Hypnotherapy is different from other therapies in that it is drug free, there is no physical manipulation and the conscious mind, with its anxious or analytical thoughts, is bypassed. It is the conscious mind which can often hinder the success of other forms of psychological work such as counselling or psychotherapy. Beneficial results are often achieved faster than with other therapies. Using the tool of hypnosis the therapist guides the client into a relaxed state enabling direct access to their subconscious mind. This is where our instinctive behaviour patterns and natural reactions are formed. Using positive suggestion and imagery the therapist is able to focus on the behaviours that the client wishes to change.

Hypnosis is the bringing together of the conscious and subconscious minds in a trance state. It is a safe, powerful technique creating a deeply relaxed state of the body, mind and emotions.
Hypnosis (or trance) is an altered state of consciousness into which you allow yourself to enter, under the guidance of a professionally trained and qualified hypnotherapist. You are and will remain in control at all times, you always know what is happening, and you can come out of this altered state at any time, in exactly the same way one would snap out of having a vivid daydream.

For example if you have ever been so absorbed in a book or a film it has felt that you are actually there, perhaps listening to a poignant piece of music or so engrossed, concentrating on your work, or doing something repetitive. These are all forms of trance, as is the experience when the phone suddenly rings or someone has been calling your name and you invariably say 'sorry, I was miles away.', you can still be aware of everything going on around you and yet be in a very relaxed state. These occurrences are very similar to the experience of hypnosis.

The hypnotherapist guides you into a relaxed trance state by the sound of their voice. It is not sleep.