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FAQs about Hypnosis & CBH

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of focused attention, heightened focus and concentration in which we come hyper suggestible and our imagination becomes more vivid.  It's a natural state which  which we go into everyday when becoming hyper focused or engrossed, for example when reading a book, day-dreaming or watching TV. The only difference is that it is accompanied by relaxation. Hypnosis requires a collaborative effort in which you actively have to respond to suggestion.

What does Hypnosis feel like?

Hypnosis is a cognitive state, related to belief and imagination hence is not a state of feeling however can be accompanied by various feelings and relaxation. It feels like what is being suggested at the time for example if feelings of relaxation are suggested, then you will most likely feel relaxed and calm. 

Is Hypnosis like being asleep?

No. Hypnosis does not usually feel like being asleep since you will be awake, conscious and aware of everything that is being said or done. While Hypnosis comes from the Greek word Hypnos which means sleep, it is usually an abbreviation for neuro hypnotism which means sleep of the nervous system. The word sleep will however be used as a trigger word to induce hypnosis, due to tradition and relaxation effects. 

Is Hypnosis an alpha brain state?

No. Hypnosis is sometimes described as a special brain state that produces higher frequencies of alpha or theta brain waves however such theories have been dismissed by researchers, 

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Yes, everyone can be hypnotized and trained to improve their responses to hypnosis. Entering hypnosis is as easy as daydreaming. If you can daydream or relax your mind then you will be able to be hypnotized. Hypnosis is a state of belief and imagination therefore if you believe or just imagine you are in hypnosis then you enter the state. However, if you believe that hypnosis is difficult and that you wont be able to enter the hypnotic state then you will find that this is the case, but with practice, education and training you will be able to be hypnotized. Hence, belief is very powerful. 

Will I lose control or be under the hypnotists control?

No. This idea comes from the media, movies and stage hypnosis. People who believe that this will happen in stage hypnosis are misinterpreting the experience and responding due to social pressures and due to accepting the suggestions that are given. In hypnosis, you are always in control of everything that occurs as it is your choice to be in hypnosis and respond to what is being suggested. You cannot be forced against your will nor can you be compelled to do anything that you do not want to do. 

Can I get stuck in Hypnosis? 

No, in the same way that you cant get stuck in a daydream or meditation. It is impossible and there have been no cases as such that have been reported as it has never happened. Hypnosis is a temporary state of mind. 

Is it a form of meditation?

No. However Hypnosis is sometimes compared to meditation

Is Hypnosis a quick fix? 

Hypnotherapy is possible the most rapid of all Psychotherapies but it is not a quick fix since it does require effort, curiosity, response of the subject and collaboration with the therapist. Although results can be very fast and clients often see a significant improvement after just a few sessions. It is not however a magic therapy that will cure you of all your problems. 

What is the relationship between hypnosis and self hypnosis? 

Hypnotists go by the slogan " All hypnosis is self hypnosis. The effects of hypnosis are created by the subjects imagination, with a little help from a skilled hypnotist. Researchers at the Stanford University, reported that all subjects said that they had experienced the hypnotists role as that of a guide rather than being controlled by any mysterious power. Subjects notice that they must allow themselves to be hypnotized by passively following instructions . Hence hypnosis comes from within you. 

Is hypnosis safe? 

Hypnosis is safe when used by a skilled and qualified practitioner with qualifications. 

What evidence is there that it works & where can I find research on Hypnosis?

Hypnotherapy is itself older than any other academic research in the field of Psychology. It is also the first and original therapy which has been subject to analysis and experiment. Thousands of academic books and articles have been published on its effects,  which show its therapeutic benefits for example that published by he British Medical Journal. 

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  • Good evidence from randomized control trials that both hypnosis and relaxation tools can reduce anxiety, particularly when related to stressful situations. 

  • Evidence for its effectiveness for panic disorders and insomnia, especially when integrated with cognitive therapy. 

  • Systematic reviews have been published that suggest that hypnosis enhances effects of CBT for conditions such as phobia, obesity and anxiety disorders. 

  • Randomized control trials have shown it to be valuable in treating acute and chronic pain and also IBS. 

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You can find research on Clinical Hypnosis here: 

Why combine with CBT and Mindfulness? 

Combining hypnosis with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness enhances treatment outcomes, creating a powerful therapeutic approach that surpasses the efficacy of using CBT or hypnosis alone. This integrative method allows for a comprehensive exploration of cognitive patterns, emotional responses, and behavioral change, leveraging the strengths of each modality. While CBT provides a structured framework for understanding and restructuring thoughts, mindfulness fosters present-moment awareness and emotional regulation,  hypnosis enables this work to be deeper and utilizes the imagination, while producing relaxation affects. Both CBT and Hypnosis rely on concepts of automatic thoughts or auto hypnosis. 

 

Hypnosis and CBT especially have quite a lot in common since they reply on behaviour change and thought restructuring, and are both cognitive therapies. Mindfulness on the other hand, allows you to increase awareness of thoughts in the body and fits in well with both CBT and Hypnosis. 

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Together, they form a holistic and transformative therapeutic experience, amplifying the potential for lasting positive change.

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