Hypnotherapists in Scotland
![Photo of Margaret Rose Gibson, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/468661ca-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Counselling , Hypnotherapy and BWRT each provide focused opportunities to target a client's unique needs using the most appropriate mode of therapeutic working.
I am an experienced Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, BWRT practitioner and Advanced Clinical Supervisor including Online and Telephone Counselling. I have worked across all age groups in a variety of settings. My counselling, Hypnotherapy and BWRT practice is built on expereince and an extensive understanding of child development, special educational needs, adult mental health practice and perinatal care .
Counselling , Hypnotherapy and BWRT each provide focused opportunities to target a client's unique needs using the most appropriate mode of therapeutic working.
I am an experienced Counsellor, Hypnotherapist, BWRT practitioner and Advanced Clinical Supervisor including Online and Telephone Counselling. I have worked across all age groups in a variety of settings. My counselling, Hypnotherapy and BWRT practice is built on expereince and an extensive understanding of child development, special educational needs, adult mental health practice and perinatal care .
![Photo of Tania Casella This Can Heal Too, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c9ef0b2-d689-4d3b-9ef3-1fc464d35229/5/320x400.png)
I'd like to help you break free from the impact that trauma has on your relationships with others. Perhaps you'd like to feel less anxious and stop sabotaging yourself. I can teach you how to reclaim control, discover joy, be able to say 'no', and feel that This Can Heal Too. Using evidence-based hypnotherapy, my goal is to empower you and provide you with tools to navigate life's challenges confidently. I have personal and professional experience in navigating the impact of childhood traumatic experiences and historical family issues on relationships at home and work and psychological well-being (anxiety, sleep, habits, fears...)
I'd like to help you break free from the impact that trauma has on your relationships with others. Perhaps you'd like to feel less anxious and stop sabotaging yourself. I can teach you how to reclaim control, discover joy, be able to say 'no', and feel that This Can Heal Too. Using evidence-based hypnotherapy, my goal is to empower you and provide you with tools to navigate life's challenges confidently. I have personal and professional experience in navigating the impact of childhood traumatic experiences and historical family issues on relationships at home and work and psychological well-being (anxiety, sleep, habits, fears...)
![Photo of Stephen Balfour, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ed6346c0-13ff-4152-be4f-97e1828dfa66/2/320x400.jpeg)
My CBT, person-centred, clinical hypnotherapy and life coaching training enables me to offer clients a number of different routes into exploring their issues and to identify solutions that can help them.
Life can be difficult and painful at times and we could all benefit from a safe space to make sense of and process difficult emotions, develop our resilience and coping strategies. I am a qualified CBT Counsellor but can also call upon skills and experience I have gained through additional training in clinical hypnotherapy, life coaching and person-centred counselling.
My CBT, person-centred, clinical hypnotherapy and life coaching training enables me to offer clients a number of different routes into exploring their issues and to identify solutions that can help them.
Life can be difficult and painful at times and we could all benefit from a safe space to make sense of and process difficult emotions, develop our resilience and coping strategies. I am a qualified CBT Counsellor but can also call upon skills and experience I have gained through additional training in clinical hypnotherapy, life coaching and person-centred counselling.
![Photo of Vicky McLeod, HCPC - Occup. Psych., Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6da0803a-9a46-4df8-bd5e-54f3759e61ce/1/320x400.jpeg)
I offer a safe, confidential space for clients, working within an integrative counselling approach, and blending the tools of hypnotherapy and energy psychotherapies to help gain deeper insights, understand patterns, release unhelpful emotions, and reframe the past, to develop positive tools to move forward confidently in new and empowering ways.
I am a seasoned therapist committed to providing a safe and supportive space for you to seeking personal growth and healing. With a foundation built on empathy, understanding, strong interpersonal skills, trustworthiness, flexibility, and sensitivity, I take a person-centred approach which puts clients at the centre. Prioritising your unique perspective, I create an environment free from judgment, fostering open and honest exploration. Through attentive and reflective listening, I aim to deeply understand your experiences, providing a space for your narrative to unfold, cultivating a trusting collaborative therapeutic relationship.
