Your Mind
Hypnotherapy might be used to help with pain control and to overcome habits, such as smoking or overeating. It can improve the success of other treatments for several conditions such as: • Phobias, fears and anxiety • Sleep disorders • Depression • Stress • Post-trauma anxiety • Grief and loss
The benefits of hypnosis and hypnotherapy
M
y name is David Faratian, a consultant hypnotherapist, practising at the Cumbria Hypnosis Mindfulness Clinic. In this article, I would like to explore the fascinating psychology of hypnosis and hypnotherapy and attempt to unravel some of the more common myths. Hypnosis has become wellknown, thanks to popular acts where people are prompted to perform unusual or ridiculous actions. It has also been clinically proven to provide medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain and anxiety. When you hear the word hypnotist, what comes to mind? Like many people, the word may conjure up images of a sinister stage-villain, who brings about a hypnotic state by swinging a pocket watch back and forth. Hypnosis is often described as a sleep-like trance state, however, it is more accurately characterized by a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and vivid fantasies. People in a
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hypnotic state often seem sleepy and zoned out, but in reality, they are in a state of hyper-awareness. In psychology, hypnosis is sometimes referred to as hypnotherapy and has been used for a number of therapeutic purposes. Hypnosis is usually performed by a trained therapist who utilises visualization and verbal repetition to induce a hypnotic state. So, what can hypnotherapy help with? Often, hypnotherapy is seen as the magic bullet for dealing with smoking cessation and weight loss. While this is partially true, what people may not always appreciate is that hypnosis is also effective in a wide range of limiting beliefs, behaviours and emotions. These include: generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, and even some forms of chronic pain.
Often, hypnotherapy can be a powerful ally for conventional medical treatments, as it empowers self-belief and the ability for the client to heal themselves. Essentially, the hypnotherapist acts as a bridge between the issue being dealt with and the part within capable of learning and making changes, namely the subconscious mind. If this brief introduction has piqued your interest, and you would like to learn more about how this approach may offer a solution to a long-standing issue, which has not yet been effectively dealt with, then find out more by visiting our website www.cumbria-hypnosis.com
Roots of Life Wellness Magazine www.therootsoflife.co.uk
