Hypnosis is a state of, focused attention, and, even though it is 100% natural and normal, it remains one of the most fascinating phenomena of the human mind. It is called “trance”, we go in and out of trance all day. Sitting watching a movie is an example of light trance and have you ever driven home and not remembered how you got home, that too is a light trance.
Our ability to enter this unique state of consciousness allows us to experience healing, self-exploration and change. Hypnosis has been recognised and used for thousands of years.
During hypnosis, we can use our imagination, thoughts, talents, and experiences in 
ways not usually available to us. We can access our inherent abilities and make the desired changes in our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours possible. For reasons unknown, hypnosis allows changes to be made intentionally, changes that we could not make at a conscious level.
Our bodies respond to thoughts. These are autonomic nervous system responses that are unconscious, but they can be used to improve wellness. For example, when we think of something frightening, we might experience increased heart rate, shortness of breath, “butterflies” in the stomach etc. When we think pleasurable thoughts, we often experience reduced heart rate, deeper breathing, relaxation of muscles, and so on.
Some people find it easier to relax than others and some people are able to go into trance more quickly and more deeply than others. About 85% of people can go into at least a light trance. For most therapeutic goals, light trance is enough to enable almost everyone to benefit from hypnotherapy to some extent.
Even for those people who find it difficult to enter into even a light trance state, hypnosis may still be helpful to assist their relaxation. Researchers suggest that hypnosis or the ability to be in trance is a learned skill.
Hypnosis is NOT sleep. Sleep and hypnosis may seem similar since we are relaxed and have our eyes closed, but there are many differences. The main difference is that during hypnosis we tend to be in a relaxed state, but with heightened awareness! During a session you can answer and ask questions, hear everything that is said very clearly, and are perfectly well aware of your surroundings. There are differences between the brain waves of people who are asleep and those who are in trance.
If a person did fall asleep during a session, they would return to normal consciousness when asked to, or simply wake up after a short nap. They would feel refreshed, relaxed, and would have no ill effects.
There is no mysterious feeling to being hypnotized and our minds are not taken over nor controlled. This expectation and perhaps a demand to have some mysterious experience beyond conscious control or awareness seems to leave some people disappointed and even denying they had any experience at all. These same people may actually have received substantial results and unconscious change.
During hypnosis, there is no loss of control. Hypnosis allows clients to be more focused and less distracted and therefore more skilled in using their own mental abilities constructively.
Because of this, they can achieve their goals, and consequently, achieve 
more (not less) control of their attitudes, perceptions, behaviours, health, and well-being. The client has full control of each session and can choose to ignore suggestions at any time. No one can stay hypnotized indefinitely; you will always “come out” of trance within a short time.
Therapeutic hypnosis differs from stage hypnosis which involves people doing what they want to be doing in a social agreement to be entertaining.
Hypnosis can help you change attitudes, perceptions and behaviours. It can be effective in treating a range of issues, including:
• Anxiety
• Asthma 
• Chronic pain
• Fears and phobias
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Panic attacks
• Stress
• Migraine
• Obesity
• Thumb sucking
• Sleep problems
• Sexual problems
• Stuttering.