Research Shows Effectiveness of Hypnosis

(NaturalNews) The effectiveness of hypnosis is often questioned because the cause of hypnotic phenomenon is not yet known. Research has been conducted on hypnosis for hundreds of years. Thousands of studies have been performed, yet the origination of hypnosis has not yet been realized. The Mayo Clinic has found hypnosis to be very effective and beneficial with a variety of disorders. Hypnosis does not always work the same way for everyone, but its effectiveness cannot be denied.

The Mayo Clinic defines hypnosis as being an altered state of consciousness. There are many changes that occur while a person is in a trance-like state. A person is able to focus their attention in a more direct way while under hypnosis. People are also more open to suggestion, which often helps people make changes in their thought process and in their actions. While in a hypnotic state, people tend to be less critical and more believing. The Mayo Clinic believes that the purpose of hypnosis is a therapeutic technique to help you understand and gain more control over your behavior, actions, emotions, or physical well-being.

Researchers and doctors at the Mayo Clinic are not sure how exactly hypnosis works, but current research points to a mind-body connection through nerves, hormones, and chemicals in the brain and body. Hypnosis is best used in conjunction with other forms of therapy. The Mayo Clinic lists the following benefits of hypnosis: changing negative habits (stop-smoking), reduce stress and anxiety, control pain, relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lower blood pressure, reduce frequency and intensity of migraines, treat asthma, and heal skin disorders.

The Mayo Clinic also puts many hypnosis myths to rest. Many people think that under hypnosis, they will have no free will. This is untrue; under hypnosis people have a heightened state of concentration, but they are in complete control. Another myth is that a hypnotherapist can control people under hypnosis. The truth is that a hypnotherapist serves as a guide and cannot make anyone do something that they do not want to do. It is also not true that people can become hypnotized without consent. Hypnosis involves a person`s willingness to participate (Goal Oriented Hypnotherapy).

The Mayo Clinic is a one of the leaders in research in the medical field. Their research of hypnotherapy is evidence-based (Hypnosis). They are a reputable source of information on the topic of hypnotherapy and medicine.

Sources:

Hypnosis. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on September 14, 2009: http://www.mayoclinic.org/hypnosis/

Hypnosis: An altered state of consciousness. Goal Oriented Hypnotherapy. Retrieved on September 14, 2009: http://www.gohypnotherapy.com/hypno...

Written on Monday, November 30, 2009 by: Steve G. Jones, M.Ed., citizen journalist

Hypnosis Effective at Helping People to Stop Smoking

Hypnosis is probably most famous for helping people to stop smoking, recently Matt Damon even testified to the benefits of quitting smoking; he told Jay Leno that he visited a hypnotist and it worked:

"I went to a hypnotist... It worked. I swear to god it worked. It was the greatest decision I ever made in my life!" - Matt Damon on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno

The research into this area of hypnotherapy is very solid, again it not only shows a massively increased success rate when using hypnosis to help you to stop smoking, but it points to hypnosis as the most effective form of smoking cessation therapy (with a higher success rate than nicotine patches / gum etc):

Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking

In 1992 the University of Iowa conducted a meta-analysis of studies using different methods to try and help people to quit smoking. This was the largest ever scientific comparison - looking at more than 600 studies which contained 72,000 people in total, from America and Europe. They found that on average, hypnosis was over three times as effective as nicotine patches or nicotine replacement methods and 15 times as effective as trying to quit alone, and concluded that hypnosis is by far the most effective way of giving up smoking.

90.6% Success rate when using hypnosis to stop smoking

The University of Washington medical school conducted a study where they used hypnosis on 43 patients to help them stop smoking. Of the 43 consecutive patients undergoing hypnosis, 39 reported remaining abstinent from tobacco use at follow-up (up to 3 years post-treatment). Barber concluded that hypnosis is an extremely effective way to quit smoking and this study represents a 90.6% success rate using hypnosis.

81% Stopped smoking after hypnosis

30 patients were referred by their doctor to Texas A&M University for treatment to help them stop smoking. Of this group 21 patients returned and were given 3 sessions of hypnosis for smoking cessation. Results showed that immediately after treatment 81% of patients reported that they had stopped smoking. Then in a followup 12 months later 48% of these patients reported that they were still not smoking. Elkins GR and Rajab MH concluded that hypnosis was indeed a statistically significant method of helping people to stop smoking.

Source: NaturalHypnosis.com

Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium who specializes in helping clients to stop smoking in one relaxing session of hypnosis.

What Happens During a Clinical Hypnosis Session?

Many people have completely the wrong idea about hypnosis, fearing that they will lose control, be made to do or say things against their will or worry that they might stay in hypnotic trance. I want to alleviate your fears and describe a typical clinical hypnosis session.

First of all, if you have ever seen a stage hypnosis show, you might have seen people do or say silly and embarrassing things. Remember that people volunteer to go on stage so know they will be asked to make exhibitionists of themselves. Some shows are X-rated but most shows are good, clean family fun. I used to hold a negative view of stage hypnosis but now offer a fun show, either as a complete show or as a demonstration for clubs and companies as an introduction to clinical hypnosis.

During stage hypnosis, the hypnotist will give individuals messages to tell them to do or say funny things but all suggestions will be removed before the end of the show and people return to normal, usually wanting to buy a DVD of the show to see how they performed. Clients go to a clinical hypnotist for help with a particular problem eg to stop smoking, lose weight, overcome a fear or phobia, increase self-confidence, improve a sport, alleviate pain, a health condition or deal with an addiction. Some specialise in specific conditions but most help with a wide variety of issues.

A professional hypnotist will carry out a detailed consultation asking questions about your lifestyle and the background to the issue. They will then describe the experience of hypnosis so that you understand that it is a perfectly natural, everyday state which we all know. If you are engrossed in a film on TV and someone calls you, you might not hear them. If they call again, louder, they will bring your attention back in the room. When you are engrossed, you are in a state of trance ie altered awareness. You cannot be in this state unless you are relaxed mentally and physically. You see, it is a state you already know and frequently experience.

There may be a test of suggestibility eg the hands clasp or rising and falling arms. A quick result will mean that you make a good subject for hypnosis. Lack of result or a slow result does not mean that you cannot be hypnotized but simply that you might take longer and require a lengthier induction process.

An induction is the talking to lead you into a hypnotic state. Very rarely a hypnotist will use a pendulum like a swinging crystal or ask you to stare at a flickering candle. This simply tires the eye muscles so that you want to close your eyes and start relaxing. If this is the first time you have been hypnotized, or if you are stressed and tense, you may need an induction lasting several minutes. However, there is no fast rule. If you are highly motivated to achieve a result, you may enter quickly into trance. There are fast induction methods which can put a subject into a deep state in a matter of seconds! The main objective here is to have you close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Once your body is relaxed, you will be asked to visualize a scene which serves to distract and relax your mind. This might be a beach, a lake, a meadow or garden.

