It seems that it never ceases to amaze people the wide range of symptoms and circumstances that can successfully be dealt with using hypnosis and hypnotherapy.

However, before hypnosis and/or hypnotherapy can be applied successfully, there are a number of conditions that must be met for this to take place. The therapeutic alliance is paramount to the success of any application of hypnosis, where trust and rapport should be established before any hypnosis takes place. Also highly dependent on the success of the treatment is the BICE model, which relies on the individual's Belief, Imagination, Conviction and Expectation.But first let us understand a few basics.

"Subconscious sabotage

Sometimes hidden issues in your subconscious mind can prevent you from attaining good health and achieving success.

Rationally, you know overeating is unhealthy and exercise is beneficial. You know your presentation will get you the recognition you deserve and that your audience in all probability will not attack you as you speak.

Consider these common complaints: "I'm always overeating; I can't seem to get motivated for exercise;I'm deathly afraid of talking in front of people.

Suggestion therapy is also useful for anxiety, habit control, smoking, nail biting, and it is hoped that by the time the suggestion has worn off, a new habit will have been formed, and replaced the old habit of say, smoking.

"And yet . . . you keep eating long after you're hungry, you can't seem to get off the couch for a thirty minute walk, and you quake in your boots when you have to say a few words in front of your boss, clients, or associates.

Additionally, Hypnotherapy can be useful in improving performance, including sports, exam nerves or driving test worries to name a few, by instilling confidence within the individual.

Since our immune system is controlled by our subconscious, psychosomatic and psychogenic illness is also another area where hypnotherapy can be of great help, although it is essential that the client is referred to a GP to rule out any physical or organic cause. Whilst a cure can never be promised, often the client's illness can become more manageable, with less frequent symptoms, providing them with a better quality of life.

Regression to cause may be adopted for those suffering from one particular symptom, maybe affecting just one area of their life showing signs of general anxiety, low-self esteem and suffers from migraines.

Hypnotherapy cannot completely change a person's entire personality, although the Ancestral Memory approach can be applied effectively to assist individuals in bringing out their best qualities and adapting to a variety of situations they may encounter. This can also assist in inter-personal relationships with others, and take away with them a greater understanding of why people act the way they do.

One of the huge benefits in using hypnosis is the fact that there are no unwanted side-effects. Whilst some individuals may feel worse after a few sessions of therapy, a sign of subconscious resistance, or experience abreactions during a session, even these are positive events, leading the way to healing.

It is hoped that, with increased awareness from the public, together with tougher regulations to practice, more people will understand the various applications of hypnosis and hypnotherapy, and turn to them more frequently as complementary approaches to traditional medicine.