'Hypnotherapy requires trance.
Anything that assumes trance causes trance'
'Relaxation, visualisation and NLP all require trance'
Clarke Hills
Hypnotherapy is a safe, effective branch of psychotherapy.
Through simple techniques that can be learnt easily, it uses
hypnosis for therapeutic change by accessing the subconscious
mind during trance.
Trance is the basis for practicing the art of hypnosis. We
enter trance frequently each day, for example, you may have
been driving home when your conscious mind comes back into
control and you realise you have arrived home with little
recollection of how you got there. This is one example of
the unconscious mind taking over to direct behaviour that
would otherwise be conscious. Another example is when people
comment of being 'in a daze' or 'daydreaming'. This is simply
trance.
Trance is a normal, pleasurable and useful state. Although
we go into trance every day, the difference between the examples
above and the trance you experience with a Hypnotherapist
is that with the latter you are being safely guided into trance
with a distinct beneficial purpose. While in a trance with
a Hypnotherapist, you are in rapport with that person. Your
unconscious mind opens itself to receiving positive information
directly and uncritically from the therapist.
The subconscious is where many problems lie: it decides whether
to put that cigarette or biscuit in your mouth before you
are aware of making the decision. By communicating with your
unconscious mind during hypnosis you can make changes you
have wished for- and enjoy yourself.
During Hypnosis you will feel relaxed, comfortable and pleasantly
light headed. This feeling can continue for a few days and
you may notice how much more comfortable you are at work and
socially. Whatever your experience, it will be good. Being
in a trance can be described to the feeling you get upon awaking
and just before you drift off to sleep. It is a subtle, gentle
feeling and you are always in control and aware. You can never
be made to do anything against your will. You can open your
eyes and stop the session whenever you wish.
Many people ask me about stage hypnosis. Stage hypnotists
are entertainers. Drama and excitement are part of their act.
Individuals who go on stage are picked carefully by the hypnotist
and are often suggestible and extroverted. No one can ever
be made to do anything while in a trance: you are always in
control. Whatever actions you see people perform on stage
are done because they want to. In therapy there will be no
reason for you to behave in a way that is entertaining (unless
you want to of course!)