Next a deepener to deepen the relaxed state which usually asks you to visualize walking slowly downstairs or going down in a lift. The emphasis is on going “down, deeper”.

Remember that no one can put you into hypnosis against your will as all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and you will only go into this state when it is safe for you to do so, never when operating machinery or driving a car.

For treating many of the reasons why people come to a clinical hypnotist, some ego strengthening or confidence-boosting is necessary. Sometimes we have been told “we can’t” for so long that we need to believe “we can”. We focus on being calm, relaxed and confident. Specific techniques will then follow to help overcome your issue, your habit, health problem, phobia, addiction or just to strengthen your confidence. There are many techniques involved in clinical hypnosis and your success will depend on the training, skill and experience of the practitioner. Having said that, even someone who is newly qualified can achieve good results.

I shall also mention two specific areas: regression and parts therapy. Regression uses visualization to take you back to an earlier time to identify the cause of a problem or to re-write a negative association. Parts integration deals with incongruencies when you say, “Part of me.... but part of me....”

You may also be taught self-hypnosis which is a very useful skill to use throughout your life in many situations. You may be given specific post-hypnotic suggestions or triggers to reinforce a new positive behaviour.

Simple issues can be dealt with in a single session but most require 2-5 sessions. Your hypnotist will discuss this at the first session. Weight loss may require many sessions over a period of time. It is most important that you be realistic and commit to the full course if you want a long-lasting successful outcome. Think of learning to drive, a new language, a skill and expecting success by just attending the first couple of lessons. You will have a little knowledge but not enough to be competent. So it is with hypnosis. Don’t expect a magic wand. This is the most powerful tool on the planet for fast, life-changing results but only if you commit to the recommended course.

Finally, time distorts in hypnosis so you might be surprised to find that what feels like a few minutes was actually much longer. The other benefit of hypnosis is that 30 minutes can refresh you as much as a night of good sleep. So, positive, life-enhancing results, a calm relaxed feeling and extra vitality. Sounds wonderful.

© Antonia Harrison 2011. Antonia Harrison is the English Clinical Hypnotist in Belgium specializing in stopping smoking, controlling alcohol consumption, overcoming the fear of public speaking and phobias. She is a competent public speaker and rid herself of a life-long spider phobia. She also gave birth twice without conventional pain control using self-hypnosis for low pain childbirth without tearing or bruising. http://www.HypnotherapyBelgium.com

Brain Waves and Entering Hypnotic Trance

The human brain cycles through four different frequencies, depending on what state of consciousness we are in: Beta, Alpha, Theta and Delta. Brain waves are measured in Hertz, one Hertz (Hz) being one cyclic wave per second.

Beta Brain-wave state (14-30 cps) Beta is the normal, awake state of the brain with conscious activity, alert, ready for physical activity, able to operate machinery, have a conversation, make quick decisions and able to feel positive and negative emotions eg excitement but also anger, fear, tension. As neurons fire abundantly, new ideas and solutions can seem to flash like lightning into your mind. As Beta state is also being fully conscious, there can be resistance from the conscious part of the mind, putting up barriers to change. All deep and lasting permanent change occurs in the unconscious part of the brain which accounts for 90-95% of all brain activity.

Alpha Brain-wave state (8-13 cps)
This is the early stage of relaxation although the person may still be alert but not fully focused. As the person relaxes physically and mentally, they are passively aware of their surroundings and feel a sense of well-being and tranquility. When I say passive, you might be daydreaming so miss your turning when driving. As such, it is a level of trance which is an altered state of consciousness. Realising you have missed the turning means you are back in Beta. Alpha state is the state necessary for most hypnosis eg. changing habits, eliminating fears, improving confidence etc.

In Alpha, the doorway between the conscious and unconscious/subconscious is opened which also means memories otherwise pushed deep become easily accessible. This is why we can take someone back, in this lifetime or otherwise, depending on the person’s belief system, in what we call “regression”. Alpha state allows creativity to flow. You can imagine yourself performing without any thinking limiting your achievements.

Theta Brain-wave state (4-8 cps)
This level of deep relaxation brings tranquility but also creativity and accelerated learning. The unconscious, or subconscious, mind cannot distinguish between reality and imagination so this is the state where we can visualize what we want to achieve eg a slimmer figure looking good, or playing a sport consistently well, charismatic public speaking and the unconscious mind will re-program whatever is necessary to make this a reality. This is an optimal trance state for hypnosis with heightened imagination and receptivity to suggestion, possibly deep day dreams or lucid dreaming. It is a normal state that we experience from pre-sleep all the way into REM sleep. We therefore go into Theta state every day.

Theta state is also associated with extreme forms of mind and body control eg walking on coals or fire-eating. Rhythmic sounds which vibrate at 4.5 beats or cycles per second can induce a trance-like state of theta brain-wave.

W Vogel, D M Broverman and E L Klaiber (1968 “EEG and Mental Abilities, Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology, 24, 166-175) described two types of theta brain-wave states. Theta in Class I inhibition is seen in a relaxed, drowsy state. Theta in Class II inhibition is associated with efficient, automatic and sustained mental performance. This increases efficiency in problem solving, perceptual processing and memory retention. It is seen in the later stages of hypnosis.

Delta Brain-wave state (.05-4 cps)
We experience this in the deepest stages of sleep, a state of total unawareness, of unconsciousness, without feelings or emotions. This state is the slowest brain wave frequency and not reached in hypnosis. It is the state of tissue repair, healing and regeneration. We naturally go from one brain-wave state to another throughout the day and night. Hypnosis is a totally naturally way of inducing a state for beneficial purposes. 

How is Hypnosis Induced in a Therapy Session?
A hypnotist will ask you to sit or lie in a comfortable position, ask you to close your eyes and talk you into a relaxed state through any one of a number of techniques called inductions. When your breathing is visibly slower and your facial muscles relaxed, a deepener will be used to take you into a deeper state of relaxation and thus lower level of brain-wave. This may be through counting up or down slowly (I prefer down), perhaps combined with visualizing going down steps, through coloured doors or going down in a lift. I personally avoid the latter as many people do not like lifts even if they do not actually suffer from claustrophobia. Suggestions that you are relaxing deeper and deeper will be repeated to achieve the level of hypnotic trance desirable for the therapy.

Whilst the earlier stages are fine for most habits or reasons for seeking therapy, a deeper level will be needed for pain control, anaesthesia for childbirth, dentistry and operations. It is said that only 5% of people can achieve a deep trance state. This is the level needed for stage show hypnosis using volunteers on a one-off basis but I personally believe anyone can achieve very deep levels if they practice hypnosis on a regular basis.

