1. BROAD SCOPE Hypnotherapy can help with anything in which the mind has an influence. While it works very well for phobias, smoking and weight control, it can also relieve nausea in chemotherapy patients, prepare people for surgery relieve insomnia, improve sport performance and much more.

2. SCIENTIFIC BACKING. "Hypnotherapy is supported by more scientific research than any other complementary therapy". (The Which? Guide to Complementary Therapies, 2002). As Shaun Brookhouse, Former Chair of the NCH, points out, hypnotism has been recognised as valid by the British Medical Association since 1955.

3. FAST RESULTS Using a very light state of trance, similar to day-dreaming, means that change can take place more quickly than simply through talking. This means treatment is often surprisingly brief.

4. PARTNERSHIP Modern, well-trained hypnotherapists nowadays use gentle, non-authoritarian approaches, in a spirit of partnership and cooperation with you. Their aim is to guide you to create better choices for yourself.

5. TO UPDATE YOUR MIND If you are stuck with a habit, a behaviour, or overwhelmed by feelings a hypnotherapist can help you to "unlearn" the this response and feel more confident.

6. TAILOR-MADE Because each client's perceptions and experience are different, well-trained hypnotherapists will give you designer service, as opposed to off-the-peg. They will listen carefully to what is currently going on for you and what you'd like to change, then tailor the techniques they use.

7. USE THE MIND-BODY CONNECTION Today's hypnotherapists work from an understanding of the mind and body connection that is based on modern neuroscience. This enables them to work successfully with problems such as pain control, IBS, and the stress/anxiety response. Trevor Silvester, author of Wordweaving, says "hypnotherapy is a marvellous medium for using the mind-body connection."

8. VALUE FOR MONEY "With hypnotherapy you learn strategies and it is more empowering than simply talking to someone," as a client said. The therapy effect continues to multiply long after the sessions have ended. It is like teaching someone to fish instead of handing them a piece of cod.

9. THE WHOLE PERSON "Hypnotherapy works with you as an individual, a whole person, not just a symptom. It does not impose generalised labels and remedies on you." (Josephine Teague, NCH Ethics Director).

10. HIGH STANDARDS NCH Hypnotherapists have received a high standard of training. They work to a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Practice, which the NCH actively implements. The NCH can be contacted on freephone 0800 952 0545, or email at admin@hypnotherapists.org.uk

Thanks to Jane Hodgkin, Former PR Director of the NCH.