Is Hypnotherapy safe?

When I tell people I’m a hypnotherapist, I am regularly asked, in a joking way, if I’m going to swing pendulums to magically make my clients ‘cluck like a chicken’ or do something embarrassing where they feel totally out of control. TV programmes and films have portrayed hypnosis as a form of disturbing mind control, while stage hypnotism uses tricks and illusions for entertainment purposes. As a result, there are many misconceptions about hypnotherapy, which often makes people anxious about trying it. 

Many people believe that hypnotherapy is something that is ‘done’ to them, that they explain their issue to the therapist who then simply hypnotises their problem away, as if by magic. Hypnotherapy is not hypnotism. It is a combination of psychotherapy and hypnosis, used to help people in a controlled, disciplined and supportive way. The psychotherapy in itself is extremely beneficial and its effects are enhanced by the application of hypnosis, to create gentle trance. This enables the subconscious mind to focus on what is changeable and possible, so you can become a calmer, happier, more confident versions of yourself.

I practice Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, which is a collaborative process.  It’s important to understand that change happens because you want it to and because you are prepared to allow the necessary steps to make it happen. I’ll help you to imagine your preferred future, a future where you have a more optimistic perspective on the quality of your life. I’ll then guide you into a relaxed state of hypnosis. Whilst in your trance-like state, your unconscious mind is free to consolidate what we have discussed.

Clients regularly comment on how ordinary hypnosis feels – it’s not unlike daydreaming – you can often hear everything that is being said whilst in a deeply relaxed state. We enter in and out of this very natural trance-like state several times a day – when driving, listening to music, watching TV, exercising and when deep in thought. 

You could think of it as guided daydreaming, where beneficial suggestions can be directed towards your subconscious mind, helping you change unconstructive thought patterns. While you are in this relaxed state of focused attention, your mind is more responsive to suggestions for positive change.

Hypnosis is an artificial way of replicating the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) period of sleep, which is natural and harmless. It is induced through open and suggestive hypnotic language, not by using any tricks, mind control or manipulation. 

It is totally safe as all Solution Focused Hypnotherapists undertake 450 hours of training, as well as committing to Continuous Professional Development. Most professional hypnotherapists belong to professional bodies and have been trained in the same way. I am a full member of the Association of Solution Focused Hypnotherapists (ASFSH) and the National Council of Hypnotherapist (NCH), both governed by ethical guidelines. I have been DBS checked and am also fully insured.

If you find a therapist who is accredited by a reputable professional body, hypnotherapy can be the best way for you to take control over persistent external, negative influences. It can help you to overcome a wide range of challenges in your life from anxiety, low self-esteem, insomnia and phobias to eating disorders, sports performance, life-long habits and so much more.  It is a safe, drug-free form of therapy which uses psychotherapy, followed by hypnosis, to help you make lasting, positive changes in your own subconscious mind, where you make 95% of your decisions, without any stress or side effects.