What is Hypnotherapy?
Some people are understandably a little apprehensive about considering hypnotherapy as a treatment, usually because of misconceptions by what
they have seen on the television or in films. Hypnotherapy is a type of complementary therapy that uses hypnosis, which is an altered state
of consciousness. Hypnosis is widely promoted as a treatment for various long-term conditions and for breaking certain habits. You're fully
in control when under hypnosis and don't have to take on the therapist's suggestions if you don't want to. If necessary, you can bring yourself
out of the hypnotic state. Hypnosis doesn't work if you don't want to be hypnotised. You shouldn't use hypnotherapy if you suffer from
psychosis or certain types of personality disorder, as it could make these conditions worse and if you have any type of mental health
problem or serious illness, such as cancer, make sure the hypnotherapist is trained in working with your particular condition.
Make sure you choose a qualified hypnotherapist with a solid healthcare background. Most health professionals who practise hypnotherapy
belong to a professional organisation such as the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and are regulated by the Complementary and Natural
Healthcare Council (CNHC).
When might it be helpful?
Hypnosis can help treat addictions – whether you're addicted to food, alcohol, drugs, smoking or gambling, Hypnotherapy is proven to help
break addictions for good so that you don't relapse and become addicted again within a short time. Hypnosis can similarly help you
lose weight and keep it off.
You can use hypnosis and meditation techniques when drugs and diet have not helped you manage your condition. Very often intense pain can be
brought under quick effective control using self-hypnosis. Hypnosis can also greatly reduce the length of the episode as well as extending
the time between attacks ensuring you are comfortable and pain free for as long as possible.