At Spire Cardiff Hospital you can receive treatment in a number of specialist areas, including hypnotherapy. Our Consultant Anaethetist Dr Mark Sandby-Thomas works across a broad range of issues that can be treated by hypnosis, so to find out more contact Spire Cardiff Hospital today.
What is hypnosis?
Many people mistakenly think that hypnosis is a form of sleep – it is not. Hypnosis (or hypnotic ‘trance’) is a focused state of attention during which time the patient is absorbed in mental activity and not distracted by external stimulation. It will often be accompanied by deep relaxation.
Can anyone be hypnotised?
Yes – if they want to be. We all go into trances spontaneously on a daily basis. Examples would include daydreaming or being so absorbed in an activity such as reading, exercising or watching television that we lose track of time.
The only person who can control hypnosis is the patient himself or herself – All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The hypnotist merely provides suggestions and directions for this to happen more easily. Nobody can be hypnotised against their will.
What does a trance feel like?
A trance is a very pleasant experience. It generally involves feelings of deep relaxation during which time your mind wanders and drifts. Often people can be in a trance for up to an hour or so but it will feel as if only 10 minutes have passed. Different people can attain different levels of trance and this ability can be enhanced with practice.
How does hypnotherapy work?
Hypnotherapy generally uses the trance state to give suggestions for positive change. These suggestions are incorporated by the ‘unconscious mind’ and gradually result in a change in behaviour. By changing the way we think or feel, we can change the way we act. Examples would include stopping smoking or preventing the negative thoughts that can stop us from performing well or cause us to overeat.
The trance state is desirable but not necessary for the therapy to work. Different people are able to enter different levels of trance from light through to deep. The level of trance does not affect the success of the treatment.
Can I be made to do things against my wishes whilst in a trance?
No. The patient is control of their actions throughout the process and afterwards. You would never do things that are against your moral code. If the therapist says or does something that you object to, you will be able to come out of the trance and leave with no harmful affects whatsoever.
Are there any side effects to been hypnotised?
No. Some people experience a slight mental fuzziness after a trance – like been awoken from a daydream - which passes quickly. Others experience a ‘post hypnotic high’, which is an elevation in mood and sense of wellbeing that can last for up to 2 weeks. Everybody awakens from a trance and there is no chance of any mental or physical disturbance afterwards.
What sorts of things can be treated by hypnotherapy?
A vast range of things, which include:
- Smoking cessation
- Increasing confidence, improving motivation and enhancing performance (e.g. public speaking, presentation, exams etc.)
- Breaking bad habits such as nail biting and teeth grinding
- Controlling weight and improving eating habits
- Treatment of phobias – such as fear of flying, fear of needles, fear of dentists or hospitals
- Managing panic attacks
- Management of pain
- Management of Irritable bowel disease
- Hypnobirthing in pregnancy
- Enhancing post-operative recovery
- Blood pressure control.
There are many other conditions for which hypnotherapy can be used. If in doubt, ask the hypnotherapist personally.
Other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and alcoholism can also be treated but this is best done by a specialist in these fields.
Are any people not suitable to have hypnotherapy?
Any conditions that limit the ability to concentrate will limit the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. These would include psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, dementia states and intoxication with drugs.
Is there any proof that hypnotherapy works?
There is a large and ever-growing body of evidence to support the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. This ranges from scientific studies looking at the brain mechanisms behind how it works to clinical studies assessing how effective it is. Some of these can be found via the Cochrane library (www.the cochranelibrary.com) that is an independent and unbiased institution that assesses medical therapies. Another good web site to visit is www.hypnosisandsuggestion.org.
How long does it take to work and how often would I need it?
Some aspects of the therapy will work immediately following the session and some changes may take up to a few weeks to be fully appreciated. Some conditions will only require 1 session (most commonly smoking cessation). Most will require between 3-5 sessions.
What can I expect from a hypnotherapy session?
On your first session, a detailed history will be taken to assess the suitability of the condition for treatment. Any goals for therapy and a management plan will be outlined and a full explanation of the hypnotic process will be given. If you feel comfortable and are ready, you will be induced into a trance and the first stage of the hypnotherapy will be given. You will be gently awoken from your trance feeling refreshed and rested.
What should I look for in a hypnotherapist?
The minimum qualification that you should look for is the Diploma of Hypnotherapy (DCHyp or Dip Hyp). You should also find out which institution issued the diploma and then ensure that this institution is recognised by the general hypnotherapy standards council. Unfortunately in the UK at the moment, there is no official regulatory body to ensure the standard of a hypnotherapist but many registers that claim to do just this. The most reputable is probably the general hypnotherapy register (www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com). Other good sources of information may include your GP or reputable healthcare providers such as Spire Healthcare.
It may feel awkward or embarrassing asking about qualifications and experience but an honest and well-trained hypnotherapist will not mind. The most important aspect in the patient-therapist relationship is trust and if you do not trust your therapist then the treatment is less likely to succeed.
Is hypnotherapy covered by health insurance?
Unfortunately not at present, except in some extremely specialised circumstances.
For further information or to book a consultation with Dr Mark Sandby-Thomas contact customer services on 029 2054 2509 or complete our online enquiry form.