Hypnotherapy - What is it and how does it work?

Hypnotherapy, which is the use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes, has a long and fascinating history dating back thousands of years.

What most people don't realise is that hypnosis is a state of mind that occurs every day and it doesn't actually feel that unusal.  In simple terms it's when we are 'in the zone'.  During this state time passes quickly and we don't consciously remember making that cup of tea, or driving to that location, our automatic pilot takes over.  Essentially it's when our brain wave speed slow down. 

During hypnotherapy, the hypnotherapist induces a slower brainwave state by helping you to relax.  This opens the doorway between the mind and body enabling us to do some all important work on your psychology. 

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all used forms of hypnosis for healing and spiritual purposes. In fact, the word "hypnosis" comes from the Greek word "hypnos," which means "sleep."

In the 18th and 19th centuries, hypnosis began to be used more formally for therapeutic purposes. The Scottish surgeon James Braid is often credited with coining the term "hypnosis" and developing it as a medical technique in the 1840s to help people disassociate from pain during surgery.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, hypnosis gained popularity as a treatment for a variety of physical and mental ailments. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, used hypnosis in his early work before moving away from it and developing his famous "talking therapy" approach.

In the mid-20th century, hypnosis became less popular as a mainstream medical treatment due to concerns about its effectiveness and the rise of other forms of psychotherapy. However, it continued to be used by some practitioners and experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, hypnotherapy is still used by many therapists, myself included, to treat a wide range of issues, including anxiety, phobias, smoking cessation, and weight loss.  It can be used alongside other therapies such as CBT to help clients achieve their goals. 

What is the efficacy of hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy, like many forms of psychotherapy, has some evidence to support its effectiveness, but there is still some debate and ongoing research in the field.

There are a number of studies that suggest that hypnotherapy can be effective in helping people with various issues, such as anxiety, depression, pain management, and addiction. However, some of these studies have limitations, such as small sample sizes or lack of control groups, which make it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

Despite these limitations, there is some evidence to suggest that hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment option for certain conditions. For example, the American Psychological Association recognizes hypnotherapy as a viable treatment option for some conditions, such as chronic pain.

In 2019 there was a meta analysis done about the efficacy of hypnotherapy for anxiety and the scientists responsible for the study found that "the average participant receiving hypnosis reduced anxiety more than about 79% of control participants."  You can see that study here.

It's worth noting that hypnotherapy is not a magic cure-all and may not work for everyone. It's also important to find a qualified and experienced practitioner if you're considering hypnotherapy as a treatment option.

So what is Rapid Transformational Therapy then?

RTT (which is what I specialise in) is a powerful and innovative approach to therapy that can help you quickly and effectively overcome limiting beliefs and behaviors, improve your self-esteem and confidence, and achieve your goals. It is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs have a profound impact on our emotions, behaviors, and actions.

RTT is a blend of therapies done under hypnosis.

Through regression & psychotherapy techniques (NOT past life regression), we work together to identify the root cause of your issues and negative beliefs, and then use a combination of parts therapy, NLP and positive suggestion therapy to rewire your subconscious mind and create lasting change.

One of the key advantages of RTT is its speed and effectiveness. Unlike traditional therapy approaches that can take months or even years to see results, RTT often delivers profound change in just a few sessions. This is because we focus on the root cause of your issues and beliefs, rather than just treating the symptoms and we also tap into the power of positive suggestion.  

Another advantage of RTT is its versatility. It can be used to address a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to weight loss, addiction, fears and relationship problems. It can also help you improve your performance in areas such as sports, public speaking, and business.

But perhaps the most powerful aspect of RTT is its ability to empower you to take control of your life and achieve your goals. By helping you to overcome your limiting beliefs and behaviors, RTT can free you from the constraints that have been holding you back and help you to create the life you truly desire.

So how are you feeling about hypnotherapy and RTT now?

Are you ready to transform your life and unlock your full potential?  If so I invite you to explore the world of Rapid Transformational Therapy.

Contact me today to schedule a free consultation and start your journey towards a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.