I used to be very stress and tensed. Now I can lie on a hard floor and feel nothing within 30 seconds. I have also used self-hypnosis in childbirth twice meaning I did not use any other form of pain control. I also used it whilst waiting to go down to the operating theatre for a serious operation. Hypnosis produces reduced bruising and aids faster recovery. I was told to expect a stay of 2 weeks yet was home after 6 days and fully recovered from the anaesthesia and back to normal health in 6 weeks.

© Antonia Harrison

Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist and NLP Mind Coach/Trainer in Belgium bringing positive change to people, whether individuals or in companies and organizations. Visit http://www.AntoniaHarrison.com

Hypnosis: Focusing Subconscious on Change

Forget the stage-show stereotypes. Hypnosis has helped people cut back on pain, anxiety, and depression medications, resolve intestinal problems, quit smoking, even have less stressful childbirth.

There's no pocket watch involved. Hypnosis is simply a state of concentration and focused attention -- focused on a mental image. It's a skill that must be learned from a trained therapist. With practice, hypnotizing yourself comes easily. Self-hypnosis is the path to training both mind and body to make a desired change.

"People who are able to do self-hypnosis can use that focus for a variety of purposes," Stan Chapman, PhD, a psychologist in the Center for Pain Medicine at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, tells WebMD. "For example, someone who is very depressed may realize on one level that life is not hopeless and pointless. But if he focuses on a thought contrary to that, the idea becomes deeply embedded in his subconscious."
Here's what happens: Guided by a therapist's words, you slip deeper and deeper into a very relaxed, very focused state -- into your subconscious. That's when a suggestion, a thought that will help you solve a problem, is introduced by the therapist. When the mind is intensely focused, these so-called post-hypnotic suggestions have a powerful impact, Chapman says.

Don't worry, you won't lose consciousness. You won't do anything against your will. Afterward, you are very much aware of what happened while you were "under." You will recognize and remember the post-hypnotic suggestion. And, with practice, you can learn to hypnotize yourself to reinforce the suggestion.

Pain Control Through Hypnosis
Marc Oster, PsyD, a Chicago psychologist, relies on self-hypnosis when he gets dental work done. "I get Novocain just like other patients, but I don't need as much of it because I'm under hypnosis. Afterward, I can go back to work for a full day. When the Novocain wears off, I don't have the pain, the jaw ache, or the headache that other people have," he told WebMD, in a previous interview.

No one knows exactly how hypnosis works, but scientists have theories. Hypnosis helps change our expectations. When a suggestion is made during hypnosis, the mind gains control over the body. Focus your attention on an image that blocks the perception of pain, for instance, and you feel less pain. Your subconscious has grabbed hold of that message, replaying it time and again.

Research from Harvard Medical School and other institutions is showing evidence that hypnosis is indeed a process of mind over body. Studies are documenting the physiological changes that occur under hypnosis -- activating certain parts of the brain, including the portion that focuses attention.

In fact, studies have shown pain related to cancer, surgery, back injuries, and migraines may respond well to hypnosis.

Hypnosis has been blessed by many mainstream medical institutions, says Oster, who heads the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. In 1958, the American Medical Association officially recognized hypnosis as a form of treatment. The American Psychological Association has endorsed hypnosis for a number of years. In 1995, the NIH announced its support of hypnosis for cancer pain and other pain conditions.
Growing numbers of insurance companies, including Medicare, have begun covering hypnosis therapy for pain or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Pain control is just one use for self-hypnosis. Among the others:
Digestive Problems: Chronic indigestion and other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been treated with hypnotherapy. Recently, a large, long-term study showed that hypnosis provides sustained improvements in significant numbers of IBS patients. Hypnosis eased abdominal pain, distention, diarrhea, constipation, and other stomach upsets for many years -- even after the patients quit doing self-hypnosis.

Most of the patients took no medication or other treatments for their IBS symptoms. And, since only a couple of medications are approved for IBS, the drug treatment can be expensive long-term. But for those who tried hypnosis, the payoff was having a better quality of life. The procedure also dramatically cut medication expenses.
Hypnosis can also help kids who have chronic stomach pain -- the type of pain that is real, but unexplained. The problem results in lost time at school, frequent doctor visits, as well as anxiety and depression, and can last into adult years. But through a combination approach -- relaxation, guided imagery, and hypnosis -- it's possible for kids to gain control over their pain.

Panic Attacks: The onset of a panic attack has a cluster of symptoms: the feeling of intense fear, sense of doom, feelings of unreality, racing heartbeat, difficulty breathing, sweating, shaking, dizziness, nausea, fear of losing control, tingling or numbness in the hands. Hypnosis has been shown to help some people find relief from panic attacks.
Hypnosis can strengthen the effect of mind over body, researchers say. It can change the way you perceive sensations. By narrowly focusing your attention, you're not overwhelmed by panic attack symptoms when they begin. You are able to relax physically. The attack fades away.

Childbirth: It's known as "hypnobirthing" -- women learning how to hypnotize themselves to manage their labor. It helps them to relax and let their bodies take over. The theory is that, in the absence of fear and tension, severe pain does not have to accompany labor. In this calm state, endorphins -- naturally occurring pain-relieving chemicals -- replace the stress hormones that contribute to pain. Even women choosing more traditional methods, such as painkilling drugs, can still benefit from the stress-relieving power of hypnosis.

Quit Smoking via Hypnosis?
Smoking Cessation: The American Cancer Society advocates hypnosis as one of many stop-smoking techniques -- helping some smokers stay off tobacco for six months or longer. They suggest it might be helpful for some people.

For many people, hypnosis is a way to change beliefs and attitudes that stand in the way of quitting. Hypnosis might enhance confidence, promote a general sense of well-being, decrease withdrawal urges, and help people focus on the importance of quitting. Best results come when hypnosis is simply used as an aid -- combined with other stop-smoking methods, such as the nicotine patch, researchers say.

SOURCES: Stan Chapman, PhD, psychologist, Center for Pain Medicine, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta. WebMD Feature: "Hypnosis Goes Mainstream." WebMD Medical News: "Hypnosis May Be Useful IBS Treatment." WebMD Medical News: "Hypnosis Soothes Indigestion." WebMD Medical News: "Researchers Target New Ways to Stop Chronic Pain." WebMD Medical News: "Hypnosis for Pain," WebMD Feature: "Natural Panic Attack Treatments." WebMD Medical News: "Hypnosis in the Delivery Room." WebMD Feature: "You Are Getting Skinny, Skinny."

Edited by Louise Chang, MD on March 01, 2006
© 2005 WebMD, Inc.

Visit Hypnotherapy for Positive Change
for more articles about the therapeutic uses of hypnosis.

