We all have two parts to our minds: the conscious and the subconscious. Both have important, but very different, functions.
Our conscious mind is the part of our brain we actively direct. It helps us organise, analyse, predict and plan. In contrast, our subconscious acts more indirectly and autonomously, regulating our breathing and heart rate – among other processes.
Both are essential, but both can get in the way of our life goals. For example, our conscious mind can lead to overthinking or anticipatory anxiety, while subconsciously we can cling to old habits or negative beliefs that hold us back.
Most of what we think, feel and do happens subconsciously, yet we spend most of our effort trying to change things with our conscious minds alone.
Hypnosis can change this, by tapping into your subconscious mind.
What is the subconscious mind?
The subconscious is the part of the mind that stores our memories, habits, emotional associations, and automatic responses. It operates continuously: regulating breathing, heat rate reflexes, and even our moods.
The subconscious receives a huge amount of information from our external and internal environments, filtering this information so our conscious mind doesn’t become overwhelmed.
It also acts as a protector, and can govern the way we see and perceive the world.
Fundamentally, the subconscious is a vast repository of knowledge. Using certain hypnotic techniques to encourage intuition, insight and problem solving, I can tap into that wealth of information and give you the tools you need to achieve your life goals.
Why thinking with the conscious mind alone often fails
Many clients tell me that, although they know some habits and patterns are not good for them or those around them, they still automatically continue with behaviours they are trying so hard to break.
That’s because when our conscious intention is pitted against our subconscious programming, the subconscious usually wins – even if we know we want the change.
Think about how hard it can be to quit an unhealthy habit like smoking, or stop ourselves from procrastinating, emotional eating, or worrying about public speaking.
These habits form because they once served a purpose, such as a reward to enable us cope, or to help us self soothe or de-stress.
How early experience can shape our conscious and subconscious mind
Core beliefs that are formed in childhood run quietly in the background of our own mind at a subconscious level, and can be triggered at any given moment.
They play into our day-to-day experiences and perceptions – even when they are unhelpful or unhealthy. “I’m not enough”, “the world isn’t safe”, or I don’t deserve good things” are among the most common.
Because emotional memory is stored in the huge memory bank of our unconscious mind, and works differently from factual memory, these negative patterns repeat until the original learning has been updated.
Hypnosis is an effective way to end that cycle.
What hypnosis is (and isn’t)
Hypnosis puts people in a natural state of focused, relaxed attention, similar to being absorbed in a film, daydreaming or dozing.
It is not sleep, nor is it or a form of mind control.
My clients remain aware and in charge of what’s happening throughout their session with me.
How hypnotherapy works with our subconscious processes
The state of relaxation offered by hypnosis lowers the critical filter of our analytical, conscious mind, allowing access to the subconscious mind and our deeper beliefs. This can lead to a release of negativity or behaviours that we no longer need, allowing useful, beneficial patterns and influence to be enhanced.
During hypnosis sessions, I use techniques such as positive suggestion, imagery, and regression and future progression to find and reframe the root causes of a client’s issues. Often, the foundation of the work is about not just knowing the change that they need to make but also feeling it on a much deeper level. The subconscious mind is key to making this change.
Many clients respond positively to hypnosis, feeling more able to manage their emotions, and relationships with family or colleagues change for the better. Some have more energy and confidence, while others are able to move on from a past event, opening up a wealth of future possibilities. Every client is different.
Common uses for hypnotherapy
People from all walks of life come to me for all kinds of reasons. My hypnotherapy sessions are effective for a range of issues including:
- Addressing anxiety, stress, fears and phobias
- Improved sleep
- Habit change (smoking/ vaping, emotional healing, biting nails, picking skin)
- Physical ailments affecting the body, such as IBS and other digestive disorders, pain management, and overactive/shy bowel and bladder
- Vagus nerve healing
- Confidence, performance
- Inner child work, regression and positive future progression
- Exploring life purpose, intuition, motivation, problem solving
What to expect from a hypnosis session with me
We begin with a free consultation to discuss your end goals and intentions. If you decide to go ahead, you can book hypnotherapy sessions in person in Cambridge, or online.
Unlike some forms of therapy which can last for years, hypnotherapy can be very efficient, though the number of sessions varies, depending on the client. Some need as few as four, while more complex issues such as trauma may need between 6 and 12.
Changing your belief system
Our subconscious mind acts on the information we give it. If we dwell or ruminate on negative thoughts – our subconscious mind will act in that way.
Hypnotherapy enables us to change the information we send to the subconscious, allowing us to act in a more positive way that aligns with our goals.
A little bit about me
I’m an experienced clinical and transpersonal hypnotherapist and EMDR therapist.
I am also qualified in mindfulness coaching, meditation teaching, yin yoga therapy and am a yoga nidra facilitator. I also hold a current, Enhanced DBS certificate.
All my sessions are conducted within professional and ethical guidelines, in alignment with:
National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH)
International Association of Counselors and Therapists (IACT)
Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH)
National Board for Modern Psychotherapy (NBMP)
Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
Get in touch to work with your subconscious mind
If you’re ready to make a connection with your subconscious mind, book your free initial Zoom call here.
