What is Clinical Hypnotherapy & NLP?

 

Clinical Hypnotherapy & Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

 ‘The power to change your mind & destiny’  

 = - Leiza Clark 2

Hypnosis has been in use for thousands of years. There is a plethora of evidence to support the belief that Hypnosis was in existence and used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, for therapeutic benefit, as far back as the fourth Century BC. Hypnosis – derives from the Greek word ‘Hypnos’ (meaning sleep) because while in the state of Hypnosis, a person is extremely relaxed.

Hypnosis or trance is a state of being, an altered state of awareness. We are always cycling through biological rhythms (ultradian cycles which are in the dream and the waking states) that makes trance a naturally occurring state. Milton Erickson’s definition of trance is an altered state of intense and narrowly focused attention. We are generally talking about an inner directed state where the awareness becomes more and more focused upon the internal thoughts, processes or sensations.
Hypnosis is “a form of highly focused attention,” says Stanford’s Spiegel-an induced state of mind that enables people to alter the way they perceive and process reality.

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is an approach to communication, personal development, and psychotherapy.

When a person is in a meditative relaxed state, they find it easier to accept beneficial suggestions and their memory is enhanced.

There is absolutely no question of being controlled or manipulated, or even induced into a deeper trance state. A fact a person in Hypnosis is not asleep, they are often more aware of what is taking place than usual and their senses and mind typically function more efficiently than normal.

The state of hypnosis is an ancient phenomenon, and yet it’s a totally natural experience. A person can converse quite easily whilst within the hypnotised state.

This centuries old technique is being used increasingly in addition to conventional medicine, where it is proving a valuable alternative to drugs for anaesthesia, relieving stress accelerating healing and controlling pain.

“Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality. -“Earl Nightingale

Dr. Alfred A. Barrios reported in the psychotherapy journal of American Psychiatric Association (Volume. 7-1), the following success rates:

  • Psychotherapy   38% recovery after 600 sessions (about 11.5 months)
  • Behaviour Therapy   72% recovery after 22 sessions (about 6 months)
  • Hypnotherapy   93% recovery after 6 sessions (about 1.5 months)

“The mind is a dutiful servant and will follow the instructions we give it”. Zig Ziglar

Research suggests that hypnotherapy is particularly effective in the corrective treatment of negative habit patterns.  For most of us, the need and desire to change ourselves relates not so much to conscious behaviours in life, but instead to more ingrained subconscious habit patterns. It’s with these negative habits or patterns, which people endeavour to get assistance through hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy is not a way to avoid or short circuit personal responsibility and application of individual’s personal will power.  Hypnotherapists work in partnership with you to assist you in making the changes in your own life, with your consent and intention to create permanent change. If you’re ready for change, hypnotherapy can be the pivotal point and key to your success.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people have a limited understanding of the positive results that can be achieved in a professionally facilitated hypnotherapy session. These Questions and Answers will help dispel some of the myths, answering the most frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration, a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is a non-addictive process and it’s a natural manifestation of the mind at work. Hypnosis is a very pleasant feeling of complete physical and mental relaxation.  It is similar to that moment between knowing you are awake and going into the sleep state.

What is the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness where your mind is open and receptive to suggestions. Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy where a hypnotherapist works in partnership with the client, using hypnosis as a primary tool for assisting clients to achieve their goals. A hypnotherapist often differs from other therapists by focusing on the role of subconscious behaviours and influences on the client’s life. The hypnotherapist finds out what false beliefs are (i.e. what is holding the client back) and reprograms these thought patterns, so the client can move forward achieving the desired outcome).

Will I be asleep when hypnotised?

The word hypnosis comes from the ancient Greek word ‘hypnos’ meaning sleep, which is an inaccurate term, as hypnosis is generally a very relaxed state but it is not actually sleep. Many people after a session of hypnosis don’t believe that they were hypnotised at all, but that comes from misconceptions of what a ‘trance’ actually is.

Why don’t more people use hypnotherapy?

For the same reasons, why people don’t take vitamins or exercise daily? Quite often people know what’s good for them, yet they don’t do it. They’re busy and barely keep up with the things we have to do, let alone anything that is optional.

Is Hypnotherapy Safe?

Hypnotherapy is completely safe. You are aware and in control at every moment and can terminate the session at any time. Hypnosis is not sleep, nor can you get “stuck” in a state of hypnosis. You cannot be made to do something against your will. Hypnotherapy is a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.

Will I give out any personal or secret information under hypnosis?

No. You cannot be forced to say or do anything under hypnosis that you don’t want to. Remember that you are completely in control at all times.

Are any drugs of tablets used?

No, not at all.

Will I be aware of what is happening?

