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Hypnosis explained
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis Myths and Facts
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnosis is a state of heightened awareness, focus or concentration. Hypnotic
states are characterised by an extremely pleasant state of relaxation during
which metabolism , heart rate and breathing rates slow and brain waves change to
alpha waves - a wave associated with a quiet, receptive state. Meditation, day
dreaming, being engrossed in a good book, movie, or driving for distances
without being aware of the usual landmarks are all examples of alpha states.
- MYTH: Hypnosis is something someone "does to you"
- FACT: This is a common myth about hypnosis.
But in fact, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis: the hypnotherapist accepts the
role of facilitator
or guide. You choose to enter into a hypnotic state, to continue in or to
come out at will. If you can concentrate and follow simple instructions you
can put yourself into the state of hypnosis necessary to enable the
hypnotherapist to facilitate the process of personal
change.
- MYTH: "I might not be able to be hypnotized"
- FACT: Approximately 90-95% of people can be hypnotized. Willingness, desire,
belief, expectation and motivation have profound influence over "hypnotizability".
- MYTH: What if I can't relax enough or "be hypnotized"
- During hypnosis you are not asleep or unconscious but are in fact in a
state of heightened awareness- like meditation. Relaxation can aid hypnosis
but is not an essential requirement: hypnosis can occur when either standing
or sitting and with your eyes open or closed. There simply needs to be a
willingness to engage in the process and to follow the instructions of the hypnotherapist in initiating the hypnotic state.
- MYTH: "Don't I have to be deeply relaxed for it to work?"
- FACT: Hypnotherapy can be effective whether you are deeply relaxed or not:
in fact many hypnotherapists choose to work in a "light trance" state.
- FACT: Hypnosis is a learned skill: some people find they are
initially better at it but everyone can improve with a little practice. The
mind does not have to be quiet, still or empty which makes hypnosis initially
an easier skill to learn than meditation.
- MYTH: "I'm too strong minded/willed to be hypnotized"
- FACT: Those who are strong-willed are thought to be easier to hypnotise rather
than the other way around - contrary to common assumption.
- MYTH: "I might get stuck in hypnosis"
- FACT: you cannot get "stuck" in hypnosis. Even if the hypnotherapist were
to leave the building and forget about the client , the client would either
drift into a natural sleep for a few minutes or would open their eyes and
emerge from the hypnotic state.
- MYTH: "I might fall asleep and not be able to wake up"
- FACT: During hypnosis you will neither be asleep or unconscious and will always
come out of a hypnotic state when you wish.
- MYTH: "I might do something I don't want to whilst in hypnosis"
- You cannot be made to do anything against you
will in hypnosis - you always have choice and control. You will not therefore
divulge secrets, or "cluck like a chicken" - not unless you
think it is therapeutically necessary!
- MYTH: "I might divulge secrets"
- FACT: Hypnosis is not a truth serum: you will always be aware, in control
and have a choice over what you do or don't say
- MYTH: "I don't want anyone to control my mind"
- FACT: Hypnosis, as stated before, is a state of heightened
awareness, focus or concentration. The "critical factor" of your mind protects, ensuring that your
morals, beliefs and values are kept intact, and ensures only positive
suggestions are accepted into the unconscious. In addition Persephone uses
"permissive" hypnosis, in which the unconscious mind is invited and encouraged
to allow positive suggestions, rather than other more traditional,
authoritative approaches.
Back to HypnoBirthing
SUMMARY
- All hypnosis is self-hypnosis.
- Hypnosis is a way of utilizing the untapped potential of your mind -
positively. It does not have any religious affiliation and does not require
any particular belief system.
- Hypnotherapy is a process of mutual participation between
therapists and client: the hypnotherapist works to create the most effective
and powerful session for you based on the information you give and the goals
you wish to achieve.
- Self-hypnosis is a lifelong skill and you can continue to use the benefits
of self-hypnosis , to aid relaxation, reduce stress, and to enhance your
life long after you have left the hypnotherapist's office.
- Hypnosis can be used alongside other interventions, including medication.
At present, anybody can set up in practice as a
hypnotherapist, without undergoing any formal training. One way to ensure that
your therapist has been properly trained is to ensure that they are a member of
the National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists (NRHP).
Training for NRHP members
All NRHP members have trained to the syllabus
requirements of the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy, or have
equivalent (UKCP) training. The National College provides a thorough training
in hypno-psychotherapy, with comprehensive coverage of hypnotherapeutic
techniques integrated with a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches. The
National College is the only institution of its kind externally accredited by
the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher
Education. Such accreditation has been acknowledged by the Secretary of State
for Education as the only public guarantee of standards in independent
institutions of further and higher education in the UK.
The UKCP is a registered charity which aims to
create a well regulated, broadly based psychotherapy profession. UKCP expects
its Member Organisations to adhere to and apply guidelines for standards of
training and ethical practice intended for the protection of the public. As a
leading national register of Hypno-Psychotherapists, the
NRHP, like the
National College, is a member of the Hypno-Psychotherapy Section of the UKCP.
NRHP members are strictly regulated in
respect of:
- Qualifications (and their disclosure on request)
- Terms, conditions and methods of treatment
- Client confidentiality
- Professional relationships
- Research and publications
- Practitioner competence
- Personal and professional behaviour
- Post-qualification supervision
All National Register
therapists carry professional indemnity insurance.
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