Hypnosis is the act of being put into a trance like state and it is used mainly to treat negative emotional and behavioural patterns like phobias, self doubt and smoking addictions. Its uses as healing therapy can be traced back to ancient Greece.

When a person is in a hypnotic state (being hypnotised) their subconscious is open to the power of suggestions which will be delivered to them by the therapist. Hypnosis has been proved to be a great relaxation tool but about 10 percent of the population cannot be hypnotised. Find more information at www.whattherapyresource.info

Hypnosis has been beneficial to many people that have embarked on it, but the reasons remain unknown. Some scientists believe that it helps to release natural mood altering chemicals like endorphins. The main reason that people believe is that hypnosis helps to control the unconscious mind which is responsible for involuntary reactions, such as cigarette cravings and food cravings.

Hypnotherapy is a useful tool for relieving stress and helping to relax, studies show that it also helps to reduce anxiety.

The main uses for hypnotherapy are for help with weight loss, nicotine cravings, overcoming phobias, increasing self confidence and helping to control drug addictions. It can also be used to compliment other conventional medicines in the treatment of pain management, hay fever, asthma and irritable bowel syndrome. Although it cannot cure diseases such as cancer, patients sometimes use hypnotherapy as an effective pain relief.

During a session with a hypnotist, the first thing they will do is test your ability to be hypnotised, there a few exercises they may use. One test involves staring at a small light in a dark room. Many people believe the light is moving and those who see it change direction the most are thought to be suitable for hypnosis. Once your ability has been ascertained the therapist will ask you what behaviour it is you want to change so they can work on a course of sessions.

To get you into a hypnotic state the therapist will use one or more various techniques. Once this is achieved the therapist will then begin making suggestions in an effort to change the negative behaviour.

A session usually lasts for about one hour and more sessions will likely be required to attain the changes that you desire.