You will have read on the homepage the wide variety of conditions hypnotherapy can be used to treat. Two of our most popular are helping you to stop smoking and to lose weight for good.

We are also now available to offer you hypnotherapy by webcam. Read more about this revolutionary form of treatment and book an online session today. Of course, Linda Alexander is always available for one-to-one sessions in person. Use the 'contact us' page to get in touch.

So, what is hypnosis?
The term 'hypnosis' comes from the Greek word 'hypnos' which means sleep. The ancient Greeks believed that it was possible to help people change their behaviour by sending them into sleep temples, where they would spend the night and in their sleep they would be positively influenced by the Gods.

Since then hypnosis has undergone radical change and research and it is now known that it is not necessary for the person to sleep but to merely be relaxed.

In a relaxed or trance-like state suggestions are then given to the unconscious mind to elicit change.

What is the Conscious Mind?
The conscious mind is the part of our mind which has conscious awareness. Often people know 'consciously' what they are unhappy about or what they would like to change but somehow they just cannot do it.

What is the Unconscious Mind?
No-one really knows the answer to this but there is evidence to show that there is a difference between the conscious mind and the unconscious mind, almost as if they are two separate departments. In a relaxed or 'hypnotic' state it is possible to give suggestions to the unconscious mind which help people to make the changes they 'consciously' want to make.

What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for a therapeutic outcome. The therapist acts on behalf of the client and helps them to attain their personal goals, such as, stopping smoking, losing weight, being more confident, passing an exam etc.

How hypnosis works
Hypnosis works by activating the ability of the unconscious mind to change behaviour patterns or solve problems.

What is the difference between the conscious and the unconscious?
Nobody really knows where the conscious mind is in the body or the unconscious mind either but one thing we are certain of is that they are two different departments acting almost independently of each other.

Very often a person knows logically or consciously what their problem is but 'they' can't fix it with the conscious mind. Old habits and behaviours are filed in the deeper part of the mind, the part that remembers everything from your first awareness in the womb, your first step, everything you have ever learned or experienced. That is why it is necessary to speak to the unconscious mind and give suggestions to that part, to change or do something different.

This is one reason why hypnotherapy can help much faster than other therapies such as counselling and psychoanalysis.