I offer a safe, confidential space for clients, working within an integrative counselling approach, and blending the tools of hypnotherapy and energy psychotherapies to help gain deeper insights, understand patterns, release unhelpful emotions, and reframe the past, to develop positive tools to move forward confidently in new and empowering ways.
I am a seasoned therapist committed to providing a safe and supportive space for you to seeking personal growth and healing. With a foundation built on empathy, understanding, strong interpersonal skills, trustworthiness, flexibility, and sensitivity, I take a person-centred approach which puts clients at the centre. Prioritising your unique perspective, I create an environment free from judgment, fostering open and honest exploration. Through attentive and reflective listening, I aim to deeply understand your experiences, providing a space for your narrative to unfold, cultivating a trusting collaborative therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Gemma Karami, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b1559e1e-f75e-472e-8438-7c6b025cb085/1/320x400.png)
I’m a Psychological Therapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
I understand that the prospect of seeking therapy can be a daunting one that’s why I approach therapy in a collaborative way, the expert on your life is you. I specialise in working with adults and work with clients seeking support with depression, anxiety, self-limiting beliefs, self-care, goal attainment, trauma, addiction and more. What’s important to you is at the centre of our work. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your difficulties in order to create a positive and lasting change in your life with the pace and direction that you need.
I’m a Psychological Therapist specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy.
I understand that the prospect of seeking therapy can be a daunting one that’s why I approach therapy in a collaborative way, the expert on your life is you. I specialise in working with adults and work with clients seeking support with depression, anxiety, self-limiting beliefs, self-care, goal attainment, trauma, addiction and more. What’s important to you is at the centre of our work. I offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore your difficulties in order to create a positive and lasting change in your life with the pace and direction that you need.
![Photo of Shirley Hutton - Hutton Hypnotherapy](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51e08b01-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Needing help to make changes to your life? Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective way to change bad habits or be free from what's holding you back in your life.
Change your Thoughts and you Change your Life. I am a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist based in South Lanarkshire. I also hold degrees in Psychology and Nursing. I employ a range of therapeutic techniques to suit the individual and their requirements in my comfortable, relaxing dedicated therapy room.
Needing help to make changes to your life? Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective way to change bad habits or be free from what's holding you back in your life.
Change your Thoughts and you Change your Life. I am a Registered Clinical Hypnotherapist based in South Lanarkshire. I also hold degrees in Psychology and Nursing. I employ a range of therapeutic techniques to suit the individual and their requirements in my comfortable, relaxing dedicated therapy room.
![Photo of Alan Freeburn, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1fd54761-d26a-48dc-a898-f336e886fbb8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alan Freeburn
Psychotherapist, MSc, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunfermline KY11 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Alan and I have over 20 years of experience as a hypnotherapist and an applied psychologist working in adult mental health in the NHS. Much of my work focuses on helping people deal with anxiety whether that is a general anxiety, phobias or more difficult anxieties such as trauma or OCD. My approach is a combination of the best parts of the NHS recommended treatments for various conditions along with the use of hypnosis and cognitive hypnotherapy to enhance the effects of these.
Hi, I'm Alan and I have over 20 years of experience as a hypnotherapist and an applied psychologist working in adult mental health in the NHS. Much of my work focuses on helping people deal with anxiety whether that is a general anxiety, phobias or more difficult anxieties such as trauma or OCD. My approach is a combination of the best parts of the NHS recommended treatments for various conditions along with the use of hypnosis and cognitive hypnotherapy to enhance the effects of these.
![Photo of Dr Ross Deuchar - Ross Deuchar Coaching, PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/69239a6e-9c34-49d7-8960-ab0f8bed7334/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thereafter, hypnotherapy sessions take place in my studio in Milngavie, Glasgow.
As a Professional Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Mindfulness & Breathing Coach, NLP Practitioner and Personal Trainer I very much believe in a holistic approach - supporting clients to improve their overall mental, physical and cognitive wellbeing. In my work as a coach and therapist, I support clients who have been struggling with their physical and mental health - tapping into their subconscious mind to help them overcome the fears, habits, addictions or patterns of behaviour that have been holding them back, enabling them to become the best version of themselves. Within this process, hypnotherapy is a central transformative tool.
Thereafter, hypnotherapy sessions take place in my studio in Milngavie, Glasgow.
As a Professional Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Mindfulness & Breathing Coach, NLP Practitioner and Personal Trainer I very much believe in a holistic approach - supporting clients to improve their overall mental, physical and cognitive wellbeing. In my work as a coach and therapist, I support clients who have been struggling with their physical and mental health - tapping into their subconscious mind to help them overcome the fears, habits, addictions or patterns of behaviour that have been holding them back, enabling them to become the best version of themselves. Within this process, hypnotherapy is a central transformative tool.
![Photo of Robert McNeil Geelan](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f756aa5-db4c-43be-a1a4-176a6f428652/2/320x400.jpeg)
I found answers in iNLP from Dr Matt James and went on to qualify in Counselling and Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.
I am pleased to announce that I am now (dec, 2023) also a Solution-Focussed Hypnotherapist as well as a Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Mental and Emotional Release Therapy. I am also Certified in Counselling Skills thro COSCA. Currently, I help clients with a range of issues from anxiety, feeling low, emotional regulation and phobias, and also to quit smoking. My journey began after hitting pretty much rock bottom after a co-dependency relationship with a narcissist. My search for answers took me to Canada and USA as well as my beautiful native Scotland.
I found answers in iNLP from Dr Matt James and went on to qualify in Counselling and Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.
I am pleased to announce that I am now (dec, 2023) also a Solution-Focussed Hypnotherapist as well as a Certified Master Practitioner of NLP, Mental and Emotional Release Therapy. I am also Certified in Counselling Skills thro COSCA. Currently, I help clients with a range of issues from anxiety, feeling low, emotional regulation and phobias, and also to quit smoking. My journey began after hitting pretty much rock bottom after a co-dependency relationship with a narcissist. My search for answers took me to Canada and USA as well as my beautiful native Scotland.
![Photo of Heather M Hutchison - HMH Therapy](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6bc71d09-d703-4100-8af9-40aa246f9bfd/3/320x400.jpeg)
Hypnotherapy is a lovely talking therapy where you will be in control the whole time.
Hi my name is Heather Hutchison of HMH Therapy and I am an experienced Hypnotherapist, Supervisor and Trainer. My areas of specialisms are Anxiety and/or Depression as well treating the more traditional hypnotherapy areas such as smoking cessation, habit breaks and weight management. I work with both adults and children from the age of 7 years upwards using a client centred approached. I hold an enhanced full disclosure certificate enabling me to work with children and vulnerable adults.
Hypnotherapy is a lovely talking therapy where you will be in control the whole time.
Hi my name is Heather Hutchison of HMH Therapy and I am an experienced Hypnotherapist, Supervisor and Trainer. My areas of specialisms are Anxiety and/or Depression as well treating the more traditional hypnotherapy areas such as smoking cessation, habit breaks and weight management. I work with both adults and children from the age of 7 years upwards using a client centred approached. I hold an enhanced full disclosure certificate enabling me to work with children and vulnerable adults.
![Photo of Alexander Leon Nite, MSc, GMBPsS, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/880968da-5972-42ec-a185-eac8ad98dacc/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a practicing member of BPS, BABCP, the National Therapists Register, the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), and AfSFH, I adhere to the Code of Conduct and Ethics set forth by these organizations.
The weight of loss, betrayal, and rejection can be immense, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed and adrift. Yet, it's remarkable how swiftly we can reclaim control and redirect our lives towards a positive trajectory. Allow me to be your guide on this transformative journey. By cultivating self-acceptance, nurturing relationships, and fostering love and presence within ourselves, we can unlock the boundless potential for change and rebuild a fulfilling life.