Hypnosis Can Stop Bedwetting

Bedwetting at night, or nocturnal enuresis, is very common in children under 7 and more so in boys than girls. There are medical conditions which cause it eg cystitis or diabetes, or by some children's inability to produce enough of the antidiuretic hormone, ADH, which controls the production of urine at night.

However, for most, it is just a case of developing good bladder control later than others.

Some drugs help to reduce the amount of urine produced during the night but that does not teach the child good bladder control and only works as long as the drug is taken. Alarms wake the child if the bed is wet but then the deed is already done!

Unless there is also a regular problem with daytime wetting (apart from the odd accident), the problem is “in the mind” as are many problems. Our mind controls everything including sending a message to the bladder to contract the muscles and hold the water.

Psychological stresses may also play a part, sometimes temporarily eg a death or divorce in the family, moving home or school or low self-confidence.
Who decided that the child should stop wearing night-time nappies? Usually the mother just wants to reduce her workload perhaps when a new baby comes along, or decides “it is time”. This may be too soon for the child who should have some say in choosing the moment. My younger son decided to stop on the same day as his older brother and has never had a wet night.

Night-time nappies give a false sense of comfort as they keep the child snug whereas waking up to a cold, wet bed is unpleasant and so a motivation for the child himself to stop. Lying on a waterproof mattress protector minimizes the laundry. If the child has to further help with the laundry involved, this will also add to the motivation to stop bed-wetting but this should be done as a responsibility rather than as a punishment. Dry nights should be praised, recorded and rewarded to reinforce the positive.

If the child is invited into the warm parent’s bed each time, rather than having to help with the immediate laundry change, this could set up a “secondary gain” which will unconsciously encourage the child to keep wetting so be firm.
Leave a night light on somewhere so that the child is not scared to walk to the bathroom at night.

The child will usually feel too embarrassed to want to do sleepovers. I find a good motivation is to talk about the fun of being a scout and going on weekends away and the summer camp, or on activity weeks.

Often their self-esteem is low as no child likes to feel “different” to his peers. Find out who their TV heroes are. One boy told me he likes Mr Bean because he is funny and silly whilst his TV hero is Ben 10. Relating them to bed-wetting, he thought that Mr Bean would have wet the bed as a child (sorry Rowan Atkinson) whilst Ben 10 would not because he is strong and capable.

It is now thought a mistake to keep asking the child to empty its bladder as it is important to strengthen the bladder muscle. On the contrary, the child should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluid, not fizzy or unnaturally coloured drinks. Parents are advised not to wake the child when they go to bed to have him urinate. The muscle should be developed to hold water for many hours and release when appropriate.

Hypnosis is very effective in helping children overcome bed-wetting. They enjoy the whole fun idea of relaxing and hearing a story. By no means should they be scared or worried by the idea of hypnosis, or in fact even told that hypnosis will be used. Just emphasise hearing a story.

There are several approaches. One is the idea of locking up the bladder with a large, strong and colourful key and standing sentry outside it. The sentry sends powerful signals from the bladder to the brain for the child to wake if necessary, or to keep those muscles tightly closed until morning.

Another approach is used in this hypnosis MP3 download for bedwetting where the child is taken on an imaginative journey with a spaceship captain inside another child’s body. The use of the third party child is deliberate as we often learn more by looking at someone else than from our own experience. The astronaut does not refer direct to the bladder but rather to holding on to a ball and releasing it when appropriate. I used this with a seven-year old boy who explained to me what it meant as bedwetting is not mentioned. The use of a story or metaphor is typical of Ericksonian Hypnosis. The unconscious mind which accounts for 90-95% of our brain understands creative, child-like ideas which often make little sense to the grown-up, rational conscious mind.

Again using the third party, I have used a child’s middle name in hypnosis as the helper to wake him or keep the bladder closed.

Whilst some children understand the message in a single hypnosis session, many benefit from repeated listening to the same message which is why this hypnosis MP3 download for bedwetting is so helpful. The cost is probably the same as a week’s worth of laundering wet bedlinen and pyjamas so it must be worth trying.

© Antonia Harrison 2011 is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium and recommends Download Hypnosis Mp3s for immediate access to positive life-changing hypnosis sessions.

Stop Smoking with Hypnosis Group Session in Brussels

You know all the reasons why you want to stop smoking and yet, willpower alone has not been enough. Here are some reasons why people want to stop:

- smoking is affecting your health and energy;
- reduced stamina for sports and activity;
- it prematurely ages your skin;
- the stale smell of smoke on your hair, skin and clothes;
- you don´t want your children to become smokers;
- the money you are literally burning away.

Maybe you have tried to stop but need help.

"Hypnosis is the most effective way of giving up smoking, according to the largest ever scientific comparison of ways of breaking the habit. Willpower, it turns out, counts for very little."
'New Scientist' vol. 136 issue 1845 page 6

Nicotine patches and gum keep you addicted to nicotine. Do you want to be addicted to a drug?

95% of my stop smoking clients find they can stop smoking in just one session....and stay stopped.

If you smoke 20 cigarettes per day, that is roughly 1.800 € per year NET INCOME or 3.000 € per year GROSS/BRUTO.

A private session of hypnosis to stop smoking normally costs 200 € in Limburg or 350 € in Brussels.

You can join this group session for an amazing 100 €
or
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT FOR BOOKINGS PAID BY 15 July @ 75 €

(All fees include 21% VAT/BTW and invoices are available on request.)

Send your booking to:
hypnosis@telenet.be
and payment to BE 19 9730 0127 8212 with mention:
GROUP HYPNOSIS 25 JULY - (your name)


Here is what one very satisfied client said:

"I was relaxed but consciously aware of my surroundings so I found it hard to believe that hypnosis would work after just one session. But I was very impressed. I thought it would be difficult but I found it relatively easy to stop smoking. I am not troubled by other people's smoking. I used to enjoy smoking but now I enjoy not smoking. I quickly found I can breathe more deeply and have noticed two other health improvements. After four weeks, I am still a motivated non-smoker." - James Benn, Brussels.

I want to help you become a healthy non-smoker. Join us.

Antonia Harrison
English Hypnotherapist Belgium
http://www.EnglishHypnothe​rapistBelgium.com/
hypnosis@telenet.be
0497 550813

TV Star Reveals Bedtime Secret is Addiction to Hypnotherapy

Sleep is an important issue for Evan Davis, who needs to get up at 3.15am. Now, the presenter of Radio 4’s Today programme has revealed his bedtime secrets, and they are just as unconventional as other aspects of his life.

Davis, 49, tells Mandrake that he relies on his long-term companion, the French landscape architect Guillaume Baltz — and hypnotherapy.

