Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis and hypnotherapy has been used across many centuries and difficult to attribute to any one time. Ancient Greek, Hindu and Egyptian civilisations used hypnosis to analyse dreams, helping to understand particular problems. The use of a rhythmic beat or chanting has been used by the voodoo religion and shamanism for thousands of years, altering the state of mind of a person and sending them into a trance. Modern hypnotherapy however can be attributed to the work of Franz Mesmer during the 18th century.

The Austrian physician developed the theory of 'animal magnetism' claiming disease was due to a block in magnetic forces flowing around the body. These forces are now often referred to in alternative therapy as 'life energy'. Mesmer used magnets and sweeping arm movements across a patient's body claiming to unblock any energy flows that were causing disease. This slow rhythmic movement and his power of suggestion to the patient that something was about to happen are the roots of hypnotherapy methods used today.

Hypnotherapy developed further in Britain during the 19th century when Scottish optometrist James Braid noted an important part of sending a person into a trance was through their fixating on an object. Once in a trance-like state they were susceptible to commands and suggestion. The image of a hypnotherapist swinging a watch is directly from Braid's study as the watch was a popular object used by early practitioners.

The mind is made up of two parts known as the conscious and the sub-conscious. The conscious mind responds by taking control of everyday decision making whereas the sub-conscious only responds to the way it has been previously programmed.

When trying to overcome a phobia for instance, a person instinctively uses the conscious part of the mind to change how they feel, but the phobia is still retained in the sub-conscious. The sub-conscious is the part of the mind that needs reprogramming to make progress in overcoming certain problems like a phobia.

Hypnotherapy works by inducing a trance-like state within a patient in which they are fully aware of their surroundings but only concentrating on the hypnotherapist's voice. It is different from sleep and closer to a relaxed state of wakefulness where breathing and heart-rate slows and brain-waves change. Once in a state of hypnosis, a person is open to suggestion from the hypnotherapist and able to take control over any involuntary thoughts, behaviour or feelings taking place in the sub-conscious. 

Be prepared

It is important for anyone considering hypnotherapy or indeed any therapy that you check your practitioner has undergone thorough training and is accredited with the relevant governing body and listed on their public register.

The National Council for Hypnotherapy has a register of hypnotherapists in the UK and maintains a common code of ethics and practice and its members are expected to achieve high standards in training. 

The General Hypnotherapy Standards Council (GHSC) is working toward voluntary self-regulation for the hypnotherapy profession and has set up a register for trained hypnotherapists called The General Hypnotherapy Register. The register is the largest of its kind with over 7,000 practitioners who have met standards of training and work to a code of ethics laid out by the GHSC.

Nearly all hypnotherapists are independent and private and hypnotherapy on the NHS is rare, however you may find some doctors practise it or your GP may have a list of reputable private hypnotherapists in the area that they can recommend to you.

Hypnotherapy is usually on a one-to-one basis but can take place within a group. Before your first appointment, think about what you want to achieve with hypnotherapy and make a list of the problems you hope to overcome. Check with your local practitioner for appointment times and location.

Your hypnotherapy will take place in a quiet and relaxed environment and you will usually be sat in a comfortable chair. The hypnotherapist will begin with a consultation where you can talk in confidence about the issues or conditions you wish to overcome with hypnotherapy.

The hypnotherapist will then explain the process of hypnosis before beginning the therapy. During the first stages, the hypnotherapist may use relaxing music as they start to ease you into a hypnotic state but the main thing you hear will be their voice.

Under hypnosis, your breathing and heart rate slow down and your muscles relax. You'll be aware of only the hypnotherapist's voice as they use visualisation techniques and beneficial suggestion to help with your problem. At no time will you feel out of control.

As your session ends, the hypnotherapist will slowly bring you out of your hypnotic state and you'll feel alert and refreshed as if you've had a good night's sleep. The therapist will then discuss the experience with you and may give advice on any self-hypnosis techniques you can use at home. 

The first session with a hypnotherapist will take longer than usual as they get an understanding of your problem and explain the process involved with your therapy. Expect this appointment to last around one and half hours. A follow-up session can be anywhere up to an hour long.

The cost of hypnotherapy varies from town to town and can also differ depending on the hypnotherapist's overheads. It can also be higher for certain types of therapy so check with your local practitioner about these costs. The cost of a first session ranges from £60 - £100 with subsequent sessions costing £40 - £70. If you have private medical insurance, check that you're covered for hypnotherapy as many insurers do not pay out for this.

The number of sessions required depends on your progress and problem. Five sessions is the average but some people find their problem solved after two. Your hypnotherapist will advise you throughout your therapy.

Hypnotherapy is widely recognised to be safe and the vast majority of people come away having had a positive experience. Hypnotherapy has helped people with various problems including stress, phobias and physical conditions such as pain and headaches.

Children under the age of seven and anyone suffering with mental illness or epilepsy should not be treated with hypnotherapy. Cancer patients should see a hypnotherapist who has experience of treating the condition.