What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state that you enter many times a day. You may have entered into a trance-like state while travelling along a familiar route, or while watching television or reading a book. Suddenly you snap back to the present moment and realise you’ve misplaced the last twenty minutes or so. Hypnotherapy uses techniques to rapidly guide you into this focused state of awareness and then to relax you very deeply. It is quite common for clients to remark on how relaxed and comfortable they are within themselves.

Is hypnosis safe?

Hypnosis is completely safe. Because you are always in control you can end the session at any time. Hypnosis is not sleep this is the single biggest misunderstanding. Hypnotic sleep is an expression we use to describe the trance like condition of the mind, because your eyes are closed and you feel relaxed and focused, you look like you are asleep you are however, more acutely aware at this time.

Will I say or do something against my will?

The short answer is no. Because you are in a heightened state of awareness you are aware of everything that is happening to you and around you. Secrets are exactly that. Secrets - your secrets. The other question I am often asked is "Will you control my mind and make me act the fool or perform like Michael Jackson?" Again the answer is no. It is a misconception that has been promoted by television and has no place within a clinical environment. The trance state is a soothing, relaxing and enjoyable experience. The American and British Medical Associations have approved the use of hypnosis for more than 40 years. 

How does hypnotherapy work?

When you enter into the trance state you bypass your conscious mind and go straight to the subconscious. By doing so you can eliminate undesirable behaviour and install more empowering beliefs. So whether you want to stop smoking, eat more healthily, reduce stress or have more confidence,  you will find that hypnosis can be a great help. There can often be a be a link between unwanted behaviour, feelings and deeply rooted issue and in such cases the hypnotic processes can rapidly uncover and help you to transform the causes of these. This clears the way for you to consistently feel better and more in control of your own life.

How will I know if I am hypnotised?

Many people cannot tell the difference between hypnosis and the waking state. You certainly feel very relaxed during the process. Afterwards, clients are surprised at the automatic positive changes in their daily behaviours and feelings. A good hypnotherapist will observe the physical signs that show you are relaxed such as your breathing becoming much steadier, the movement of your eyes whilst you are visualising images and always checking that you are in a suitable state of relaxation and showing the signs of an altered state of mind.

How does this help me to change behaviour like smoking or eating too much?

Smoking and many eating behaviours are habitual and controlled by the unconscious mind. It makes sense to use advanced hypnosis to work directly with the unconscious mind. This helps make healthy habits automatic, so you may soon be enjoying the benefits of a healthier more rewarding lifestyle. As your thought patterns change, you find yourself thinking and feeling positive and much more easily able to maintain healthy behaviours.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends very much on the issues you're working on and your individual belief. Smoking, nail-biting and phobias may be fully resolved over one or two sessions. Other problem behaviour (e.g. binge eating) can be symptomatically treated in a couple of sessions, which can provide some relief. However, in cases where there is a strong emotional component, treatment may be ongoing over a period of time.

Can I buy a treatment for someone else?

Yes of course!  Gift vouchers are available from Zest Beauty and Holistic Studio, Main Road , Stretton, near Alfreton (Derbyshire), by email or by phone.  They make an excellent Christmas or birthday gift.