Welcome to the world of hypnosis – a powerful, natural state that can unlock your inner resources for profound personal change and well-being. At Good Words, we practice hypno-psychotherapy, combining the deep transformative potential of hypnosis with therapeutic principles to help you achieve your goals.

A Natural State of Focused Awareness

Often misunderstood, hypnosis is not sleep, mind control, or a magical cure. Instead, it is best described as an altered state of consciousness characterized by heightened responsiveness to suggestion.

Think of it as a state of deep mental relaxation and focused attention, where your conscious mind (the part that analyses, judges, and worries) takes a step back, allowing your subconscious mind to come forward. It’s a bit like being completely engrossed in a book, a movie, or a repetitive task – where you’re aware of your surroundings, but your attention is narrowed and highly focused on one thing.

A Natural State We All Experience

The hypnotic trance is a completely natural phenomenon that most people experience multiple times every day without even realising it! Have you ever:

• Driven a familiar route and arrived at your destination with little memory of the journey?
• Been so absorbed in a TV show or book that you didn’t hear someone speak to you?
• Felt “miles away” while staring out of a window?

These are all examples of a light, everyday trance state – a focused, altered state of awareness. Hypnosis simply involves intentionally inducing and utilising this natural state for therapeutic purposes.

How is a Hypnotic Trance Induced?

Inducing a hypnotic trance involves a gentle, guided process designed to help you relax and focus your attention. There are many techniques, but common methods include:

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Systematically tensing and relaxing different muscle groups to promote physical relaxation.
• Guided Imagery: Leading you through a calming mental journey using vivid descriptions.
• Focus on Breathing: Directing your attention to your breath to quiet the mind.
• Counting or Repetitive Suggestions: Using rhythmic or repetitive verbal cues to deepen focus.

Our role as hypno-psychotherapists is to guide you comfortably and safely into this receptive state, always with your consent and active participation. You are always in control and can emerge from the state whenever you wish.

What Does the Experience Feel Like?

The experience of hypnosis is unique to each individual, but common sensations include:

• Deep Relaxation: A profound sense of physical and mental calm.
• Focused Attention: Your mind feels clearer, more focused on the guiding voice.
• Heightened Imagination: Images, sensations, and thoughts may feel more vivid.
• Detachment from Distractions: External sounds or worries fade into the background.
• Awareness: You remain aware of your surroundings and can typically hear everything being said. You are not “asleep” or “unconscious” in the conventional sense.

Many people describe it as a very pleasant, peaceful, and refreshing experience.

Connecting with Your Unconscious for Healing

One of the most powerful aspects of hypnosis is its ability to facilitate communication with your unconscious mind. This is the vast reservoir of your memories, emotions, instincts, and automatic behaviours.

When you are in a hypnotic state, your unconscious mind becomes more accessible and receptive to positive suggestions. This makes it perfect for releasing repressed sensations, unhelpful thought patterns, or emotional blockages, allowing you to feel lighter, more free, and empowered to make lasting positive changes in your life. It’s about working with your whole self, not just the conscious, analytical part.

The Ancient Roots of Hypnosis & Its Modern Applications

The practice of utilising trance states for healing is far from new; it is ancient, with roots stretching back thousands of years across various cultures, from ancient Egyptian sleep temples to Greek oracles and tribal shamans. Modern clinical hypnotherapy builds upon these ancient understandings with contemporary psychological principles.

Today, hypno-psychotherapy is a well-researched and recognised therapeutic modality with a wide range of applications, including:

• Stress and Anxiety Management: Learning to calm the nervous system and reframe anxious thoughts.
• Pain Management: Helping to alter the perception of pain, particularly chronic pain.
• Phobias and Fears: Gently reprocessing traumatic memories or irrational fears.
• Habit Cessation: Supporting individuals to stop smoking, manage weight, or overcome other unwanted habits.
• Confidence and Self-Esteem: Building inner strength and a positive self-image.
• Sleep Improvement: Addressing insomnia and promoting restful sleep.
• Performance Enhancement: Improving focus, concentration, and motivation for academic, athletic, or professional goals.
• And much more…

Ready to Explore the Power of Your Mind?

Hypnosis is a gentle yet profound path to self-discovery and lasting change. If you’re curious to experience this natural state and harness your mind’s potential, we invite you to explore our services.

Contact us today to learn more or book your session: