The Power of Hypnosis

By Matthew Ferguson

Hypnosis is rapidly evolving from being considered as a stage show entertainment to a recognised treatment for a wide range of psychological and physiological challenges.

One of the many areas where hypnosis is very effective is helping change habits. It does so by tapping into deeper levels of the mind where habitual patterns are established and changing your responses to the triggers that keep you locked into an unwanted habit, like smoking. As an example you may always associate smoking with a morning coffee, alcoholic drink or after food. These associations can be broken and the craving relieved by naturally generating a more relaxed state of mind and perceptions that help eliminate the desire to smoke.

One criticism that is often levelled at hypnosis is that it is superficial. By that I mean it treats only the symptom and not the cause. It is true it is very effective at clearing symptoms which is, when all is said and done, the main thing you want to be free of. What is less well understood is that it can radically change your relationship to the past, where the symptom first appeared as a result of some event or circumstance of life, and help build a more fulfilling future. When used professionally it can provide profound insight and change as well as freedom from the presenting symptom.

Hypnosis works by accessing deeper levels of consciousness. It's at these deeper levels where habits and perceptions can be changed building better beliefs. Life long patterns can be broken and new ones learnt.

It is often assumed that this altered state of consciousness is dramatic, peculiar or unusual in some mysterious way. The truth is it is more akin to day-dreaming or light sleep than unconsciousness. In this state of mind it is possible for positive suggestions to take hold and begin to manifest as new behaviours, habits and attitudes.

There is nothing inherently dangerous in the use of hypnosis when used by a skilled practitioner. The dangers only exist when it is used unethically or recklessly, as has been the unfortunate occurrence in some stage entertainments. It can be likened to a car, great for getting from A to B but dangerous when driven by someone who is irresponsible.

In the right hands hypnosis is one of the best ways to achieve lasting positive change. So, when you are ready for change, seek-out a certified, insured and experienced hypnotherapist with a good track record and I am sure you will find it of great benefit.

Read more articles by Matthew Ferguson

Matthew Ferguson SQHP

(Clinical hypnotherapist, Trainer of Hypnotherapy and NLP, Stress Consultant and Authentic Happiness Coach) Matthew runs a training school in Scotland teaching Hypnotherapy, NLP and Coaching to learn more visit www.motivationtraining.co.uk If you are a Facebook user please click on our Follow us on Facebook button at www.motivationtraining.co.uk and click the like button. You will be kept up to date with the latest articles, information and free downloads.

Please visit www.motivationtraining.co.uk to see The Motivation Method series of mp3 downloads and CD's using Hypnosis and NLP (all of which have been highly recommended by many satisfied clients and by The Anglo-American Book Company).