Clinical Hypnotherapy & Hypnosis

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of consciousness – not a state of unconsciousness.

The client hears and knows what is being said, and is aware of what is happening. When a client is in a hypnotic state they can talk and answer questions, feel, hear, taste and smell.

Feature Article This Month

Quit Smoking Now by Linda Funnell-Milner

When a person decides to have their first cigarette, they attach a ‘value’ to the experience. Perhaps they choose to try one in order to fit in or connect with their friends, perhaps it’s to rebel and feel independent or to take a risk and feel ‘free’. The value becomes embedded at the unconscious level and so smoking continues and becomes a habit.

There are actually three things that keep the habit or addiction of smoking in place.

1. The ‘value’ placed on smoking: the emotional attachment to having a cigarette such as I feel less anxious, it’s sophisticated to smoke, I can’t quit – I’m addicted, etc.
2. The habit that support smoking: the things you always do while having a cigarette , such as taking a break at work, when you have a cup of coffee you light up, I need something to do with my hands, when get in my car to go to work you light up, etc.
3. The Nicotine trick: the physiological effects of Nicotine on the body.

Clinical Hypnotherapy has an 85% success rate with Quit smoking because works at the unconscious level.

It helps you to change the value that you placed on smoking and change the habits that support the behaviour. As for the third issue listed above - I have good news. When it comes to the affects of Nicotine on the body, once you stop smoking Nicotine is gone from your body within 3 days. How incredible is that?!

Ask any smoker to reflect on the first experience with a cigarette and they can tell you exactly where and when they had their first puff of a cigarette. It was usually before they were 20 years old. The interesting thing for a smoker to consider is why they continue to smoke even though they grow older and wiser. It isn’t logical and the bad affects on health are well know and documented.

If you are a smoker and made a New Year’s resolution to Quit this year, I would like to ask you a question. On a scale of 1-10 how much do you want to give up smoking? If you are a 7 or above – make an appointment to come and see Linda Funnell-Milner at the Family Wellness Centre. You will be surprised how easy and effortless it is.

Frequently asked questions about Hypnosis

What can Hypnotherapy do for me?

• Lose weight
• Stop smoking
• Stop nail biting
• Sleep better
• Hypnobirthing
• Confidence in public speaking, learning or exams
• Setting personal or professional goals

Is hypnosis “NORMAL”?
We all experience trance, many times, every day of our lives. When you focus on one thing to the exclusion of other things, as you might do when watching television or reading an interesting book, you are functioning and processing information in a hypnotic way.

Can you become “stuck” in hypnosis?
Hypnosis involves focused attention which may be either inwardly or outwardly directed. It is controlled by the client who can start or finish the hypnosis sessions whenever he or she chooses. It is literally impossible to become “stuck” in a state of concentration. Can you imagine getting “stuck” reading a book? (Of course you may find it hard to put down – but that is a choice.)

What about stage hypnosis?
Stage hypnosis is the application of hypnotic principles and techniques for the purpose of entertaining an audience. The people who volunteer for stage hypnotherapy performances are actually willing to agree and perform the tricks that they are asked to do. That is why they volunteer.

Can only certain kinds of people be hypnotized?
In theory, almost anyone can be hypnotized, whether directly or indirectly. Practically, there is a spectrum of response with clients ranging from “low” hypnotizables to “very high” hypnotizables. The client is in control at all times; the client chooses to allow the level at which they will respond to suggestions. There are several types of people who won’t go into trance. Two examples are;

• Very young children under the age of six.
• Those who just don’t want to in order to prove they can’t be hypnotised.

Does the hypnotherapist have magical powers over me?
The only power of the hypnotherapist is their ability to communicate in a dynamic and focused way. This is why we say “all hypnosis is self hypnosis”. In the clinical context, the hypnotherapist is able to use their skills in communication to make acceptance of suggestion more likely, but there is no control over the client other than the control the client gives to the hypnotherapist. The hypnotherapist directs the client’s experience, but only to the degree that the client permits it. The hypnotherapist is merely a respectful teacher or guide who enables you to alter your hypnotic state.

For more information or to arrange your appointment call reception today on (02) 9938 1090.