Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical Hypnotherapy Explained 

To gain a deeper understanding of the power of hypnosis, it is important to begin by learning about the various brain waves.

5 Types of Brain Waves

There are 5 brain wave frequencies (Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta and Gamma) and each frequency is measured in cycles per second (Hz) and has its own set of characteristics representing a specific level of brain activity, and a unique state of consciousness.

• Beta (14-40Hz). This is the normal waking consciousness and reasoning wave. It is associated with a heightened state of alertness, logic and critical reasoning, but can also translate into stress, anxiety, fear and restlessness.

• Alpha (7.5-14 Hz). Alpha waves are present in deep physical and mental relaxation, and usually when the eyes are closed, during a daydream, or in light meditation. It is the optimal time to program the mind for success and it also heightens your imagination, visualisation memory, learning and concentration. It is the gateway to your subconscious mind, and the voice of your intuition, which becomes clearer and more profound the closer you get to 7.5Hz.

• Theta (4-7.5Hz). Theta waves are present during hypnosis, deep meditation and light sleep, including the all-important REM dream state. It is the realm of your subconsciousness.

• Delta (0.5-4Hz). This is the deep sleep wave. It is the slowest of the frequencies and is experienced in deep, dreamless sleep and in very deep transcendental meditation and hypnosis states, where awareness is fully detached. It is the realm of your unconscious mind, and the gateway to the universal mind and collective unconscious, where information is otherwise unavailable at the conscious level. This level (Delta) of deep sleep is important for the healing process as it is linked with deep healing and regeneration.

• Gamma waves (above 40Hz). The Insight Wave is the most recently discovered, and also the fastest frequency at above 40 Hz. Little is known yet about this state of mind, however initial research shows Gamma brain waves are associated with bursts of insight and high–level information processing.

It is the alpha-theta border, from 7Hz to 8 Hz, which is the optimal range for visualization, mind programming and using the creative power of your mind begins. This is the mental state in which you consciously create your reality. You are conscious of your surroundings however, your body is in deep relaxation. This level is the one most commonly found in a hypnotised subject.

Optimal Brain States for Hypnotherapy

While even a light trance (Alpha brain waves) is effective, a medium level trance (Theta brain waves) would be optimum.  Here you will be aware of, but not distracted by outside noises. You will be more deeply relaxed and more suggestible than if in a light trance. 

About 80% of the population can be induced into this medium level of hypnotic trance. Nevertheless, although arguably less than 50% of the subjects can achieve this level, the very best hypno-therapeutic work can be done when the client is in a deep trance (a somnambulistic trance – Delta brain waves).  In this deep state, you would have the ability to open your eyes without affecting hypnosis, selective and illusory sensory perception and the acceptance of complex suggestions occur during a deep hypnotic trance.

That being said, any level of trance – even a light trance – can be effective as long as it allows your thought processes to be addressed without the constant critical thinking of your conscious mind.  Mostly, clients in a light to medium trance remember what is said during the hypnotic state. In a very deep trance, the subconscious mind hears and can make changes, but the conscious mind may not remember what was said. It is the unconscious mind, however, that listens and remembers in any level of trance and is making the changes, so it is not necessary for you to consciously remember what was said.

The Power of Hypnosis

As you enter into a trance state, a curiously detached parallel awareness is experienced.  Therapy is then delivered by, setting aside the conscious brain and accessing the unconscious brain and your learned behaviour pattern-making system. 

In this state, you are most suggestible to desired changes, from suggestion to action.    

Hypnotherapy and Trauma
Hypnotherapy can be a helpful tool to cope better with Trauma symptoms. Hypnotherapy, coupled with other Trauma Therapies, is thought to be an effective way to process troublesome memories of trauma.

Trauma can cause you to disconnect from your own internal sense of safety. So, the sooner your emotions are managed, the sooner you will recover. Hypnotherapy can help you cope with the trauma and learn how to regain a sense of control and normality in your life.

The premise behind hypnotherapy is that it aims to access your unconscious and change the negative patterns that are holding you back. Using the power of suggestion, hypnotherapy works to promote positive change. The suggestions used will depend on your symptoms and what you wish to gain from your sessions, which are all tailored using techniques for you, helping you to manage symptoms and recognise potential triggers, as well as changing the way you react towards them.