Yes, most people are generally surprised that they actually remember everything that has happened during the hypnotherapy session.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Some people find it easier to relax than others. By the same token, some people are able to go into hypnosis more quickly and more deeply than others. Most people can go into at least a light trance and with most hypnotherapeutic goals, a light trance is enough so everyone can benefit from hypnotherapy to some extent.

How does hypnotherapy feel?

Here are two examples of how it feels. The first, is if you have been watching television, and suddenly, you realise that you haven’t seen any of what’s been going on for the last five minutes, because you’ve been thinking about something else, and just weren’t concentrating on what you were watching.

Second e.g. think of a time where you’ve been so absorbed in what you’ve been doing, that more time has passed than you thought… for example, you may think you’ve been reading for 30 minutes, only to look at the clock and see that you’ve actually been reading for an hour. Hypnotherapy is a similar feeling to the above examples.

Hypnosis feels a bit like that. Client’s often express that they feel like they’ve been under hypnosis for only 20 minutes, when actually it’s been very nearly an hour!

Can it help with medical problems?

If you think your problems may be medical, it is essential that you consult your GP first before consultation with a hypnotherapist.

Will I lose control & be influenced to anything against my will?

No. This is a common misconception about hypnosis. Nobody can be hypnotised against their will. Hypnotherapy is not about control by the hypnotherapist, it’s about working together to empower the client and create the changes they wish to see in their life. Nobody can be forced to do anything against their will. The ‘control’ misconception appears to originate from stage hypnosis which also involves people, giving consent to participate and have fun carrying out instructions from the stage Hypnotist.

How deep in Hypnosis will I go?

Clients go as deep or as light into hypnosis as they need to go, to get the results they need. The more meditational or hypnosis experience one has, the easier one drops down into the altered receptive state to create change.

What if I Don’t Wake Up?

No one has ever got stuck in a terminal state of hypnosis. It simply cannot happen. If the hypnotist left the room, or if you were listening to a tape and the power went out, you would either fall asleep and wake up naturally, or your subconscious mind would detect that there is no voice guiding you and bring you to conscious awareness.

Is Hypnosis Dangerous?

Hypnosis is a normal state of mind, one which most people go in and out of every day. When you are watching a movie that you are engrossed in, driving down a long monotonous road, listening to music that captures a mood or engrosses you, you are in hypnosis. We experience hypnosis every day and don’t even know it.  It is perhaps one of the safest forms of therapy. There is no documented evidence of anyone ever being harmed by hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a proven therapeutic aid.

 

 

 

Q & A about Hypnotherapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people have a limited understanding of the positive results that can be achieved in a professionally facilitated hypnotherapy session. These Questions and Answers will help dispel some of the myths, answering the most frequently asked questions about hypnotherapy.

What is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of relaxation and concentration, a state of heightened awareness induced by suggestion. It is a non-addictive process and it’s a natural manifestation of the mind at work. Hypnosis is a very pleasant feeling of complete physical and mental relaxation.  It is similar to that moment between knowing you are awake and going into the sleep state.

What is the difference between Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy?

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness where your mind is open and receptive to suggestions. Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy where a hypnotherapist works in partnership with the client, using hypnosis as a primary tool for assisting clients to achieve their goals. A hypnotherapist often differs from other therapists by focusing on the role of subconscious behaviours and influences on the client’s life. The hypnotherapist finds out what false beliefs are (i.e. what is holding the client back) and reprograms these thought patterns, so the client can move forward achieving the desired outcome).

Will I be asleep when hypnotised?

The word hypnosis comes from the ancient Greek word ‘hypnos’ meaning sleep, which is an inaccurate term, as hypnosis is generally a very relaxed state but it is not actually sleep. Many people after a session of hypnosis don’t believe that they were hypnotised at all, but that comes from misconceptions of what a ‘trance’ actually is.

Why don’t more people use hypnotherapy?

For the same reasons, why people don’t take vitamins or exercise daily? Quite often people know what’s good for them, yet they don’t do it. They’re busy and barely keep up with the things we have to do, let alone anything that is optional.

Is Hypnotherapy Safe?

Hypnotherapy is completely safe. You are aware and in control at every moment and can terminate the session at any time. Hypnosis is not sleep, nor can you get “stuck” in a state of hypnosis. You cannot be made to do something against your will. Hypnotherapy is a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.

Will I give out any personal or secret information under hypnosis?

No. You cannot be forced to say or do anything under hypnosis that you don’t want to. Remember that you are completely in control at all times.

Are any drugs of tablets used?

No, not at all.

Will I be aware of what is happening?

Yes, most people are generally surprised that they actually remember everything that has happened during the hypnotherapy session.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Some people find it easier to relax than others. By the same token, some people are able to go into hypnosis more quickly and more deeply than others. Most people can go into at least a light trance and with most hypnotherapeutic goals, a light trance is enough so everyone can benefit from hypnotherapy to some extent.

