Nikki Butlin Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis & Hypnotherapy Explained

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There are many assumptions and falsehoods about hypnosis.
I wish to give an explanation about what hypnosis and hypnotherapy CAN and CANNOT do to dispell the myths stopping people from exploring this amazing phenomenon.
 

HYPNOSIS
 
Hypnosis is a NATURALLY OCCURRING STATE that we all experience every day probably without realising. One of the definitions is an ALTERED STATE OF AWARENESS
 
Anyone who has ever driven their car and been unable to remember part of the journey has been in a hypnotic state. The driver and all others around them are completely safe and if any dangerous situation should occur, the driver would regain full consciousness immediately and take control of the situation. 
 
Day dreaming is another example of hypnosis. A fixed gaze, the mind concentrating on some other image or thought. Again, a completely natural state and one that is immediately stopped when desired or needed.
 
Hypnosis is actually derived from the Greek word "hypnos" meaning sleep. However this term is inaccurate, as the person is not asleep, but is fully aware of everything being said to them and able to stop the experience at any time. The word hypnosis was given in the 1800's when pioneers were just discovering it's potential. When more was known about the phenomenon the name had stuck and it has been known has hypnosis ever since.
 
We all pass through a hypnotic state on our way to and from deep sleep.  Our brainwaves gradually slow down to those maintained whilst sleeping deeply. Between full consciousness and deep sleep is a hypnotic trance which we all do naturally. The hypnosis induced by a therapist during hypnotherapy is just like this, the only difference is that it is guided by someone other than the individual experiencing it.
 
Hypnosis by itself cannot achieve any remarkable events.  But used with therapy forming the term "hypnotherapy", it can create extraordinary changes in an individual.
 

 
HYPNOTHERAPY
Hypnotherapy is used for therapeutic change whilst under the state of hypnosis. It is a completely safe and natural form of therapy.
 
Every individual has conscious and subconscious parts of their mind. The subconscious stores emotions and events from our lives. Everything we’ve ever seen, learnt or experienced is stored in this part of the mind.
 
The subconscious is also there for our protection and will warn us of dangerous situations should they arise. It is the subconscious part of the mind that is responsible for sending the messages around the body such as anxiety and adrenalin to warn us we are in danger.
 
The subconscious is always working, it never sleeps and is always absorbing information.  It is the subconscious that gives us our dreams.
 
Our conscious minds, in comparison, are used for our everyday activities to solve problems, use logic and reason to decide what we are going to do. Normally these two parts of the mind work independently from one another. Our conscious thoughts determine the here and now, what we want to do and how we're going to do it. 
 
The subconscious mind is working on what it knows to be right from past learning and past experience. Sometimes things that have been stored within our subconscious create problems and conflict. This can create a distressing situation for the individual not knowing why they feel unable to do things. Traumas, habits and emotional distress can all build up and be trapped in subconscious part of the mind.
 
This is why using willpower can be so difficult because you have conscious thoughts and desires battling against subconscious instilled processes. And when there is a conflict between logic (consious) and imagination (subconscious) the imagination will always win!
 
This is where hypnotherapy comes in. Under the state of hypnosis the subconscious mind is receptive to new suggestions and the problems can be treated at source. The old habits and processes can be overridden.
 
Further information and explanations will be given regarding your particular concern on your first visit with me.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Why choose Hypnotherapy above other therapies?
Hypnotherapy is unique in that it gets right to the root of the problems and fixes them in a relatively short space of time.  Under hypnosis the subconscious part of the mind, which is where the problems are stored, is accessed directly to make the changes in a quick and effective method.  Other talking therapies, although effective, can take months or maybe years to complete, taking up your time and money in the process.
 
Why can't I fix my problems myself?
It's YOUR mind we are dealing with in our sessions together so you may wonder why you can't sort it out yourself.  Well as your therapist I am there to guide you to the solutions to your problems helping you to unlock previously dormant resources and issues.  There are lots of things in life that we need a little expert assistance with and your emotional health is no different.  You could take years to unravel things yourself or maybe not at all, so why not take a little time and some professional help to get you to the answers quicker so you can get on with your life now!
 
