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What is hypnotherapy?

by admin on January 9, 2018

Hypnosis is an age old therapy that has often been referred to as a state of “day dreaming”. This technique was founded by Franz Anton Mesmer back in the 1700’s. It was rediscovered by James Braid who then named this technique “hypnotism”, which is Greek for sleep, though the person in hypnosis is not actually sleeping. Hypnosis is a technique which alters the state of conscious awareness and narrows the focus of the mind.

Hypnosis impacts each person differently, giving a varied range of experiences. It is personal in nature and it is a natural state of the mind which is normal for all humans to experience. Hypnosis alters the degree of consciousness of a person and then either puts a person in a state of alertness or into a sleep like state.

Over the past few decades, hypnosis has gained recognition as a valuable modality that brings about positive changes in people’s lives. In the early part of the century, hypnotherapy was used throughout the world by a large number of groups for the purpose of religious and healing ceremonies. Hypnotherapy was commonly used in the following ways:

  • For healing purposes by the Native American medicine men
  • During dreamtime by the Australian Aborigines
  • During traditional rituals in Africa, this method included the chanting and dancing to the beat of drums

In the present day, hypnotherapy is used by politicians, doctors, psychologists, therapists and it is also popularly used in television and radio in the form of advertisements that we watch or listen to. These advertisements hypnotise you into paying attention without even knowing it!

Hypnosis aids in numerous ways

Hypnosis assists people in a number of ways and can complement traditional modalities. A few of the benefits are:

  • It assists in quitting smoking.
  • It helps regulate your weight.
  • It relieves pain and stress and also aids in managing these factors.
  • It helps people with studying difficulties by helping them to focus on the task at hand.
  • It aids with sleeping disorders and various psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and panic attacks. It also helps in relieving fears and phobias.
  • Positive lifestyle choices
  • It clears the mind, allowing for a clearer perspective ultimately leading to a healthy, calm lifestyle.
  • It helps balance to the mind, body and soul by alleviating suppressed emotions and feelings.

 

How is hypnotherapy performed?

Hypnosis can be used in two ways in order to benefit the user. It can either be used by way of suggestion therapy or for patient analysis.

Suggestion therapy: This method of therapy stimulates an individual to make the person more responsive to suggestions. It can also change the way people sense and perceive their environment, helping them to create positive change.

Patient Analysis: This method of hypnosis taps into the relaxed state of mind, where past events and experiences are hidden in the subconscious memory.

Who can use and benefit from hypnotherapy?

Though it is not always an easy task, most people can reap benefit from hypnotherapy, which can be used for all ages as long as the person believes in the possibility of change. It is important to note for people suffering from substance abuse disorder must ensure that they are drug free for a minimum of 7 days before commencing hypnotherapy in order to avail themselves of the benefits of the therapy. Additionally, it is important for anyone with complex psychological issues undertaking hypnotherapy is in a safe and supportive environment for maximum benefit.

Busting popular myths about hypnosis.

  • Contrary to popular belief, hypnosis is not harmful. The technique of hypnosis always requires the person’s permission to be able to achieve a deep state of hypnosis.
  • The person undergoing hypnosis has control over their body and can enter or leave the state of “trance” whenever they wish.

The state of being hypnotised.

Some people are able to tap into a state of hypnosis during the general course of their day. The state of hypnosis is a state of altered conscious awareness. It could happen to people while performing activities as simple as driving a familiar roadway and missing the lane you wanted to turn into or even reading a book and not really absorbing anything you have read.

People who have been through hypnosis therapies describe their experiences with a varying range of feelings and emotions. Each person’s experience is unique due to the differences in an individual’s perception and sense. Most commonly people report being relaxed, sleepy, and also can also feel warm or cold warmth under their skin or sometimes even sense tingling. Others report a narrowing of attention.

Our hypnotherapy service is a way for positivity enter your life to bring out the best in you. Get rid of your worries and troubles and turn them into your strengths by making changes to your automatic behaviours and emotional reactions through hypnotherapy.

For an appointment, please contact us online or phone 0296397778.

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In 2013, Chris Gardner had to undergo brain surgery to remove a tumour.

The operation impaired his mobility and cognition. Despite nearly nine months of therapy, he was making little progress. This is when he decided to try neurofeedback in the hopes Neurofeedback would alleviate his condition. Gardner’s doctor projected a recovery period of two to three years based on his progress following the brain surgery. Gardner decided to undergo neurofeedback therapy.

“I was skeptical. But I was desperate. I felt like I was wrapped in miles of cotton and could not reach through it to touch or feel anything.”

Neurofeedback therapy is a type of biofeedback that teaches the brain to function more efficiently. EEG electrodes monitor the electrical output of the brain. The feedback is shown to the patient on a monitor.

