How does Hypnotherapy work?
I am certain you’ve all either heard of someone being hypnotized or you have been hypnotized yourself.
Let’s get that assumption out of the way, Clinical Hypnotherapy is not at all like that.
Hypnosis is a state of mind achieved through physical and mental relaxation that allows you to connect your conscious and subconscious mind. .
Very different from stage hypnosis, a healing hypnotherapeutic trance should be a pleasant, relaxing and safe experience. Hypnosis works by allowing you to access deeper, subconscious resources of your mind, that are not always easily accessible in our everyday waking life, and is suitable for both adults and children.
Everything you’ve experienced in your life is recorded in your subconscious mind.
Some frequently asked questions
WHAT IS HYPNOSIS?
Hypnosis is simply a state of focused attention and is used as a natural way to create a deep relaxation. When we are deeply relaxed our subconscious mind is more willing to take on board our goals and intentions. To be deeply relaxed and focused in this way can also help you gain new perspectives and insights, as well as be beneficial to your emotional and mental wellbeing. It is in our subconscious where we store unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours and through accessing our subconscious we can create positive change.
IS IT SAFE?
Contrary to popular belief no one can be hypnotised against their will. If any suggestions given are not appropriate for you, your mind will simply reject them. Hypnotherapy is also totally natural and drug free.
WILL I LOSE CONTROL?
During hypnosis you remain aware and in complete control throughout. You cannot become stuck in trance and can leave the hypnotic state whenever you wish. Any suggestion that was not appropriate or in your best interests would be automatically rejected by you. Clinical hypnotherapy is not the same as stage hypnosis and you will be in complete control throughout. It is a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
CAN I GET STUCK IN TRANCE?
No you are in control at all times and can leave the hypnotic state whenever you want.
WHAT DOES HYPNOSIS FEEL LIKE?
Everyone’s experience of hypnosis is different, but generally people liken it to feeling in a deeply relaxed state where you are aware of your surroundings. The hypnotic state is very common and we experience it every day. Have you ever driven home along a familiar route and not remembered anything of the journey? Or been so engrossed in a book and not conscious of time passing? If so, you’ve probably entered a self-induced hypnotic state. When we are in a state of hypnosis we are extremely relaxed yet in a state of focused attention. In a hypnotic trance your mind is more responsive to suggestion. In the therapy room suggestions are designed to be beneficial to help you change unhelpful thought patterns. As well as being very relaxing and calming, most people feel the experience gives them a sense of peace, comfort and well-being.
IS HYPNOTHERAPY SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN,TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS?
Yes. In fact hypnotherapy for children, teenagers and young adults can be very effective.
DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
All you need is a desire to change. In my experience the clients who truly commit to the process and focus on making the changes they identify, benefit the most from the process. It is important to note that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client – it is not something that is ‘done’ to you – therefore full participation is needed.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED AND HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST?
The sessions last approximately 90mins. How many sessions you will require depends upon the condition you are seeking treatment for. As a guide, phobias (spiders, needles, flying etc) can be dealt with in 4 sessions, whereas depression and anxiety are usually more.
Please note that I use hypnotherapy only as part of integrative therapy approach and not as a stand alone therapy.
Your ‘easy to talk to’ therapist,
Kimberly Castle R.T.C CAMC
Kimberly Castle is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with a private practice in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She focuses on empowering individuals in all areas of their life. In her practice she offers couples, individuals and family & child counselling on a variety of topics including trauma, self-esteem and anger management.