“The blackout blind comes down, he’ll shut the curtains, I go to bed and he puts on the tape,” says Davis, who also presents the BBC Two television programme Dragons' Den.

“It’s a nice little tape that tells me to go to sleep. It’s hypnosis. It’s a bloke going, 'Go to sleep’. It really works.”

Davis, speaking after his bedtime at a talk about his new book, Made in Britain, at Foyles, tells me that the recording works so well he is now unable to fall asleep without it.

“It fills your brain with soft fluff that slowly eases out all the stimulating things that you’re thinking,” says the presenter, who is known for his “punk” outfits and jewellery in unusual places.

“There are one or two — I won’t name them because it is probably against BBC policy to do so — but I very rarely get 15 minutes into it without it knocking me to sleep. I’ve never enjoyed sleep as much until I got the Today job. There is something about early sleep that’s much better than late sleep.

“I feel myself going to sleep; I don’t just plonk my head on the pillow. It’s a sort of winding-down thing. We’ve got a nice little routine, really.”

Davis does not say whether he has shared his soporific tips with his Today colleagues, John Humphrys, James Naughtie and Sarah Montague.

Humphrys, 67, has said: “If I am presenting Today, then I am in bed by 9pm. My body has got so used to this that 11pm feels very late. I’m very good at cat-napping. Half an hour after lunch is very restorative and good for the brain, too.”

Source: The Telegraph

Hypnosis Could Save NHS Millions

Hypnosis treatments could be used on a range of medical conditions to save the NHS millions of pounds, according to a group of medical experts.

The Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine Section of the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) believe the therapies help relieve pain and stress.

But it warned that patients need to be protected from rogue practitioners who cause harm and end up costing the NHS more.

Jacky Owens, the president of the RSM's Hypnosis Section, said: "Conditions such as depression, pain and irritable bowel syndrome affect millions of people in the UK and at great cost to the NHS. But hypnosis can often work where other treatments have been unsuccessful."

Ms Owens, a qualified nurse who uses hypnosis in her work with cancer patients, added: "If doctors were able to refer patients to properly trained hypnotherapists, it would save a cash-strapped NHS a great deal of money."

She said making hypnosis a standard part of the "NHS toolbox" would lead to the public becoming better informed about the procedure and mean that vulnerable patients would be less likely to turn to "hypno-cowboys".

Ms Owens added: "We're confident that with more research, hypnosis will be recognised as an extremely useful tool to be used alongside mainstream medicine. What we need are doctors, dentists, nurses, psychologists, physiotherapists, radiotherapists - the whole gamut of people who treat patients - trained in using hypnosis as another tool in their treatment programme."

A Department of Health spokesman said: "We believe in patients being able to make informed choices about their treatment and in clinicians having the freedom to prescribe the treatment they feel most appropriate for that patient after discussing the risks and benefits.

"They should always consider the availability of a suitably qualified practitioner as part of this process.

"Our plans to modernise the NHS will give clinicians more freedom to commission the services that best meet their patients' needs."

Source: MSN News


Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium who has already helped hundreds of people with health problems.

25% Discount on Hypnosis Stop Smoking Session

Smoking will be banned in Belgium in all bars and restaurants from 30 June 2011. About time too.

There has been a ban on smoking in public places and workplaces since January 2010. But there were exceptions: "beer cafés" where no food is served, casinos and discotheques. The Vlaamse Liga Tegen Kanker said this was discrimination against employees who still had to breathe in other people´s smoke whilst at work. From end June 2011 smoking will only be allowed in a separate room, without waiter service - a compromise but it is still putting people´s lives at risks. Why can´t the Belgians just enforce a complete ban like in so many other countries?

Source: Knack Het Laatste Nieuws

Nicotine is an addictive drug and many smokers find that they just cannot give up by willpower alone. For those that need help, I offer hypnosis (in English) which is the most effective way to stop smoking. Hypnosis is relaxing and safe. You retain control at all times whilst I lead you to a new positive behaviour.

My usual rate is 200 € for a stop smoking session at my home in Limburg or 350 € in a rented office in Brussels or Antwerpen-Berchem. To encourage smokers to stop, the rate will be 25% off ie 150 € in Limburg or 262.50 € in Brussels or Antwerpen-Berchem until end of July 2011.

FOR THE PRICE OF 30 PACKS OF CIGARETTES ie ONE MONTH´S SUPPLY, YOU COULD STOP SMOKING!

You can find me here at English Hypnotherapist Belgium

Hypnosis for Exams and Tests Nerves

The exams period is starting and for some that means nerves, worry, disturbed sleep and eating patterns. If your nerves get the better of you and anxiety takes over, you may actually sit down and find your mind goes blank. You know you know the answer but the anxiety is causing a cloud making it difficult or even impossible to recall. The more you “try” to remember, the more anxiety you suffer.

But it does not have to be this way.

There is a well-known phenomenon in psychology - known as state-dependent memory. The state you are in determines what you can remember. If you are in a very different state to when you learned, it is hard to recall things.

If you are very anxious, your brain is simply in the wrong state for thinking!
Hypnosis helps by putting you in the right ‘state’ to learn and teaching you how to recall that state when the exam is about to begin.

In hypnotic trance, many situations seem different somehow. Things that were causing fear or phobic response lose their hold. Situations which caused panic such as speaking in public, attending interviews, giving important sales presentations all seem, well easier. By learning to relax at a very deep mental and physical level, the unconscious mind learns a new way to respond, a new behaviour in response to a trigger. It is the same with looking at exams. It is all too easy to say, “Don’t worry, you’ll do fine” to someone who is anxious. Consciously, we might know we have the ability but it is the unconscious which is sending negative signals. All permanent change has to happen at the unconscious level and that is where hypnosis beats visualizations, affirmations and lots of other techniques. By quickly accessing the unconscious mind, hypnosis brings the desired result.

Mental rehearsal in hypnotic trance of an exam, a test, an interview, giving a presentation or a speech just makes the event seem more manageable without any need for anxiety. Of course, a few butterflies in the stomach or positive stress can actually improve the performance.

Anyone with an IQ over 70 can be hypnotized and children over the age of 7 respond very well to the whole world of imagery and relaxation.

An 11 year old boy came to see me who was under a lot of pressure at one of England’s top public schools where the fees cost many thousands of pounds per year. He was failing in many subjects yet his parents knew he could achieve so much more. He sat in my “magic chair”, listened to my description of a visual journey and in a relaxed state, overcame the exams anxiety.

Last year an 18 year old girl came to see me with restless fidgeting, stress, sleeping and eating disorders, severe anxiety over her upcoming exams and to top it all, she was cutting herself: self-mutilation. This was quite a package of problems but after only three sessions, she sat calmly still, she was sleeping and eating as normal, the self-cutting had stopped and she coped very well with her exams. She passed every subject with even higher grades than her teachers had predicted.

