How does Hypnotherapy work? and other FAQs.

Hypnotherapy is a therapy used by a qualified clinical hypnotherapist to install a hypnotic trance. It is a state of deep relaxation with altered state of consciousness, and while used with therapeutic suggestions, encourages a focused attention and inner mind concentration to provide healing information to the subconscious, in a form that the subconscious can accept. In this hypnotic state, the patient is aware of everything that is going on, but at the same time, becomes increasingly absorbed in using his or her imagination as directed by the clinical hypnotherapist. >> Read more about Irina Hogan’s Clinical Hypnotherapy qualifications here.

A qualified clinical hypnotherapist uses carefully worded language to help their patients enter into a state of highly focused, suggestible attentiveness in which they are able to clear away mental “clutter” and focus on your problem and solutions to the problem. Clinical Hypnotherapists employ a body of techniques to help clients acquire the self-control, self-mastery, willpower and confidence to visualize, realize and achieve their goals. Frequently,  I teach my clients self-hypnosis methods that they can employ on their own, to reinforce and continue the process of positive change.

In the hypnotic state, (which is an altered state of consciousness), awareness, perception and suggestibility are heightened. Both parts of the mind (conscious and subconscious) are more receptive to acceptable therapeutic suggestions, than they are in an ordinary waking state. Even in a light hypnotic “trance”, (with the client’s permission), the “doorway” to their subconscious mind opens. This makes it possible for the hypnotherapist to provide information to the client’s subconscious in a form that their subconscious can accept. >> Click here to talk to Irina Hogan about your questions.

People respond to hypnosis in different ways. Most people report that they were not asleep, but instead, felt very relaxed and could hear everything the hypnotherapist said. Some people describe hypnosis as a state of focused attention, in which they feel very calm and relaxed. Others describe the experience as being one in which they feel detached and deeply inwardly focused. Still others describe the experience as one in which their sensations and perceptions feel heightened and more vivid.

Anyone who can follow instructions and who wants to be hypnotised can be hypnotised. You are simply asked to suspend your disbelief and critical, analytical mind, and to allow whatever happens to happen without trying to make anything happen. You are thus asked to imagine and visualize the things the hypnotherapist says. Hypnosis occurs without effort on the patient’s part. It is the hypnotherapist’s job to analyse what is happening—not the patient’s!

Hypnosis is a safe procedure when it is employed by a qualified, licensed, responsible and experienced health professional. It is NOT about “Zap, you are under my spell!” as in some sort of a master/slave relationship. It is also NOT magic! Nobody can be hypnotised unless they want to be and unless they are willing to be a cooperative subject. No one can be hypnotised against their will. >> Get started by contacting Irina Hogan today.

As with most treatment procedures, length of hypnotic treatment will vary depending on the nature and severity of the problem. For some problems, such as phobias or nail-biting, treatment can be as short as one visit. However, with other problems, such as weight loss, treatment requires several sessions.

For some problems (such as some types of anxiety and depression), hypnosis is employed as a tool in conjunction with some form of psychotherapy. By itself, hypnosis treatment is short-term, generally requiring anywhere from one to five visits. >> Contact Irina Hogan for more information on your treatment type.

Hypnotherapy can be used to treat Addictions (including giving up smoking), Anxiety, Bed Wetting, Depression, Fears & Phobias, Habit Control, Pain Management, Memory, Relationships, Sleep Disorders, Sports Performance, Stress, Study, Weight Issues, and many more. >> Click here for a more comprehensive list on what can be treated with hypnotherapy .

While individual responses vary, and no guarantees of a “cure” can be ethically made, clinical hypnosis is beneficial when a patient is motivated to change and overcome a problem.

As stated by the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnosis “It is important to keep in mind that hypnosis is like any other therapeutic modality: it is of major benefit to some patients with some problems, and it is helpful with many other patients, but it can fail, just like any other clinical method. For this reason, we emphasize that we are not ‘hypnotists’, but health care professionals who use hypnosis along with other tools of our professions.”

Yes. A clinical hypnotherapist may guide you in methods and techniques to work on your subconscious, but it requires your conscious and subconscious minds to accept the hypnotherapist’s suggestions and make them your own. So in reality, all hypnosis is self-hypnosis.

But don’t stress, it is not hard. Awareness, perception & suggestibility are heightened in the hypnotic state. Which assists both parts of the mind (conscious and subconscious) to be more receptive to acceptable therapeutic suggestions, than they would normally be, in an ordinary waking state.

I work with my clients to give them suggestions to experience changes in behaviours, feelings, sensations, images, perceptions, thoughts, beliefs, and  physical functions or symptoms. Suggestions are typically included for relaxation, calmness, confidence, increased self-control and well-being. >> Still have Concerns? Contact me today, I am happy to answer any questions you have.