My contention today is that hypnosis and hypnotherapy show us that people can change. A tactical combination of analysis, insight and trance can produce small yet significant changes in attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. The theory of neuroplasticity dovetails nicely with hypnotherapy.

There are many therapies available in today’s remedial marketplace. So why hypnotherapy ? First of all, this does not need to be an exclusive choice. Hypnotherapy can, and often does, work as part of a treatment regimen, or as a standalone.

I argue that hypnotherapy works by tactical access to the power of the subconscious mind, though it is still not the only therapy that does so. These days, it has been placed under the banner of ‘brief therapy’. That is, it can produce significant positive change in a small number of consultations. So in my opinion, hypnotherapy’s standout feature is the benefits of working with the subconscious, over a short period of time, to achieve targeted positive change.

How does it work ? Opinions vary, but therapists mostly agree on the role of the trance state, though not on a definition. The trance state is much misunderstood, often provoking laughter or fear when hypnosis is mentioned. Questions like “will I cluck like a chicken ?” or “will you take control of my mind ?” come up often. I sometimes reply “only if you really want to”.

It is important to understand that trance is a natural state. There is nothing mysterious about it, let alone sinister. Most people drift in and out of the trance state daily. Try this out for yourselves. You may be watching a movie or TV show that you really like. Before you realize it, one or two hours have gone by, though it felt like a couple of minutes. Or playing a video game.

I have a friend who drives from Melbourne to Adelaide, a trip which takes about ten hours. He has made this trip so many times that he drives on auto-pilot. The trip invariably goes without a hitch. It feels like only a few minutes, and he arrives home refreshed. That is yet one more example of a trance, in action.