Hypnotherapy is a method of inducing a trance or a dream-like state in order to treat disorders of mainly psychological or emotional origin. It has been practised in various forms for thousands of years by many cultures including African, American Indian, Celtic, Egyptian and Ancient Greek.
The alpha brainwave
A hypnotic state can occur naturally and spontaneously, such as when you are absorbed in a pleasant task, or when day-dreaming. Clinical hypnosis is the deliberate induction of an altered state of awareness. The brain has different levels of consciousness, or awareness, ranging from fully alert to drowsy to fully asleep, with variations in between. These different levels of consciousness can be mapped by brain wave activity, using a device called an electroencephalograph (EEG). When the brain is calm, it produces a distinctive EEG pattern called alpha waves. According to current theory, the subconscious mind is more accessible when the brain is producing alpha waves, because the conscious mind is relaxed. Therapeutic suggestions can then be given, usually to great effect.
You are in control
Suggestions tend to be taken to heart, but only if those suggestions are acceptable to the hypnotised person. Contrary to popular belief, you can't be hypnotised into doing things against your will. You can't be forced into a hypnotic state either. Instead, you allow yourself to be hypnotised. It is a voluntary altering of your own consciousness, and you are always in control.
Being in a hypnotic state feels similar to the dreamy state of mind that exists just before falling asleep, except you are alert and aware of your surroundings.
Degrees of suggestibility
One in ten people are very easy to hypnotise. Eighty per cent of the general population is reasonably open to hypnotic suggestion. The remaining 10 percent are resistant. In general, children are easier subjects than adults. Your degree of suggestibility has a lot to do with certain personality traits and doesn't mean you have a weak character, as is popularly believed.
Aims of hypnosis
The aims of hypnosis are to:
