Healing by trance state (or an altered state of awareness) is among the oldest phenomena known to man and is found, in one form or another, in virtually every culture throughout the world. It could also be legitimately described as the original psychological therapy and somewhat more contentiously, as the basis for many of the more recent styles of psychological intervention.

Although such altered states have been known for thousands of years, the term ‘hypnosis’ (from the Greek ‘hypnos’, meaning ‘sleep’) was only coined circa 1840 by Dr James Braid, a Scottish physician, and remains a somewhat less than accurate description of the experience as the hypnotic state is, in most respects, entirely dissimilar to sleep.

At our current level of knowledge, the phenomenon of hypnosis cannot be conclusively defined but perhaps a reasonable interim definition might be that: Hypnosis is a state of mind, enhanced by (although not exclusively) mental and physical relaxation, in which our subconscious is able to communicate with our conscious mind. It may be better to define ‘hypnosis’ by what it does rather than what it is and in this regard it is widely accepted as a most excellent method by which we may access our inner potential. The state of mind referred to may be brought about either by oneself, unaided (self-hypnosis) or with the help of another person. If this other person is a trained professional, who utilises the resultant state of mind to encourage beneficial change to occur, the process is referred to as ‘Hypnotherapy’.

Source:https://general-hypnotherapy-register.com/what-is-hypnotherapy/#p1

Psychological therapy and counselling (sometimes referred to as the ‘talking cure’) is the treatment of emotional and psychological disorders, unwanted habits and undesirable feelings, using psychological techniques alone. The aim of all such therapy is to assist people (usually referred to as clients) in finding meaningful alternatives to their present unsatisfactory ways of thinking, feeling or behaving. Therapy also tends to help clients become more accepting both of themselves and others and can be most useful in promoting personal development and unlocking inner potential.

There are many forms of psychological therapy but Hypnotherapy is distinctive in that it attempts to address the client’s subconscious mind. In practice, the Hypnotherapist often (but not exclusively) requires the client to be in a relaxed state, frequently enlists the power of the client’s own imagination and may utilise a wide range of techniques from story telling, metaphor or symbolism (judged to be meaningful to the individual client) to the use of direct suggestions for beneficial change. Analytical techniques may also be employed in an attempt to uncover problems deemed to lie in a client’s past (referred to as the ‘there and then’) or therapy may concentrate more on a client’s current life and presenting problems (referred to as the ‘here and now’). It is generally considered helpful if the client is personally motivated to change (rather than relying solely on the therapist’s efforts) although a belief in the possibility of beneficial change may be a sufficient starting point.

Regardless of the techniques employed, perhaps the most important thing is that a client should expect to feel comfortable and at ease with their therapist. This is of particular importance in Hypnotherapy, in which the value of the treatment is greatly enhanced when there is confidence in the practitioner. For this reason it is recommended that a single session only is initially booked, leaving the client subsequently free to decide if they wish to proceed with more.

Unlike many other psychological therapies, Hypnotherapy is generally considered to be a fairly short-term approach in which beneficial change, if it is to occur, should become apparent within a relatively few sessions.

(N.B. In actual practice, most Hypnotherapists will combine hypnotic procedures with other appropriate counselling and therapeutic techniques. Should there be any doubt about the combination of skills utilised in individual cases, the therapist should be asked directly for a further explanation of their preferred methodology.)

The answer to this question is undoubtedly ‘virtually everyone’. This claim must, however, be qualified by the observation that some are more readily hypnotisable than others and that it will also depend upon one’s willingness to be hypnotised at the time. This willingness will itself depend upon a number of factors, not least of which will be the strength of the person’s particular need and their trust and confidence in the therapist concerned. A corollary to this question is ‘What level of trance is required in order to achieve a beneficial outcome?’ Although there remains some disagreement over the answer, most researchers concur that the actual level (or depth) of trance experienced does not relate to the beneficial results that might be obtained. In practice, this means that even where a person feels that they have not been hypnotised, given time (and this is a very important factor), the desired outcome of therapy might yet materialise. This matter of time is especially important in our current society, which has, in many respects, been coerced into believing that gratification of every desire should be instantaneous. Hypnotherapy can be extraordinarily effective but it is not magic. However, if the right ingredients are present, if the time is right and if a suitable practitioner can be found with whom the client is willing to work, then all their (realistic) goals are achievable.