As a practicing member of BPS, BABCP, the National Therapists Register, the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), and AfSFH, I adhere to the Code of Conduct and Ethics set forth by these organizations.
The weight of loss, betrayal, and rejection can be immense, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed and adrift. Yet, it's remarkable how swiftly we can reclaim control and redirect our lives towards a positive trajectory. Allow me to be your guide on this transformative journey. By cultivating self-acceptance, nurturing relationships, and fostering love and presence within ourselves, we can unlock the boundless potential for change and rebuild a fulfilling life.
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![Photo of Tracy Balfour, DCounsPsych](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/426d02f2-2133-4855-949d-31cb4abb91e1/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a qualified counsellor with an advanced diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. I also have a certificate in Hypnotherapy and mindfulness. In addition to working with adults, I have over twenty years experience working with young people and adults. I offer a safe and welcoming environment for you to share any of the issues that are effecting you.
I am a qualified counsellor with an advanced diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling. I also have a certificate in Hypnotherapy and mindfulness. In addition to working with adults, I have over twenty years experience working with young people and adults. I offer a safe and welcoming environment for you to share any of the issues that are effecting you.
![Photo of Nicola Cranie - Still Mind Therapies - Bsc (Psych)](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5d1119fc-b936-4514-a187-33c2a714344d/1/320x400.png)
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that helps quickly change beliefs at the unconscious level.
Hello, I am a Hypnotherapist and an Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) Practitioner . I help people with Anxiety, Stress , Tinnitus and Trauma , take back emotional control for the long term. In just a few sessions, you can release negative memories and emotions, install powerful positive beliefs and learn real time stress control tools to help you create the life you want. On average, most people only require between 2 - 6 sessions for optimal results. However, as all sessions are personalised, this will depend on the specific needs of the individual.
Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that helps quickly change beliefs at the unconscious level.
Hello, I am a Hypnotherapist and an Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) Practitioner . I help people with Anxiety, Stress , Tinnitus and Trauma , take back emotional control for the long term. In just a few sessions, you can release negative memories and emotions, install powerful positive beliefs and learn real time stress control tools to help you create the life you want. On average, most people only require between 2 - 6 sessions for optimal results. However, as all sessions are personalised, this will depend on the specific needs of the individual.
![Photo of Lisa J Gargaro - Let Me Sleep , PhD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c2c5f280-f262-481e-9c99-2deb895a5902/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sleep issues - With my sleep training in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), hypnotherapy & Angelic Reiki. I offer gentle methods to provide help for those who have sleeping issues, such as falling/staying asleep, insomnia & many other general sleeping concerns. If you struggling to sleep & wish a step by step method in an easy to follow program created by result proven strategies then I can help you. I offer 3 styles of help. My 1st is a 1-2-1 program in a 4-week program, working weekly to help you achieve better sleep. The 2nd is a D.I.Y. self-sleep guide, you complete it at your own pace. Finally a 3rd hourly sessions.
Sleep issues - With my sleep training in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), hypnotherapy & Angelic Reiki. I offer gentle methods to provide help for those who have sleeping issues, such as falling/staying asleep, insomnia & many other general sleeping concerns. If you struggling to sleep & wish a step by step method in an easy to follow program created by result proven strategies then I can help you. I offer 3 styles of help. My 1st is a 1-2-1 program in a 4-week program, working weekly to help you achieve better sleep. The 2nd is a D.I.Y. self-sleep guide, you complete it at your own pace. Finally a 3rd hourly sessions.
![Photo of Lisa Murphy - Anxiety & Anger Online Therapist Lisa Murphy, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51579df5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm trained in many different types of therapy, including Counselling, Hypnotherapy, CBT, NLP and EFT.