Can Anyone Be Hypnotised?
Almost anyone yes. There is only a small percentage of people who cannot be hypnotised. This is for extreme cases and in the best interests of the individual. If there is any reason that you should not be hypnotised then this will be discussed at your intital consultation.
 
Do you work with children?
I am able to work with children /minors from age 10 upwards for various issues.  Parental consent is always required and a full consultation takes place with child and parent/s present.  Depending on the nature of the issue and the age of the child I may require consent to work with them alone.  This then ensures the child freedom to express opinions and talk openly about anything they wish.  My confidentiality always remains with the client and is no different when working with children.  Normal session fees apply as my level of service is the same for whoever I see.  Please contact me if you feel I can assist your child in any way.
 
Can I Be Made To Do Something I Don't Want To?
Absolutely not. You are aware of everything being said to you under hypnosis and will never do anything you do not wish. You and your mind will reject anything that you do not desire, you are in control at all times. 
 
Is Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy Dangerous?
No. It is completely safe and uses no physical intervention, drugs or medicine. There are no reports to suggest that anyone has ever been harmed under hypnosis.
 
Am I asleep during the session?
You are not asleep, only in an altered state of consciousness. You are able to hear and sense everything around you.
 
Can I stop the session at any time?
Yes you are in control at all times and can stop whenever you choose to.
 
How does it work?
Firstly you will be taken through a relaxation process to allow the conscious and subconscious minds to be working on the same thing at the same time. The hypnotic state is experienced differently by every person. You may enter a light state of hypnosis or a deep state it does not matter which you are in.
 
The therapist will speak to you giving you suggestions and carefully worded phrases that are relevant to your presenting issue.  These phrases and suggestions will be picked up by your subconscious due to the relaxed state of hypnosis, as long as they are desired.  Afterwards although you will probably feel no different to normal, the embedded suggestions given to you under hypnosis will begin to take effect and you will notice a change in the behaviour you have desired. 
 
What will it feel like?
Most people liken it to a deep state of relaxation and calmness, aware of your surroundings but completely focussed on the session. But everyone experiences it differently.
 
Will I remember what was said to me?
Absolutely, there is no loss of memory, all of your senses are in operation and you have full control.
 
Can I get "stuck" in hypnosis?
Absolutely not. It is impossible to get stuck in a state that is naturally occurring and can be terminated at any time by the individual.
 
Do I need to do anything beforehand?
If you wear contact lenses it is probably best that you remove them before the sessions starts. Other than that, all you need is yourself and a desire to improve whatever your issue is. The rest we can do together.
 
How many sessions will I need?
This very much depends on your presenting issue and will be discussed at your consultation.  Some simple problems can be addressed in just one session (e.g. quit smoking) although more indepth problems can take longer.  My best attention to your problems is given at all times and I will give you the quality of time that you need.
 
How long is a session?
Session length is 60 minutes.  Quit smoking is one session of between 90 minutes and 2 hours.
 
What happens at the Initial Consultation?
No hypnosis takes place on the initial consultation.  The purpose of this session is to gather as much information on your presenting issue.  I also ask about any medication and will inform you then if you need to get GP's consent prior to us working together.  I can give an estimate to the number of sessions required and the cost involved.  It is also a chance for you to ask as many questions as you wish and more importantly for you to meet me face to face.  The Client / Therapist relationship is very important if an effective therapy is to take place. 
 
If there are any questions you have that haven't been answered here please feel free to contact me and discuss them.  No therapy sessions will take place until you are absolutely comfortable and willing to go ahead

Nikki Butlin Hypnotherapy
Springfield Road - Walpole St Peter - Wisbech - Cambs - PE14 7PR
Copyright Nikki Butlin 2007 ã