Hypno-Psychotherapy originates in procedures and practices discovered and recorded over the last three hundred years. The first formal exploration and beneficial application of hypnotic phenomena began in the 1750's. Increasing awareness, over the last 100 years, of the pervasiveness and importance in human experience of what are now more appropriately described as 'altered state phenomena'  has led to huge shifts in theoretical understanding, convergence with discoveries emerging from modern neuro-science and much increased consistency in application. This has been accompanied by the creation of a substantial scientific literature.
Hypnosis describes a range of naturally occurring states of altered awareness which may vary from momentary distractions and 'absences'  through much enhanced states of relaxation to very deep states of inward focus and awareness..  The mental processes which can occur in any of these states, appropriately utilised, are generally far more flexible and potentially far more powerful in effecting change than those we can achieve in most everyday states of active conscious awareness.  These states may be induced quite formally or quite naturalistically, in an almost unnoticeable way, depending on the requirement  of the problem, the capability of the practitioner and the needs of the client.

As well as alleviating a range of disadvantageous habits and many physical ailments, Hypno-Psychotherapy also deals in deep-seated problems  involving themes and procedures in many ways similar to those addressed by many other branches of Psychotherapy. Hypno-Psychotherapists take a wide-ranging and eclectic view in helping clients to understand and to alleviate psychological difficulties.

A variety of approaches are represented within the Section. At one end of the spectrum Hypno-Psychotherapists base their diagnostic work and therapeutic strategies in modern information processing models whilst others have emphases in other orientations ( e.g. Cognitive, Cognitive Analytic, Psychodynamic or Counselling modes ). In all cases,  practice differs from other forms of psychotherapy in the deliberate ( direct and indirect ) use of altered mental states and supporting therapeutic structures as the principal medium for effecting change.

It should be emphasized that the methods and strategies used in Hypno-Psychotherapy, though powerful and often speedy in effect, also respect and are attuned to the qualities and characteristics of the individual client involved.   They seek to utilize and enhance the resources and capabilities that reside in all people, and do not by any means require the client to respond to any standardized technique or to fit into any standardized pattern.

While flexibility is paramount, the working relationship in Hypno-Psychotherapy strives for equality between client and therapist, in providing a safe and supportive environment, where the client can explore and clarify relevant personal matters. In encouraging agreed modification of the client's beliefs, emotional responses and behaviour,  the problem may require the therapist to assume a more active or directive role. In shorter term engagements,  it can be used to inculcate skills and overcome limiting habits or personal and social inhibitions.  During longer-term therapy, the working relationship may present a dynamic context for the client to examine and work through important self-protection issues,  including the reframing and resolution of challenging early experiences and liberation from previous blocks to personal development.

Hypno-Psychotherapy may be valuable to anyone seeking to resolve specific problems, or for personal development.

UKCP Member Organisations BeeLeaf Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy	BL
British Autogenic Society	BAS
Awaken School of Outcome Oriented Psychotherapies
The National College of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy	NCHP
National HypnoPsychotherapy Council	NHPC
The National Register of Hypnotherapists and Psychotherapists	NRHP
The National School of Hypnosis and Psychotherapy	N-SHAP