How does hypnotherapy feel?

Here are two examples of how it feels. The first, is if you have been watching television, and suddenly, you realise that you haven’t seen any of what’s been going on for the last five minutes, because you’ve been thinking about something else, and just weren’t concentrating on what you were watching.

Second e.g. think of a time where you’ve been so absorbed in what you’ve been doing, that more time has passed than you thought… for example, you may think you’ve been reading for 30 minutes, only to look at the clock and see that you’ve actually been reading for an hour. Hypnotherapy is a similar feeling to the above examples.

Hypnosis feels a bit like that. Client’s often express that they feel like they’ve been under hypnosis for only 20 minutes, when actually it’s been very nearly an hour!

Can it help with medical problems?

If you think your problems may be medical, it is essential that you consult your GP first before consultation with a hypnotherapist.

Will I lose control & be influenced to anything against my will?

No. This is a common misconception about hypnosis. Nobody can be hypnotised against their will. Hypnotherapy is not about control by the hypnotherapist, it’s about working together to empower the client and create the changes they wish to see in their life. Nobody can be forced to do anything against their will. The ‘control’ misconception appears to originate from stage hypnosis which also involves people, giving consent to participate and have fun carrying out instructions from the stage Hypnotist.

How deep in Hypnosis will I go?

Clients go as deep or as light into hypnosis as they need to go, to get the results they need. The more meditational or hypnosis experience one has, the easier one drops down into the altered receptive state to create change.

What if I Don’t Wake Up?

No one has ever got stuck in a terminal state of hypnosis. It simply cannot happen. If the hypnotist left the room, or if you were listening to a tape and the power went out, you would either fall asleep and wake up naturally, or your subconscious mind would detect that there is no voice guiding you and bring you to conscious awareness.

Is Hypnosis Dangerous?

Hypnosis is a normal state of mind, one which most people go in and out of every day. When you are watching a movie that you are engrossed in, driving down a long monotonous road, listening to music that captures a mood or engrosses you, you are in hypnosis. We experience hypnosis every day and don’t even know it.  It is perhaps one of the safest forms of therapy. There is no documented evidence of anyone ever being harmed by hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is a proven therapeutic aid.

Are the sessions confidential?

Absolutely! – None of your personal details will ever be passed on to anyone else, without for permission. Strict confidentiality is a requirement of AHA Code of Ethics .

Understanding the Mind

Understanding how the conscious and subconscious mind,

‘The law of life is the law of belief. A belief is a thought in your mind. Do not believe in things to harm or hurt. Believe in the power of your subconscious to heal, inspire, strengthen, and prosper you. According to your belief is it done unto you’. – Dr. Joseph Murphy

Conscious mind is 10% of our mind of which we are most aware. This part of the mind is responsible for logic and cognitive reasoning, decision making and will power. Subconscious mind is 90% of our mind that is mostly below the level of our awareness. This large percentage of the mind is responsible for reflective action and auto responses from nervous system. It contains the positive and negative associations (beliefs) that we’ve established through our life experiences.

“We must realize that the subconscious mind is the law of action and always expresses what the conscious mind has impressed on it. What we regularly entertain in our mind creates a conception of self. What we conceive ourselves to be, we become.” Grace Speare

Why celebrities turn to Hypnosis

Celebrities and Hypnosis

For centuries, many people have  successfully used hypnotherapy to change their lives.

Countless celebrities have used hypnotherapy to change negative habits and to enhance their lives.

Many celebrities  use hypnosis to quit smoking

Mark Knopfler, Matt Damon, Drew Barrymore, Billy Joel, Ellen DeGeneres, Ashton Kutcher and Charlize Theron,  Britney Spears, Samuel Jackson, beat their smoking habit through hypnosis.

 

Matt Damon quit smoking using hypnosis after filming ‘The Ocean’s Twelve’. He said afterwards: “It’s amazing I didn’t even want cigarettes any more” and told America on Jay Leno’s show “I should have done it years ago, using hypnosis was one of the greatest decisions of my life!”

 

 

 

Ben Affleck smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, until impending fatherhood prompted him to quit. Ben went to a hypnotherapist recommended by his friend, Matt Damon.

Ben Affleck tells Oprah he used Hypnosis to stop smoking: “I finally decided to quit smoking when I found out I was going to have a child. That was the thing that sort of put it over the top for me. I decided to go to a hypnotist. You sit in a chair and the hypnotist sips water and just talks to you for an hour, and explains how nicotine is poison.”

“All of a sudden, I thought, ‘This is asinine that I’ve been doing this to myself for all these years.’ My last cigarette was on November 10th, 2005, and I feel a huge difference in my health now that I don’t smoke. I feel like I’m in better shape than I was five years ago.”