As the patient watches a video, the therapist monitors the data and programs key elements to respond to certain activity. Self-regulation is one of the main aspects of the therapy.

But just how effective is Neurofeedback?

A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics involved 104 children that were randomly selected to receive neurofeedback, no interaction, or cognitive training. Those who received neurofeedback demonstrated improvements in attention and impulse control for longer than six months.

By Gardener’s ninth Neurofeedback session, he was already driving and working from home.

Gardner received tiny pulsed signals to his brain. Research suggests the signals “revive” communication channels which may become impaired due to injury. During sessions, his brain was essentially rewiring itself.

Results for neurofeedback therapy vary for each patient.

“I am not 100 percent. I probably won’t stand on my head or get on a roller coaster. But I can do almost everything I couldn’t do before,” said Gardner.

Neurofeedback has numerous implications for many types of conditions

Research suggests that neurofeedback is effective management for ADHD. Sessions are brief and typically last from 30 to 60 minutes for a total of up to 20 sessions or more. One of the most promising aspects is that benefits remain even after sessions have ended.

Mary Lee Etsy, Ph.D., the founding owner of BRAINSAKE has conducted studies of using neurofeedback to help veterans with PTSD. Based on a small size of seven veterans who underwent therapy, the results were promising.

“These people initially had minimal function. They could not work, and many attempted suicide,” Etsy said. “One is getting a Ph.D now. One has a full scholarship when he could not read after his head injury. All of them are doing well.”

Etsy continues to collaborate with the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to evaluate the effectiveness of neurofeedback on patients suffering from PTSD.

Based on early studies, neurofeedback has already proven to be effective management with lasting benefits for a range of conditions.

Chris Gardner is one of many patients who have already benefited from such sessions.

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Research Sheds Light on Neurofeedback Treatments For ADHD

August 13, 2015

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattention and impulsive behaviour. The condition is the most commonly diagnosed disorders of children, affecting 10 per cent of school aged children with boys being diagnosed at a much higher rate than girls. ADHD is not limited to early ages as it can continue into adulthood. Distinguishing […]

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HeartMath emWave device for Stress Relief

February 18, 2015

One of the most common health problems in modern society is stress. Our daily routines are rushed with deadlines to meet and challenging situations that need our attention. When everything is so stressful, it takes a toll on your body and mind. Stress is normal and at a minimum level, can be a good thing. […]

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Computer Science Allows Better Understanding of Brain’s Function

August 28, 2014

A neuron or a nerve cell is an electrically excitable cell that processes and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are the core components of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and the ganglia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) which comprises the central nervous system (CNS). A study conducted […]

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Forgetfulness and its Link to Genetics

August 13, 2014

Have you ever been on your mobile phone and almost had a panic attack when you couldn’t “find” it? How about putting your sunglasses on the top of your head and then frantically searching for them in your handbag? Or forgetting that your car keys were actually in the freezer? It happens. These incidents might […]

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Helping Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Sleep Better

June 16, 2014

Sleep plays a critical role in our health. Not getting enough sleep can impair cognition and make it difficult to concentrate. Research has also shown that individuals with chronic sleep loss are at higher risk of long-term health consequences including heart disease and diabetes. This presents numerous challenges for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder […]

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Results From Neurofeedback Training For ADHD | Learning Discoveries

June 5, 2014

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder characterised by difficulty paying attention or concentrating on tasks. It is estimated that 9.5% of children are diagnosed with ADHD which has an impact on academic performance and social relationships. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin or Adderall are effective but also carry side effects. One remedy […]

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The Benefits of Essential Fatty Acids on Mental Health

May 30, 2014

Mental health refers to emotional and psychological well-being. Issues from stress to depression and anxiety have a direct impact on emotion and even behaviour. The exact extent depends on the condition along with the factors contributing to it. Research shows that essential fatty acids (EFAs) are beneficial for mental health. Individuals with an insufficient intake […]

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Studies Reveal Coeliac Disease Remains Largely Undiagnosed

May 24, 2014

Celiac disease is a common digestive condition where ingestion of gluten leads to an adverse reaction and damage in the small intestine. Ingesting foods containing gluten such as bread can trigger a range of symptoms include: Diarrhoea Abdominal pain Weight loss Flatulence Bloating Fatigue Chronic constipation Decreased appetite Irritability Itchiness Headaches Iron deficiency Symptoms vary […]

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Rosemary Boon

Registered Psychologist

M.A. (Psych),
Grad. Dip. Ed. Studies (Sch. Counsel),
Grad Dip. Ed. B Sc, Dip. Nut.
MAPS, AACNEM, ATMS, ISNR, ANSA.

Provider No. 2582331F ATMS No. 20831
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