I specialise in anxiety and anger management, helping you to feel calm, control your emotions, heal your relationships, and build confidence. With private confidential therapy, I help you resolve those overwhelming feelings that are holding you back from the important things in life. I deal with many issues as well as anxiety and anger, such as depression, relationships, stress, self-esteem, weight issues, bereavement, and trauma. I have a friendly informal way of working, and I’ll do my best to help you feel at ease. Daytime or Evening sessions available via Zoom/Phone. Call/text me on 0791 240 8830
I'm trained in many different types of therapy, including Counselling, Hypnotherapy, CBT, NLP and EFT.
I specialise in anxiety and anger management, helping you to feel calm, control your emotions, heal your relationships, and build confidence. With private confidential therapy, I help you resolve those overwhelming feelings that are holding you back from the important things in life. I deal with many issues as well as anxiety and anger, such as depression, relationships, stress, self-esteem, weight issues, bereavement, and trauma. I have a friendly informal way of working, and I’ll do my best to help you feel at ease. Daytime or Evening sessions available via Zoom/Phone. Call/text me on 0791 240 8830
![Photo of Kelly Combe, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4e06f9dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a person centered approach as well as including elements of CBT, mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and Aromatherapy treatments.
I believe that it's important for an individual to find the right counsellor, as one counsellors method may not suit all. I therefore offer my initial consultation at a reduced rate. The initial consultation is not only an opportunity for the counsellors to find out more about the client but also for the client to find out more about the counsellor, giving both the opportunity to discover if a suitable rapport can be built, creating an appropriate environment for counselling to take place.
I work with a person centered approach as well as including elements of CBT, mindfulness, Hypnotherapy, relaxation techniques and Aromatherapy treatments.
I believe that it's important for an individual to find the right counsellor, as one counsellors method may not suit all. I therefore offer my initial consultation at a reduced rate. The initial consultation is not only an opportunity for the counsellors to find out more about the client but also for the client to find out more about the counsellor, giving both the opportunity to discover if a suitable rapport can be built, creating an appropriate environment for counselling to take place.
![Photo of Sujarda Jayne Herring - Space to Tame, MA, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1125c7bf-83bb-4548-96bd-8027ed91bdd8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Delivering online therapies across the UK and face to face therapies from my private practice in the centre of Edinburgh, I can help you to shift mental blocks, untangle complex emotions, resolve issues, reveal new perspectives and bring you back into balance. Whether its relaxation and self development or addressing emotional and psychological issues such as trauma, anxiety, self-esteem or bereavement I can help. I founded my practice to help people cope with the pressures of modern living by taking charge of their wellbeing. I can combine Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Reiki and EFT to help you make changes and reach your goals.
Delivering online therapies across the UK and face to face therapies from my private practice in the centre of Edinburgh, I can help you to shift mental blocks, untangle complex emotions, resolve issues, reveal new perspectives and bring you back into balance. Whether its relaxation and self development or addressing emotional and psychological issues such as trauma, anxiety, self-esteem or bereavement I can help. I founded my practice to help people cope with the pressures of modern living by taking charge of their wellbeing. I can combine Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Reiki and EFT to help you make changes and reach your goals.
![Photo of Shaun Noteman, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8dac7684-a771-4b8c-85d5-44375e3ae080/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a professional mental health therapist i utilise a range of interventions including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR. to support and provide therapy. My work and life experience means i am able to relate well and work with sufferers of anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD, Spectrum disorders. Additionally, i provide therapy for OCD, phobias and other behavioural issues.
As a professional mental health therapist i utilise a range of interventions including counselling, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR. to support and provide therapy. My work and life experience means i am able to relate well and work with sufferers of anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders and developmental disorders such as ADHD, ADD, Spectrum disorders. Additionally, i provide therapy for OCD, phobias and other behavioural issues.
![Photo of Anne Morrison](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b72ab3c3-9f4a-469c-bf6d-c383c3c0f85d/3/320x400.jpeg)
I use hypnotherapy, NLP, Coaching & a newer therapy, BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), in different ways to meet client needs.