Hypnosis helps people to be calm about exams but also tests such as driving tests and oral interviews.

Remember, “the past does not equal the future”. Just because you have suffered from anxiety in the past does not mean you have to do so in the future. Ask my clients who have overcome severe fear of flying! It is a fairly quick process to reverse the years of negative conditioning and expectation with a positive, calm approach.

© Antonia Harrison 2011. Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium and helps people make positive change in their life through hypnotherapy and NLP.

What Is The Difference Between a Hypnotist and a Hypnotherapist?

For me the term “hypnotist” refers to someone who has learned how to hypnotize someone and is capable of leading others into a trance state, whether for entertainment purposes or for the basic problems, the “bread-and-butter” of a hypnotherapist’s work eg stop smoking, aid in weight loss, increase self-confidence.

Knowing how to hypnotize someone and knowing what to do with them in trance for therapeutic purposes is a world apart. Some GPs follow a short training in hypnosis as an add-on skill but rarely do they follow a full hypnotherapy training.

The term “hypnotherapist” means someone who has further training in psychology or psychotherapy so can aid someone who has personal problems, suffers from depression. A clinical hypnotherapist is also trained to help with medical problems eg IBS, skin disorders, high blood pressure, pain control - even hypnosis for analgesia.

Personally I trained with the National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy back in 1990. The National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy has been offering respected, evidenced based and independently accredited Hypnotherapy Training, Hypnosis Training and Psychotherapy Training since 1977. This makes the National College one of the longest established and most respected hypnotherapy/hypno-psychotherapy training institutes in the world.

Hypnosis has been an accepted form of treatment in the medical communities since 1955 and 1958 through the British Medical Association, and the American Medical Association respectively.

The National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy provides Hypnotherapy Training, Hypnosis Training, and Psychotherapy Training.

Current course structure is:

A: Theories of psychotherapy

Study of the main principles of various schools of psychological thought which are applicable to the work of the therapist, including:

Humanistic: Includes an examination of the theory and practice of humanistic psychotherapy, with particular reference to Carl Rogers' work. The Gestalt approach to therapy is also covered.

Freud: Libido theory, ego theory and defence mechanisms.

Jung: Analytical psychology. A broad overview, with particular emphasis being given to Jung's theory of the unconscious.

Adler: Individual psychology. The effect of parental and environmental influence. The reconstruction of clients' goals plays an important part in this theory.

Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy: A study of the main experimental bases of cognitive behaviour therapy, their practical application and their relevance to hypno-psychotherapy.

Ericksonian Techniques: A complete weekend is devoted to a Foundation Course on aspects of the contribution of Milton H Erickson.

During the course emphasis is placed upon the application of both the theory covered in the lectures and the practical skills acquired. Thus, for instance, students are presented with actual case histories, and by means of class and group discussion, are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the formulation of treatments.

B: Additional hypno-psychotherapy techniques

• The recognition and treatment of psychological disorders
• Practical counselling
• Techniques in hypno-psychotherapy, e.g.:
• Hypno-analysis
• Regression therapy
• Hypno-pictography
• Automatic writing
• Structured dream analysis
• Desensitisation techniques

The students go on to join the NRHP, the National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists. (I was a member when practising in the UK.) This is what they say on their website about their training:

Training for NRHP members
• All regulated Members of the NRHP have trained to UKCP Hypno-Psychotherapy Section training requirements. This ensures a thorough training in hypno-psychotherapy, with comprehensive coverage of hypnotherapeutic techniques integrated with a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches. All members have undergone training externally accredited by organisations such as UKCP or the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BAC)

I have also taken further training in hypnosis, Eriksonian hypnosis and trained to Master level as an NLP practitioner.

My passion is Personal Development. I believe the people who I can help will find me. Indeed, clients sometimes say that they have been to psychologists, psychotherapists or psychiatrists for an extended period of time (and financial commitment) yet have only made real progress with me. One woman recently said after just two sessions that her life has changed forever. She described me as the most powerful person she had ever met.

I am not claiming to be the best but I know that I touch and change people’s lives. Clients even travel from other countries solely to seek my unique brand of therapy. It is also possible to conduct therapy over Skype with a Webcam at each end.

You can find out about me, Antonia Harrison, at Hypnotherapy Belgium

Fees for Skype sessions will be quoted on a personal basis.

Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium and Master Practitioner of NLP.

Hypnotic Language Books

As a Master Practitioner of NLP, I learned the fascinating subject of hypnotic language ie how to lead the client to solutions by use of certain words, different viewpoints or simply confusing the conscious mind to give up its resistance to change.

There are some very interesting books about hypnotic language so I want to mention a few:

This text presents a new approach to the use of hypnotic suggestion. For years, hypnotherapists have used scripts which are aimed at a particular problem, like smoking or weight loss, rather than aiming at the client who smokes or has weight issues. Trevor Silvester suggests that it is not the problem that is the problem; it's the client's unique relationship with the problem that's the problem. The book aims to free you from the constraints of scripts and enable you to use your creative skill to weave subtle spells that empower your clients by changing their model of reality. It presents the science behind suggestion, and the means of using that science to create magical ways of influencing others. Using research from neuroscience, evolutionary psychology and NLP, Silvester covers such topics as: how past learning guides us now, and how misinterpretation of our childhood experiences can shape our present; how much of our behaviour is unconscious and often not in our direct control; the matrix model of behaviour that can accurately map the process of a problem; and how our neurological levels organize our version of reality.

"Wordweaving" takes this knowledge and integrates it into a modern understanding of hypnosis to form a step-by-step method for learning powerful hypnotic language.

The "Wordweaving" system teaches you how to: aim suggestions specifically at the key points of the client's problem; resolve problems by using the natural trance states we experience while "doing" the problem; and linguistically frame the suggestion using the elegant and subtle language patterns from NLP to give it maximum impact.

Modern Hypnotherapy involves far more than reading problem-related scripts to clients, it involves understanding the client and using their way of seeing the world to help them with their issue. In "The Question is the Answer", Trevor Silvester shows you how to ask the questions that provide you with the information you need to create hypnotic language patterns specifically for each client, and guide them to finding their own answers to life's problems. Building on the model introduced in "Wordweaving: The Science of Suggestion", you will be able to integrate your suggestions into a model of therapy that guides you from the first appointment to the last, maintaining your focus on the client's outcome, and adapting to the changing situation as it evolves. Using a questioning model developed by his observation of the great Gil Boyne the author shows you how three simple questions can uncover the pattern of a client's issue, and also create their evidence for recovery. How we imagine our future is a key to how we create it.