 

 

Drew Barrymore managed to kick a two to three pack a day habit that she’d had since her teens with the help of hypnosis, and so did Kevin Stone, Bill Joel, Brittany Spears and many others.

 

 

 

 

 

Ellen DeGeneres spoke on her TV show about how she quit smoking with hypnosis. Ellen was so grateful that she told Paul McKenna: “You’ve helped me tremendously and probably saved my life. Quitting definitely changed my life.”

 

 

   Royalty

Princess Kate Middleton’s has used hypnosis to assist her in overcoming symptoms of  morning sickness.

Kate Middleton’s acute morning sickness was brought to the public eye when she was checked into a hospital in December, and a report has now surfaced that she’s turning to hypnotherapy as a way to overcome her negative associations with food and morning sickness.

Kate Middleton, on her last trimester, reportedly considered using hypnosis in preparation for her royal childbirth. Just like most first-time mums, the Duchess of Cambridge hopes for a natural delivery and Hypno-birthing is one of the methods she believes could help ease her labour pain.

Many other celebrity mums have used hypno-birthing, like Hollywood stars Jessica Alba and Tiffani Thiessen.

 

 

Celebrities who have used hypnosis as part of their weight-loss:

 

 

 

 

  • Lily Allen (singer) -who has dropped her size from 12 to 8 with the help of hypnotherapy
  • Orlando Bloom – was hooked on chocolate as a child, his mother called in a hypnotist to help him shape up.
  • Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (former member of the British Royal family) found hypnosis assited her in weightloss
  • Sophie Dahl (model)
  • Geri Halliwell (singer)

 

Celebrities who’ve used hypnosis for personal development:

 

 

 

 

The actor, Kevin Costner – became seasick while making “Waterworld”. His regular hypnotherapist came to the filming location and helped Costner overcome the problem.

Princess Diana-  Used hypnosis to assist her with public speaking and confidence.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis – used hypnotherapy to deal with the tragic events in her life. E.g. the tragedy that she experienced during the assassination of her late husband John during his US presidency.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York (former member of the British Royal family)- quit biting her nails, and lost weight with hypnosis.

Aaron Eckhart, Hollywood actor has credited hypnosis with changing his life forever after he used the practice to give up smoking and alcohol.

Mel Gibson underwent hypnosis to help him manage his life circumstances.

 

Celebrities who recommend Hypnosis for childbirth:

  Jessica Alba, pregnant with her second child.

 

 

Many other celebrity mums have used hypno-birthing, like Hollywood stars Jessica Alba and Tiffani Thiessen.

  Kate Middleton – On  her last trimester, reportedly considered hypnosis in preparation for her royal childbirth. Just like most first-time mums, the Duchess of Cambridge hopes for a natural delivery and Hypno-birthing is one of the methods she believes could help ease her labour pain.

 

 

 

Actors – Hypnosis has contributed to the success of many Actors

Here are some examples:

Sean Connery   –   John Travolta   –   Tony Curtis   –   Sean Penn   –   Samual L. Jackson  –   Robert De Niro

Ricky Martin (Singer) – Has used Hypnosis to advance his singing career.

Some other greats, that used Hypnosis and to increase their success.

Henry Ford – Car manufacturer and billionaire, was a devoted client of hypnosis

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) used post-hypnotic suggestions in order to stay awake all night and avoid tiredness during W.W.II.

 

Celebrities who’ve used hypnosis for career success:

Many celebrities have had a fear of speaking in public.

I have found the most effective proven program to eliminate fears about speaking HERE. Because it works directly on where all your fears reside, your subconscious mind, all you need to do is listen to each audio 2 times for 15 min. each. Unlike other programs you don’t have to spend hours practicing.  We offer this amazing program to all of our clients who have a fear or anxiety about speaking in public.

 

 

Steve Hooker of Australia won the 2008

Gold Medal in Pole Vaulting after his hypnotist helped him to visualize his success.

 

 

 

 

Tiger Woods Is one of the best golf players of all times, and he also received hypnotherapy treatments. His mental coach hypnotizes him to block out distractions and focus on the golf course. Watch Tiger Woods the next time that he is golfing on TV. Pay close attention to what he does just before he makes his move. He blinks his eyes twice. This is a technique that he learned in hypnosis which is his way of putting himself right where he needs to be in order to excel at his game. It puts him another place where there is nothing but positive focus put on the task at hand.

 

 

 
 

 

Carl Jung  & Sigmund Freud

Both developed modern psychiatry as a result of learning about and practicing hypnosis.

 

 

 

 

Actor Bruce Willis  

Used hypnosis to overcome his stuttering.