Again, the answer to this question is ‘virtually everyone’. Given that hypnotherapy can be utilised to access a person’s inner potential and that probably no one is performing to their actual potential, then this answer is literally true. However, it is not just potential which Hypnotherapy is well placed to address but also one’s inner resources to effect beneficial change. In this regard, it is the innate healing capacity of our own body that may be stimulated by Hypnotherapy. Consequently, the list of problems which may be amenable to Hypnotherapy is far too long and varied to catalogue but certainly includes: stress, anxiety, panic, phobias, unwanted habits and addictions (e.g. smoking, overeating, alcoholism), disrupted sleep patterns, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, fear of examinations and public speaking, allergies and skin disorders, migraine and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, it has proved of value within surgery, where normal anaesthetics have not been practical, in the wider sphere of pain management and in the areas of both sporting and artistic performance enhancement. As an adjunct to other counselling techniques, it can also assist in helping to resolve relationship difficulties and be useful within anger management strategies.

Although there remain many other areas of human suffering in which Hypnotherapy may bring relief, there are instances in which it may be contra-indicated. These could include some manifestations of depressive illness, epilepsy, psychosis (e.g. schizophrenia) and some breathing problems.

Each person is different

The number of anxiety hypnosis sessions you will need will depend on the severity of your anxiety and how well you respond to treatment. Most people need between four and twelve hypnotherapy sessions to treat anxiety. Some people may only need a few hypnotherapy sessions, while others may need more. When listening to hypnotherapy recordings, repetition is vital, and usually, I recommend that people listen to recordings daily for 2-3 weeks to get the best results.

Each person is different

Of course, we know that whatever the therapeutic approach, the results are really down to the individual.

Someone who is really motivated for change will probably use less sessions than someone who is ambivalent. Seeing a hypnotherapist you gel with will also make a difference to how effective the treatment can be.

However, if you have a strong desire and commitment to change, a good hypnotherapist will help you to make changes on the shortest possible time.

Faster results mean less sessions

Well, that might be right! If you consider hypnotherapy verses the more traditional psychotherapy, there may be some saving in the number of sessions you need.

Firstly, hypnotherapists deal directly with the subconscious mind, usually the root of all change and the place where problems can accumulate. Because it works on a subconscious level, hypnotherapy can often produce faster results, so less sessions, and lower cost.

Reportedly, hypnosis has a 93% success rate with less sessions than both behavioural and psychotherapy, according to research studies. This led researchers to believe that for changing habits, thought patterns, and actual behaviour hypnosis was not only the most effective method but that it needed less time/sessions than other forms of therapy. (Alfred A. Barrios/1970).

In looking at the data, he concluded the following:

Hypnotherapy - 93% success rate with an average of 6 sessions

Behavioral Therapy - 72% success rate with an average of 22 sessions

Psychoanalysis - 38% success rate with an average of 600

Overall

I do recommend for my Anxiety Clients start with 5 sessions plus listening the recording at least 3 times a week.

During a hypnosis for anxiety session (or while listening to a recording), the therapist will guide you into a trance state of deep relaxation. It’s a deeper state that feels a bit like being in a daydream. Once you are in this relaxed state, one of focused attention and calm, the hypnotherapist will help you identify and address your anxiety’s root cause. They may make positive suggestions to your unconscious mind to remain calm in different situations, change habits and quieten unhelpful thought patterns. The hypnotherapist may also give you suggestions for managing your anxiety more effectively in your daily life. Clinical hypnosis is not like what we see on the TV or in stage shows, it’s relaxing and empowering and you remain in control the whole time.

It is all explained during your Free consultation before the session.