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Hypnotherapists

Many people have the idea that if they are hypnotised they are unconscious or asleep.   This is far from being the case. Hypnotherapy does not put people to sleep, or make them lose control, or do things against their will.    The physical feeling of hypnotherapy is one of comfort and relaxation.   In a state of hypnosis, clients are able to be guided on a specific thought, memory, feeling or sensation while blocking out distractions. In fact when in a state of hypnosis your mind is alert, you hear every word from the therapist and remember what has been said. You can reject any suggestion made by the therapist if it is against your own beliefs.

A good deal of suffering is a consequence of negative thoughts and impulses from the past, which can accumulate and sabotage ones health, happiness and efficiency. By the time one has reached adulthood, one can have built up many negative modes of thinking, feeling and acting which then persist like bad habits, and like any habit they require effort to break.

In the comfortable daydream-like-state of hypnotherapy, the hypnotherapist is able to reframe thoughts, feelings and responses. In hypnosis people are far more amenable to positive change, healing or beneficial suggestions compared to when they are in their usual beta state of consciousness (thinking mode).

It is in this amenable state that clients are helped by the hypnotherapist to reach what's described as a relaxed state of consciousness, like being absorbed in a good book. Hypnotherapists may start by describing images that create a sense of security and well-being. They may then move on to suggest ways of achieving the client's stated specific goals.

When you choose a Clinical Hypnotherapist that belongs to a recognised independent Peak body like the Australian Hypnotherapists’ Association (AHA) or the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH), you can be sure of seeing a skilled practitioner.

In the case of an AHA practitioner, no matter where the prospective applicant to membership has trained, they are required to sit an entrance examination to show that they have the academic output of a highly trained professional hypnotherapist to gain entry into the association. The required competencies are shown in the Prospectus on the AHA website.

You are also able to phone the Free Advisory Line 1800 067 557 to speak to someone who would answer any questions that you might have or to put you in touch with a qualified hypnotherapist in your area.

This information was provided by Ms Bruni Brewin, President of the Australian Hypnotherpists’ Association (AHA). For more information about Counsellors and Psychotherapists, please visit the AHA website and the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnosis website.

To look for a Hypnotherapist practising in your area visit our Depression Friendly Professionals page.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 30 June 2009 )

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Hypnotherapists

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