by Norman Munro

Created on: August 17, 2009   Last Updated: August 19, 2009

Demystifying Hypnosis.

Many people would like to use hypnotherapy to deal with some of their problems, but are afraid to do so because of misplaced fears or misunderstandings about what hypnosis really is.

Hypnosis as a therapy suffers a bad press, mainly because of the way it is presented on stage and TV, and because of urban myths surrounding the power and control of the hypnotist.

The reality is different. People cannot be made to run around clucking like chickens, but they can be induced to! On a television hypnosis show you do not see the pre-show preparation, or indeed the induction of hypnosis - it is illegal to televise a hypnotic induction.

In a studio audience of, let's say 400 people, there are probably some 150 extroverts, and of those, there may be 15 or so who are extreme extroverts who really like to show off. So when volunteers are asked for, these are the very people who will come forward.

Effectively, therefore, the hypnotist has a self selected group. He will give them some simple suggestibility tests, and a large proportion of the group will quite happily believe that the hypnotist is in control. If the performer says "cluck like a hen!" and the participants do so - they always have the excuse (at least in their own minds) that they were made to do it.

Therapeutic hypnosis is not at all like that.

Firstly, hypnosis is not something that is "done" to the client; it is something that the client allows to happen. The hypnotist simply assists the client reach a relaxed state by using language, tone of voice, imagery and suggestion. The so called 'trance state' is simply an altered state of consciousness, characterized by deep relaxation and an intensely focussed mind. Most people find very comfortable and enjoyable.

Secondly, because the subject allows the state of hypnosis to happen, by definition, he is in complete control of the process. He can "come out of it" just by opening his eyes whenever he wants.

Thirdly, it is not a state of sleep, although at may seem like it to the onlooker. In hypnosis, the subject is completely aware of all that is happening and hears all that is being said.

A person cannot be made to do anything which goes against his moral code, and will not let any skeletons out of the cupboard, even if they have some!

Finally, hypnotherapy is completely safe, provided that the hypnotherapist is properly trained and qualified.

A reputable and properly trained therapist will take a detailed history of the client's problem, including details of any medication he maybe taking. He will also ask about any allergies, fears or phobias that he has, because these could have an impact on the type of visualisation to be used. After all, it would hardly do to suggest to someone that they could enjoy a walk in a field of flowers if they suffered from hay fever!

Once an adequate history has been taken, a detailed treatment plan will be agreed, and therapy can commence.

If you do decide to visit a therapist - whether it is for hypnotherapy, counselling, psychotherapy, always ask in advance about their training and qualifications. Make sure you will be comfortable working with that person, because a good rapport is essential to a good result.

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