WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
HYPNOTHERAPY
WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis refers to any method of inducing trance, which is a naturally occurring mind state that we all experience in its lightest forms many times a day such as the relaxed state you experience in between sleep and wakefulness or when you engrossed in your favourite TV
show or simply daydreaming.
The process of hypnosis can be used as a powerful tool, offering direct access to change negative learnt behaviour and reprogram the unconscious mind with suggestions.
DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?
Without a doubt. A study conducted by David Spiegel of Stanford University, through using a brain scan, it was demonstrated that through hypnosis people could be induced to see colours where there were none, in a black and white object. The scan showed an increase in blood supply to areas of the brain used to register colour. As trivial as this exercise may seem, it’s a simple scientific proof that this powerful phenomenon is objectively measurable and real.
HOW DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?
A hypnotist or hypnotherapist serves as a facilitator or guide, to help the client become hypnotised by heightening their focused attention and heightened suggestibility. Hypnosis works with the most powerful part of the mind, the subconscious and when experiencing hypnosis or trance the conscious, rational and critical mind slows down allowing the subconscious mind come to the forefront and absorb the positive suggestions and seeds of change delivered by the therapist.
WHAT DOES HYPNOSIS FEEL LIKE?
Everyone experiences of hypnosis are unique to themselves to some extent . We all know how it feels to daydream, hypnosis is the same but at a deeper level. Most people are completely conscious and aware throughout the experience, though it is also common for some people to experience forgetfulness as they drift up and down through different levels of trance.
CAN ANYONE BE HYPNOTISED?
Everyone has the potential to be hypnotised if they are willing and open. However the degree of response to hypnosis can vary from person to person. Some people will find it easier to go deeper more quickly than others. if a person consciously or subconsciously resists then it can greatly impact the effectiveness of hypnosis. In such cases it just means the process takes a little longer as the client gets use to the process and feels more relaxed.
WHAT IS EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is type of psychotherapy which has 8 phases and is included in several evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), phobias, anxiety disorders and other distressing life events. The person receiving treatment is asked to recall distressing images and is then directed by the therapist to do a series of eye movements or hand tapping motions know as bilateral stimulation. EMDR is based on the principle that negative thoughts, feelings and behaviour are the result of unprocessed memories. These unprocessed traumatic memories are stored in the stem brain also known as the “Reptile Brain” this part of the brain deals with protecting us when under threat for example, our fight, flight or freeze responses. The human brains way of processing memories and events is during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep but some traumas and life experience haven’t managed to be processed during REM sleep, they can result in flashbacks, phobias and irrational fears. EMDR produces a brain state similar to that of REM by stimulating the left and right brain hemispheres which then fires up the brains natural healing process allow the traumatic memory to be reprocessed and less intense and disturbing
What is the connection between EMDR and Hypnotherapy?
Both Hypnotherapy and EMDR are therapies that promote the transformation of negative feelings, thoughts and emotions by replacing them with new positive ones, creating healthier mindsets. However, EMDR and Hypnotherapy are totally different therapies that can be used either on their own or as a combined therapy.