Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as the primary tool to help clients achieve their goals or solve their problems on the subconscious level.  The subconscious is that part of the mind of which one is not fully aware but nonetheless influences one’s actions and feelings.  It is easier to access, with some effort, than the deeper level of the unconscious.

Hypnosis is often confused with “mesmerism”.  Mesmerism is the method of channeling a mysterious occult force to put a person into a spellbound trance, usually without his/her awareness or permission.  Hypnosis, on the other hand, refers to clinical and ethical techniques of helping a client enter a state that opens his/her mind to strongly receive and accept mental suggestions.  The hypnotherapist prepares a client by explaining how hypnosis works and what he/she will experience; therefore, it involves the client’s knowledge and consent.

The hypnotic state is induced to increase the client’s susceptibility to suggestions by putting the conscious mind to sleep.  The hypnotherapist seeks to correct the client’s problematic behaviour patterns or increase his/her motivation by feeding suggestions to his/her subconscious mind in that altered mental state.

The client may also be trained by the therapist to use self-hypnosis.  Self-hypnosis is a form of hypnosis that is self-induced using the technique of autosuggestion.  Autosuggestion is a form of self-talk that involves deep relaxation techniques and specific positive affirmations.  This is based on the principle that conditioning the subconscious mind to hold certain beliefs will, through repetition, turn those beliefs into reality.  Self-fulfilling prophecies are evidence of autosuggestion.

Whether it is the client or therapist who induces the hypnotic state, the results achieved through hypnosis may be quicker, more radical, and longer lasting than the changes brought about exclusively through psychotherapy done on the conscious level.  This is possibly due to the deeper dimension in which the changes are made.

If you are looking for hypnotherapy or hypnosis treatment with a qualified practitioner, search Australia Counselling for counsellors and psychologists in your local area by visiting our hypnotherapy page.