Will Hypnosis Really Help Me?

A good question, and an important one to investigate and research before embarking on a series  of Hypnotherapy Sessions. Will this actually work? And even more paramount- what do I hope to  achieve from these sessions? 

According to the National Library of Medicine

the average participant treated with hypnosis  improved more than about 84% of control participants. (link to article here) 

And according to Time Magazine:

Hypnosis has a surprisingly robust scientific framework.  Clinical research has shown that it can help relieve pain and anxiety and aid smoking  cessation, weight loss, and sleep. It can help children and adolescents better regulate their  feelings and behaviours. (link to article here) 

Mayo Clinic states that:

Hypnosis can help you gain control over behaviours you'd like to  change. It may help you cope better with anxiety or pain. Although you're more open to  suggestion during hypnosis, you don't lose control over your behaviour during a hypnosis  session. (link to article here) 

So, what exactly is hypnosis, you may ask? 

Hypnosis can be seen as a ‘Waking State of Awareness (or consciousness)’, according to the  National Library of Medicine. It can be described as a heightened state of relaxation, where you  may choose to either have your eyes open, or closed, as you assume a comfortable position.  

You are in control at all times, as your practitioner guides you through the process of hypnotic  induction, often using gentle, metaphorical language as you focus inwards, to the point where  what is being imagined can feel quite real. It can be described a bit like being in the space  between being awake and asleep. 

Your desired outcome- which will previously have been discussed through a series of strategic  questioning preceding your hypnotic session- will be reinforced through metaphor and imagery,  finding a solution and establishing a workable process towards your goal.  

This type of ‘trance’ is experienced many times a day, without you even being aware of it- as you  drive a familiar road and your mind wanders off, deciding what you’ll do for dinner that evening;  when undertaking a creative activity such as painting or drawing or listening to music; or when in  prayer or meditation, for example. 

Coming out of hypnosis is akin to waking refreshed in the morning, often with new insights and an  enlightened understanding of what it is you’re wanting to achieve in life, and how you’re going to  do it.

You’ll then be given a recording of your session which you’ll be encouraged to listen to at  the same time, each day, until you next see your practitioner again.  

Like anything in life- the more passionate you are about it and the more energy you invest in it, the more successful you’re going to be.