History Of Hypnosis

In the Middle Ages, healing through touch and prayer became the major way of treating disease. In the 18th Century - when it was believed that illness was caused by the magnetic influence of astral bodies - Franz Anton Mesmer would induce people into a trance like state by what he (erroneously) believed to be Animal Magnetism. Although Mesmerism was soon discredited, it continued to be used even after the death of Mesmer as it often produced ‘miracle’ cures. When James Braid re-examined Mesmerism in the 19th Century he discovered that simple suggestion was just as effective as Mesmerism or any other trance-like states. It was he who coined the phrase Hypnosis and for a time hypnosis became a scientific technique with scientific respectability.

In the early part of the 20th Century hypnosis was used almost exclusively by stage hypnotists, thereby projecting a hopelessly distorted view of this very powerful therapeutic tool. However, in 1955 the British Medical Association endorsed the practice of hypnosis in Medical School education, since it has become a valuable addition in conventional medical treatment.

The London College of Clinical Hypnosis currently lectures in Hypnosis to the Medical Faculties of Cambridge University.

Experiments conducted at the beginning of 2002 by Dr David Speigel of California have now proved that Hypnotism is not just in the mind.

By studying the brain patterns of people under hypnosis, the researchers in California have identified for the first time, real changes taking place.

Dr Spiegel has also had excellent results using hypnosis for pain management in children who were undergoing painful examinations for rare kidney disorders for which conventional anaesthesia was not possible.

What is this wonderful feeling of Hypnosis

The actual experience of being hypnotised is very difficult to describe, neither asleep nor awake. All hypnotic states are characterised by a tremendously pleasant state of relaxation, an altered state of consciousness into which individuals allow themselves to enter so that desired, beneficial suggestions may be given directly to the unconscious mind. Thus, hypnosis is a natural, effective way of making contact with the inner (unconscious) self, a source of many of our problems as well as a tremendous reservoir of unrecognised potential strength and knowledge, i.e. the forgotten assets.

Nobody can ever be hypnotised against their will and, even when hypnotised, people can still reject any of the suggestions given if they are not appropriate.

 What then is Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy means the use of hypnosis for the treatment and relief of a variety of somatic and psychological symptoms.

British Society of Clinical Hypnosis:

The British Society of Clinical Hypnosis (BSCH) is an organisation that governs the Code, Practice and Ethics of its Members. Membership of the Society is open to those who have acquired the requisite Professional and Clinical training in the major aspects of Psychology, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy.

The role of the Society is to arrange the most suitable type of treatment through one of its practitioners in your area. All practitioners are qualified and Members of the British Society of Clinical Hypnosis.

Private Consultations

The role of the Society is to arrange the most suitable type of treatment through one of it's practitioners in your area. All practitioners are qualified and Members of the Society.

Consultations  required depend on the nature of the particular problem. All that can be said is that often - in the breaking of the smoking habit, for example, a single session will suffice, whereas other , more lifelong problems may need a series of consultations.

Appointments can be made by either letter, telephone, through your General Practitioner, or by contacting your local BSCH Hypnotherapist namely Roderick Smith  D. Hyp, MBSCH

The LCCH was founded in 1984 in order to further the Clinical value of Hypnotherapy for a variety of medical, psychological and somatic problems. The purpose of the LCCH is to provide comprehensive training facilities for future generations of students and to involve the LCCH in the on-going research projects. Click Here to Learn More...