As a busy professional you may feel you don't have time to be stressed and anxious yet you do. You feel under pressure, can't take time off and don't like letting others down. Many of my clients come to me with similar concerns. They often say "I thought I was stronger than this". When we start to talk about what lead them to make an appointment it turns out there have been a number of life-changing experiences that haven't been dealt with. Then something else happens that just 'tripped' them up and they now feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. I help them lead a happier, healthier life where they feel more confident and in control.
I use hypnotherapy, NLP, Coaching & a newer therapy, BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), in different ways to meet client needs.
As a busy professional you may feel you don't have time to be stressed and anxious yet you do. You feel under pressure, can't take time off and don't like letting others down. Many of my clients come to me with similar concerns. They often say "I thought I was stronger than this". When we start to talk about what lead them to make an appointment it turns out there have been a number of life-changing experiences that haven't been dealt with. Then something else happens that just 'tripped' them up and they now feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. I help them lead a happier, healthier life where they feel more confident and in control.
![Photo of Celia Clark, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/046b0384-aa46-4825-b0d3-0e0977e771da/3/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to my profile! I help women who struggle with food and their body using the highly popular approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Are you someone who recognises your challenges with food and your body are affecting your mood, your health and your relationships? Are you tired of comparing yourself to others and listening to the relentless critical thoughts inside your head? Is it starting to feel like you do everything for everyone else and no-one is looking after you? You’ve probably tried everything to fix this and it’s even worse than ever.
Welcome to my profile! I help women who struggle with food and their body using the highly popular approach of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Are you someone who recognises your challenges with food and your body are affecting your mood, your health and your relationships? Are you tired of comparing yourself to others and listening to the relentless critical thoughts inside your head? Is it starting to feel like you do everything for everyone else and no-one is looking after you? You’ve probably tried everything to fix this and it’s even worse than ever.
See more therapy options for Scotland
Hypnotherapy Counsellors
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy works by using guided hypnosis to help you reach a state of focus and concentration through mental imagery and soothing verbal repetition. The state is somewhat like being absorbed in a book, a film, or your own thoughts. You are not under a therapist’s “control,” but they can help you relax and turn your attention inward to discover the resources to achieve behaviour change or better manage psychological concerns. Therapy sessions may involve guiding you through recognising a problem, releasing problematic thoughts about it, and considering and accepting more productive alternatives before returning to normal awareness. Hypnotherapy is typically used by a therapist along with traditional forms of talk therapy. Eventually, your therapist can help you learn hypnotherapy techniques yourself, so you can establish a stronger sense of control on your own in stressful or challenging moments.
Is hypnotherapy the same as hypnosis?
Hypnotherapy, which is sometimes called hypnotic suggestion, is a therapeutic technique in which a therapist uses hypnosis to help patients. It is not the kind of hypnosis portrayed in stage shows, or in movies or on television. You will not be unconscious or asleep during hypnotherapy, you will not lose control of yourself, your thoughts, or your free will, and you will be able to fully recall your experience. And while you will hear your therapist’s suggestions, it is always up to you to decide whether to act on them. Hypnosis by a trained mental-health professional is not a form of mind control, which is impossible to achieve anyway.
Can everyone be hypnotised?
The most common challenge of hypnotherapy is that as many as one in four people cannot be hypnotised. Brain imaging has confirmed differences in patterns of brain connectivity between those who respond to hypnotism and those who do not. Other people who could potentially be hypnotised may not respond to the technique because of their scepticism or resistance to entering a hypnotic state. If a therapist’s “post-hypnotic suggestion” is effective, it’s because they are suggesting something you want to achieve.
Does hypnotherapy work?
Through hypnotherapy, you can achieve changes that are real and sustainable. Like other talk therapy techniques, when hypnotherapy succeeds, it’s a case of mind over matter. Effective hypnotherapy involves self-healing because you access resources you need to change inside of yourself and learn how to tap into them whenever you need. Hypnotherapy has been shown to be an effective therapy for anxiety, phobias, stress, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, and undesirable behaviours like smoking. It can be used to help improve sleep or to address relationship challenges, and to aid with pain management, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and the gastrointestinal side effects of pregnancy or chemotherapy.