: the hypnotherapist will guide you into the hypnotic state, but I won't do anything to you.

•  You are able to reject any suggestions which are not suitable to you, and which do not adhere to your moral code. E.g.

  • If I suggest you go out and dance down the street and you don’t want to do it, then you wont.

  • If I suggest you are no longer afraid of pigeons, and you want to be free of your phobia, then you will accept the suggestions.

•  Hypnosis is not truth serum:  you will not say anything you don’t want to.

•  If you believe hypnotherapy can help you, or are open to the possibilities, then you will be more likely to achieve your goal.

•  If you don’t believe hypnotherapy will help you, then it probably wont: you may be more inclined to act in a manner which will prove your theory correct therefore reject suggestions and resist going into a trance state.

Therapeutic Benefits

Hypnotherapy is beneficial in dealing with any conflict which involves conflict between the conscious and subconscious mind.  Take overeating for example (though it can apply to various issues).  You consciously want to lose weight, and have a list of reasons for doing so.  However, part of you is saying “but, I just like my food” “I’m big-boned” “I don’t like exercise”.  This is an example of where hypnotherapy is useful, as it can rather quickly (within only a few sessions) help change people’s limiting beliefs in order to change their habits and produce more positive ones.

 Can be used to:

•  Eliminate negative behaviours or habits such as nail biting, smoking, bed-wetting

•  Remove phobias

•  Reduce anxiety and stress

•  Improve work and sports performance

•  Increase confidence

•  Lower blood pressure

•  Treat symptoms such as skin diseases, headaches, etc

•  and many more...

Some questions answered

•  What does hypnosis feel like?

  • It's comparable to daydreaming and those moments as you are drifting off to sleep. It is an extremely natural, pleasant and enjoyable state. You will feel deeply relaxed and calm (physically and mentally) as well as being aware of everything happening around you. Some examples of focused attention which are similar to what you can experience during hypnosis:

    • Those times when you’ve been utterly absorbed in a book or film, so that you weren’t aware of anything else. 

    • If you’re a driver, you’ve probably found yourself leaving work and driving home, only to arrive home without being aware of the journey.

•  Is it true I won’t remember anything that happened during a session?

  • It depends on how deep in hypnosis you are.  Some people who go into an incredibly deep hypnotic state can experience spontaneous amnesia, though most people remember everything that occurred.  Suggestions you’ve received in hypnosis will often resurface in the conscious mind and these are the thoughts which affect behavioural and emotional change.

•  Is there any change I won’t wake up? Is it possible that I’ll get stuck in a hypnotic state?

  • No.  You will either come right out of the hypnotic state, or fall asleep and wake up shortly after.

•  Will I be asleep?

  • You are not asleep, but as you are deeply relaxed you may experience varying degrees of awareness within the hypnotic session as your subconscious mind communicates with the therapist. 

•  I don’t think you can hypnotise me.

  • One of the most common reasons for not inducing trance is lack of rapport between the client and therapist.  Please ensure you find a therapist that you trust.

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Note: Please ensure that you have first consulted your GP or other Medical Practitioner before embarking on hypnotherapy for the relief of any physical symptoms.