Introduction to Hypnotherapy – Hypnotherapy is a combination of modern psychotherapy techniques and guided hypnosis in which a clinical hypnotherapist leads you to a trance-like state of focus and concentration to overcome mental and physical conditions. 

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis, or trance, is an altered state of awareness (a very relaxing and enjoyable experience, just like being deep in relaxation, perhaps while having a massage) where the analytical and rationalising mind can be bypassed, allowing the mind to focus on, and become much more receptive to, beneficial suggestions for change.
 
In our daily lives we go in and out of trance naturally and it feels very much like day dreaming. Similarly, in therapy, you will remain completely in control. Nobody can make you do anything you don’t want to – your subconscious mind will simply reject any suggestion that is not in your best interests.  

The National Council for Hypnotherapy describes hypnosis as follows:

Hypnosis is not always a trance state or a sleep state even though a person in hypnosis may appear to be sleeping. Hypnosis is really a natural state of mind and is an important part of everyday life.

Whenever our mind wanders, daydreams or is focused on something, such as reading a book, driving a familiar route or watching a film, we are in a state of hypnosis.

People who are in a hypnotic state are known to slow down their brain waves. This is not dissimilar to the level of brain activity experienced during meditation.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a natural and gentle way of using hypnosis and modern psychotherapy techniques to treat all kinds of emotional, physical or psychological problems.

Psychotherapy helps you understand issues that are not apparent in a normal state of consciousness.

The good news is that the psychotherapy techniques used at The Life of Riley don’t involve talking about problems, or things that have happened to you in the past, so you won’t be reliving memories that upset you or make you feel uncomfortable.
 
Hypnotherapy is now acknowledged within the wider medical profession as a scientific and evidenced-based therapy. It is recognised by The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to help reduce the symptoms of IBS, and sometimes eradicate those symptoms entirely. 
 
Hypnotherapy is a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable experience that takes place in a calm environment and reaps long-term results.