Athy Hypnotherapy and Mindcoaching

Hypnosis is not a therapy in itself, but a therapy is conducted in hypnosis, which is known as hypnotherapy. Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration, creating a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is a natural trance state, like daydreaming, when the mind is relaxed and focused, where time passes very quickly, accompanied by good feelings of deep relaxation of mind and body. Hypnotherapy is a treatment that is based on the premise that the mind and body do not work in isolation. By sending the patient into a hypnotic state, the therapist aims to trigger the body's mental and physical self-healing processes that lie in the subconscious. Anybody can be sent into a hypnotic state; it is not a sign of gullibility or suggestibility on the part of the patient. Hypnosis induces a state of relaxation and concentration that practitioners claim is a natural manifestation of the mind at work. When undergoing hypnotherapy, patients are conscious and aware, but are open to the power of suggestion. Are there some people who cannot be hypnotised? Everyone is capable of sleep and trance experiences such as daydreaming and can therefore, be hypnotised. Hypnosis is a natural phenomenon and even animals are capable of experiencing hypnosis spontaneously. There are some exceptions, such as young children, people with mental difficulties or those with extremely sub-normal intelligence. Psychotic patients are not advised to undergo hypnosis. Will I be aware of what's happening when under hypnosis? The word 'hypnosis' derives from Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, but most people experiencing hypnosis are far from actually sleeping. The predominant feeling of most people is that it cannot have worked and they did not 'go under'. People experiencing hypnosis may appear to others to be asleep, but they can think, talk, open their eyes and respond to suggestion freely. When under hypnosis, people are usually aware of their surroundings and can hear everything going on around them, including the hypnotherapist's voice. What is self-hypnosis? All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, meaning that the hypnotherapist is only a guide or catalyst to elicit the trance experience in the client. The power of hypnosis resides in the client, not in the hypnotherapist. How does hypnotherapy work? Scientists are not really sure how it works. The autonomic nervous system controls all the automatic functions of the body while we are asleep, and it has been proven that words and suggestion can affect the central nervous system while we are awake. Distracting the conscious mind causes a dissociation of the conscious and unconscious mind and is the first step in inducing hypnosis. There are many differing techniques a hypnotherapist can use to hypnothise a person. By talking to their clients in a soothing voice and getting them to visualise relaxing and monotonous situations, practitioners are able to send their clients into a state of very deep relaxation, where they will still be aware of their surroundings, but are very much more sensitive to suggestion. Once the client has closed their eyes, the hypnotherapist deepens the trance by suggesting to the conscious mind to daydream or relax. While the conscious mind is inactive the subject is likely to respond to all suggestions literally. Positive suggestions are then introduced and absorbed by the conscious mind. When in this state, the client's subconscious can be reprogrammed to deal with certain feelings in a different way and as such, hypnotherapy is not only very effective in the treatment of fears, phobias, and addictions, but it can also reduce stress and alleviate pain. The brain can be rewired during hypnosis, to change negative, self-sabotging thought processes, to positive and affiriming thoughts, which can have a life-changing effect. How successful is hypnotherapy? Practitioners and researchers claim success rates of 90% and higher for professionally conducted hypnotherapy, which is followed up with a treatment plan and self-hypnosis recordings. A research project in the UK found that 92% of those who had attended a hypnotherapist would recommend the experience to others. The Irish Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy claim an 80% success rate in treating clients for smoking. What ailments is hypnotherapy suitable for treating? Hypnotherapy is useful for treating a variety of complaints, both physical and mental. Used in conjunction with other therapies, such as psychoanalysis, hypnotherapy can help clients to overcome certain psychological complaints, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, depression, phobias, and neuroses. It is particularly useful for overcoming fears and phobias, and ceasing problematic habitual behaviour, like stammering, snoring, smoking, teeth grinding, tinnitus, sleepwalking or nail biting. Hypnotherapy is useful for weight management and developing healthy lifestyle choices, as the plan is formulated for the long term goals of the client. It can also help alleviate some of the symptoms of physical complaints like allergies, travel sickness, insomnia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Hypnotherapy is also useful in providing general health benefits, such as improving posture and digestion, reducing dependence on sleeping pills or tranquillisers, and helping to eradicate stress. Does hypnotherapy make you feel good? Yes, and for many reasons. It can be very enjoyable as the passage of time gets distorted and often you feel a pleasant, almost euphoric state of peace. The depth of a hypnotic trance varies. It can be very light or extremely deep. As you enter hypnosis, you actually disconnect your mind from your body and surroundings. It is useful as part of your self-care regime. Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself as it produces positive feelings and boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Also, self-care is necessary to remind yourself and others that you and your needs are important too, and ensures that you stay sharp, motivated and healthy. Can I benefit from hypnotherapy on a regular basis? Yes, and some clients have sessions on a regular basis, to improve and maintain mental health. It's like a relaxing spa for the mind. It is a strictly confidential service, and an opportunity to discuss problems and unload worries, in addition to taking home helpful coping skills and anchoring positive feelings. Clients build up a one-to-one relationship with their hypnotherapist over time, and find it a source of support and comfort. When is hypnotherapy not recommended? Hypnotherapy is not generally advisable for mentally disturbed or psychotic patients. Some psychiatric professionals do use hypnotherapy in conjunction with orthodox treatments for patients with such conditions, but always within an institutional environment where other forms of treatment are also available. Patients suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar conditions, suicidal tendencies, senility, alcohol or drug psychosis, pathological personalities or manic depression are generally advised not to undergo hypnotherapy. While hypnotherapy is useful in alleviating mild cases of depression, it is contra-indicated for manic depression and bipolar conditions. It is also contra-indicated in some cases of epilepsy. How many sessions will I need? That is dependent on the issues being treated and the client. It may take one or two sessions to deal with an issue. Usually, hypnosis brings out other issues during the process that can also be addressed, and it is up to the client as to when they feel that they have succeeded in their goals, and are adequately equipped with coping strategies. Some clients like to check in a few times a year.