This book shows you how to guide the client to their most fulfilling future - and provides a script based on scientific research that has been proven to increase how lucky we feel. "The Question is the Answer" is aimed at therapists and counsellors who want to improve their ability to ethically influence, develop amazing hypnotic language skills, and have a therapeutic framework that provides the maximum opportunity for creativity, without sacrificing clarity of purpose.


Discover the secrets of written persuasion!

"The principles of hypnosis, when applied to copywriting, add a new spin to selling. Joe Vitale has taken hypnotic words to set the perfect sales environment and then shows us how to use those words to motivate a prospect to take the action you want. This is truly a new and effective approach to copywriting, which I strongly recommend you learn. It′s pure genius." –Joseph Sugarman, author of Triggers

"I′ve read countless book on persuasion, but none come close to this one in showing you exactly how to put your readers into a buying trance that makes whatever you are offering them irresistible."
–David Garfinkel, author of Advertising Headlines That Make You Rich

"I am a huge fan of Vitale and his books, and Hypnotic Writing (first published more than twenty years ago), is my absolute favorite. Updated with additional text and fresh examples, especially from e–mail writing, Joe′s specialty, Hypnotic Writing is the most important book on copywriting (yes, that′s really what it is about) to be published in this century. Read it. It will make you a better copywriter, period."
–Bob Bly, copywriter and author of The Copywriter′s Handbook

"I couldn′t put this book down. It′s eye opening and filled with genuinely new stuff about writing and persuading better. And it communicates it brilliantly and teaches it brilliantly–exemplifying the techniques by the writing of the book itself as you go along." –David Deutsch, author of Think Inside the Box, www.thinkinginside.com

"Hypnotic Writing is packed with so much great information it′s hard to know where to start. The insights, strategies, and tactics in the book are easy to apply yet deliver one heck of a punch. And in case there′s any question how to apply them, the before–and–after case studies drive the points home like nothing else can. Hypnotic Writing is not just about hypnotic writing. It is hypnotic writing. On the count of three, you′re going to love it. Just watch and see."
–Blair Warren, author of The Forbidden Keys to Persuasion

We each shape our own reality. Perceptions and cognitive processes unique to us determine our individual perspective on the world, and we present to ourselves what we are programmed to see. But what if we could change our perceptions and cognitive processes - and consequently our reality? One way of achieving this is by harnessing the powers of hypnotic language. What this work examines are the structures of the hypnotic sentence, and the very cognitive dimensions that allow hypnotic language to be effective in changing our minds. Defining the three facets that allow the mind to be susceptible to Hypnotic Language Patterns, this book puts these insights into practice in case examples that demonstrate the application and effect of hypnotic language. Teaching us how to create the most effective hypnotic scripts, it provides new language patterns that address beliefs, time orientation, perception, spiritual matters and states of mind, and devises new hypnotic language applications that emphasize the importance of "gestalt principles" and "cognitive factors".

American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, January 2004
...a useful addition to the therapist’s "resource/reference" shelf.

Understanding Advanced Hypnotic Language Patterns is a concise and accessible guide to a specialist subject and provides new perspectives in relation to the application of advanced NLP. The author successfully bridges the gap between communication theory and practice and demonstrates how language scripts can be applied to complex counselling situations. Written in clear non-technical language this highly readable text will be recommended reading for advanced level NLP students and in fact anyone who seeks to understand the many factors involved hypnotic language patterns. This welcome book simplifies and explains the key steps involved in using hypnotic scripts and provides a useful guide and resource for those who already have a broad understanding of NLP but want to further explore it's possibilities as a change agent. The potential readership of the book is broad but it will be particularly useful for practitioners in the field of healthcare and psychotherapy. The author considers both the strengths and the shortcomings of the NLP model and identifies potential barriers to applying the techniques. Andy Young, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University --Andy Young, Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University

Dr. Burton's conceptualization that our perceptions bind our awareness to the resources or problems we find real in our daily life, is a brilliantly written and much-needed contribution to the field. His contribution regarding how we chunk and categorize experience is pragmatically useful to all therapists. I think every psychotherapist should read this book and learn how they can advance the field of therapy by applying its concepts. Stephen Lankton, MSW, DCSW, DAHB Editor, American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis Fellow, American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy President, Phoenix Society of Clinical Hypnosis Past President, Diplomate, American Hypnosis Board for Clinical Social Work --Stephen Lankton, MSW, DCSW, DAHB

This is a fascinating book - and more helpful and interesting than the title would suggest. While not all the ideas are entirely new, it is the first time I have seen them put together in one volume in such an interesting and readable way. I am convinced that this book will be of real benefit to all hypnotherapists - from the newly qualified to the practitioner with several years experience. Ursula Markham, Founder of the Hypnothink Foundation --Ursula Markham, Founder of the Hypnothink Foundation

Or find these books at Amazon.com



Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium and recommends Download Hypnosis Mp3s for immediate access to positive life-changing hypnosis sessions.

How Long Does It Take to Create A New Habit?

How long does it take to change a habit? 21 days? 30 days? 60 days?

Wrong. Or rather it can take that long if you want to do this the difficult way.

You can use willpower to try change a habit. Eventually the brain will rewire itself to let go of the old behaviour and trigger the new behaviour. However, usually willpower might help you stop a bad habit but it does not do the brain rewiring to replace the old bad habit with a new empowering habit eg replacing the urge to smoke a cigarette with drinking a glass of water. Yes, you do it consciously for a while but not unconsciously which means you will just forget.

As a result you struggle, try, backslide, fight with yourself and take weeks or months, or just give up. Try being the operative word. If you try to do something, you are already setting yourself up for possible failure.

Or choose the easy way with Hypnosis and let the wiring and habit change happen in an instant. The moment you make the decision combined with the right brain tools should result in the eliminating of the habit at the core belief level.

If you want to quit smoking, but say you really enjoy it, or you are afraid of what you will do with your hands, or you have deep connections to things you love that trigger the urge to smoke... you will struggle.

Until you create a core belief that you are a healthy non smoker and release the triggers that keep you hooked on the negative habit of smoking, you will struggle. Every habit works this way.

The brain has superhighway style wiring that has created a powerful network that connects in an instant and forces you to feel, think, visualize and act on that habit without a chance to divert the signals.

Make sense so far?

Here is what happens when you use hypnosis to end the habit.

1. Change your core belief
You are strong, healthy, in control... envisioning all the beliefs about who you are without that habit.

2. Meet your future self, with a new identity
Go into an imaginary future moment and meet the new future you who is rid of this habit. Observe how this person behaves, what they see and feel, absorb that new identity and all that goes with it, then come back out and observe again. Find the values, beliefs, identity and what it means in your life now that the habit was long ago, in the past.

