What is Hypnosis?

The Nature of Hypnosis
Hypnosis produces a hypnotic trance, which is a focussed state of concentration and is sometimes referred to as the loss of the multiplicity of foci. When you experience it, you feel very relaxed, comfortable and aware, and will be able to better visualise and create rich sensory experiences. In technical terms this is known as an 'alpha' brainwave state. It differs from sleep, which is a much deeper state with the brain working at a lower frequency. Hypnotic trance is actually a very common and naturally occurring phenomenon. Perhaps you can remember being completely lost in a book, or film, to the extent that you didn't notice other things around you. These are natural trances. Another is when you, for example, drive on your regular route to work, and get there not recalling the journey. Similarly you are also a natural hypnotist. Perhaps you have been able to influence your friends, lovers or children to make beneficial actions in their lives. This uses the same techniques as a competent hypnotist.

Hypnosis is safe and under your control
Since hypnotic trance is a common everyday experience, it is totally safe. Some people fear that they might 'lose control', based on their impression of stage hypnosis. In actual fact, all of the research done on the subject leads to the conclusion that people will only do things under trance that they want to do. Coercion has been shown to be ineffective - you will simply not do anything that is against your values or ethics. Since you are always aware of what is going on, any attempt to coerce or any danger immediately results in you leaving the trance state. Usually you will have a full memory of the trance.
Hypnosis for self-development is very different to stage hypnosis Some people have a distorted view of hypnosis due to the common images of the stage hypnotist and the antics of their subjects. Basically the stage hypnotist plays a numbers game, suggesting to the whole audience that some of them might like to come up on stage and take part in the show. Some people see this as an opportunity to gain attention or be outrageous, volunteer and so easily go along with the hypnotist's suggestions about doing unusual things - after all they want the attention. Whilst it is great entertainment, it differs greatly from hypnosis for self-development. Hypnosis for self-development takes an approach targeted to the individual, and makes suggestions about the specific issues they have identified (or in our case, bought a CD to address).

How is trance induced?
There are many different ways to induce a trance in a client. Most hypnotists use the method used on our CDs, which is through the use of the voice, its tonality and the words that are spoken, which are often ambiguous. After all hypnotising hypnotists can be tricky. In trance, the conscious mind is quietened, allowing access to the unconscious mind that manages the majority of your personal experience of life. Then the hypnotist gives you suggestions to make changes to your life that you feel are useful. Research into hypnosis has shown that your unconscious will only accept suggestions that are truly beneficial to you, no matter who they come from. This means that you are completely safe in the knowledge that only good things can come from being hypnotised and that you will remain in control at all times.

All individuals can be hypnotised
There is a common misconception that some people can be hypnotised and others not, often termed 'susceptibility'. In our experience, all people can be hypnotised. Admittedly the amount of time required and the approaches that are effective can vary from one individual to another, yet in the end the trance state can always be reached.