Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state with a sense of deep relaxation. When someone is in hypnosis, they are not asleep, and their senses are highly tuned with a greater depth of awareness. It can be experienced differently by the same person and by different people, so there is no particular ‘state’ if you like. It can also be described as a state of focused attention.

• Hypnosis is a very pleasant feeling that combines relaxation with a focus of attention or concentration.
• Anyone who wants to be hypnotised can be hypnotised.

It is a myth that some people cannot be hypnotised. The only exception is if someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In fact we all experience the state of hypnosis every day. It is very similar to when you are daydreaming or about to fall asleep. It is that lovely blurry state just before you fall asleep or as you are waking up first thing in the morning. Other examples of natural hypnosis are: if you are engrossed in reading a book, or watching a film anything that absorbs your concentration.

Clinical hypnotherapy or suggestion hypnotherapy
Clinical hypnotherapy is ideal for the simpler problems and symptoms. It can be very effective for problems such as: stopping smoking, losing weight, driving test nerves or dentist nerves. Clinical hypnotherapy is not recommended for the more deep-seated problems. As hypnosis induces a heightened sense of awareness, the relaxed state of mind is more susceptible to accept beneficial positive suggestions.

How clinical hypnotherapy works
Hypnotherapy can treat many psychological problems by accessing the unconscious mind.