3. Release the triggers
Whatever thoughts, beliefs or behaviours triggered you to keep picking up a cigarette are still there. Always will be. But here is the seemingly magical part of the hypnosis process: these old triggers now take a new path in your brain. The trigger finds the feelings, emotions, visuals, beliefs, values and behaviors that you CREATED.

So you see a bottle of wine, not as a crutch or stress reliever but as a pleasant drink for someone who feels strong, healthy and in control of their your life.

You see someone smoking a cigarette and you unconsciously take a deep breath and feel proud that you love being free from cigarettes.

This all happens unconsciously where all permanent change occurs.

We set up the new beliefs and values in your personal hypnosis session and these new beliefs and values together with the new identity wire new neural networks in your brain, sending new messages to your cells with the absolute knowledge and belief and emotions of what you DO want.

Now do you understand why people find it difficult to give up bad habits or addictions consciously, with just willpower, even when they have good motivations to do so? Hypnosis rewires the neural connections.

Obviously this is totally safe. You will stay in control throughout the session and so enjoy the relaxed feeling:

Doesn’t that seem the ideal way to give up something which is bad for you?

Antonia Harrison the English Hypnotherapist & NLP Practitioner in Belgium and Download Hypnosis Mp3 for immediate, affordable hypnosis Mp3s to improve your life.

Cure Yourself of Affluenza

What is Affluenza? Here is Wikipedia's definition:

Affluenza, a portmanteau of the words affluence and influenza, is a term used by critics of capitalism and consumerism. Sources define it as follows:

affluenza, n. a painful, contagious, socially transmitted condition of overload, debt, anxiety and waste resulting from the dogged pursuit of more.[1]

affluenza, n. 1. The bloated, sluggish and unfulfilled feeling that results from efforts to "keep up with the Joneses". 2. An epidemic of stress, overwork, waste and indebtedness caused by the pursuit of the American Dream. 3. An unsustainable addiction to economic growth.

Do you know anyone who suffers from this? You perhaps?

Wikipedia goes on to say:

"...increases in material wealth may lead to feelings of worthlessness and dissatisfaction rather than experiences of a 'better life', ... many of those who become wealthy will find the economic success leaving them unfulfilled and hungry only for more wealth, finding that they are unable to get pleasure from the things they buy and that increasingly material things may come to dominate their time and thoughts to the detriment of personal relationships and to feelings of happiness. The condition is considered particularly acute amongst those with inherited wealth, who are often said to experience guilt, lack of purpose and dissolute behavior, as well as obsession with holding on to the wealth."

Source: Wikipedia

I am not suggesting that we all give up capitalism and become staunch left-wingers but I do think that we have developed this need to keep on buying, collect unnecessary items, go shopping for something to do.

Have you ever wanted to buy something on ebay, watched the auction closely but then found that you lost interest when the words "You have won this auction" appear?

Do you spend more time shopping online than being with your loved ones?

You know the problem I am talking about, the obsession even.

Once you have become a spendaholic or shopaholic it is difficult to help.

Here is an easy way: download a hypnosis MP3 called Overcome Affluenza.

It will cost you just a few dollars but save you a fortune over time and mke you happier by removing this addiction to materialism and excessive consumption.



Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium and recommends Download Hypnosis Mp3s for immediate access to positive life-changing hypnosis sessions.

Visit Hypnotherapy for Positive Change visit http://hypno4change.blogspot.com/ for more articles about the therapeutic uses of hypnosis.

Hypnosis for Alopecia Areata

Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder which leads to hair loss. Initially, the disease is characterized by rapid hair loss, usually on the scalp, but it can also lead to hair loss on other parts of the body. Alopecia Areata may lead to complete loss of hair, creating bald patches on the scalp or body, or it may be more diffuse, where the hair becomes thinner and more fragile.

Typically, Alopecia Areata is diagnosed when there is rapid hair loss, patchiness, and a more significant loss of hair on one side of the head compared to the other. It is believed to be caused by an immune disorder in which the body's own cells attack the hair follicles and disrupt normal hair growth and formation. Alopecia Areata is often associated with other autoimmune disorders such as lupus, ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, the condition is diagnosed by the presence of so-called "exclamation point hairs", which are short, close to the scalp, and are broken off.

Treatment for this condition typically includes injections, steroid creams and other medications. The longer the time between hair loss and treatment, the less likely the hair is to regrow. Hypnosis has been tested as an adjunctive treatment, and has produced interesting results. The mechanism for this effect is related to the fact that Alopecia Areata symptoms worsen under stress.

The International Journal of Clinical Experimental Hypnosis (July 2008) has published research suggesting that hypnosis can improve hair growth in patients with alopecia areata, as well as significantly reduce the anxiety and depression associated with the disorder.

Based on this finding, those suffering from Alopecia Areata should seek ways to actively reduce their stress, as an adjunct to ongoing medical treatment. Stress reduction, such as that provided by hypnotic suggestions, can go a long way to reducing the impact and progression of this type of autoimmune disorder.

Source: Hypnosis Network

Hypnosis in General Practice to Help Patients

More and more General Practice surgeries are introducing hypnosis as an option for their patients whether to help them stop smoking, help with mental health problems or the sort of medical problems with which hypnosis has helped over the years.

I found this article Impact on health status of a hypnosis clinic in general practice

Keywords:general practice;hypnosis;hypnotherapy;mental health;smoking

Abstract
The impact on health status of hypnosis was investigated in a primary care NHS GP surgery clinic, with referrals from a Local Health Care Cooperative (LHCC) with 85,000 patients. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF36) pre and post treatment was completed by patients referred with mental health problems, medical problems and for smoking cessation. One hundred and fifteen patients successfully completed SF36 questionnaires before and six weeks after the intervention. Categories of treatment were smoking cessation, mental health, and medical. In the case of referrals for smoking cessation there were no significant changes in mental, social or physical function six weeks after the intervention. In the case of mental health referrals, which were predominantly anxiety related, there was a large and significant effect on the SF-36 in emotional role and mental role and a moderate effect on social role and mental health. Self-hypnosis was in widespread use after treatment, even in those whose perceived problem appeared not to have improved. The results suggest that simple hypnosis techniques could have a significant impact on mental health. This could have implications for promoting mental health as well as for treating mental illness, and needs to be tested further by a randomized, controlled trial. Copyright © 2004 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis

Impact on health status of a hypnosis clinic in general practice by
Alastair Dobbin,*, Steve Faulkner, David Heaney, Sivasubramaniam Selvaraj, John Gruzelier
Article first published online: 28 FEB 2006

DOI: 10.1002/ch.302

Copyright © 2004 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis

Contemporary Hypnosis
Volume 21, Issue 4, pages 153–160, December 2004

Antonia Harrison is the English Hypnotherapist in Belgium available to help people make positive change.