About Hypnosis

Do you think you’ll be asleep and be made to cluck like a chicken when hypnotised?

The most common myth surrounding hypnosis is that the subject or client is asleep. The subject does look like they are asleep as their body is very relaxed, but their mind is still alert. Adding to the confusion, the word hypnosis is in fact derived from the Greek word hypnos meaning sleep.

You probably aren’t aware that we are in hypnosis often in our day-to-day life.  When you’re reading a book, watching TV or daydreaming you are in hypnosis.  When you’re driving along the motorway and don’t remember driving a stretch of road you are indeed in hypnosis.  These instances ease you into a state of trance where your subconscious, or automatic mind is taking care of the work.  Hypnosis is an altered state of awareness and is a very relaxing state.

Subjects will not do anything against their will under hypnosis.  Have you ever heard of anyone robbing a bank while hypnotised? I am sure the answer is no, as all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.  The hypnotist is merely guiding the subject with the use of relaxation techniques to reach an altered state of awareness.  Hypnosis is achieved by relaxing the conscious part of the mind, or the day-to-day part of the mind, and as soon as this is relaxed the subconscious comes forward. The subconscious is where all of our habits and programmes are held – both good and bad.

There are two main types of hypnotists; a stage hypnotist, who will communicate with the subconscious for the purpose of humour, and a hypnotherapist, who uses hypnosis in conjunction with therapeutic techniques to bring about positive change for the client.

Good subjects are those who can follow simple instructions, are good at relaxing and have a strong desire to change.