Hypnotherapy is the process of inducing an altered state through hypnosis in order to treat a number of different conditions. Hypnosis has been used for centuries for various different reasons but its first use in the western world is thought to be by Franz Mesmer in the 18^th Century. Hypnotherapy has met with a lot of scepticism through the years however it is becoming more and more accepted and is thought to be the most effective treatment for people looking to give up smoking.

There is a misconception that people will not know what they are doing and will lose control and this is largely perpetuated by the many entertainment shows that use hypnosis. However it is important to remember that a hypnotherapist cannot make you do anything you do not want to do. The process of hypnosis involves putting the subject in an altered mental state and allows the therapist to talk directly to the subconscious in order to make changes to behaviour.

Hypnotherapy can be used to alongside psychotherapy and can help in the change of thought patterns that may be causing blockages in people’s lives. Any person can be hypnotised however some people are more susceptible than others and the patient does need to be willing to be hypnotised.

Hypnotherapy can be used for many mental and physical illnesses that include weight control, pain management, smoking cessation, headache, facial neuralgia, arthritis, burns, musculoskeletal disorders, childbirth, pain relief and even as an anaesthetic for operations. In addition it can also help with self-development, confidence, memory and other personal issues that many people experience.