Most people have experienced a trance-like state many times, although they might not have called it hypnosis. If you have ever found yourself day-dreaming or have become so engrossed in a book or television programme that all your surroundings seem to fade into the background, then you have experienced a trance-like state. Clinical hypnotherapy is a means of inducing this relaxed state of mind in which suggestions are acted upon much more powerfully than is possible under normal conditions.
Conscious/Unconscious mind
The conscious mind is the analytical, thinking part of our mind and the unconscious mind contains all our memories and learned behaviour. Because we cannot 'attend' to everything we hold in our entire mind, the unconscious mind acts like a filter and only allows the conscious mind to be aware of those things that we really 'need' to know at any specific time. Hypnotherapy is a way of talking directly to the unconscious mind by bypassing the conscious, analytical 'thinking' part of our mind; therefore allowing any suggestions to become deeply embedded and set firmly in place.
Will I be in control?
Yes. Many clients fear a loss of control during hypnotherapy therefore it is important to know that hypnosis allows you more control rather than less. Clients remain in control, will be aware of what is happening and will remain awake during hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy may be regarded as an altered state of consciousness, not a loss of consciousness.
