SO HOW DOES HYPNOSIS WORK?

Whilst a person is in hypnosis, the Hypnotherapist is able to communicate directly with the subconscious part of his or her mind. This is the part that does the things you don’t have to think about (e.g. breathing). Since the subconscious mind does not analyse or criticise anything that is said to it, it will accept as literal almost anything that is said.

So, for example, if you wanted to stop smoking, the hypnotist would put you into hypnosis then communicate with the subconscious part of your mind. They would use the power of suggestion to instruct your subconscious mind that you will never want to smoke again. Your subconscious mind will accept this and will carry out the instruction.

A good example of the conscious and subconscious mind is as follows. When you are learning to do something, for example drive a car, you are using your conscious mind. You think you will never remember everything you need to.

But once you have mastered the controls, the manoeuvring, and to coordinate your movements, then pass your driving test - things come more easily - you seem to go into ‘auto pilot’. Well, this is because all the information has been passed on to the subconscious mind - you don’t have to consciously think about all the different things you have to do any more. Rather like when you learned to ride a bike!

Frequently asked questions about hypnosis