Hypnotherapy expert Michael McGuinness DHP BED MICHP MNCH (Acc ), clinical hypnotherapist at The Access Clinic, outlines what hypnotherapy is and how it can help you.
Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness which feels like something between sleeping and waking, and which has qualities of none of these states. During hypnosis you are fully conscious of everything that is going on and are in complete control.
During trance, you are not immobilised. You know exactly where you are the entire time. You can still hear sounds around you. You can alert yourself and respond to any situation that needs your immediate attention. You remain orientated as to person, place, and time. You can even hold a conversation in trance.
Hypnosis is not mind control or brainwashing. A hypnotherapist uses communicative methods of persuasion and influence. Hypnosis cannot cause anyone to do something against their will or which contradicts their values. A hypnotherapist is ethically required to engage only in therapeutic interventions that support agreed-upon outcomes.
The mind essentially operates on two levels; the conscious mind and the subconscious mind. When it comes to dealing with the practical problems of everyday life, we deal with one system of the mind, the conscious system. This system is connected to awareness — to get us through each day we need to know what we are dealing with, how we are responding, and how well we are doing.
Our subconscious mind holds our automatic behaviour, emotions, deeper perceptions and permanent memory. By accessing this subconscious mind we can bring about profound change.
Hypnotherapy is a very effective form of treatment for a whole range of behavioural, emotional, perceptual, and stress-related problems. It can deal with the root cause of problems. Many doctors are now advocating a more holistic approach, with an increasing number referring patients to therapists to deal with emotional issues underlying presenting symptoms.
To make an appointment with Michael McGuinness contact 094 906 0226/086 161 2301 or visit www.accessclinic.ie
