In a world where our attentions are constantly divided among several concerns and tasks, it's hard to imagine having a singular focus on any one thing. Hypnosis helps us to do just that - focus our attention while relaxing our mind, and freeing our self of the superficial judgments or criticisms that inhibit transformation and growth.

Yet, hypnotherapy, or hypnosis, can do just that. By slowing your brainwaves down to a deeply meditative state, a hypnotherapist helps you to affect your thoughts. Creating a singular focus and relaxed state of mind is immeasurable in dealing with individual issues.

Hypnosis can help with a broad spectrum of issues ranging from your physical well-being to self-control, and psychological well-being. Your hypnotherapist will create a custom treatment plan that suits your needs, and will discuss this with you before starting treatment. Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective treatment, and can be used on its own, or as a compliment to traditional therapy, medical care, or alternative medical care programs.

• Traditional Hypnosis is when direct suggestions are made to the subconscious. This method works well for many people, but may meet with resistance in the more stubborn types. This is accomplished through deep relaxation and a near trace-like state

• Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or NLP creates the desired outcome by giving your mind new emotional and cues to work with  

• Subliminal. conspiracy-theories aside, subliminal messages help your mind reprogram itself, by avoiding contact with the  conscious mind. The conscious mind is given the overlying track to listen to, such as music or film, while there is another track that is picked up by the subconscious, but not the conscious. This redirect is particularly useful for the stubborn minds that don't like to accept new ways of thinking.

Many people associate hypnotherapy with a high risk to your psychological wellbeing, or think that they will wind up with strange tics and socially awkward behaviors - like clucking like a chicken every time you hear the word "egg".

Conversely, numerous people seek hypnotherapy without giving a second thought to the potential negative effects of hypnosis. There are few risks associated with hypnotherapy, however as with any remedy, it is important to understand the risks before undergoing treatment, and the steps to avoid these follies.

Before opting for hypnotherapy, have a diagnosis. Whether it is being overweight, clinically depressed, or hypnotherapy, you must obtain a proper diagnosis from a medical practitioner - physician or psychologist - to understand what is being treated. This is especially true if your condition is psychological in nature (for example, a phobia or anxiety), in which case it is important to first be evaluated by a psychiatrist. Without an accurate diagnosis, it is possible that hypnotherapy may exacerbate your symptoms.

Very rare, but one of the most dangerous effects of hypnotherapy is the development of "false memories" fabricated by the unconscious mind. This is a hazard in particular when seeking treatment from untrained practitioners. It's ideal to seek references and information regarding your practitioners credentials to avoid this dangerous pitfall.