CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPY Hypnosis has been around since the dawn of recorded time and there is evidence of its use by the ancient Babylonians, Greeks and Egyptians. The use of chants, drumming and monotonous dancing rituals to change or alter consciousness fall under the definition of hypnosis. The more modern version however, derives from Anton Mesmer's theories of 'animal magnetism', conceived in the 18th century. WHAT IS HYPNOSIS ? The best way to view hypnosis is as a state of intense relaxation and concentration, in which the mind becomes remote and detached from everyday worries and concerns. In this relaxed state, the subconscious part of the mind is best able to respond creatively to suggestion and imagery. It can focus on the things you wish to change and on the ways you can best do so, free from analytical or anxious thoughts. You are , however, not asleep nor are you unconscious. Modern studies examining brain rhythm patterns show that a hypnotised subject is somewhere in between the sleeping and waking state. It is an altered state of consciousness in which a person 'lets things happen' through the subconscious mind rather than trying to 'make them happen' with the conscious mind. Because the subject is deeply relaxed, the concentration and memory are enhanced and the suggestions given by the hypnotherapist will be acted upon more easily by the subconscious.  The human mind has many layers. The outer layer is our conscious mind which helps with our daily decision making processes. It is intelligent, realistic, logical and proactive, especially in new situations where we have to apply rational thought. However, it can only deal with between 5 and 9 things at any one time and is easily overloaded. The subconscious mind, on the other hand, seeks to avoid pain and obtain pleasure and plays a major part in survival, regardless of external considerations. It is concerned with our emotions, imagination, and memories as well as our autonomic nervous system which controls our internal organs. These functions are very closely interlinked - in other words, the mind affects the body and the body affects the mind. It is powerful and very clever at dealing with many complex instructions at any one time. |  CAN I BE HYPNOTISED Contrary to popular belief, almost everybody is susceptible to hypnosis. By and large, it is easier to hypnotise a willing subject but sceptical or unwilling people can be hypnotised, albeit with greater difficulty. People whose minds are very active and questioning tend to take longer also. Good hypnotic subjects usually perceive themselves as co-operative and capable of inward concentration. Hypnotherapy is used for a variety of medical reasons and there are many conditions that respond well. Hypnosis works most efficiently in cases of anxiety and stress-related disorders but it is also effective in a number of other conditions, including: asthma, insomnia, eating disorders, weight problems, gastrointestinal problems, pain control, headaches, hypertension, compulsive habits, and performance/exam anxiety. Many phobias are also treatable by controlled deconditioning under hypnosis. However, serious addictions such as alcoholism and drug habituation do not respond well because there is also a considerable biochemical problem to overcome in such cases. We are moving into an era of medicine in which patients and some medical practitioners are becoming disenchanted with many drug treatments which don't necessarily cure and yet may produce unpleasant side-effects. Hypnotherapy offers a safe, quick and acceptable solution to a whole range of psychological and physical abnormalities. After a poor start, and a chequered history, hypnosis is undoubtedly here to stay.  At the Phoenix Holistic Centre we have two practitioners who specialise in hypnotherapy: Ingrid Stengelis, is a Psychologist, Counsellor and Clinical Hypnotherapist at Phoenix Holistic Centre. For more information or to make an appointment please call 02-93861225 or email phoenixholistic@bigpond.com |